Birthday gift ideas

Well, nowadays nothing is certain. The new regulations mean that the spa day we were hoping to have, a birthday present from DD, has been cancelled because they have closed down so many of the facilities we particularly enjoy, that there is no longer any point in going. It is not that the spa is affected by the new regulations, but it is just withdrawing facilities on the precautionary principle.

We are now waiting with bated breath in case the planned meal out with DS and family next Tuesday to celebrate DH's birthday turns out to be impossible because more new regulations will be introduced without warning between now and then.

Does she have a garden ? How about a Solar light,they do tons of different types or a sun dial,bird feeder,small figure or metal craft to go on an outside wall.

I second Notonthehighstreet. Or Etsy even for something unusual - although you should have some idea what you're looking for on both otherwise you'll be scrolling for days. One of my friends really loves star signs so I bought her a necklace with a little bracelet with her star sign engraved on it. Will try find the link and post it.

How about a subscription to Pact coffee? You get a different ground coffee every month and a dripper cup with filters in the first pack. She will then think of you every time she makes a cup of really lovely coffee!

A friend and I give a donation to a favourite charity.

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!

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.

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.

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

Thank you, some lovely ideas x

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

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

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....?

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.

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

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!
?

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.

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

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

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?

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.

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

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).

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.