What do I want for my birthday?

[Chitchattypatty]

It's my birthday pretty soon. I'm in the lovely position of having my parents, sister, husband &DC asking me for present ideas. Except I don't know what I want.

To avoid drip feeding my marriage is very much on the rocks and my mental health isn't great, I'm fat and feel ugly, and I feel really uncomfortable/awkward about asking for things. This is quite new - a few years ago I wouldn't have felt this way.

But anyway, everyone is expecting me (and now slightly hassling me) to come up with ideas. I know this sounds ungrateful - I'm really not ungrateful - but I am struggling to come up with some ideas. Help me please!!

How much do they want to spend?

Some nice things might be:
good hand cream (Aveda stuff is gorgeous)
Aromatherapy Associates bath oils
Some earrings
Books

OP.

Maybe ask for vouchers for a shop unlikely to go under, that can be used for a lot of different things and won't expire soon, eg M&S, Amazon, John Lewis, then it can give you options and possibly form part of a 'running away fund' and also saves you the mental load of thinking of new possessions that you don't really want right now.

You could say you'd put it towards a new wardrobe but are waiting for the new season or want to use them after a style appointment or similar?

Some books / kindle voucher / actual kindle / magazine subscription
Plants or planters for the garden.
Some pretty earrings / necklace
New bag

I'd like a book voucher, nice chocolate, a silver ring, or a plant.

Neom scent to sleep candle would be on my list
After the recommendations on here yesterday, a couple of cotton sweatshirts from M & S.
The ordinary peeling solution because I’m running out.
Lancôme hypnose mascara
Essential molecules molecule 01 perfume
Party size bag of M&M salted caramel as I’m addicted.
Pre order of book 3 of the Thursday Murder Club that is out in September.

In reality I will end up with none of the above.

I got a velvetiser for my birthday, I'd never buy one for myself. I love it. I use it more for coffee than hot chocolate but it gets used more than once a day. Always feels like a bit of luxury, with some very lovely bodum glasses as well.

Neom diffuser? I love putting mine on, feels like a very easy indulgence

happy birthday to you, when it comes. It sounds like you need to be treated, and I hope you have a lovely day

Thank you A diffuser is a good idea. I think Oliver Bonas do some nice ones too.

And yes, good idea about a John Lewis voucher too. Always nice to have and as PP said could go towards making a new start if needed.

@OMGItsEarly - how have I not heard of salted caramel M&Ms before?!? Yum!! I hope you do get some of the things on your list.

I might look into cost of a 3-month gym membership. Our leisure centre often has them on offer. Being more active would probably help me in a lot of ways. I still feel embarrassed/ awkward asking for that though. Does anyone else feel like this about saying what you'd really like? I feel like it's really revealing (or maybe I'm worried people will think thank god she's realised what a state she is).

Yes to Oliver B diffuser. I bought one for my dd a couple of years ago and it's still going strong.