40th Birthday Gift - Son

What about a sundial for the garden. It sort of marks the passage of time.

Your son, spend the amount you want and can afford. One poster said about people bragging, these theads are for everyone to post on, why the nasty comment a thead was started and the question answered by someone who clearly had that amount. O/P spend the money if you can afford it, you asked for suggestions not critism.

I love the idea of a personalised number plate. It's one of those things I'm not likely to buy for myself, but would love to have as a gift. Perhaps other people think the same way?

If they don't get time to themselves why not a weekend away look on secret escapes they have some great deals with meals included, also if you give cash sometimes it can be used for other things bills and so forth, and not what it was intended for.

Personalised number plates are ok till you need to change your car and then I think it gets complicated and expensive. Not that I've got one but that's what I've heard.

I'm flaunting, I know. Many years ago my mother gave me a cheque for a million pounds. She didn't sign it, though ...

sons 40 th sent son and wife to a spa [Harrods Do.t bother) cost £400 .
wanted to give something they could both enjoy men like indulgences too .Son has paid for many treats so now that i can i enjoy giving to him .

JUGGERNAUT I have to ask this what is a Llama trecking day, sounds marvellous. Is it in this country or did he have to go abroad? My birthday idea might be a hot air balloon ride. Get a lot going over us early mornings.

I had not even given one thought to a 40th being anything special.....why is it?
However, if you want to do something thoughtful , pay for a nice meal out somewhere for him and DIL while you baby-sit( if you are able to) if he is not married then it's more difficult, only you knows what he likes.

I too am struggling to think,of something for my DD and SIL who have a fortieth four weeks apart. The meal thing is an option, but they tend to go out for meals quite regularly anyway. Keep the suggestions flowing please!!

If you're spending so much and money is tight for him, as you say, I'd ask him what he wants. You know him best, of course, but he might not enjoy llama trekking so much if he's really hankering after a Sky subscription, a good phone, a garden shed.

You can go llama trekking in the Yorkshire Dales, millymouge.

Keep em coming!, some really fab ideas and definitely ones I hadn't thought of, (can't do the Llama one though as he is very allergic to many animals). Thank you so much for all your input.

Just thought I mention you don't ride on the llama, you are walking along with it, holding the reins. Shame that!

I fancied it so had a look on Google.

£500! shock Good grief, words fail me!
Thank goodness you posted that phoenix
I was beginning to feel really mean as I wasn't thinking of spending anywhere near that
I didn't spend that much on DDIL and it wouldn't seem right to spend more on DS than I did on her.

Oh dear ......

no....words fail me!

All I'd like to say is £500 is far, far too much to spend on anyone's birthday.

£500 is far, far too much to spend on anyone's birthday.

But, that's not your business. It's not what the thread is about.

It isn't 'anyone'. It's her son....

Rozina....who says?

j have you been reading this thread? [confused

Kateykrunch spend what you like on your son and ignore the miseries on here. I've had a fair few one-off experiences bought for me and the one I thought was most thrilling was a lesson in flying a glider Just fabulous! You could get a good number of lessons on your budget.

DS is almost 40 too. About to move house, money tight so I'll wait until they've moved and ask what's needed I think. Sure he'd love a Red Letter Day experience or short break with DP, perhaps I'm being too practical!

I wonder if it's the mention of the actual cash amount that's caused some of the comments!

If the OP had said she wants to treat her son and DIL to a weekend away for his birthday and was looking for suggestions would there be such snippy remarks? No, lots of people would have chipped-in with various suggestions of hotels that they'd stayed in. But you wouldn't get much change from £500 for a weekend for two, would you.

The OP, like most on GN, is anonymous - how can she be boasting?