I have birthday money to spend on something that I'll keep - what would you buy?

[Chewbecca]

I recently received £90 John Lewis vouchers and £188 cash for my 40th & would like to get something that I'll keep for a long time that I'll remember and associate as a gift from my friends for my 40th & be able to show them when I wear it. Maybe jewellery. Maybe some earrings. Maybe a long pendant, maybe something completely different, not jewels at all.

What would you buy?

(I know, I am VERY lucky!)

A lovely handbag or purse???? One that you would NEVER normally afford like a Mulberry????

I like to spend 'treat money' on something I use a lot rather than something for special occasions. Bag, wallet, pretty everyday earrings or a lovely ring maybe?

Oooh, and NOT a handbag because I also received a fabulous Jimmy Choo evening bag for my birthday AND have a (fairly) special every day already.

Now I've said that I feel like a bit of a spoilt brat and am now pondering charitable donations.

I'd either go for a good bag- John Lewis sell Modalu and Radley which are both less hyped but good quality brands or look for a bag on Outnet.com/ where you can find excellent discounts on 'designer' brands be they clothes, accessories or bags. I like the idea of buying a beautiful clutch bag to accompany you on nights out with your friends. Another suggestion? A really good pair of classically designed boots which will last you for years or a good raincoat. Look for a classic design of it's type whatever the item you choose sao it never goes out of style.

Michael Kors watches from John Lewis are about £200 and are lovely and they also sell watches by Marc Jacobs for £185. Or to step away from clothes/jewellery, how about a really good coffee machine so you can treat visitors to your home?

19twenty8 make gorgeous leather laptop cases (John Lewis again).

Hehe, mignonette - my (fairly) special everyday bag is a Modalu from JL :-)

Or buy some high quality cookware and treat them to a meal in- Le Creuset or Tierra Negra here

Or beautiful wine glasses that you'll keep and use forever....Or a Kitchen Aid blender.....?

Great minds think alike Chewbacca

What about a nice scarf?

Silver!!! Amongst my otherwise very utilitarian kitchenware I have two silver serving spoons that my mother got off EBay years ago and I love them and get pleasure from them every day. Great thing to spend treat money on.

A lovely watch you know you will wear every day

Or a locket you can put some pics of loved ones in?

A lovely jewellery box for dressing table

A beautiful mirror for your hall

A proper powder compact which will still fit modern pressed or loose powder

Something vintage? A fab vintage dress?

Mmmm, lots of inspiration there, thank you all.

Never thought of silver before, but def could fit the bill, will have a good look around the net on that topic.

Rather like the Michael Kors watches too and the idea of daily looking is good.

Love the Marc Jacobs watches. It's on my Xmas list this year

I could spend and spend in John Lewis!
They do Mondial watches which are lovely.
Lola Rose scarves and jewellery are nice.
Mulberry purse in petrol.

A beautiful real silver watch. I have one and I will always treasure it.

I'm in the same position - it was my 40th in May and everyone got me JL vouchers and I've been faffing about since then trying to decide what to buy.

I've been looking at watches and think I'm going to go for one but I'm torn between the mondial and skagen ones

My parents bought me a heavy silver torque bracelet which was a total surprise but I love it and wear it every day

Some jewellery from Made in Shetland (you will have to search on FB as i'm not sure she has a website). Her name is Esme and she does beautiful pieces of sand cast silver jewellery from things she finds on the beach. I got a lovely starfish pendant for my 40th.