Is this an OK present or will she hate it?

[WillowSummerSloth]

Hi, one of my lovely friend is turning 40 soon. I planned to make her a scrapbook of all our memories and photos together. I'll also be buying her another present. However, she doesn't like the way she looks due to her weight and I know she's not keen on photos of herself. Is a photo book a rubbish idea as she may well not like the pictures??? I want to do something really personal and special but obviously don't want to give her something she'll stick in a cupboard and not look at ever! What do you think? I could do her a play list of all our best songs instead??

The scrap book sounds amazing, such a thoughtful and personal gift, but if she's not happy with how she looks the mix tape sounds just as good!
I'd be delighted if my bestie did that for me.

I really hate myself in pics so although I’d be extremely polite, I’d hate the gift.

Friends bought me one of those electronic photo album thingies when we got married a few years ago. It’s still in its box somewhere. I also had no official photos taken at the time and a few unofficial pics taken by family members on phones and sent to me.

They will never be displayed!!

Sorry, I forgot to reply properly and say the play list sounds fun or a nice day out perhaps?

The scrapbook is a very lovely idea, however, I can see why she might not be so keen on it if she hates photos of herself.

I hate having my photo taken too and my sister made a scrapbook for my 30th - while it was so kind and thoughtful of her, there is not one single photo in it which I like and I cringed when I flicked through it. It went in a box in the attic and I won't be getting it back down.

It's a really nice idea but if she doesn't like how she looks then she won't enjoy it I don't think, I say that as someone who was overweight for years, never took any photos in that time and I destroyed any that slipped through the net. I wouldn't have enjoyed that at all.

Can you focus photos on the places or occasions rather than pictures of her?

Go with the music, you're answered your own question - your friend doesn't like photos of herself so pretty much a no brainer not to make a gift of photos.

What about small photos and lots of memories like ‘do you remember when’ notes?

I hate pictures of myself, but would absolutely love a playlist.

Thanks. Yes I had a feeling it wasn't going to be the right gift. Most of our photos are drunken and not flattering for either of us and I know she hates photos of herself at the best of times! Thanks for all the input