Birthday present for designer-loving, childless friend?

[Thedragon55]

Every birthday my friend spoils me with designer handbags, purses, beautiful jewellery. She is single, childless and enjoys spending more money than she can afford. Absolutely no judgement from me for that, she enjoys it and shes so generous with it.
However, I struggle massively when it comes to her birthday. She loves all things designer and I just dont have designer money as I have 2 kids, a mortgage and not much disposable income.
I know she won't judge but I'd like to buy her something special that she will like... any ideas?

She's not really into handmade/homemade (unless by the kids), she loves bling... shiny bags, purses,shoes jewellery and she loves brand names. A candle wouldn't be an option as she still lives with her parents and spends much of her time enjoying weekends away in big cities and often goes travelling abroad. So I dont think she would benefit from a candle as she doesn't particularly enjoy being at home.

Budget would be around £25.

Really nice lipstick or make up bag.

And a hand made card is sweet from the kids but not the present....that's more for grandparents imo

Cashmere socks from The White Company

Some pyjamas now the winter is coming? Silky button down long ones, look at ASOS and Next.

Love the idea of PJs!

I tend to try and think of something mundane and boring that people buy the most dull version of then bling it up. So for example salt and pepper shakers - get philip starck version or umbrella - get a fancy teeny tiny expensive one that fits into a small handbag - doorstop etc. Try looking around her home and see what she has in the utilitarian form then replace with expensive version of?

@Thedragon55

Time, give her done time? Take her out to lunch, give her a few hours of time to chat?

That's what I like getting from my friends, spending time with them!

Some not done!

I'd go for something really handy for her travels maybe a little bag to bring on plane with face mist, eye mask & luxury wipes?
Or a subscription to Conde nast magazine or other travel mag?

Your friend sounds a bit like me!
Someone got me a lovely gift last year, it was a jewellery pouch/travel roll. If she goes off on city breaks like you said, it’d be handy for her.

I assumed the picture of your children suggestion was a joke too!!

A high end make up item. Depending on what she likes you could get her a nice lipstick or nail polish from Chanel or Dior or something or there are nice gift sets at this time of year

The picture of children was not a joke, actually - I really love receiving a school photo of my best friend's children each year as part of my Christmas present. As well as their handmade cards for Christmas and Birthday's. The OP agreed that that was a nice idea so not sure why people felt the need to mock the suggestion.

www.amazon.co.uk/Katie-Loxton-Perfect-Clutch-Metallic/dp/B01KO3US72/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ref=plSrch&keywords=kate+loxton+clutch&dpPl=1&dpID=616yofVkd0L&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&tag=mumsnetforum-21&ie=UTF8&qid=1539799553&sr=8-4

This comes with gift bag too!

If you’re struggling to find a ‘thing’ to buy her, I’d take her out for a really nice lunch.

Definitely second the lunch idea...just the two of you. I love spending quality time with my friends without their kids (as much as I love them)

A cat cushion? Ovulation kit? BTW it's 'childfree' not 'childless'.

I would third the idea of giving her time. Take her out for a meal or somewhere daft like bowling or an escape the room experience. Just somewhere the 2 of you can spend time enjoying each others company. She may like your children but she is your friend and it doesn't sound like you get to enjoy each others company together very often.

Please don’t give her a photo of your children I can’t think of a single friend of mine who is dying to display a photo of my kids (much less the child free ones)

Sorry @SunflowerJo08 I didn’t mean to offend but I did think it was a joke and not a great gift idea but appreciate some people may like to receive it.

What perfume does she wear? You could get her something else from the same range - the deodorant, talc, bubble bath, shower gel, etc. Or a mascara/nail polish etc. I like the idea of ridiculously expensive socks. She’ll know what they cost and get a great deal of pleasure out of wearing them. I

How about nipple tassels and a burlesque dancing lesson? Something leftfield that she wouldn't expect.

TK Max have cashmere socks at around £10. That and the body lotion / bubble bath of my perfume would make me very 😁😁. I could actually be your friend!