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

[NeedPerspective1234]

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!

G0 for it for my 60/61st year I’m celebrating being scammer debt free then saving for a 120 inch screen with projector a good one laser automatic as well. I don’t drink don’t smoke not one for jewellery as such so this my huge present to myself. H

Yep deffo do it !
watches hold there value make sure it’s the good model the workings eg quartz or automatic because I think they may do both personally I’d go for automatic xxx

You don't need to have a reason to treat yourself!! Do it!!

I bought myself a Longines many years ago, and it has never gone out of style. It's silver/gold so I didn't wear it as much when gold wasn't as much 'in' but it seems to be having a resurgence, so I must get a new battery in it!

Cornflowers35
Have a talk with your dc (obviously if they’re just babies don’t, but if any older do). Tell them when your birthday is and tell them you need a hug and for them to make you special (if they aren’t old enough to have money). It’s your special day and when they’re older you don’t want them ignoring people’s birthdays! ( I used to get my db’s g friend’s bday present until I gave him a talking to! On the day play board games and get a cake. Even buy yourself something nice or start a new hobby or go out for a walk somewhere lovely. And tell people it’s your birthday. Life is too short to expect nothing for yourself (from someone who used to) xxxxxxxx

Sorry I meant tell them to make you something special even a card or something but with thought put in

Do it!

(but you don’t need to kid yourself that 35 is a significant birthday to justify it 😁)

Do it. I have a relative who had hankered after a Rolex for years. Every milestone birthday they talked themselves out of it. They then got a cancer diagnosis completely out of the blue and 8 months later they were gone. Buy the watch. Own something wonderful and timeless that you love.

very nice. cartier is always a yes from me.

Thank you @stayathomer that's brought a tear to my eye. (Dcat is a bit poorly as well, which isn't helping my emotions).

DC sadly are old enough, but they get enough grief from their dad about presents for him / me in general)

It doesn't help it's my 50th. 😱. That's probably the reason 😁

35 isn’t a special Birthday but regardless, if you can afford it & it’s your money it’s up to you

Buy the watch. The carrier tank is a classic.

I have an expensive watch, I've always loved watches over bags or diamonds. My only comment would be don't keep it for 'best'. Wear it every day and enjoy it.

I'm due to get a pretty large sum of money quite soon and an expensive watch is the only thing I would splash out on.

I don't really wear jewellery but I always wear a watch and a really good quality one is what I hope to get.

Just which make to go for though.

If I had stayed working in investment banking, I had every intention of treating myself at some point to a diamond bracelet.

Do it.

I always buy my own presents cos then I get what I want
Me and my husband agreed to this many years ago and it works

I bought an expensive coat for my 50th. Hardly wore it and threw it out a couple of years later. So based on that I'd say don't bother 😆

I'd rather have a day out or a holiday than a thing.

Self bought presents are always perfect.

Do it and don't look back. I buy myself a nice present either for birthdays or each time something significant happens in my life such as finishing a degree, divorce, getting a new job etc.

I usually buy a piece of art or a handbag or jewellery. All things I get enjoyment out of all the time.

Cornflowers35
Ah happy birthday in advance!Definitely talk to them, even if it’s just a ‘I’m finding this birthday a bit of a big thing, shall we do something for it? I just kind of want it to be ‘a thing’! Even drop a hit for flowers/ chocolates/ balloons whatever. But definitely do something nice for it, even if just a cupcake and a book in a cafe and a nice walk x

@NeedPerspective1234 I bought an almost identical watch from Cartier for my 40th. I wear it every single day and have never regretted it. Do it!!!!

i buy myself a birthday present every year, i will also turn 35 soon so looking for something. More likely a bag or jewellery!

If you want the watch then buy it but let's not pretend 35 is a significant birthday! That's just silly

Do it! I didn’t have quite the same budget but bought myself a gold and diamond ring for my 30th.

I think if 35 is a significant birthday to you then that makes it significant so don’t listen to those who say it’s not.

if you’re otherwise in a financially healthy position…go for it. It makes much more sense to buy it at 35 then to wait 5 years to buy it on your 40th (is that significant enough to everyone?)

If you want it and can afford it, why not?!

I can't bear to be reminded or to remind myself of 'significant' age-milestones; but have at times enjoyed giving myself 'just because' or 'get well' presents that some would consider unreasonable or extravagant, but have given me lots of pleasure.

GORGEOUS! ❤️

What a timeless, classic piece that will go with anything and likely to hold value.

As Mabelline say “cos you’re worth it”