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!

Is there any furniture or house stuff that could do with an upgrade? What would make your day to day life a bit easier?

Do you have a garden? What about a really nice set of outdoor furniture

card and spending time together going something you love!

Gardening
cycling
going ti the beach
swimming

Chess set, jewellery, boots, Dyson hairdryer, furniture.

My DH got me a tortoise for my 40th - I love her to pieces!

We bought each other a place on a day cookery course. Quite a small class, not too much time to chat to the other people there.

Some ideas...

A date with each other every month for the year, doesn't have to be expensive, DH and I have done this instead of Christmas presents.

National Trust Membership

Magazine subscription

New winter coat

Kitchen Gadget (cafetiere/nespresso/KitchenAid)

New pj's, slippers and dressing gown

New underwear - everyday practical stuff

Audible subscription

Is there a rough idea of budget?

What about luxury versions of things you use? Cashmere socks, great comfy knickers, a dressing gown from Rituals, pyjamas from the White Cimpany…some lovely quality stuff that will last and you’ll feel great wearing.

Why don’t you go to a cabin in the middle of nowhere? Cook on an open fire, read, take walks. Don’t have to see anyone. Connect with each other and nature?
I have just booked similar with unyoked, there are other companies who do similar - canopy and stars also worth a look.

Op has social anxiety and very few hobbies that are buyable for. It doesn't have to be that she's so rich she can buy everything she wants. DH is about to turn 50 and he's similar. He just does t have anything big he wants. Me, I could spend anyone's budget!!

I have social anxiety so I get how you feel. I would have a really posh afternoon tea delivered. Maybe hire a hot tub for the weekend? Hire a pop up cinema screen for the garden and do lots of lovely things with my family.
Other than that how about technology? Smart speakers, robot vacuum? Coffee machine, ninja item?

sorry OP that you've been jumped on negatively by some and that others haven't clocked your social anxiety.

sorry posted too soon- what about a BBC Maestro annual subscription for £120? lots of inspiration there !!

or a few therapy sessions - not to dig down into anything - but to talk to someone who will listen about the last 40 years and plan for the next 40 years. it might be quite contemplative and inspiring too ?

congratulations on your birthday and all best wishes to you

Oura Ring. It’s a sleep and stress tracker that has really been revolutionary for me.

It tracks other things too like movement and menstrual cycle.

But as a person with chronic illlnesss and autoimmune conditions it has really helped me pinpoint what was really making me stressed and helped me get much better rest, both quantity and quality.

Really useful for helping avoid flares.

O got it at Christmas and it’s amazing. It will tell you thinks like “take it easy today, you didn’t get good rest last night”.

You can get them from John Lewis now.

I’m 40 this summer, and I get the social anxiety.

I would like a deep clean and a robot vacuum/mop. Not glam or exciting, but would improve my life.

I also love Lego, drawing, knitting and baking, so may request related gifts if anyone needs ideas.

Perfume, Decleor skin care, a facial,

Flower subscription or monthly mag/ streaming service/Audible/ snack/ wine/ craft box.

A hammock, bench, egg chair or swinging bench to relax on in the garden.

Pottery

A record player/ bluetooth speaker / airpods

An Apple Watch, I love mine soooo much

Coffee machine, I love ours

Etsy voucher

Do you need a new purse or handbag?
As PP, rain jacket for dog walking.
A cover for your kindle. New reading light?
Luxury dressing gown and slippers.
Luxury scarf.
A small tree if you have a garden.

AirPods? I never knew I needed them until I got given some at Xmas. They are amazing. Also the same with my Apple Watch.

A lovely pair of warm wellies / country boots for dog walks?

I'm in camp 'ask for nothing '

You think I should let my 40th pass with no present?

MN is an odd place sometimes.

Thank you for the suggestions

:)

Commission a painting of your family? My dh is an artist and does these but there are lots on Etsy etc.

Why not, if you can't think of anything you want then surely you don't want anything.

Far odder to have to rack the brains of strangers to come up with something just so you get something for the sake of getting something rather than actually wanting something.

I'm the same, there is nothing I want and I'm becoming increasingly uncomfortable with people buying me 'stuff' at Christmas and birthday.

Agree that choosing an exact thing eg coat doesn't seem like a present either.

I've asked everyone to buy me wine, chocolates and flowers. It is slightly overwhelming to see my pile but I put it out of sight and work my way through it with no issues.

I would be perfectly happy to stick to this for a big birthday. If dh really had to buy me something special (often because he feels embarrassed when someone asks what he bought me) I'd suggest midrange jewelry which I will hardly ever wear but at least it's small and easy to put away.

How about a hot air balloon ride?
Or more simple pleasures:
A lovely dog walk maybe with a picnic
Watch film or show
Favourite takeaway
New earrings
Perfume
Kitchen gadget
New mugs
A drawing of your pets

I enjoyed a zoo keeper experience for my 40th. I've since found out that West Midland Safari Park and London Zoo have an overnight accommodation experience.