present ideas for a lovely friend

[julietbat]

Sorry if this isn't really the right place for this thread - couldn't really think where else to put it.

I have a lovely, lovely friend who turns 40 next month. She's only become a good friend in the last couple of years (we met through our babies) but she's such a gentle soul and I've become extremely fond of her. She's gone through some very tough times recently and I want to step up to the mark and show her what she means to me now her birthday is imminent.

Can anyone suggest a present that won't cost the earth (she wouldn't want lots of money spent on her) but that is a little bit unusual or special?

Or is there something you've been bought before that's made you smile and know that you're loved?

Any help much appreciated

Not sure what your financial limit it is but what about a massage or manicure/other spa treatment?

Alternatively, I've done a proper afternoon tea for my friends. I bake and make lovely sandwiches and they have really appreciated the effort that I have made for a lovely relaxing afternoon.

Yes, I'd probably suggest something that involves spending time with her rather than a 'thing'. Afternoon tea as suggested above is a gorgeous idea and you can really put some effort in. There's nothing quite like food made and supplied with love. Or think about what kind of thing she's into and treat her to it; a matinee at the cinema followed by coffee/a drink in a really posh hotel, for example. Or a National Trust property and you can make a lovely picnic or, again, treat her to tea/lunch. Or do you have a favourite walk, or a favourite place to sit and look at the view, or something similar? I think saying 'I love doing this and I'd like to share it with you' is a beautiful way of giving someone a present.

Thanks both of you. Great ideas - we're both real 'foodies' and total chatterboxes so doing something together or with other good friends is something she'd really enjoy. And she spends her life making sure that everyone else is looked after and pampered it would be lovely to do the same for her.

I particularly like the idea of afternoon tea or choosing a really special walk and then a picnic with a view. Just got to get the weather right for that one.

Thanks again for your help ladies