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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to buy an expensive present for myself for a significant birthday?

60 replies

NeedPerspective1234 · 17/07/2023 15:14

I am not much of a present person. I have never got proper presents for myself and I am in general quite careful with money. Definitely not a big spender!

However, my 35th birthday is coming up in a few months and I have been toying with the idea of buying something special and timeliness to mark the event, such as a luxury watch. The idea is to buy something special, that I will be able to keep wearing for many years, that perhaps one day I could pass down to a niece or relative. I also liked the idea that I can buy the watch for myself by myself, as in marking the fact that I have built a good career and financial independence.

However, the idea of spending so much money on a bloody watch terrifies me! It feels so self-indulgent during such difficult economic times.

What do you think? If you had the possibility, would you spend a significant amount on a special birthday present for yourself? Is it a silly idea? Can't quite decide if it is a good idea or a stupid one 😅

Thanks for your thoughts!

OP posts:
Screamingabdabz · 17/07/2023 15:15

Genuinely, why do need permission? Just do it and enjoy it! Even better if it’s ‘just because’ not a birthday.

KatsuYum · 17/07/2023 15:16

DO IT

A watch is also a tangible keepsake. Not saying theres anything wrong with a weekend spa. I wouldn’t hesitate to do this, but then I do like to treat myself when I feel I deserve it.

Enjoy 😊

tt9 · 17/07/2023 15:17

you absolutely should do this. a good watch is a wardrobe staple. nothing wrong with spending money on yourself once in a while

stayathomer · 17/07/2023 15:18

Lovely idea! I love people doing things on mn like this- so inspiring- there was a lady who took up a martial art, another who started learning to swim, another who got a tattoo … just brilliant! Definitely do it!

Plexie · 17/07/2023 15:20

Overlooking the fact that 35 isn't usually considered a 'significant' birthday How much are you thinking of spending? A few hundred or a few thousand? Bear in mind maintaining an expensive watch (professional clean, insurance) can cost more than buying a new, cheaper, watch.

Fashions change. Would a relative even want the watch?

MrsSamR · 17/07/2023 15:20

Don't really see why 35 is a significant birthday but if you can afford to buy yourself a nice watch, do it. My husband did this for his 40th.

Caroparo52 · 17/07/2023 15:22

Do it. Enjoy it.

Serenity45 · 17/07/2023 15:24

I'm 50 this year and will be treating myself to a diamond bracelet. I've had a significant inheritance and while most of it is going into the household 'pot', I'm buying something to remember my family member by. Married, no kids and have mentioned it to DH who is v much of the opinion that it's technically 'my' money anyways.

Go for it OP

gingerscot · 17/07/2023 15:24

I buy myself a “decent” birthday present every year. I’m never disappointed 😂

KatsuYum · 17/07/2023 15:26

What we need are pictures of what you’re thinking, what style you like and lifestyle etc. and we’ll help you 🙂. We’ll be like virtual shopping assistants, make a day of it!

BarbaraofSeville · 17/07/2023 15:45

Screamingabdabz · 17/07/2023 15:15

Genuinely, why do need permission? Just do it and enjoy it! Even better if it’s ‘just because’ not a birthday.

This. Surely what matters is that you can afford it after more important things like housing, bills, pension, food etc has been covered and the watch (or whatever) comes out of your personal spending money.

If you have the money, you can buy it, if not, keep saving. Some people spend loads on all sorts of non essentials without batting an eyelid so even if this watch is £5/10k or whatever, that's only the same as a few years' worth of £50 a week on coffee and lunches while at work except the difference is that you'll have a watch that will probably keep it's value if it's the type of watch that does, rather than an overpriced fashion brand.

But definitely factor in maintenance costs. The costs of owning an expensive watch can be far more than just the price tag.

SurpriseSparDay · 17/07/2023 15:55

Surely what matters is that you can afford it after more important things like housing, bills, pension, food etc has been covered and the watch (or whatever) comes out of your personal spending money.

Surely those considerations are what matters to you, @BarbaraofSeville? The OP is just as entitled to buy herself a present if she has other priorities. If it’s her choice, it doesn’t have to be sensible, or prudent, or in any way the MN-approved choice.

catsnhats11 · 17/07/2023 15:58

Of course buy yourself a watch if you can afford it. Though I wouldn't take into consideration passing it on for the decision, fashions change and I doubt any relative will want your watch in many years to come, unless it's very sentimental or very expensive.

MatildaTheCat · 17/07/2023 16:00

If you can afford it and are usually quite wedded to your choices then absolutely go for it. If you are likely to go off it after a short while then maybe put it in your mental shopping basket for a year or so to be certain.

I have a theory that if you are going to make a big purchase you might as well do it as soon as possible and get the benefit for as long as possible.

AttentionToDetal · 17/07/2023 16:02

Definitely in the 'do it' camp if you can afford!

For my 40th I spent around £5k getting invisalign treatment, and I can't even pass that on to anyone😁

Original poster
NeedPerspective1234 · 17/07/2023 16:08

KatsuYum · 17/07/2023 15:26

What we need are pictures of what you’re thinking, what style you like and lifestyle etc. and we’ll help you 🙂. We’ll be like virtual shopping assistants, make a day of it!

This is what I have in mind at the moment😍

It is around £5.3k.

to buy an expensive present for myself for a significant birthday?
to buy an expensive present for myself for a significant birthday?
OP posts:
Glittertwins · 17/07/2023 16:09

Definitely do it. It's a classic

GiveMyHeadPeaceffs · 17/07/2023 16:10

I recently turned 50 and commissioned a piece of bespoke jewellery for myself and I absolutely love it. It wasn't cheap but it was completely worth it. I can highly recommend buying yourself nice things that you actually want.

Plexie · 17/07/2023 16:10

Ooh, I love brushed stainless steel!

nonmerci99 · 17/07/2023 16:10

If you can afford it, there is no reason at all you shouldn't go for it!

Glittertwins · 17/07/2023 16:10

But make sure you try them on. I was absolutely going to get a certain watch...until I tried it on and it didn't suit me. Got a different style which did

gogomoto · 17/07/2023 16:12

I bought myself a kitchen for my 40th! For my 50th dp has bought me a kitchen (bought a house with him in interim) its good to mark significant birthdays!

RuffledKestrel · 17/07/2023 16:19

Definitely do it if you can afford it.
I commission some art work after a particularly rough few years. Every time I see them hung on my wall it makes me happy, pleased at how far I've come and content with what I have.

Cornflowers35 · 17/07/2023 16:20

I also say do it OP.

I shall be having a Big birthday soon, and will get absolutely nothing. (I have a very small family to be fair so wouldn't have expected anything except from my DC).

The DC will get no help from ex to get me anything (although he expects expensive gifts from them that he must know they can't afford).

I'll be lucky to get a Happy Birthday.

I just don't bother with them anymore.

I know I could treat myself. But not really feeling it this year.

847arc · 17/07/2023 16:23

Do it! I buy myself a birthday present every year, with varying costs but always sometimes I really want.
And best wishes for your birthday!