To ask for ideas for 40th bday pressie?

[NobodyKnowsTiddlyPom]

I'm going to be 40 this year and DH/mum/other family and friends have asked what I'd like. To be honest, I have no idea! DH has suggested a fancy watch but I'm happy with my existing ordinary watch. I'm not really a jewellery wearer either.

What sort of thing could I suggest to them as they won't accept my 'I don't really want anything' noises.

DH and I are going to go away for a few days to somewhere nice abroad as a joint celebration/anniversary but I can't think of anything else I could possibly want/need.

Any suggestions??

If you have lots of stuff, then how about 'experiences'? Vouchers for a spa with a friend, tea for two?

I got experiences for Christmas as I couldn't think of anything then either! I've had two spa weekends last month and taken my best friend and sisters for afternoon teas very recently too. I'm GF so find afternoon teas very unenjoyable because there's never anything to eat without wheat in!

This is why I'm having such problems!

It's not that I have lots of stuff either, it's just I don't want/need lots of stuff. The older I get, the less fussed I am about gifts on bdays and Christmas.

Plants for your garden, a course in something you’ve always wanted to learn, a new pet, trip on a luxury train?

Vouchers for hair/beauty salon you regularly use??

A gorgeous leather bag

I'm not a jewellery wearer as such but had a classic watch and wear it every day.

Unfortunately I'm a teacher so have no time for extra curricular activities! I have loads of pets already and only get my hair cut once a year, if that!

I'm so rubbish to buy for! I had plants/trees for my 30th so I'm not allowed those again

A nice luxury train trip would be lovely - something they could all put in for together (so I don't have to think of anything else!).

You can have charity presents eg someone “ buys” you a goat or some plants etc. Or maybe sponsor an animal? Or an experience you maybe haven’t considered - I have a Birds of Prey one to use.

What about things like really nice bed linen, jo Malone candle, sproket for phone

Tickets to anything? As you said the train trip sounds lovely. Hot air balloon?

Anything on a bucket list? Maybe a special restaurant?

A night away and babysitting!

Do you have any DC?
I got pencil sketches done of my DD's for DH's 40th

A work of art or really special ornament? Have your portrait painted? Or could they all club together & buy a musical instrument? My Dad bought me an electric piano for my 50th 🎹

Theatre tokens/ tickets

I got a new handbag and a weekend away for my 40th.

Ooh, I am after a new piano actually!

Painting, sculpture , bench forvgarden

What about a family photo shoot on the day of your 40th?

I was 40 on Thursday and I got mostly money and vouchers for Zara.
Also a facial, a trip to my favourite homeware store and some posh toiletries.

Just after Christmas is hard as I received plenty of perfume which is my go to present usually.

You can't go wrong with money or vouchers.
I have bought a beautiful YSL handbag with my money.

Early birthday wishes.

I know you have said you have no time for extra activities, but depending on your interests and where in the country you live how about membership to somewhere, entry to a local attraction, tickets to a show.

We have bought for ourselves, others or been given

Membership to Wildfowl and wetlands trust
National trust membership
RSPB membership
Membership of westonburt arboretum (forestry commission owns other other arboretums)
Tickets to a theatre show
Photo session and package for set number of digital images/prints
Year pass to the local community farm
Entry tickets to Bristol zoo, techniquest (childrens hand on science), voucher for local pottery painting workshop (no experience needed and doesn't need to be a recurring activity. You could take a friend too)
Tickets for an event such as rhs or gardeners world
Sponsorship/adoption of an animal (eg monkey world)
Tickets for a coach trip for my parents (you could do coach trip, hotel and theatre which would need a number to contribute)
How about vouchers to a restaurant that you like.

My dad is interested in Bletchly and for his 75 we have grouped together to do an wall inscription there and my brother plans to take them once it has been completed.

As we are in s wales for fathers day I am thinking of doing a trip around the royal mint as both my dad and husband are interested in lecting coins/stamps and I am sure my nearly year old would enjoy it.
Cinema vouchers

Gluten free does not need to cause a problem when having afternoon tea. I know some places won't accommodate but my husband is gluten free and veggie. I ask before booking if they can provide and places have often said yes.

If you are going away what about some nice luggage. I bought Mulberry luggage with an unexpected bonus when I was 30. 20 ears later it is still going strong and has travelled to many destinations

im not a jewellery person yet wanted nice pieces for my 21st 30th and 40th
they might not get worn a lot but still very important to me

I had a zoo keeper experience in Bristol Zoo for my 40th.

Thanks for the ideas, folks. I think I'm going to go with the piano idea or the luggage!