What did you get for your Fortieth birthday?

[crempog]

It's approaching fast and people are asking what I'd like but I honestly don't know.

So inspire me please with what you received and loved, thank you.

Older

A phone call from my dad telling me he had terminal cancer.

A wing walk.
I was a bit disappointed that it didn't loop the loop but it was still exhilarating.

30th was a sky dive.

Bit stuck on my fast approaching 50th.

Mine isn't till next year, but I suggested life membership of the National trust, so my parents bought it this year incase the price goes up!

A rubber weaning mat.

Baby was born three months beforehand and we were in lockdown, so no fancy trips or meals.

A Welsh tapestry blanket.
A weekend in Rome.
Sapphire earrings.

I went to a wedding in America, DH paid for business class flights. He couldn’t come unfortunately and dc would have missed school so I went by myself for 2 weeks and saw friends and relatives over the whole time.

I also had a party at home and had a throwback 1970’s children’s tea party with cheese and pineapple hedgehogs and trifle.

Unfortunately neither of those options can be done currently. The children’s tea party was really fun, we had pass the parcel as well.

I wanted some jewellery, so my immediate family gave me money so I could go off and buy the pieces I wanted

DP bought me a bottle of my favourite wine and a pair of oven gloves!

A diamond ring from my mother ,i chose it .

My 40th is next month. I’m newly pregnant too so a bit of a theme here.

I think I’ll probably get a watch from DH but maybe a necklace or a bracelet. I do like bling.

Family haven’t asked but but I’d probably suggest nice PJs or a spa voucher or some books etc.

@ginginchinchin Yes to this! Mine was during the first lockdown too so I also got lots of stuff mentioning this. Being well aware that there was a pandemic/lockdown, I don't know why people thought I'd need a reminder. 🙄

The main things I wanted was a holiday with my husband and a weekend away with my mates. Neither of these happened due to lockdown as per above so it was a bit disappointing really but can't be helped. I would say have a think about what kind of thing you want (e.g. a meaningful keepsake, an experience etc) and then make it very clear.

@crempog

Loads of things with 40 on them. I was amazed at the lack of thought! Obviously everyone except me thought 40 was an extra special birthday that I'd want to be reminded of for ever and ever. I didn't. Not looking forward to that! We of a load of 40 tat from DH when we moved last year.

I thought it was only me! I'm over 60 now and it was just that one year! They've never done it again and I didn't complain. I must have given off disappointed vibes

A hot air balloon flight.

@Squirrelblanket mine didn't have lockdown as an excuse, it was over 20 years ago 😁. However it did make it a day I'll never forget and I do remember it fondly as I relive the collective tat experience. One was a wineglass that's held a full bottle of wine with 40 emblazoned in shiny gold. Ah well, it's the thought that counts said no recipient ever 😂

An eternity ring

Fuck all - but I was with miserable ex at the time. My friend had to take me out for a pedicure or it would have been just another ordinary day.

My 50th was much better - bought myself a lovely designer necklace I had always wanted, took me and DD out for afternoon tea and a stay at a posh hotel. Paid for it all myself, arranged it all myself - had a fab time!

@crempog

What kind of clock *@LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett*? The things I really want people don't seem to think are suitable gifts.

An ikea 'grandfather' clock which is a very cool shape. It actually wasn't that expensive as it's from ikea, but I really fell for it so DH bought it as a surprise.

A big leather weekend hold-all