Ideas for a 40th birthday present that costs £100

[CalonHapus]

My Mum has asked me to tell her what present I want for my 40th birthday. Her budget is £100 but she said she would go higher for something really special.

I'm not really into 'things' and tend to prefer experiences as presents (e.g. dinner out somewhere special, a spa day, etc). However, my Mum likes presents to be objects, especially for big birthdays, and they can't be anything mundane (e.g. really nice kitchenware); they have to be special.

Unfortunately, the kinds of things she considers special (perfume, jewellery, handbags) are things I have no interest in. Does anyone have any suggestions for things around the £100 mark that meet the requirement of being 'special' but aren't any of the above?

An experience then since you don’t like things. A dinner at your favourite place?

Do you need a new watch?
I got a Velvetiser for my most recent big birthday, and last year we gave DMiL a bird table/feeder for hers.

Why do you need to meet someone else's expectations of what constitutes a present? If you want an experience ask for that. If you want an object that's practical but doesn't meet her definition of special then ask for that. It's your birthday, you don’t have to pander to other people's fixed ideas.

Could you suggest a spa day, or afternoon tea, or something else (what ever suits you) for you both to do together? You could get a nice photograph taken of the two of you, and frame it as a keepsake afterwards (your Mum could buy you an engraved photo frame). That way you get the experience you want, but also something to keep to please your Mum at the same time.

This...it's your birthday so why does your gift have to meet someone elses requirements?

First edition of a book you love
Purse/wallet
Shoes
Watch
Kitchen item but antique
Framed print
Gold bullion coin
Luxury version of a prosaic everyday item (e.g. cashmere loungewear)

My DH's favourite present for his big birthday was a personalised cheese board and set of knives. Does anything like that appeal?

Op said no kitchenware. Edited to say, I have misread, it is her Mum that dislikes the kitchen stuff?

OP's mum said no kitchenware from which I infer OP might actually like some kitchenware. And should say so if that's what she wants.

Cross posted with the edit!

So I always used to ask for practical stuff and try not to worry about the fact that it annoyed her. But she's very ill now and there's a chance this might be the last birthday that she will be here for (hopefully not but there's a chance) so ideally I'd like to suggest something that she'd actually be happy about.

A Kindle?

Lego?

I like the botanicals, art and architecture themed ones.

A painting

Do you read?

ask her to buy you 10 books that she thinks you would love but you might never choose yourself.

A bonsai or terrarium

I like "luxury versions of practical things", so e.g. crystal champagne saucers or similar. Yes, it's sort of kitchenware adjacent but it's so entirely frivolous that it might meet your mum's requirements?

A bottle or three of port to lay down for your 50th birthday?

The gorgeous hard back Agatha Christie books/some penguin clothbounds.

Rosie Sugden cashmere socks are wonderful, and they have a sale on at the moment. (85% cashmere, not 100% but that means they retain their shape in a way the 100% cashmere ones don't).

Cashmere jumper? Merino wool tops?

Something like a cookery course and a book relating to that course?

What about a photographer session with a print? Nice memories to have with her?

or what about a pandora charm engraved with her handwriting on it? You can do it in store or online now and that might be nice to have if you arent sure she will be with you much longer?

What about a leather rucksack? sort of like a handbag but a bit less handbaggy

Some thing for the garden? Bench, sundial, pergola type thing?

Luggage? A suitcase or weekend bag? So kind of the handbag theme but more practical?

I wonder if she's keen to give you lovely objects to remember her by?

A vase? Or a decent framed print, perhaps of somewhere meaningful to you both?

Or is there a hobby you enjoy that she could get something for? I have ice skates on my secret wish list 😊

Is there a perfume you like that she also likes and would enjoy buying ?

Ooh I'd like a nice backpack or suitcase actually

Oh god, I feel for you as my mum was the same when I turned 40. I ended up getting a tree just after I turned 41 as we couldn’t agree on anything. It really irked me. Still does.

It is also my 40th birthday soon and my parents wanted to know what to get me for about the same amount. Perfume / jewellery / handbags are also not my thing. I've instead chosen a new winter coat - £100 has gone quite far as they are all in the sales now!