I'm being threatened with a spa day

[FairfaxAikman]

So I’m getting demands for ideas for a present for my upcoming birthday. If I don’t come up with something I’m being threatened with a spa day.

Problem is there’s nothing I really need or want (I love Scandi clothing but am trying to lose weight so think it would be a waste to ask for this)

I like books - but have a kindle - Harry Potter, Diet Coke, dogs (but have one already) “classic rock” music (think Queen/Led Zeppelin/Deep Purple/Rush) and sleep.

I don’t like make up or perfume and I hate stuff like spa days.

I work predominantly in an office environment but very occasionally out and about - and wear Docs to work, so have those already (though is it just me or is the quality declining?) and use a backpack instead of a bag (have a Berghaus one). Nice pens are a no go as the best pen for super quick note taking (which i do a lot of) is a cheap bic biro.

What the hell would you buy me?

I'd have to make it very clear that I wouldn't under any circumstances want a spa day and would absolutely not be redeeming yet; otherwise, you'll spend the next year thinking up polite excuses for why you haven't booked it. (Why do people who like these things always think that the rest of us will enjoy it when we get there? We won't!)
Couldn't you ask for an IOU on the Scandi-clothing to celebrate the weight loss when you get there?
Although I do recommend a Scandi mattress topper if you like sleep!

But did you see the story in today's paper about taxing those who WFH because they don't contribute enough to the Starbucks economy? Next they'll be taxing those who want to opt of redundant Christmas gifting because we don't do our bit for the useless tat/voucher industry.

One of my favourite birthday presents was when my friends clubbed together and paid for a one day silver jewellery making course. I made some lovely hammered silver drop hoop earrings from real silver, the activity was totally engrossing, and I still wear them often.

You could ask for a donation to your favourite charity.

Please send any spa vouchers my way! I bloody love a spa day, go on my own, no treatments, talk to no-one, just swim and nap and read. Honestly don't know what there is not to love....

I'd say get good quality everyday stuff. Underwear. Pyjamas. Warm scarf. Things you will use and where a little touch of luxury will cheer your day up.

Either that or books. Never too many books.

Celtic and co sheepskin slippers. Perfect for the coming long winter :)

I would want lovely sheepskin insoles for my DMs.

I have cheap ones in mine and they make them so lovely and cosy. More expensive ones look so much better (mine are just fluff stuck on).

Ask for a course of some kind?

I see that you like Harry Potter, maybe some HP Lego or a tour of the studios?

Luxury socks.
Rose bushes
House plants

Mahabi slippers.
I'd rather boil my head in oil than go on a spa day.
Flomping around in the damp and paying strangers to poke at me, ewwww, never.

Scandi bedding, sort of Christmassy but nice. Or a blanket.

Is there anything that would make your dog walking more pleasant?

Otherwise I’d say a blanket- either for your bed or for whilst reading.

Ask for a donation to charity, they need those more than ever

Electric sonic toothbrush
New hairdryer (i'd love a parlux)
Coffee pot and coffee
A kitchen gadget or some nice wine glasses or something like that
Leather gloves
A plant subscription

Wireless Headphones!

Is an e book subscription a thing?

I don't understand how anyone could have this problem!!! I want EVERYTHING people have suggested (apart from the spa day!).

Heels and a nice handbag?

There's a company in Northampton making doc style boots traditionally which are meant to be really good, I'm definitely buying them when my existing docs fall apart

I bloody love a spa day, go on my own, no treatments, talk to no-one, just swim and nap and read. Honestly don't know what there is not to love....

Same here. Plus the one I go to gives you a lovely 2 course lunch with wine and has a load of massive outside jacuzzis, sunbeds and pool. If you're lucky and get a hot day in the summer, it's like being on holiday in a 5* hotel in the med. Really regretting not going when they briefly opened between lockdown 1 and lockdown 2.

Not sure what people think a 'spa day' is if it's seen as unpleasant and something to avoid.

But in the absence of spa days and other stuff, I'd happily accept gin. I'm also a kindle reader and have an embarrassingly large virtual TBR pile, but there are a couple of real books I'd like. Walking socks would also be good, but I'm quite particular about those as they have to be the right thickness or else my boots don't fit properly.

@nancybotwinbloom

*Vouchers

Spa day is also my idea of hell*

I am not giving vouchers for anything currently...the wave of company bankruptcies hasn't started yet and lots of people will be left with useless bits of paper

I would get you vouchers to a Harry Potter experience (I think theres a ‘world?) for when things are normal again

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

Alcohol is a no go as im teetotal.
I dislike Hotel Chocolat (overpriced and not really all that good for the money)
Sister lives 300 miles away so doing something together not an option.

I'd love Harry Potter world but it's also too far for a day trip.
Normally I'd get tickets to a show but don't want to do that as covid made it all so uncertain.

Loads of things to think about on here though.

Food! Posh food. Not posh food. Hamper (donate what you don't want to food bank)
100% slippers, dressing gown, bamboo socks etc
You can get vouchers for restaurants, pubs or take aways (just eat etc),
Search amazon and make a wishlist of anything that catches your eye that you think, I wouldnt mind that.... then send to whoever wants to buy you a gift to choose from

@Sunflowergirl1

That is such a good point I handnt even thought of that.