Ideas for a present please

Need more info. Does she enjoy eating outing, travelling? Has she any hobbies or interests? Does she wear jewellery and if so what kind?

That's the trouble: I've known her all her life but haven't seen her that often. She certainly likes eating out and travelling but doesn't have the money to go far. She has a good job in social care but does not earn much . I don't know about her hobbies and interests and I don't think she is particularly into jewellery.

Resturant vouchers. Vouchers for Tea for Two at a good hotel. If she likes flowers , how about arranging a delivery a few times throughout the year.
Magazine subscriptions.
Don't know what you intend spending but maybe National Trust membership.

When you say "something decent" would that stretch to a Kindle Gorki? I got one for my birthday and can honestly say its the best present I have ever had!

If she lives alone I suspect the best thing would be to arrange a trip with her to perhaps a theatre or concert of film followed by a very good meal somewhere. Or perhaps a spa day for both of you.

A weekend in Paris/London/Solihull? Restaurant vouchers certainly.

Restaurant vouchers or a week-end spa getaway with a friend there are some really good deals out there,it would be a nice relaxing end to her working week.

A voucher from buyagift.com that she can spend on whatever she likes?Pity she lives in a flat because my favourite gift at the moment is gardening vouchers; both my son and daughter love receiving them as well.

Is she a fan of anything, such as Doctor Who, Star Trek, Game of Thrones, etc? If so, there's loads of merchandise available online, and in some shops. I know she's 50, but I'm 68 and love Doctor Who!!!! I might get a Tardis clock for Christmas, or a sonic screwdriver.....

What about an Amazon voucher? I prefer not to give vouchers but perhaps you have no choice if you don't know what she likes.

I know vouchers are a bit unimaginative, but I'm always delighted with John Lewis vouchers. There's such a wide range of goods there that she's sure to find something she'll like.

There's something nice about having a voucher and HAVING to spend it on yourself. I have a house full of things that people have given me [clothes, jewellery etc] that just aren't to my taste. And presents from holidays abroad that the in laws used to bring back .

That's it exactly Tegan … the having to spend it on yourself.

Find out what she would really love to do and take her there and enjoy her company. night at the opera or a west end show, meal in areally special restaurant, try and make it something she wouldn't normally do but you are reasonably sure she would enjoy.

For a special wedding anniversary members of our family gave us a prepaid weekend at Hay on Wye and a £50 book token each to spend while we were there.

As a Christmas present, one of my sons' families gave me a morning session at the local salon for a massage and a facial. A voucher for a salon is a great gift.

If she lives near a 'Neals Yard' shop I'd recommend their vouchers. You can either spend it on a treatment or some of their delightful products.

A box with 50 small but luxury items.
My friends sister did this for her. She was delighted.

Depending on how much you want to spend a purse with fifty 50p pieces or £1 coins and arrange with the bank to get new ones. Or a newspaper for her birthdate.

Since she lives alone a gift which involves you spending time with her would be good. Have a spa day or weekend together or a night at the theatre and a meal as others have suggested. It is always nice to have things to look forward to.

Ooh yes - get her a Kindle Paperwhite 3g - its the best - I'm OBSESSED with mine!

Thank you all so much for your interesting and unusual ideas . I shall think long and hard and certainly use one of these ideas. There are some that I would never have thought of.