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Original poster

To ask for birthday gift ideas for my daughters 30th?

97 replies

equalmeasures · 16/06/2021 14:49

Daughter is 30 next year, it will also be the summer she graduates from university. She has done a lot the past 6 years to really turn things around, she was heading down a very bad path and has turned into a kind, caring and thoughtful daughter so I would like to make her 30th special.

My budget is no more that £1000. Any ideas?

OP posts:
prettyvisitor · 16/06/2021 16:04

It really depends on her interests. My dd loves cooking so I'd book a trip to Italy with cooking classes or something like that.

If she likes jewellery, a lovely piece of jewellery maybe custom made?

bravotango · 16/06/2021 16:27

A trip away for the two of you, 100%!

A piece of jewellery as well if budget allows. My mum gave me a vintage necklace that I know didn't cost the earth, but it's unusual (but wearable!) and very special.

Not a fitness tracker...

LittleRa · 16/06/2021 16:27

Is it just me that for £1000 would’ve wanted…. A cheque for £1000? Grin Then she could go on a shopping spree and choose what she really wants- clothes, bag, as others have mentioned. Or could book a holiday.

SocialPhobia21 · 16/06/2021 16:31

For my 30th my parents bought me a gold chain and locket, they also made me a photo album of the past 30 years. I wept for ages that day it meant so much to me and always will.
When my brother turned 30 they got him a expensive watch that he had wanted for a while but could not justify the money on himself. I would go for something that she could and would want to keep for a long time something you have spent a long time researching for that special gift.

Cinni23 · 16/06/2021 16:33

My parents didn't get me anything for my 30th, but my friend just turned 30 and oh my goodness... Her mum took the diamonds from her beloved (now deceased) nan's engagement ring and had them made into a necklace for her!! She kept one of the diamonds and had it made into a piece of jewellery for herself - 2 pieces that'll stay in the family forever. She was in floods of tears, I thought that was so lovely.

wombatspoopcubes · 16/06/2021 16:33

Don't give a warch. Most younger people don't use a watch to tell time anymore. I suggesr a nice piece of jewelry that you select together or a trip away.

Dobbyisahouseelf · 16/06/2021 16:36

A classic watch or a weekend away for the two of you perhaps. Or a piece of jewellery.

Alpinechalet · 16/06/2021 16:56

I don’t know if I’m allowed to post a link but a personalised piece of jewellery and a spa/city break.
Alyssa Smith makes lovely bespoke jewellery houseofalyssasmith.co.uk/

Warrickdaviesasplates · 16/06/2021 16:57

I'd definitely go for an experience, depending on her interests maybe a spa day or weekend away somewhere special (Paris, Venice, Rome etc)

Or maybe tickets to a show that she would like and a piece of jewellery.

I'm a similar age to your daughter and love a necklace or ring. I never wear a watch and use my phone for the time, but you know her best so would know what she's likely to wear.

If she's into handbags then I got a really nice (and expensive) one from Smythson of Bond Street. Beautiful bag and I always feel special when taking it out.

BernadetteRostankowskiWolowitz · 16/06/2021 16:58

I'm not a user of Apple products and have no interest in jewelry or watches so wouldnt appreciate that, but if the daughter is and does, it may be a suitable gift.

I'd rather have a trip away.

Rewis · 16/06/2021 17:00

I'm not a watch or jewelry person so an expensive one would be a total waste. For my 30th last year my parents paid for a cruise with my bf. My siblings got me an entrance to a champagne festival and theatre tickets. I also got gift certificate for a restaurant.

If she is a foodie then a paid meal in a Michelin star restaurant and a night on a hotel. Either with friend or with you. If she is into sports the could be new sports equipment. Same with music. Tickets and a trip to a concert. Does she like fashion? Then a purse or scarf. Travel? Weekend away for 2. Tech? New laptop or phone.

TillyTottenham · 16/06/2021 17:04

Give her the cash if you really are stumped for ideas.

Smarshian · 16/06/2021 17:05

I would suggest a trip and theatre tickets. The memories would be more important than an item for me.

Itsafineday · 16/06/2021 17:05

A beautiful, meaningful piece of jewellery and a photo album throughout the years

EmbarrassingMama · 16/06/2021 17:07

Definitely not an Apple Watch! It’ll be broken in 3 years time and that’ll be the end of that.

Ragwort · 16/06/2021 17:08

I think you really need to ask her, to be brutally honest I can't think of any expensive gift that I've received that I really love - of course I am polite and gracious but I just wish I'd been asked before anyone spends large sums of money. Jewellery is so awkward as if you don't like it it's very hard to ask to change it ....

DonLewis · 16/06/2021 17:10

Do you want something that will last a lifetime or something that she'll use/wear everyday?

What's she into?

A ring would be my first choice.

katy1213 · 16/06/2021 17:11

An Apple watch sounds a dreadful idea!
I'd avoid actual gifts, jewellery etc as there's huge potential to get it wrong and £1000 is an expensive mistake.
How about a weekend away - Paris/Rome/Venice? Well, maybe not Venice at the height of summer - but somewhere she's always wanted to go?

mamawithfive · 16/06/2021 17:12

I’d go for a nice trip away, and maybe a lovely piece of jewellery - some earrings or a nice bracelet.

Laufeythejust · 16/06/2021 17:16

I’ve recently turned 30 and my favourite gift was a stand mixer (I love baking!). My Dad very kindly gave me money and a gift voucher for an afternoon tea so I had a lovely shopping spree followed by cakes and tea! I would get a little thing as a gift and give her cash to spend on what she likes.

NurseButtercup · 16/06/2021 17:26

I would give 30 gifts - that would be a mix of expensive and cheap things £1k budget is definitely doable because you've got time to plan. Also depends upon her interests, example include:

  • a photo album of pictures of her every year of her life.
  • gift voucher for a pair of tickets to the cinema (there are loads of films coming out during 2022).
  • a hand written poem from mother to daughter on beautiful paper in a frame
  • bed & breakfast stay in a nice hotel.
  • tickets to theatre
  • tickets to a pantomime
  • gift voucher for a meal at favourite restaurant.

Or you could plan to do 30 things every day of her birthday month. I remember when I was 25 I celebrated my birthday every day of my birthday month with different friends. I plan to repeat this when I turn 50.

AFS1 · 16/06/2021 17:39

Mulberry handbag
Engraved Mont Blanc pen (my personal favourite ever present)
Cartier watch
Shopping trip to NYC for the 2 of you

Ilovemaisie · 16/06/2021 17:46

We really need to know her interests. If I was given a fancy watch, handbag or piece of jewellery I would cry with disappointment and feel guilty over the waste of money.
When I turned 30 if my parents had been able to spend £1000 I would of wanted driving lessons and a car - I never have managed to be in a financial situation where that's possible (I am 46 now).
If she can drive and has a car then obviously that idea is out.

JaceLancs · 16/06/2021 17:48

DD is 30 this year - I have bought her a diamond solitaire pendant and will also be taking her away somewhere sunny when Covid travel restrictions end

motogogo · 16/06/2021 18:16

I would suggest a mini cruise for you to enjoy together, currently you can book 2-3 nights for around £260 a head ai, then a watch or necklace perhaps