I have no idea what to ask DH for, for my 40th.

[FourTea]

Big birthday, biggish budget but

• Don't want to go anywhere, holiday, weekend away etc
• Don't wear/ have any interest in jewellery
• No interest in bags, make up, perfume, shoes.
• Don't enjoy meals out.

I don't want money as I will just end up spending it on the kids.

I really, honestly can't think of what to ask for!

Kindle? That's what I had for my 40th (and a weekend away, but you don't want that).

Course of some description? I did a 2 day lino printing course a few years ago, that was really good.

What do you enjoy doing? I know you said no holiday/weekend away but what about tickets for something?

I'm not a reader, at all. I have a laptop, tablet and phone, non need updating.

I don't think a course would be up my street really, I have social anxiety (hence not wanting to go away for the weekend of go for a meal etc)

Hobbies? Gigs? Nice bedlinen? Fancy pen? Tech - new iPad/laptop/phone/TV? Nice chair or posh desk for home office? Gym membership? Personal trainer for a year? Cookery course, sewing machine, garden bench, pergola. A dog (only if you already wanted one and knew what you were doing), great pair of walking boots/good sandals, a shed for puttering, an olive tree.

Nothing that could be adapted into a present, I don't think? My main interests are my pets but I definitely don't want another of those!

A piece of art? What do you have on your walls?

Piece of artwork
Commissioned artwork of your pets

What about an experience like seeing a show or musical as a family if you’re near a nice theatre? Or a voucher for a facial or massage?

I often ask DH for skincare gadgets for birthdays etc. as I’d not buy them myself - LED face mask or microcurrent device or even an at home laser gadget?

I also asked him for the NEOM wellbeing pod thing a few christmases ago which is lovely and all natural aromatherapy products.

I got a Garmin watch for my 40th from DH.

Is there a nice piece of clothing you could ask for? I buy cheap jeans but I'd love a luxurious/expensive pair or Levis (and hope they were a better fit)....
What about a lovely cashmere jumper? A well made pair of boots, or sandals?

I got a wetsuit for my 40th (lockdown). New bike?

A great piece of garden furniture? Something to make your bedroom extra lovely (beautiful bed linen) A show?

A posh hairdresser appointment, art, a catered at home dinner? A decluttering session with a professional, an intimate trip, orient express?

Candles, if you don’t want to go away can he cook or order some lovely food and have a meal at home. Your 40th is a big one don’t not do anything for it.

Does it have to be a physical present? You could get someone to look after the children and go and sit somewhere and watch the sun go down with a glass of something? You never know how many opportunities you'll have to do that, so in my view it's priceless.

A family photoshoot with a photographer to get some really shots, relaxed out and about (beach/park) candid unposed type.

As PPs have said a piece of artwork to display.

If you like music, a really good Bose or similar sound system. Or if you like watching TV a state of the art television.

A year’s unlimited cinema membership.

National Trust membership.

A crockery/China set. A silverware set. A set of crystal champagne flutes.

A flower subscription

I’m 40 this year, dh is going to take me on holiday just the two of us and I’m buying myself a bike, it’s something I’ve thought about for ages and going to take the plunge.
Would you like a bike?!

What a beautiful idea! I’m going to do this (most likely with the children too 🤞) for my 40th in 2 years time.

We did that for our anniversary this year when we had a childcare offer but no money! Was lovely.

I would go for the pressies as well mind. Can't go wrong with nice coat or boots

I got two chickens and chicken coop 😊he also bought me a diamond ring

Commissioned piece of art work of your pets? One year I got a water colour done for his late dog and our (then - now late) dog. He loved it.

Since then we have had an oil painting done of our late dog and current dog.

Only problem is it's sort of set a trend and all future dogs will also have to have their portrait painted!

I was given an art work I love for a big birthday.

If pets include cats my litter robot is a random but amazing thing. What could be a better gift than not more scooping a litter tray.

Tattoo

If budget is biggish, and a meal sounds nice but without stress of going out, what about a chef to come to yours? Could just be for two of you or close family. I was also thinking about hiring a private dining space, but that might not work for you.

Really swanky smart wellies.

Hire a private cinema and have a screening just for you/ small group.

Some sort of leisure device for the home such Jacuzzi, igloo, tiki bar, all bells and whistles BBQ grill, clay oven, water fountain, a pond.

A Rolex watch or similar, an investment piece and potentially a family heirloom.
I wouldn’t class a watch as jewellery.

Have your home remodelled in some way to your specific liking.

A professional massage in your own home.

A case of vintage wine.

Give the entire sum to a charity of your choice.