Birthday gift for daughter

[rainbowstardrops]

Just that really. DD is coming up to 19 and I haven't got a clue what to buy her for her birthday!

She loves animals (doesn't like people much!) and currently volunteers one day a week at a children's attraction with a farm and zoo attached. So she already looks after meerkats, owls, otters etc etc.

We've also already done Alpaca walking, keeper for the day, and an expensive zoo experience last year for her 18th. Does anyone have any other suggestions that I just haven't thought about?! Obviously not ridiculously priced because we did that last year!

She's not into fashion or makeup, or going out and doesn't really like anything much apart from animals. She's so bloody hard to buy for!

Any ideas would be greatly welcomed!

That's a bit too far unfortunately. I'll keep it in mind though, thanks

What about a falconry experience?

We had a great afternoon at the place in the Cotswolds, huge vulture skimmed my head in the flying display, it was amazing! Go for the day and book one of the experiences for her to do while you're there

www.cotswold-falconry.co.uk/

Are there any beekeeping associations locally you could investigate and or get involved in? Bees are fascinating creatures

This is also in Kent that has various farm animal encounters. I think I've seen something with huskies on the Kent/London borders before as well.

www.huckleberrywoods.co.uk/

Get her a riding lesson! Might be life changing.

I've thought about this but within a volunteering role, she often helps to fly the owls, so I'm not sure if it would be a bit samey. I'll take a look though, thanks!

Ooh I don't know! I'll have a look!

That looks amazing and something I'm sure she'd love! It's a couple of hours or so away from us but I'm definitely going to look into that. Thanks!!!

A pet?

I know that is a huge commitment, but she could volunteer to foster animals, Cat's Protection tries to foster out rather than have cats in a cattery.

Raising puppies that will go on to be guide dogs.

https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/faqs/volunteering/puppy-walking/

I often suggest coins, the Royal Mint are producing King Charles III coins, they have animals on them and a full set is £34.

https://www.royalmint.com/annual-sets/2023/definitives/king-charles-iii-definitives-2023-brilliant-uncirculated-coin-set/

I don't work for the mint, I have given people coins for presents and theu=y are usually well recieved.

Have you asked her?

If she takes photos of the animals she's looking after, you can use them for a big picture collage, then print it out and frame it. Also if she's spending a lot of time outdoors maybe get her some really nice skin care products? A fancy water bottle would be great, too 🤔

I've often thought that but as I said earlier, a friend of mine is childless but has her own horse and she put me off going down that road because my daughter would DEFINITELY want to carry on and potentially have her own horse! She's learning to drive at the moment and just wouldn't have the spare cash for regular lessons or a horse in the future.
When she was much, much younger, she would have loved to have had riding lessons but unfortunately, we just couldn't afford it 😔
I think she's more swayed to zoos and farms now anyway.

She would LOVE another cat but we have a temperamental crotchety nearly 14 year old bundle of attitude (our dear cat!) and it just wouldn't be fair on her. She doesn't even like us much! 🤣 Well she loves DD.

Hahaha!!! Yeah, once or twice! 😂

Honestly, she's the least 'grabby' person I know. Is never a diva expecting anything. Always says she doesn't know what she'd like because she's happy with what she has/what she's given. It just doesn't make her easy to buy for!

When she was much much younger, she'd ask Father Christmas for pasta (she used to love eating dried uncooked pasta - strange girl) and sweets. No elaborate unachievable lists.

That's a really good idea. She does have photos but they're all on her phone and she'd probably think I was weird if I asked her to send them to me. I'll try and think of a way around that though because she'd like that I'm sure. Thanks.

My DD bought herself a snake for her 19th.
We paid for the hardware, and she paid for the snake and the environment.

Hahaha! My daughter would LOVE a snake!!! Me? Not so much!
I think we'd have to research it fully before we committed to that and we've always said she can fill her boots once she has her own place!
But yeah, she'd be over the moon with a snake!

DD wore me down over a period of 4 years.
We also have family friend with extensive collection who was helpful.

Alpaca walks are always coming up on woucher really cheap, near to me.

@TeenDivided honestly, that would be her dream!!! Unfortunately her birthday is this month and I'm the sort of person that has to research, research and then research some more! Especially with something so important.
Maybe for her 21st? 😬🙈

Alpaca walks are always coming up on woucher really cheap, near to me.

Sorry, I meant something similar to Alpaca walking because she did that last year!

@TeenDivided you're suggestions have been so helpful - as has everyone else's! Thank you!

Have you been to Huckleberry Wood in Kent? Or has anyone on here been?

I'm liking the look of the micro pig petting experience. It's just a bit of a trek from where we live, so I don't want to book that if it's a bit rubbish! It definitely sounds right up DD's street though!