Presents for special birthdays

From me too - always behind like a donkey's tail

Even more belated happy birthday from me!

Thanks everybody. I had a lovely day with family.

Happy Belated birthday cari & seasider I was too busy celebrating to get onto GN! Hope you both had lovely celebrations!

Went to the National Theatre to see Taste of Honey and then for a scrumptious Lebanese meal with friends in Wandsworth! Great day!

22 years ago, for my DS1's 21's birthday, I bought him a day out at Oulton Park race track, driving a rally car and a racing car - not Formula 1, though. It was quite a thrill for him and I enjoyed watching him.

My husband plays the piano and for his 50th I bought an experience from a well known company and he played the organ in Gloucester Cathedral. He has also had a Falconry Day. Some websites sell vouchers that allow the recipient to choose. I bought my son one where the choice was a makeover for 2, indoor rock climbing or dinner at a Conran restaurant. No prizes for guessing what he and his wife did. I was bought a spa day in a stressful year and it was wonderful.

Happy birthday to all who have one today.

When I turned 60 my son and his wife paid for a day at a spa for me and my best friend. They realised I would not want to go alone. We had a super day and I thought this was very thoughtful and special.

What a lovely present Cari I do hope you are keeping a tally of cuddles and kisses taken. That way, when you are feeling a little sad, you can cash them in !

Re the cost, we go to London once or twice a year to see a show (cheap seats) and stay with my eldest son, so adding on a cheapish hotel and afternoon tea isnt really lots of extra. Just means I get to share in the "present" as well!

Seasider
Pentstemmon
Cari

Happy birthday to you all. Have a fabulous day

To Pentstemmon & Cari . Happy Birthday ! my birthday today too though not a special one.

No Riverwalk sadly not. I am 52 . We are just not in the position to buy lavish trips/gifts for each others birthday. I have always hated being the centre of attention so never had a birthday party when I was a child either.

Gilly is your birthday 29 February - is that why you've never had a big birthday?

I can't do the maths but it does mean that you're forever young!

Well for my 60th I am seriously considering a trip to The Moon. First class of course.

This thread is starting to read like, My dad is sooooooo much bigger than your dad !

We've got my MIL's 90th this weekend. As she has Alzheimers we have bought her daughter (who has a birthday the same week and cares for her) a Spa Day. MIL will be happy with flowers, biscuits, chocs etc. We are having a tea party with all the family and a bouncy castle at their house!

As for 50ths my OH trekked to Everest Base Camp for his and we cruised into Venice on mine. That way the family didn't have to worry about how to spoil us.

Ariadne we had similar problems with my step father. In the end it was donation to charity of his choice, then, as you sat nice little odds and ends. These always seemed to end up being edible ones

Gentleman's relish in one of the nice ceramic pots, boxes of dates (no-one else in the family liked them) special coffee etc.

Theseus put his foot down just before Christmas, saying he had all the "stuff" he needed, and asking (but not demanding) that we gave a gift from the WaterAid shop. They will send a card on a specified date. So we did, but I still had to buy him some little things...He was delighted with the watery gifts, though.

He is 70 in May. Still pondering, though his passion is WaterAid and providing clean water - our wotk in Burkina and SA involved that - so I suppose we will do that again. With some nice little odds and ends, wrapped up.

Bloomin' heck some of these "special presents" must have cost a small fortune. Only saying that's all.

I have given bottles of champagne with the special date and a personal message etched onto the bottle for the person to drink and then keep. You can get bottles of port and whiskey too if wine is not liked.

My daughter had a meat experience day where you are taught how to professionally butcher the meat and then you cook a meal with the meat you have chosen ( pork,beef, poultry, etc) and then eat it with the others in the class then you have a joint of your chosen meat to take home with you.

Story nanny we went to the Savoy in London for a champagne afternoon tea for my daughters graduation. We sat on comfortable sofas were waited on hand and foot with as much tea sandwiches, scones, and cakes that you could eat ( champagne was one glass unless you paid extra) There was a pianist playing the hotel was beautiful and it was one of the loveliest experiences I have ever had so I can thoroughly recommend it to you. Hope you enjoy whatever you do.

I have never had a special birthday

I took DH for a surprize weekend away for his 50th. He had no idea it was happening until I told him to get in the car.
His 60th was Sunday lunch on a steam train. I have given friends theatre vouchers in the past. I would welcome these myself.

For my 80th birthday (if it happens), I hope to be given a flying lesson. I've already had a balloon flight.