Ideas for a friend's 60th birthday

[AngelicasNicePudding]

I've a lovely long distance friend who I've not seen for years (various reasons) and it's coming up to her birthday.

I want to send a gift.

I'm toying between a bouquet (safe but she may get loads of flowers) or a gift. My idea for a gift is some nice shower stuff (I am taking a guess on this based on what I know) and posh chocs. Or maybe just the chocs as I'm not 100% sure of the shower stuff.

The downside is the gifts aren't as 'safe' as flowers and I'll have to buy, pack and post. But I'd do it, no problem.

If it were you, what would you prefer to receive? I definitely don't want to do a voucher or an 'experience' for her.

Neither of your options can ever be wrong unless she has a dreadful pollen allergy or is a diabetic. For what it is worth I'd prefer the L'Occitane almond shower oil and no chocs

They’re all safe - and boring! And really, unless indescribably luxurious, not memorably celebratory either.

Shower stuff? Even if you buy Frederic Malle it will still be gone in the blink of an eye.

Chocolates? With anything expensive enough to be an event, I would wish mournfully that my friend had spent the money on a book instead.

Does she have a garden? If so, a tree rose from David Austin Roses makes a gorgeous, long lasting gift. Easily ordered and delivered direct to her, too.

If not, books - or if she’s not a reader, at least something less ephemeral than shower gel or chocolates.

What about one of them afternoon tea hampers where you get the little jars of jam and pot of cream, scones and a range of teas. It's just something a bit different

Here does some lovely ones good price and delivery to

As @Differentstarts suggested, I think a hamper of some kind is a very good idea. One with some luxury chocs, jams and tea/coffee perhaps. There are loads out there. She'll probably be overwhelmed with flowers and they are expensive anyway. I'd rather receive something I can eat at my leisure!

I’d rather the shower stuff tbh. Being of that age. Neal’s Yard or L’Occitane would be lovely.

Although I’d love a David Austin rose too.

I was most chuffed to get one of those afternoon teas through the post, that @Differentstarts linked to.

You can also get little prosecco bottles and the like, for gifts.

I really wouldn't appreciate you sending me some shower gel.

I know you said not vouchers, but I would appreciate a voucher for a local cafe which I could treat myself to an afternoon tea at another time. I think the fact you've found somewhere local, makes it less generic.

Cheese 😀

I had cheese as a gift. Was quite a lot to get through before it went off but there was just me eating it.

I bloody love cheese.

How about a nice throw or a shawl that can be worn as a scarf?
A subscription to a magazine

Does she have a garden or an outside space? Could you have a small pear tree in a pot delivered? Or something special for the garden like a quirky bird feeder?

I'd love flowers or luxury shower/ bath stuff but not chocs or afternoon tea.

Personally, I think shower stuff and chocolates are boring. Sorry. I'd like a nice piece of costume jewellery.

What about a nice bottle of champagne?

i would love a handwritten birthday card with a lovely message or a shared memory or a photo enclosed reminding me of the good old days.

And for a gift, I’d love a selection of teas, or some champagne truffles or something cute for the garden. A friend bought me a garden ornament once and I adore it; another friend bought me a beautiful cut glass ornament that refracts light and throws rainbows across the room - she said she hoped it would help me have lovely daydreams.

It's a nice idea but jewellery is subject to variations in personal taste.

I'd love flowers or a voucher for a garden centre.

Or a Waterstones voucher.

If that's boring I don't care!

Someone bought me a slim knit poncho in a neutral colour which goes over the head and it's so useful for reading in bed, answering the door in my PJ's or going out to the bins.

Fortnums do some nice champagne boxed gifts.

You are a lovely friend op 💐

You could have a browse on Etsy if you know her interests. They have some lovely hand carved wild birds.
Hopefully whatever you decide you should be able to order for delivery online.

A Lovely bottle of Tom Ford perfum, or some funky earrings would be my go to gifts for my edgy, quirky, always slightly rebellious and adorably fun almost 60 best friend.

If I were to think about a cream tea kind of thing then I would treat her to afternoon tea at The Crazy Bear (a great excuse to meet up half way and catch up) - so fitting for her wonderful personality! Love her to bits!

I'm always scared to read threads like this for fear of the"afternoon tea box/voucher" "nice scarf" "lap tray" suggestions being dangerous for my elderly blood pressure!

How about a couple of books? Some silver earrings? Or theres a Michelin starred Indian restaurant called Gymkhana that makes absolutely amazing sauces you can order online and they arrive beautifully packed.

I gave my friend an engraved, vintage silver cake slice from Etsy. She loved it and it’s useful too.

Ah, @CurlewKate I was with you until the ready made sauces! I would find that an exceedingly odd gift. (OK as a stocking present, amongst other small gifts, but not for my 60th birthday.)

Thanks for all the ideas.

I've actually considered all of them anyway.

I don't know her well enough to buy jewellery or clothes and I'd not want to do that.

She's not into gardening at all -I do know that!

The cream tea hamper stuff- well, mixed views on that. I've bought those for other people and TBH was disappointed with the quality.
She's actually overseas so anything that takes too long to get there isn't an option.

Here you go @AngelicasNicePudding - a great little book

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Warning-When-Woman-Shall-Purple/dp/0285634119?dplnkId=153974e1-962c-449a-8c77-fe2967205b74

@BeetledBrow I would agree with you about the sauces- except for these ones. I've eaten in the (insanely expensive!) restaurant and the ready made sauces really do taste as good! It's not like sending a jar of Sainsbury's Own! Mind you, some posters probably would send Sainsbury's Own because "it's so much easier for old people....."🤣