40th birthday girls trip- hand luggage only- how to make it special?

[Acunningruse]

As above! A group of girls (who all know birthday girl but don't know each other especially well) are going on a girls weekend away to Spain. Hand luggage only so space at a premium. What can we do to make it special for the birthday girl? If it was this country I'd be thinking cake and helium balloons etc but that's not possible with flying abroad.
Any ideas?

You could fit bunting, sashes and a couple of printed photos off between you to decorate the room at the hotel? Ask them if they have any recs to spare?

Decs

Yes photos all the way! If everyone could print a few pictures each to make a collage/ stick on the wall and unveil while you tell some funny stories, that'd be good.

Does the 'birthday girl' feel more special when a load of single use crap is added to an occasion? Many people would hate that. But you could get t shirts printed so everyone in the airport and on the flight knew it was Jodie's 40th birthday extravaganza.

Otherwise I'd be thinking something like cocktails at the airport (is it possible to book a table or go in the lounge rather than just cramming into the airside pub?)

Sometimes you can order champagne for the flight and you could even ask if it's possible for the pilot to wish her a happy birthday.

I wouldn't want all of that extra stuff. Going away is more than enough. Cocktails or champagne for a celebration.

This!!

Video of birthday wishes from people not on the trip?

Cocktails and cava sound good. Maybe some fancy Jamon from the local deli.