80th birthday present inspiration- please

Having read all these replies - thank you everyone - i won't take anything on the day. But, I saw a lovely bowl planted with small Peace Lilies in the village florist which I intend to buy to give her a couple of days later.

She has been very, very busy lately getting stuff done 'before she is 80' so it seems appropriate.

Respect her wishes, no gift.

Perfectly timed post, KL! I'm pondering a present for an 80th male friend. Not a party, four of us who've known each other since teens are having lunch together and I don't think presents are expected from us. I'm thinking of a rose for the garden.

Luxurious body lotion and bath oil set.

Donate to one of her chosen charities. I have asked family to donate to yorkshire air ambulance instead of presents.

A mohair stole

Have a kook at not on the high street, I got my friend a drawing of her house with a clip of a map of her house that said Sue's place. she loved it

Respect her wishes on the day with no presents, but treat her to something at a later date. Either a tangible gift or an experience out.

I would buy her a really nice Reed Diffuser such as Yankee Candle or Price's for her to put in her Lounge or hallway.

Could send her some flowers the next day …

Sago's idea strikes me as a good one. And it is not a present in the usual sense - it is a way of giving her thanks and respect and affection, which is a lovely thing to give and to receive.
She said 'no presents' and so better otherwise to give cards.

I would respect her wishes, but if you really don’t want to turn up empty handed then a book token.

I agree..no gift means no gift. Depending on who she is and who you are, you could really capitalise on the joy of the occasion to celebrate friendship. Find some words! I would write a poem or haiku, or write out a quote about friendship. Or just write out a list of things you love about her.

Posted too soon.
Why not put on your invite, no personal gifts please but please feel welcome to donate to Lifeboats or Shelter' (for example) on the day. I will have a box available for any private donations made to this charity that means so much to me.

At Chelsea Flower Show David Austin has the usual stall packed with roses, and visitors. A rose called ‘Olivia’ had a gorgeous fragrance!
More relevant - having expressed sincere thanks for handcream I was soon given much more than I needed, the nurses at my GP surgery are most appreciative!

Blimey- some strong views on here!
I'd find it hard to cross anybody's threshold for any reason without anything in my hand - a bottle of wine, a bunch of flowers, some bulbs to plant or a cake or even a card.
If somebody specifies no gift - fine, but equally fine if someone just wants to show their appreciation at being invited. Not sure either requires harsh criticism.

Rose bush from David Austin roses.

I'm going to be 80 soon and am going to invite lots of friends to tea - hopefully in the garden! I'm going to specify no presents - have more than enough of everything.
But if I was going to someone else's 80th I'd respect their request for no presents, and take them out to a nice tea at a hotel or something, or a good pub lunch at a later date.

A frying pan.

Can you take photos of the celebration and have them put into a book to be given a week or so later.

How about taking photographs of the day and creating a photo book after the event.

I brought a friend (who didn't want gifts , a beautiful Swarovski Crystal pen, she was thrilled, this could be perfect for your writing friend

I can’t imagine many 80 year olds wanting a spa day, but maybe that’s me, since I’d run a mile.

We’re invited to a 90th birthday lunch in July - I doubt that the birthday girl wants any more ‘stuff’ - so possibly a plant (ready potted) for her very well cared for patio garden would be good.

Dontcallmelove

Afternoon Tea in a lovely local Country House Hotel is always my go-to. We have quite a few within about 30-40-minutes drive. I'm the chauffeur!

Usually keep even the summer birthdays for the winter when the log fires are blazing. Fourth year in for three of them and they all really look forward to it and let me know their preferred date so I can book (separate - as not known to each other).

It's great as I get a treat too!!!
.

I’m 89 this year but I well remember my 80 th birthday. I was given a bird table, beautifully carved and 2 nest boxes to match. That has been approved by a pair of blue tits who visited last year and again this year and are busy feeding babies. So fascinating to watch.
I was also given two hydrangeas,one pink and one blue in very large pots. They sit on my back patio, the first thing I see when I open my bedroom curtains and apart from a little scare a couple of years ago they are blooming, I can see lots of buds on again this year.
Im hoping the lady has a garden or an area around her house when I’ve suggested these.
The best I ever heard was when my sister had her eyebrows tattooed when she was 85.
I might suggest that idea for my 90 th birthday.