Special 60th birthday gift

[LadyLouOf2]

My Mum's 60th birthday in May. I want to buy something lovely and unusual.

Budget is about £1k. I don't really want to buy a voucher and booking a holiday isn't an option.

I always do spa or skincare stuff for her so don't feel as though that is special enough for this birthday.

She's into her fitness but has most things, fit bit, lots of kit etc.

I had thought about getting a custom made gold bangle with the grandchildren's birth stones but it's proving tricky...

Any inspiration!?

Does she have any hobbies? A lovely garden maybe?

As in, does she have a lovely garden that you could get something for....

She's not really into gardening, they have a gardener. Nor into cooking either 🥴
They run their own business so she's very hard working. Doting on her grandchildren and fitness are her hobbies...

I was thinking more if she had a lovely garden - maybe a sculpture for it. I once bought my mum a custom engraved sundial, calibrated to the exact location so it tells the correct time.

Or a piece of art for the house?

A family portrait, done from photo's - so it'll be a complete surprise.

In ordinary times I would split the gift into two, half into an experience, half into a beautiful piece of jewellery or art. The experience could be something like a yoga retreat for a weekend? As something to complement her fitness? Or a city break? I know you said holidays are out but is that due to covid or other reasons? Experiences are hard to imagine at the minute.

Have you looked into getting the bangle commissioned from a jewellery maker? It sounds like a lovely idea.

When is her birthday roughly?

Oh, god - not a family portrait! Her heart will sink to her boots - and she'll have to display it dutifully forever more, cursing you every time she sees it.
How about really lovely dinner at Michelin* restaurant when they re-open? Or a piece of antique jewellery?
I'd love an Isokon donkey if someone was kind to spend that much on me.

60 isn't that 'old'. If she's into her fitness then she may not want this birthday to be made out to be some sort of milestone related to becoming ancient.
Get her a nice pendant and get your kids to make a card. Put some photos she hasn't seen of them into an album.

These are great thank you, keep them coming!

No holiday due to various reasons, Covid included. My brother and SIL couldn't/wouldn't come so not exploring that. A shame as I took her to NY for her 50th, but ten years on there are grandchildren etc around and we already have a family hol booked for us all to go skiing together on Boxing Day together for a week, so don't feel we need (can do) another before then.

Birthday is in May.

And I kind of agree re family portrait! 🤣

Statement handbag?

Its quite unpleasant to make fun of suggestions that are made, a lot of people would love a family portrait, and it's thoughtful. The op doesn't have to take any suggestions on board she doesn't want to.

I'm a few years shy of hitting 60 but I sound superficially similar to your mum - into fitness and health but got all the gear already.

I would love to get some really nice jewellery - if you have £1k to spend then there's a lot of choice. Maybe something by Dior or Chanel?

I would also love a 1k handbag but I think that's very individual taste.

God yes, would love a designer handbag!!

Not sure of the cost but maybe an electric bike? If she won’t feel insulted 😂

You mentioned bespoke jewellery - have you tried Etsy? Lots of lovely jewellery makers on there who may be able to hit your deadline.

I second Etsy for bespoke jewellery. I had our wedding rings made by a seller in Spain - absolutely beautiful fair trade hammered gold. You get much more bang for your buck on there than going for branded (all the extra cost of designer stuff goes on marketing, not the quality of the item).

@YesItsAPeacock that sounds lovely. Could you recommend the seller?

of course, this is her: www.etsy.com/shop/EthicaljewelryEB

I am 60 in September. I would be delighted with a special piece of jewellery. I would be disappointed with a family portrait. I'd love one, but not for my birthday.

For my sister's 60th her children got her a lovely designer handbag & purse - nice but wearable if you know what I mean. A piece of Tiffany jewellery with each child's initials on it and some perfume they chose based on scents she's liked before.
They hired a party barge and we all gathered for a few drinks and some nibbles on there.
She was so super pleased at the gifts and relaxed / different venue style

I was going to say Tiffany. Can't go wrong with it.

For my sister's sixtieth I got her a bird box with a camera in the back so she can watch birds nesting on her iPad.

And a framed picture of five place names special to her life, written in their "what three words".

But I expect most people would prefer a handbag....

[quote YesItsAPeacock]of course, this is her: www.etsy.com/shop/EthicaljewelryEB[/quote]
@YesItsAPeacock fab I have just messaged her- thank you! They look lovely

@Time4change2018

For my sister's 60th her children got her a lovely designer handbag & purse - nice but wearable if you know what I mean. A piece of Tiffany jewellery with each child's initials on it and some perfume they chose based on scents she's liked before. They hired a party barge and we all gathered for a few drinks and some nibbles on there. She was so super pleased at the gifts and relaxed / different venue style

@Time4change2018 love that, and the idea of the barge thank you!