Friend very depressed at turning 40 - what do I get her?

[franch]

Met an old friend the other night, we were at college together and probably see each other once or twice a year. She was in tears about her forthcoming birthday: as she sees it, she has nothing to show for her life so far - no man, no kids, no big career success.

As I say I don't see her regularly but she's really lovely and I do feel for her. Another friend and I thought we'd get her something to try and make her feel good on the day, but are a bit stumped. I guess our joint budget might be around £50 (very roughly).

Please help!

There's probably nothing money can buy that would make her feel better about this. (Speaks from experience...)
But what about taking her out for a really nice meal?

Yeah

Well she was AGONISING about what to do on the day and was thinking of inviting maybe 3 close friends out for a meal but was worried they would have childcare problems ... We weren't among the close friends tho!

1. Don't buy her a card with the number 40 on the front (I hated that when I got to 40- really didn't want to be reminded.)

2. Don't buy her a souvenir gift with the number 40 on it. (My sis bought me a very pretty hand decorated champagne glass for my 40th which has been consigned to the back of the cupboard as it has a huge glittery 40 on the front )

Eek BBK

You could try giving her a walking stick

Oh thanks Jux, very helpful

Or, if you can both get to see her, take her out for cocktails on a different night to the dinner she may or not have with the other friends?

Or get theatre tickets? For the three of you?

Thanks good suggestions trefusis & katisha.

If you could get together some old photos from friends/family and put them together in a book. My sister did this for my 40th in November and it made me cry.
The company she used are called Snapfish and she did it all online.
Hope this helps.

I was 40 recently, and would have loved a scrapbook, photo selection or anything like that.

A feel-good night out for the three of you - I like the tribute bands like Abba where you can have a good bop, but it depends what she's in to, otherwise a theatre or cinema trip.

That's a lovely idea Cobblers and Takver - we're not really close though, to be honest, just friends who did a course together for a year, and who meet up now and then. So we're not in a position to do any kind of scrapbook for her really - but we'd still like to make a nice gesture, especially as she was so honest with us about how she feels.

Will give it some more thought. You may be right about a night out liliput, thanks.

Hi When my single friend turned 40 we took her out for the day to York. Did the ghost walk, had a meal and wine.

Get her a date.

I wish, Hully!

That's nice, Madtom. Still thinking ...

Get her a massive box of Laduree cakes and a stack of poshe magazines, the lucky moo bag will be able to enjoy them both with no interuptions.
drools and faints at yummness

You are a very thoughtful friend. If you're in London you could take her there for tea?

thanks meggle. We are in London. Wow they look amazing ...