A.P. asks from Morristown, NJ on April 03, 2010
Idea for a 40Th Birthday Present
My wonderful sister, who is an amazing mother of 5, and my best friend on earth, will be turning 40 in May (I'm a few years behind!). I was wondering if anyone has any creative, fun, heartfelt, or all of the above, ideas for a present? I think I could swing spending about $150 or $200 max (but certainly wouldn't be opposed to spending less!). I know that's a lot of money, but like I said, she is my very best friend, and has been a great friend and mommy mentor to me. And you only turn 40 once! As I mentioned, she has 5 kids--her youngest is 2 weeks younger than my younger baby (10 months), so maybe we could get away for a night together this summer? She doesn't have any hobbies, except for blogging and photography--got a great camera from her hubby for Christmas and has been wanting to go to a photo seminar this summer, so maybe helping out with that is an option? Any ideas??? TIA
So What Happened?™
Thanks everyone for all the great ideas! I love the scrapbook idea, but we don't have many recent pics of us together (sad, I know). I think it's because of all those years of having babies (we have 7 kids between us).
I contacted my brother-in-law. We're going to throw her a surprise 80s themed birthday bash--complete with retro candy and music, a rubiks cube cake, etc. That will be my big gift, but I'll still go out with her to get a pedi or something. Then AFTER the party is over, I'll make a scrapbook of it so she'll always have her 40th birthday photo album.
Thanks again for all the great ideas--you're all so helpful!
Featured Answers
M.T. answers from New York on April 04, 2010
If you're willing to spend that much, take her into NYC to see a show, she'd probably love the girl time and day away from the family. Or get tickets to a concert locally.
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A.N. answers from New York on April 04, 2010
For my husband's 40th, I came up with 40 Things I Love About You (by carrying around a little piece of scrap paper in my pocket and writing down all the little quirky funny things that he does), then I typed it up and arranged it nicely, put it on nice card stock and framed it. With a sister, I am sure you can pull up all kinds of funny/sweet memories of things that she's done over the years. Good luck.
1 mom found this helpful
M.T. answers from New York on April 04, 2010
If you're willing to spend that much, take her into NYC to see a show, she'd probably love the girl time and day away from the family. Or get tickets to a concert locally.
1 mom found this helpful
J.L. answers from New York on April 04, 2010
it's more of a sentimental gift i. what about creating a photo scrapbook - (I'm thinking the kind you can make online through kodak- fairly easy) -maybe with a 'sisters' theme with pics from when you were young and growing up and now as mothers. my sister has made a few and they came out beautiful. you can add captions or poetry or other thoughts.
A.R. answers from Austin on April 03, 2010
How about a photo album. Pics of her & family from childhood to present day. Shutterfly & other sites make it relatively simple. You can create a pretty large album for $100.
K.T. answers from Los Angeles on April 03, 2010
This costs very little and could be a fun "gag" gift to add: a bottle of "red, red" wine and a UB40 cd. Get it? UB40 now? :)
S.Z. answers from New York on April 05, 2010
i think you should take her to a spa. and since she's mom i have a cooler idea. Have all her kids paint their hand prints on a poster board in all different colors. and have it framed for here. Or you can take a picture of that board and print it wallet size so she can take it with her everywhere.
M.H. answers from Raleigh on April 03, 2010
Why don't you have a spa day (either with her or let her go alone) at a hotel near by. Most hotel spas have things that you can do all day, so even if you just get a message or a pedicure, you could still spend the entire day there.
Another suggestion would be to go somewhere nearby over night. Maybe she would like a B&B or maybe someplace that has a beach?
Hope this helps!
J.G. answers from New York on April 04, 2010
Massage -and or a facial!
Another thing is there are these great services that take your videos & pictures-put them to music. They are great to play over & over.
I know an amazing lady who can do it if you're interested.
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