I don't know what to get for my 50th?

[Quitelikeacatslife]

I know it sounds spoilt but my Mum and sister and husband have been asking me what I want for my 50th. That's lovely but I could do with some ideas?
I don't "need" anything of course, I buy myself things I like but I'm not mad luxurious. I like nice things but can I always think gifts should be things you wouldn't buy yourself. Budget wise up to £500 max

Could you spend the money on doing something together instead of something you don’t need/want?

Happy Birthday!

I'd really love some nice presents to keep 😁 just not good at looking for things for myself

I had a decent record player, I then bought some lovely wooden speakers . Absolutely love it! It’s been fun buying vinyl again and it changes the atmosphere of a room 😊

Have you seen this recent thread www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4609666-what-did-you-get-for-your-50th-birthday?reply=119179680

I had a water feature from my parents

A group of friends gave me a silver bangle by a local jeweller that I wear constantly.

@PermanentTemporary I'd love a silver bangle as lost mine years ago, do you have a link?

Montblanc fountain pen.

Fruit trees. I love the idea of that! Or a decent camera/lens.

I don't do pampering/luxury types presents.

Camera is a good shout.

Water feature is quite niche but I guess if you want one...
Who uses fountain pens..?

If not a bangle then another classic piece of jewellery or watch?

Nice bag, expensive perfumes, new laptop? Clothes shopping trip / an expensive dress or coat?

What are your hobbies?

I picked a decanter for my 21st. My friends laughed at it. I still use it with my adult DD. Think about what your interests are and pick a special version. It doesn't have to be particularly personal, if you aren't into jewelry. It could be art, household textiles, ornaments, a mirror, piece of furniture etc.

I'm 55 next year and I've asked my DD's for roses that can be planted in the garden.

My parents got me a Mont Blanc pen, as a pp has suggested - I use it every day for work.

For my 40th, DH got me a Mulberry purse, which worked better for me than a handbag - the bags are soooo expensive I don't feel I can justify it, and wouldn't be practical for work for carrying laptop etc so I wasn't sure how much I would use a bag. The purse is used a almost every day, and still looking good 11 years on.

• Comfy hammock
• Garden swing chair for at least 2 to sit on
• Years supply of flowers or monthly massages
• New skill class- butchery, fish filleting, Thai cooking, foraging, vegan BBQ's
• Garden smoker to smoke fish, garlic, cheese etc
• Experience you have never done- sky diving, learn to fly lesson, gliding lesson, learn to sail lesson
• Earrings/pendant/ring

Tickets to see Bruce Springsteen ! 😄

My feeling about this is, if there isn’t anything that you particularly want, don’t let them spaff away £500, especially given where the economy is headed right now, just because it’s a round number birthday.

My mum bought me a rose called Silver Wedding (you’ll never guess when) and that’s been perennially lovely.

One birthday, my husband delivered me to a bookshop with a generous budget and then took the kids away so I could browse for as long as I wanted.

Recently had my 70th. Requested no presents and set up a birthday fundraiser. Raised over £500 for my favourite small charity. Gave me a lot of pleasure.

I got many lovely things but my favourite was the Le Creuset casserole pan in orange. Looks perfect in my rustic kitchen and I love cooking. Would never have splurged on myself.

I got my son the Mont Blanc Starwalker Blue for his 18th.

My siblings paid for me to get really good professional photos taken of my family, including a large framed portrait. My dh brought me to Paris for my birthday weekend, it was fab!

I got a painting for my 50th from the family, is something I wouldn't have bought for myself, and everyone that walks in loves it and comments on it.

I can research and write about a branch of your family tree with chart for your budget. I specialise in engaging writing so it's fresh and modern but all about your ancestors. Drop me a PM if interested.

@HeddaGarbled

My feeling about this is, if there isn’t anything that you particularly want, don’t let them spaff away £500, especially given where the economy is headed right now, just because it’s a round number birthday.

You know nothing about their circumstances. The £500 is between three people - one of whom is the OP’s husband - and between them £500 might be loose change from the back pocket. You might be struggling right now but do not assume everyone else is. They are not “spaffing away £500”. OP is taking the time to choose a gift or gifts that will last for years, like the things others have suggested. A good quality purse, a piece of jewellery, cookware, etc.

Why is it on here that as soon as someone mentions anything related to spending money on nice things all the sanctimonious lot appear?

I would get a classic bag or coat something a little more than I would get myself but something I could wear for ever

A fruit tree
Luxury spa weekend
Season ticket to your favourite entertainment or activity
Theatre tokens
A bicycle
Donation to your favourite charity
Course to learn a new skill, whether it's belly dancing, politics, saxophone or Spanish
An evening dress or jewellery
A painting that you commission

A trip away ?