Special Gift for a Milestone Birthday
My youngest sister is turning 50 in a few weeks and I am so very stumped on a gift. It's been a rough year for our family but most especially for her family. We'd originally talked about a trip with all 3 sisters but for a lot of reasons, that's not likely in the coming months.. unless it's a short weekend trip.. and even that will be a challenge to coordinate.
I always lean to jewelry -- but she is very difficult to choose for (as am I). Her birthstone is aquamarine and she also loves diamonds.. but her style has shifted to somewhat bohemian in the last few years. I am just stumped on jewelry. I had for many years had in my mind that I wanted to get her a piece of champagne-themed jewelry from this designer, her daughter/my niece is not sold on it as a design she'd like. (She does adore champagne!)
I've thought about a very nice bottle of champagne.. but she has fallen into a favorite that is not all that expensive (and so pretty to wrap as a gift)… so not sure she'd appreciate a very expensive champagne.
So I am stumped. She does have a new house.. she does deserve and need to pamper herself more. She's been stretched very thin tending to everyone else's (very real) needs for the past two years... well, really forever but the last 2 yr have been especially taxing.
Budget is about $500.. unless it is a trip.
Any ideas? (I fully recognize it is ridiculous that I am asking strangers (to her at least) for ideas.. I am just really going blank on this one and it's upsetting me because it should be so very special!)
Comments (54)
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Comments (8)Pesky, you made me laugh with that story!! Actually his sister, his dad and I ended up 'giving' my son our entire night's sleep on his birthday, which was a school night for all of us. As I mentioned his sister drove him and 3 friends to a local party area (Coconut Grove for those who know Miami) for College Night which is every Thursday. They called her to come pick them up at 1 am(!), and of course I couldn't get to sleep till everybody was back home at close to 2 am. Then one of his buddies ended up staying over at our house since he wasn't in any shape to drive. Buddy started wandering around at 4 am, waking my husband up who then had to put him back to bed. Husband naturally couldn't get back to sleep...and wake up time for daughter and me is 6:15 am anyway. Yawn. When all was said and done nobody got much sleep but my son had a great and safe birthday! Ann...See MoreMilestone Birthdays
Comments (5)I don't do anything special on birthdays,milestone or otherwise. I think the 50th was the year I got my tattoo. Is there something you've always wanted to try but just never took the plunge? Could be something active like rafting or wall climbing or something more sedate like visiting a local attraction that you've always meant to but never did. Is there a nice hotel nearby that you and a friend or two could escape to for the night? Share a nice suite,dine out,see some local entertainment,get a massage etc. A 24 hour "girls night out" sort of thing. Oh and be sure to join the Red Hat Society. Your birthdays will never be boring after that....See More18th birthday gift suggestions please.....
Comments (11)Several suggested a "gift bag" with several items inside. I like that idea. She is starting off on a "new life" -- a gift bag filled with several items suggested is great. My son (okay a BOY, not a GIRL) for his 18th b-day got "A Can, A Man, A Plan". What an AWESOME cookbook idea that ended up being. In fact, there is one recipe in it that has become a family favorite! I also ended up giving the same cookbook to my nephew when he turned 18. Its a favorite amongst the young! So...a gift bag filled with "starter" things she'll want/need, like nice soaps, lotions, pampering stuff, etc. I think is a great suggestion including a few things she would not probably buy for herself... And a wonderful, personal note inside from her Aunt about "coming of age" =)...See MoreMilestone birthday menu planning
Comments (26)Non food question for anyone following this thread: What do you think of the wording "gifts not expected" on the invitation? Reason being I'm doing this for fun, not for gifts. When I have a friend with a significant birthday, I enjoy giving them a gift, and feel that if someone wants to bring a gift (like closer friends and family would), that's fine, just don't want anyone to feel obligated to do so, which is why I bring it up at all. When an invitation says "no gifts please" I've noticed at other events that everyone seems to show up with a bottle of alcohol, as they want to respect the request, yet not show up "empty handed." I don't really drink at home (unless I'm having a get together) and would not want 50 bottles of alcohol showing up. I don't think "gifts optional" sounds right - seems inappropriate. I've never seen "gifts not expected" - just thought of that myself; not sure how it would be received - is it awkward and better not to mention it at all?...See MoreFunkyart
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4 years ago
rubyclaire
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoBecause I have been stalking jewelry for my own semi-milestone birthday, I came across this signet style ring that, while traditional, I think skews a little boho.
ETA: I guess this is really a cigar band ring according to the website. $500 in 14k.Funkyart thanked rubyclaireFunkyart
4 years agoFunkyart
4 years ago
maire_cate
4 years agoFunkyart
4 years agoFunkyart
4 years agoThought I'd come back and share what I decided on-- with the help of my niece. I decided I wanted something from the David Yurman Crossover collection.. which is composed of designs with interlocking/intertwined threads.. it's about unity and integration. It felt appropriate for a family member who is so like me yet so unique.
This is a bit more delicate than it appears-- I'd considered a larger version with more diamonds but only this one had the X in diamonds which I love.
Much as I wanted to do a getaway, my niece confirmed what I knew-- chances of a getaway in the next year is slim. We've had more, unexpected family health issues that would make it hard for both of us to leave the area-- and our schedules don't really allow it. We WILL take a trip when we can make it happen and it doesn't need to be for her birthday. We getaway when we can-- and I will absolutely return back to these wonderful suggestions. Thank you all for sharing!!
Bumblebeez SC Zone 7
4 years agoFunkyart
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4 years agoI need some input from you all. I am looking at this ring. 5 bands — one for each decade. And the stated symbolism is the intertwining of friends and family. The issue? My niece is adamant that it’s too much money for something so simple. (It’s $575) Of course it’s my money/my decision but I value her input —so want to get your input too.
Funkyart
4 years agoThank you both!! Zalco, I really appreciate that you tracked down something similar for me!! I have no doubt the Tiffany ring is substantial and well designed — but I’ve been burned enough on other jewelry purchases that I saw online that don’t want to go that path for THIS gift. (Did I mention that I need it ASAP? Lol). I’ve seen some very cheap versions of this ring over the years ... and even in the David yurman ring I very much misjudged the size from the photos.
Funkyart
4 years ago
User
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Fun2BHere
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoUser
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localeater
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jojoco