Birthday gift ideas

Afternoon tea, somewhere nice.

Is she happy to go out? If so, does she want to keep it local? My friends just aren't risking any travel or eating out atm.

How about a nice IOU note for adventure later on, when (hopefully) it's safer out there?

I was given some lovely house plants in pots on stands - unusual, not a special occasion or birthday, a 'just because' present.

It will depend on both your attitudes to risk, but DH, DD and I are having a spa day at the end of the month. However we are classed as one household because we are in the same bubble.

I agree with Coolgran65,thats what do with my friends and we have a great time.
Flowers die,chocolates get eaten but memories last forever.

Does she garden? Bulbs for Spring perhaps. One of our friends has taken up growing veg this year, so I’ve ordered seeds for his Christmas present, especially as they were so scarce during lockdown.
Magazine subscription for a specific interest. I like giving something with a bit of longevity.

I suggest looking at Not on the High Street website, they have lots of unusual gifts and things that can be personalised.

I love fizz and flowers (I note you said she’s not a flowers person) and my dear partner loves red wine and chocolates...
I would buy her something celebratory which you could eat or drink and enjoy together.
(I don’t think my suggestions are quite what you’re looking for ... apols).

i think I would be inclined to go with Jaxjacky's suggestion of an annual magazine subscription.

There are some boat trips around our way with limited numbers. One can provide a lovely brunch/lunch etc. If you could get six of you together, you could have a lovely time. www.rivercruiserestaurants.co.uk/images/brochures/Lady-Florence-MAY-2019.pdf.

I bought a hard back book from Facebook filled with lots of holiday photos for my GC they love it it’s also filled with great memories including their lovely deceased pet and a well loved neighbour. The book itself has brilliant colour in the hard backed pages. Why don’t you send a memory book which your friend has experienced perhaps along with you.

Make up a hamper or nice bag of her favourite things. I've just done this for my cousin who had her Spanish holiday cancelled so filled a box with spanish wine, chorizo, meats, olives etc & wrapped it up nicely. She was chuffed. Did it for my niece too, with sweets she used to like as a child, a dvd of the big film that came out the year she was born & other treats. Or what about a good book, bar of chocolate & a mini (or large!) bottle of Prosecco?

There are several caterers offering cream teas delivered to home. Make an occasion of it and also perhaps book a walk via the NT or a visit to a special garden and garden shop to choose a lovely plant or two

Lots of restaurants, etc, are delivering beautiful cream teas to people to have at home.

I'm taking my friend out for tea. (Booked my table of choice at a restaurant which I know.) Additionally I gave her gifts of sweeties she loves and a pretty tea towel.

I went on the website for ‘Betty’s’ in Harrogate and ordered a tin containing their fruit cake, shortbread and teabags to be delivered to a man celebrating his 95th birthday two days ago. He was delighted to sign for a surprise parcel!
?

or book token/voucher maybe? If another lockdown is on its way, there'll be lots of reading time on the horizon.

Afternoon tea delivered to her home! It was during lockdown when I had my Birthday, this was the gift from my DDs - my DH and myself really enjoyed it.

There's a lovely 'local' business in our area that delivers a lovely hamper of afternoon tea for 2. My daughter ordered it for my DH on Father's day. A delight. You might have something similar in your area....?

Oops sorry Gwen. Crossed post....!!!!

How about a charm bracelet? That could be very personal and evoke some lovely memories.

Thank you, some lovely ideas x

Can you buy Theatre tickets for something in advance to use in the future when it can be done????

I live in Harrogate and often buy presents from our Betty's shop, which are always very much appreciated. They also have branches in York. Ilkley, Northallerton etc - or as Urmstongran says use their website.
Every year I receive a subscription to Good Housekeeping as a present from a loved one, which makes me think of them each time a new edition arrives.
Or how about an annual subscription to the National Trust or the RHS? We have RHS Harlow Carr nearby, but have also visited lots of partner gardens.

A Kindle if she likes to read. Or if she has one an Amazon voucher to buy contents for it.
All can be bought from the comfort of your arm chair.

My daughter bought me a 3 month subscription to Birchbox. It's finished now but I used to really look forward to the small box of makeup skincare etc. samples as did her sister who also got one. I used everyone of them!