I have a very first world problem but I need to make a decision

[BerylBurton]

I need to choose a long service award from my employer. I can chose anything with a value of up to £200, but not lottery tickets or premium bonds.

I have no idea what I want!

I'd like a "thing" rather than an experience. I really love my job, and I'd like a souvenir of it to remember it fondly in my retirement - probably 12-15 away. I really dislike spa days, and don't have fancy nails or make up. Or hair. I spend a lot of my life on a construction site wearing a hard hat, Restaurant/theatre vouchers would be difficult as we have no babysitter

My "thing" is outdoor sports, but I have everything I really need, and not really enough time to use them or wear them out. For years I thought I'd ask for Ortlieb bike panniers, then we won a load of bike luggage

I'm not into bags, watches etc, although I do like contemporary silver jewellery.(I might not be having this problem if Links of London still existed).

DH is a massive early adopter of technology and I'm not really into tech.

Our towels, pans and knives are all getting on a bit, but dh is insistent that I spend on myself.

Silver photo frame with hallmark?

https://www.kitheath.com/

I also used to love Links of London but found this company in John Lewis last year and have got a few bits. Really good quality as well.

I think I'd choose a piece of art.

You like silver jewellery. Find a really special piece or get one commissioned.

That's a good idea.

Yes, jewellery, there are loads of great brands!

Check out Alison Moore OP, she has some lovely silver jewellery.

Honestly I’d get £200 of shopping vouchers, buy myself a £10 photo frame for the keepsake aspect and get £190 of free food/clothes.

I would buy a chunky silver cuff

this one

Or this one

because £200 doesn’t stretch to the Georg Jensen one I really like!

DM chose a vibrant floor rug. Hand knotted, artisan etc.

Although, I do say a woman can never have too many handbags.

Well I can never have too many rucsacs, but I may actually have enough!!

Georg Jensen... you're talking my language! Not much for £200!

Oh I love some of her stuff!
And we went on holiday to Orkney a couple of years ago!

Practical outdoorsey suggestions:

A Swiss army knife? (I laughed when I was given one but it has proved invaluable)

A small but powerful pair of binoculars?

I'd need a bigger house!

Gold stud earrings.

I'd like something a bit more permanent. And we have loads of photo frames!! Silver and otherwise.

Oh this definitely art .

OK, I'm going to spend the evening browsing silver jewellery....

I may start a thread on silver jewellery designers.

You need new pots and pans; how about a fabulous casserole dish (or whatever goes with your favourite meals) which you'll probably use for the rest of your life and will remind you of your time at work? Le Creuset do some beautiful styles and colours. If you really enjoy using it, it would be 'for you' even if the rest of the household benefits.

https://japaneseknifecompany.com

an AMAZING knife. Engraved with your name on it. Practical. Luxurious. High end. Life altering. Used daily.

you won’t regret it.

I recently spent far too much on a good pair of very small binoculars. I love them.

And I've ordered a Victorinox Swiss card lite as part of my Christmas too 😄

Photo shoot with family?

https://tillysveaas.co.uk/shop/small-silver-interlock-linked-bracelet-tsj3058/

My idea of hell!