Best friends 40th- present ideas?!

[teachpeach]

My best friend is 40 in March and I'd like some ideas for presents- I want to spend up to £100. She bought me a fabulous bag- any suggestions gratefully received!

Maybe a day's course in something (and you could maybe offer to look after her DC - if applicable). Digital photography, candle making, reiki ???

Jewellery with her birthstone.
Royal doulton Figurine of her name or birthday month.
A lunch out or theatre trip for the two of you.
A painting by a local artist.
A framed enlargement of a favourite photo of hers.
Really depends what she's in to and what her tastes are.

I am 40 next month and would be very happy indeed if somebody bought me:

• a quirky silver necklace, perhaps with an acorn or a bumblebee or a teapot or somesuch
• a really lovely pashmina
• perfume by Kenzo, Philosophy or Stella McCartney
• a big silk scarf with a subtle pattern
• anything from Emma Bridgewater
• a le Creusset casserole dish
• lovely stationery
• posh handcream

I was 40 last month and my favourite presents were

a personalised aquamarine leather diary with "Onlyaphase's diary 2010" on the front
a fabulous 9 hole white antiquey-looking photo frame
Jo Malone perfume
a rose patterned throw for my new sofa
a handmade silver bracelet

A painting
Nicholas Mosse pottery
A photo album full of pictures of your best times together

Photobooks make a nice gift, you can add captions too

Teach, what is she into? Job? Hobbies? Tastes? Leisure?

Has to be the starting point for any great pressie!

you can get a day's pampering at our local beauty salon for around £100 I think. Some people don't like beauty treatments or some buy them for themselves anyway wouldn't be special - so you'd need to be sure - but I'd LOVE that as a present.

I agree with paulaplumpbottom my bf gave me a photo album of our times together for my 30th, it made me cry (with happiness) and is one of my most treasured possessions.

Loads of lovely ideas- thanks very much!!