Have you heard of Alex and Ani? They are fun inexpensive jewelry, mostly bracelts.
A few of my friends just chipped in for a going away gift for another friend. A charm is attached to each bracelet and you find ones that are appropriate. There are also fillers. For our friend we got her the compass bracelet, "so she could always find her way back home and to us"with blue beads, wishing her blue skies, bur at the same time we are blue thinking of her moving, anda third plain silver that looked good.

How about a weekend getaway with your DH?

We have 2 little girls, so a getaway for me and DH isn't in the cards.

Ellendi, your "blue" bracelet sounds really sweet! I am sure your friend loved it!

What are your hobbies? I like flowers and I like to garden. I always have dh buy me something for the yard. Some years, it's plants like roses or trees. A couple of years it has been concrete garden statues. I mainly like stuff that is practical, but has a bit of fun too.

We have 2 little girls, so a getaway for me and DH isn't in the cards.

Ellendi, your "blue" bracelet sounds really sweet! I am sure your friend loved it!

A Monogram necklace, you can get a range of prices depending on the metal you choose, gold, silver, acrylic, etc and size. I love the 3 intertwined initials. One of my best friends husband bought her one that was absolutely the most beautiful necklace I have seen, it was done in diamonds. I can't imagine what it cost but oh my goodness it was fabulous.
I would get one in silver myself and there are some very decent prices for them.
If you check the onesaleaday site they have a great deal on one, $99 but use the special code and it's $39, that is 61% off.
To me they are memory pieces.

I still have and treasure the Monogram ring my father bought me for my birthday when I was young.

Here is a link that might be useful: Monogram necklaces

Girls day out is perfect for you! Go to a spa and get the full treatment then go have lunch. Then you could go to a museum or art fair afterwards.

SamKaren
your resident DJ

I don't have a milestone coming up, but my 54th is just days away. I just hate when DH and our 2 grown kids ask "what do you want for your birthday?" I can't think of anything. Soooo, this year, I started going through my favorites folders, looking at things I saved because I liked them for whatever reason.

Then I copied and pasted links to the things I liked. Small Made in Ireland things from QVC, a couple different cosmetics, end tables for the living room, things like that.

I know some people hate the idea, but I love getting gift cards. Whether to a fav store or restaurant.

Let us know what you decide please?

A day to yourself with him watching the kids- spa day, movies, shopping, lunch with the girls....

PS- I turned 43 last week, but for my 40th, I hosted a big BBQ with all my friends. It was a really fun day

This post was edited by naughtykitty on Mon, Aug 11, 14 at 10:48

I gave myself a party for my 40th. The guests were given suggested comments, such as "My God, I thought you were 22!" Most of the gift were gags, and we had loads of fun.

My friends gave me a surprise party for my 50th. My dad had just died that month, and I wasn't expecting any sort of celebration. But it was a great party. We all sang around the piano, and had a happy time.

For my 60th, a friend threw me a jazz party with musicians, including a fabulous singer. Never had anyone sung "Happy Birthday" to me in quite that way!

For my 70th last year, my kids gave me a surprise cocktail party at an old mansion. Somehow none of my friends leaked it, and once again I was completely surprised. They even brought in my BFF from Wisconsin. The evening was emotional and elegant, and I'll never forget it.

I have so many wonderful memories of these events--for me, better than any "thing" I could have been given.

Is there anything you want to learn how to do? Best gift DH ever gave me was basket making lessons. Loved that!

Katlan, our days must be close. My birthday is August 13th! You are smart to make a list when you think of something. Ask me 2 months from now and I will have 10 ideas!

Alidande, sounds like you have had some wonderful birthdays! I love that each one was memorable and special!

I've toyed with the idea of a hot air balloon ride, one of a kind activity, BUT, I also am scared I would get up there and be terrified!

So who knows, we will probably have a nice dinner and bday cake. I am blessed, have a great husband, wonderful family so I am already ahead and have all that I need.

I gave myself a party for my 40th, too! Huge fun! I came in late and pretended it was a BIG surprise, lol.

How about a date night with just you and your husband? This past birthday, just a week ago today, we celebrated on that Sunday with a long drive around beautiful northern Alabama and central Tennessee and a lovely dinner. Couldn't have been happier all day long.

I can recommend a hot air balloon ride! I got to go up twice one day and it was amazing and so fun and beautiful and peaceful. It was over picturesque Steamboat Springs, CO and sky was SO blue and the hay bales were in the fields, mountains in the background, just lovely. And the champagne afterwards was nice, too, that's a tradition for newbies!

Do you like make-up? A subscription to Birchbox where you get different make-up/skin care products sents each month based on your preferences.

Or how about a subscription to a floral service---different bouquet every month....or a different wine every month, etc...

Happy Birthday!