Handbag for a 21st birthday £100 budget?

[whoseafraidofnaomiwolf]

My son's utterly lovely girlfriend is going to be 21 at the end of the month. I'd love to take her out for a posh(ish) lunch and then handbag shopping. I know my budget isn't the biggest (it's a tough year), but any suggestions/ recommendations for a good bag that will stand the test of time and make her feel special when she uses it?

If she likes mini bags:

https://www.net-a-porter.com/product/1647597289083494

Have a look at the Katie loxton website , if she is studious then they have some lovely back packs within budget

Not Radley for a 21 year old!

https://www.stories.com/en_gbp/bags/product.classic-leather-tote-pink.1164148001.html

Think a tote bag maybe a better idea. Not so personal. The le pilage bag would be useful although I would anogonise over the size of handles and colour choice.

DD (24) has a Marc Jacobs camera bag - they are a bit of a 'classic' and hers always gets admired. They're more expensive but you might get lucky and find one on sale (I did when I bought it for her!). She's a huge fashionista so trust me, if she loves it you should be ok!! There's a lot of copies of this bag out there so if she's not into her designers, that might be an option.

My girls only have 'designer' bags (not mega expensive, not Prada level!!) - and yes, I know I have created monsters!

Alternatively try discount shopping sites like Brandalley, Zalando Lounge, Yoox - though it might be too late to order online if her birthday is soon. Brands like Michael Kors, Paul Costello, etc often have bags reduced to half price depending on the season.

My 20-somethings raved over a Kurt Geiger back when we were on holiday and so both of them bought one. They were jewel colours with those chain handles that are all in right now. Don't see them on the website currently but again you might pick them up online somewhere as they were reduced in the summer sale.

Do not under any circumstances get her Radley - she will never forgive you lol!! They are an old lady bag - I'm probably considered to be an old lady and I wouldn't buy one either!!

There are usually a lot of Guess options but I think they are a bit ubiquitous. MK has kind of gone the same way. Fossil do some decent bags but having said that, neither of my DDs has one.

Get your DS to suss out what she likes - maybe they could have a wander in the shops and he could get an idea what her taste is.

She's a lucky girl!

OMG I love that See by Chloe bag - and such a great price!! My daughters would love that (in fact I might get one of them this bag for Christmas!)

They bought me a much bigger version recently (based on my heavy hints!) for my 'big' birthday and I love it!

That's such a great find!

DKNY might have something.

At that price point you'll struggle to find leather and branded. You'll be better off looking at a good bag in a High Street shop.

The cheaper Valentino ones are plastic.

I wouldn't have wanted a Pliage at that age.

It's very personal, so I agree I'd find something while you're out.

You might be able to get a nice purse instead?

That's a fantastic link. Thank you!

Radley do really nice bags especially in their clearance shops

Not for a 21 year old they don't!

I would agree with a small Radley.

Frasers often have them on sale

But.....I wouldnt take her shopping for it. I would take her to lunch and give her the bag. I would hate for your lovely gesture to fall victim to a mismatch of expectations! Also....it hides the fact that with a bit of sleuthing, you can find a proper bargain!

I wouldn't take her bag shopping unless you're really close. She'll probably like a bag outside your budget and will feel that she has to pick something she doesn't like so you don't overspend. What kind of bags does she use herself? Radley do some great bags, they're not all mumsy! https://www.radley.co.uk/phoenix-place-small-drawstring-cross-body-h7302001-ic-ss23#H7302001

https://www.radley.co.uk/collections/new-and-irresistible/clarence-road-small-zip-top-grab-h7517001-ic-ss23#H7517001

Don’t buy a 21 year old a radley bag or Michael kors for the love of god

This is the best suggestion.

This is a steal.

I agree with pp re. potential awkwardness (although it’s such a kind and thoughtful idea).

I think in your shoes I’d buy a Longchamp Le Pliage or a classic black quilted shoulder bag from Kurt Geiger or suchlike and wrap it up.

You come across as a really lovely lady.

Wow what a lovely gesture OP!

If her and your son dont end up going the distance you will always be the amazing MIL that got away 🤣

I think at her age I would have been much more into high street than brands, back in the day Topshop but now it's probably Zara or mango or &otherstories.

I would have died of humiliation if someone bought me a Radley or Kipling bag which had old lady vibes 20 years ago and still do now.

I'd stick with your original plan but be more open to hugh street chains and also open to the idea she might instead find an amazing pair of leather boots for that price!

Are you very close to her OP? This sounds like something a mum would do, not the mum of your boyfriend (that’s not meant to be a criticism, perhaps just a reflection of my relationships with boyfriends’ parents at that age!).

I’m in the ‘it’s awkward camp’ because she may not even want a bag.l and prefer clothes, perfume, money, a candle etc….. A present is supposed to be what someone what’s, not your idea of what she wants. It’s also likely to lead to bits g something to be polite rather than what you actually want. She is likely to get money over a People, so she could use your hundred pounds something even more special

Most importantly, the love of God people, stop mentioning Radley - they’re just not suitable for 21 year olds!

Definitely not Radley.

I think you’re getting a lot of stick over a really lovely gesture, OP.

Still think the best option is to buy a Le Pliage and give it along with the receipt. That and a nice lunch would be really lovely and if she doesn’t like it, it’s easy to return. Less awkward than wandering around shops imo.

Lovely sentiment, but I agree with posters saying it’s a bit cringe and could be awkward, something that a mother might do with a pre teen daughter.

£100 isn’t a large enough budget to warrant a ‘shopping trip’ gift experience with an adult

They are lovely

Classy black bags there’s nothing wrong with Radley they are a good quality nothing at all wrong with a getting a 21 year old one.

and it’s not weird to get the girlfriend a gift like this if you are close.

This is such a nice idea.. when I was 21 I wouldn't really have cared about a bag but I would have loved jewellery like Chlobo, Pandora etc so maybe taking her to pick out a bracelet or something could work?

Are you sure she’d want a handbag?

I’ve never been into designer bags as I think they’re a complete waste of money and at 21, I’d have been disappointed to see money wasted on a bag costing more than £20, (allowing for inflation).

A nice watch or piece of jewellery might be a more useful present?

No to Radley fur a 21 year old.