Help needed choosing gift for friends 60th.

[nowahousewife]

DH and I really struggling to choose a gift for our dear friend’s 60th. The wisdom of you mumsnetters to come up with any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

She is a wonderful person who places high value on friends and family, is always doing things for others, likes the finer things in life but equally can be very down to earth. The party will be a lavish event (as was her 50th) at a private members club with guests flying in from around the world.

We have no budget, ideally will spend up to £500 but happy to spend more for the right gift. We have considered buying a place on a particular course for her or a piece of jewellery but feel there must be something better we have overlooked.

HELP!

£500 seems far too much for a birthday gift. I would be horrified if my friends spent that on me. That aside, i think jewellery needs to be chosen by the person wearing it. I got vouchers from my friends for my 60th for my favourite jewellery shop. Also nice is a voucher for a favourite restaurant.

How about a photo album, contact friends and family and get photos of her at different ages with different people and spend time printing and putting into a beautiful leather bound album.

Cost would be time based not money and it would reflect your description of her better than money.

ApolloandDaphne agree with what you say about jewellery, it’s just so personal.
I have a personal aversion towards vouchers (unless requested) as I feel they put the onus back on the recipient whereas some of the most lovely gifts I’ve ever received have been things I’d never think of buying for myself.

creamsnugjumper thanks, defo food for thought.

Yes I agree. I asked for vouchers and knew exactly what I wanted to buy which made it easier. My other favourite things for my 60th were both events - ABBA Voyage and the Chelsea flower show but my DH organised these for time when he knew I was free. It's tricky because I know I have everything I need and I'm sure your friend does too.

I got ABBA voyage for my birthday a couple of years ago; it was great!

If you are buying for a wealthy person, they probably have all they want and this amount of money seems high. We don’t move in such circles and most people we know say No Gifts to avoid these dilemmas. I always do.

However since you ask - a Hermes scarf.

What's she into? Something like annual National Trust membership or a season ticket for concerts / theatre etc?

At 60 you do not really need more stuff, I would go for an experience, Like a meal out at a special place, Nat Trust as pp has said, spa break/beauty treatments.
I have a friend who keeps getting me stuff I no longer need which just gets put away but there is no stopping her!

High value on friends - arrange a day trip out with her - it doesn't matter if it's new and exciting or familiar as it's the "with friends" that's important