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surprise party for a friend - ideas

7 replies

aloneintheether · 27/04/2024 15:26

I'm in need of ideas for a friend's surprise party. It's her birthday in a few weeks. She told me that with it nor being a big, special number she worried people would not think it worth a party and would possibly not turn up.

My friend has had a really tough time with friends all throughout her life. She was badly bullied at school and always left out. She never experienced good friendships and still now in her forties thinks people would not want to be friends with her. She is the kindest, most gentle soul and such a lovely friend. During our early friendship she used to always bring me a present when we met up. When I asked her about it she said she thought she had to give something for people to want to be friends with her.

I really want to show my friend she is loved and valued as the person she is without anyone wanting anything else from her apart from the friendship. I'm a bit stuck for ideas though. She loves nature, gardening, growing things, raising her hen, making food and drinks out of her own produce, psychology, walking and sometimes making crafts things. I'm not sure if she's a spa kind of person or not. There would probably be two or three other friends as well as me. It wouldn't have to be anything fancy, just thoughtful. I'm sure I'll get ideas but just thought other people might have good idea I haven't thought of.

OP posts:
Solgrass · 27/04/2024 15:31

If you are due for nice weather- have a picnic in her garden. Lots of blankets, scatter cushions etc, everyone brings along their own picnic basket (so don’t have to cater). Have some champagne with the picnic. Maybe produce from her garden?

Mindymomo · 27/04/2024 15:38

Are there any crafting centres near you or pottery classes, wine tours, plus a lunch after or cream tea at a nice hotel.

FinallyHere · 27/04/2024 16:21

My favourite adult party is a walk (of level suitable for the attendees ) followed by lunch in boiling or in nice weather a picnic.

It seems to suit lots of my friends, too.

perfectcolourfound · 27/04/2024 16:28

Your idea comes from a lovely place, but please do be certain that it's what your friend would want. I'm one of those people who would really, really dislike having a surprise party thrown. (So much so I have a reciprocal agreement with a friend to tip each other off if we hear one is being planned - it's been called on by both of us over the decaded).

Also, only do it if you're certain people will turn up - otherwise you'll prove your friend's fear that people won't want to come.

But if you're happy she would love it, and people will come, then I love the idea of (on a sunny day if we ever get one) a walk and picnic in a lovely park.

CuppaTea23 · 27/04/2024 16:30

One birthday my friends did a surprise party and had a Polaroid camera to take pics and have nice messages from people. It's such a beautiful gift. I don't know how you make that work with a small group but could you? Or like a collage frame and ask each of the friends to add a picture / quote to one of the slots? She maybe needs reminding how loved she is!

hopscotcher · 27/04/2024 16:44

Not sure that surprise parties are always a good idea, but if it's only a small number of people it could be lovely. What about afternoon tea at a hotel, or something like that?
You sound really caring. I hope whatever you do goes well.

heldinadream · 27/04/2024 17:16

What about a trip to a wonderful National Trust garden and lunch and/or cake in the cafe finishing off with you all buying her a plant or two in the shop? Whereabouts are you in the country OP?

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