Birthday Gift ideas (big birthday)

[sparklefarts]

Hi

I'm really struggling to think of what to get my best friends for her 40th birthday. Well actually, I have lots of ideas but all over my budget of about £40.

We live hundreds of miles apart and she became of first time mum in June.

I really want to get her something special, but just don't have the cash.

Anyone have any good ideas? It's our other friends 40th aswell and together we are sending a pamper hamper that I'm putting together and balloons etc. But we've already discussed that and so wouldn't be a surprise for my next friend if you see what I mean

@sparklefarts

Hi

I'm really struggling to think of what to get my best friends for her 40th birthday. Well actually, I have lots of ideas but all over my budget of about £40.

We live hundreds of miles apart and she became of first time mum in June.

I really want to get her something special, but just don't have the cash.

Anyone have any good ideas? It's our other friends 40th aswell and together we are sending a pamper hamper that I'm putting together and balloons etc. But we've already discussed that and so wouldn't be a surprise for my next friend if you see what I mean

Nothing would be good

Yeah ok 👌 thanks 👌

@sparklefarts

Hi

I'm really struggling to think of what to get my best friends for her 40th birthday. Well actually, I have lots of ideas but all over my budget of about £40.

We live hundreds of miles apart and she became of first time mum in June.

I really want to get her something special, but just don't have the cash.

Anyone have any good ideas? It's our other friends 40th aswell and together we are sending a pamper hamper that I'm putting together and balloons etc. But we've already discussed that and so wouldn't be a surprise for my next friend if you see what I mean

Ignore the other poster, clearly living upto the hype of her name.

I always think when there’s a budget something personalised is lovely option because there’s extra thought gone into it.

www.notonthehighstreet.com/gifts/shop-by-occasion/birthdays/40th-birthday-gifts?filter%5Bprice_at_most%5D=40

Is there a friend you can join up with for gift for her? And create some kind of hamper of gifts that are easy to post out?

"Hi friend. What do you want for your birthday this year? It's the big 4 0 this year isn't it"
Just ask rather than getting something random. Or ask her partner (if there is one) what they are getting so you can get something that goes with it.

@bookmum08

"Hi friend. What do you want for your birthday this year? It's the big 4 0 this year isn't it" Just ask rather than getting something random. Or ask her partner (if there is one) what they are getting so you can get something that goes with it.

Never heard of a surprise?

Thanks @BF2748 will check it out

Not sure what's up with the other two posters, I've posted a lot more boring shit than this and never had such miserable responses

Childhood friend? If you could source any photos of her as a child/teen/ young adult then today as a mum you could put together a great photo book?

Newer friend then I'd be looking at maybe a nice pair of silver studs or some keepsake/trinket

sparklefarts suprises are nice but you don't want it to be something she really doesn't want. It can be a casual conversation to ask her - you don't have to demand "What Do You Want" !
The suggestions so far (jewellery, hamper, photo books) I personally would be 'meh' about. But that's me. I don't know your friends taste, interests etc - she might be really into that.
The older I have got (I am 45) I have really realised I don't like getting random presents. It sounds ungrateful but it is such a waste if it isn't something I am interested in.
For my 40th I got Lego. So there you go. A random surprise suggestion. Buy her Lego.

@bookmum08

sparklefarts suprises are nice but you don't want it to be something she really doesn't want. It can be a casual conversation to ask her - you don't have to demand "What Do You Want" ! The suggestions so far (jewellery, hamper, photo books) I personally would be 'meh' about. But that's me. I don't know your friends taste, interests etc - she might be really into that. The older I have got (I am 45) I have really realised I don't like getting random presents. It sounds ungrateful but it is such a waste if it isn't something I am interested in. For my 40th I got Lego. So there you go. A random surprise suggestion. Buy her Lego.

So you really think I would buy her just anything?

I've asked for ideas as I'm drawing a bit of a blank, not because I don't care and will buy ANYTHING.

I'm perfectly capable of reading ideas and judging whether or not she would like it.

Hi one of my best mates bought me an unusual pretty sterling silver bracelet for my 40th with dried forget me nots in a glass charm.

A bracelet is always a good idea for a new mum btw as a baby can pull at a necklace or earrings but not at a bracelet, & you can spend whatever you like on it.

I can rarely afford over £40 so I buy friends some jewellery with some nice chocs or luxurious handcream.
Sterling silver is quite affordable & if she likes gold then try getting sterling silver jewellery with gold plating.
Semi precious stones are nice and always have various meanings.

Also you could make a 40th card on Moonpig with various photos

Ok ok sparklefarts calm down.
So if you want suggestions for a nice £40 present here are some suggestions of things that I (and other family members I have) would like and get enjoyment out of...
Lego (as already suggested)
Small sewing machine with bits and bobs to go with it.
Books
Netflix vouchers
Voucher for a garden centre
Whether your friend will be interested in any of that I have no idea.

Maybe a nice bangle/bracelet? It's my first birthday this year as a mum (not a special one) but that's what DP is getting me.

Or something that is just for her? A spa voucher or a voucher for her local beauticians/hairdressers so she could have some 'me' time?

Does she have a garden? Or outside space? If so, how about a plant or a (very) young fruit tree or something? One of my friends bought me a rose bush for my 30th, which I thought was a lovely idea.

Or maybe some really nice stationery, a journal or similar?

Voucher for facial
Voucher for head massage
Expensive booze
Old photo of you two put onto canvas
One Hundred Stars kimono or tote bag (Kew Garden range is gorgeous)

I got my best friend these for her 40th.

www.notonthehighstreet.com/wue/product/large-friendship-knot-earrings?referredBy=search

Long term friend from childhood, so seemed appropriate for her but didn't cost the earth.

www.notonthehighstreet.com/byriver/product/personalised-peas-in-a-pod-necklace?referredBy=plp

Something like this?

A voucher for some me time sounds good. My other favourite is a nomination bracelet as you can personalise it and wear every day.

I've commented upthread but also what about a personalised necklace? I've got my eye on one that has DD's initial and DOB on within your budget, they're dainty and 'everyday' type necklaces, might be nice to keep?

Pandora do lovely birthstone rings for £40

uk.pandora.net/en/jewellery/rings/birthstone-rings/

Something like this is quite nice.

www.etsy.com/uk/listing/641424807/personalised-stamped-sterling-silver

Not a milestone birthday for me but my dh is getting me a silver bracelet with my kid's birthstones on it. There are lots of examples on etsy or not on the highstreet. I tended ro avoid wearing dangle earrings or necklaces when my babies were little as they would yank or chew on them. A watch would also be a nice idea.

You could always do afternoon tea or have it delivered to her home. A photo book would be nice.

Are you my friend? I’ve got the ‘big 4 0’ birthday coming up soon.... so have just checked my list of things I would like (concert tickets, Chelsea flower show tickets for next year, special jewellery are all on there) but I’m just getting into gardening and plants a lot more and have brought Recently for friends a nice houseplant - I found a pineapple plant in Asda for £10 and also a bonsai tree for similar. Something a bit more long lasting than flowers but easy enough to look after with a baby.