As a 45+ year old woman, what would you really like for your birthday?

[chipsticksmammy]

I have 3 birthdays to buy for this month, all school friends. My budget would be £20-25 per present.

One is crafty, one is quiet and likes books and my other friend is sporty.

What nice things have you seen recently?

TIA 😀

What about arranging an afternoon tea for them? You could sort out vouchers or vouchers for one of the coffee chains and then they can get cake and coffee.

Crafty friend - one of those ‘modern’ embroidery kits?
Quiet friend - book voucher and (if likes coffee) bag of nice coffee or voucher for preferred coffee shop
Sporty - consumable - electrolytes, creatine (monohydrate), massage balm for sore legs, foot cream

Personal trainer sessions.
Personal chef
Cleaner
Bigger pension.

I'd actually like a subscription of some sort, magazine, plant or book every month, kind of thing? I was thinking of this the other day as I never know what to ask for, but those things feel like luxury spends that sometimes you don't want to put £ towards yourself but make life that bit nicer.

I was actually thinking how nice it would be for someone to share the cost of ddog's food subscription at the time, but something for me would be a lovely monthly reminder of you as a friend, I think.

I would love:

an interesting house plant or succulent
a novel

something healthy to eat that won’t add calories but I wouldn’t usually splurge on

ingredients from the Asiansupermarket so I can experiment in the kitchen a bit more

This looks good https://www.bookofthemonth.com/

We are all going for afternoon tea to celebrate 😊

Thats my list!!! 😂

I'd avoid the obvious presents - books, something to make etc as they probably always get these if people know their hobbies!
Maybe a voucher for a manicure ? Or a half day spa? Or some other experience - escape room, lunch voucher etc. if they are close to London there are things like climbing the O2 or speed boats down the thames.

If you'd rather have something material, I think earnings are always good (I always need them as seem to frequently lose one!)

It’s my 46th birthday next month, and I’ve asked my husband for a Super Duolingo subscription.
It’s expensive, but the game’s pretty much unplayable without it.

Vouchers for a local independant bookshop, craft art supply shop and a coffee shop.

I don’t really want ‘things’, I have too many things already, and if I need anything I can generally buy it myself. I don’t really want presents at all from friends. A card with a nice message is lovely. But I do appreciate things like gift cards for coffee shops, or a voucher for a craft shop or garden centre.

Bookish friend - Daunt book bag. Surprisingly well designed, sturdy cotton shoulder bag with internal pockets for pens, etc.

Crafty friend - Cotton Clara friendship bracelet kit. Cheerfully childish, but good for avoiding doom scroll while watching tv, makes fun leopard print bracelets.

Think that book subscription one is based in Canada which would make it pricey!
HW seems to have one here https://www.thewilloughbybookclub.co.uk/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=82375690&gbraid=0AAAAADuPGmbcvrBBdsDP6iGcEi_c477MI&gclid=Cj0KCQjww4TGBhCKARIsAFLXndQWf4HLXXn2nAzwyWc5f2n5S4HjvlYFsT67HU_dUkiFZFKhSZZeod0aApB-EALw_wcB

Here's a plant subscription idea https://bloomboxclub.com/

And what NOTHS has to offer https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/gifts/shop-by-category/subscription-gifts

I'd stick with vouchers to their fav places, that's what I would appreciate most. I'm a bit younger, but avoid having too much of anything! Especially gifts which I'm unsure what to do with afterwards.
Voucher can be to a book shop, coffee shop, ikea, lush, any other place with makeup / skincare they like. I would ask them if unsure.
Other alternative would be taking them out for lunch.
A small candle and a wine would always be spot on too.

Really decent quality socks.

I would like a coffee shop voucher, I never buy the £5 cakes or really posh drinks so it would be nice to do that guilt free.

Exactly this.
Love a card that someone has put some personal words in 💖.

Other that that something like coffee /cake voucher that I can use for a treat

I asked everyone for a butter dish. Didn't get one.

All of those hobbies could be sorted with vouchers. I share all of them, always like an excuse to visit the local independent book shop, splurge on craft supplies, or buy some new fitness clothes.

Also love a beautiful bunch of flowers, posh expensive candle or posh expensive shower gel. Things I wouldn't treat myself to but would enjoy using.

One is crafty a wee craft class to do together maybe pottery painting or making autumn decorations or similar. one is quiet and likes books - self care pack for a cosy night in like a wee hamper

and my other friend is sporty- maybe voucher for nice sportswear

For thst budget, tokens for a local independent or an intelligently chosen plant. A creeper or a fruit free, or alternatively a succulent or monstera for indoors.

One is crafty a wee craft class to do together maybe pottery painting or making autumn decorations or similar.

one is quiet and likes books - self care pack for a cosy night in like a wee hamper

and my other friend is sporty- maybe voucher for nice sportswear

Someone upthread mentioned magazine subscription - if you do decide to do this keep an eye on the Christmas bargains thread as there are usually magazines offers listed there and they will get 6 months or 12 months gift depending on magazine

Otherwise I quite like the friendship bracelet idea or a session you can do together - local pottery place to me has afternoons or evenings where you can go and paint a platter or buying ahead a Christmas plate or bauble - I did one with a friend and it was good fun with a lovely product at the end

I'm well past 45, but honestly no "stuff"! Unless it's a bottle of gin 😉
Vouchers for an independent coffee shop (not horrible Costa), theatre tokens, straightforward book tokens or Amazon voucher for Kindle. Nothing stereotypically meant for middle-aged women like scented candles or allegedly "posh" (which just means ghastly).
Or..... ask them!

Solitude.
And to not have to cook.