My 40th birthday is in a few weeks and I'm getting a barrage of questions about what I'd like to get. Except I can't have any of the things that I love most - traveling solo, traveling in general, and fancy foodie meals with my husband. I've never been a big "stuff" person - I don't wear much jewelry (especially now, I'm basically WFH permanently and will be post-pandemic so it's athleisure and my Apple watch for pretty much ever LOL), I'm very low key on my wardrobe, I have all the tech I can ask for, so I really have nothing to offer all the well intended folks and I really don't want to be that person who just asks for money and gift cards (which I would stash for the road trip I was planning to take for my birthday and am holding off on until it's safe). So tell me what YOU would ask for for a big birthday - maybe I'll find some inspiration I hadn't considered 
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Some of the gifts that I've gotten recently that I really love -
A large jewelry box/storage case (I don't have a ton of jewelry either and rarely ever change what I do wear, but still needed a nice place to keep what I do have). https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07HFZKST5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
An apple watch band, got one and love it so just ordered a second: https://www.etsy.com/listing/768983617/beige-unique-genuine-leather-for-apple?ref=yr_purchases
A combination iphone/applewatch/airpod charger. LOVE this.
Maybe some cute decor to decorate your now-permanent home office? Fancy bottles of wine or 'stock the bar' gifts?
If I was going expensive with gift ideas it'd be addt'l camera lenses for my DSLR.
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I usually use my birthday as an excuse to splurge on expensive skincare items that I wouldn’t typically buy myself. Or wine.
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I got a hammock with a stand for Christmas. I find it super relaxing. A digital or physical set of some of my favorite books/series. Gift cards for massages or a chocolate tasting.
You might also look at subscription boxes. They're never something I'd buy myself, but it is so fun to get things in the mail! Something like stitch fix or a travel food box. Magazines and digital memberships could also be good. I've been contemplating the new HGTV streaming thing.
From a practical standpoint, food delivery. Especially the nurture life ones. They have prepackaged kid food like fancy lunchables and my kids actually eat it. Huge relief to just say 'pick your food from the fridge' and not do dinner at all
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I’ve been into home upgrades since we’ve been spending so much time at home. A remodel is more than birthday level, but we recently got all new bedding and it’s been amazing, so I’d ask for lux sheets, comforter, nice pillows, etc if you don’t already have ones you love.
In the same vein, I’ve been eyeing some nice armchairs for reading and the perfect item for that awkward corner of the house. Something that would make me happy every time I walk by
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@codeitall: ooh, hammock and stand is a great idea. I love the one my parents have, you’re right it’s so relaxing
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Totally agree with home upgrades right now. We did new Egyptian cotton sheets and comforter recently and upgraded our home coffee set up last summer and it is so worth it.
What about anything for your home office? A nice solid wood desk or one that goes from sitting to standing? I also have my eye on a walking treadmill that can go under my desk
Are there any activities you’re into that can be done virtually? Do you want to learn an instrument or take a cooking class?
Also, don’t count out fine dining take out. We’ve done it a few times and while it’s not the same experience the food is still delicious.
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We've been upgrading appliances lately- dishwasher, blender, immersion blender, coffee makers, crockpot to instant pot. I also love our ice cream maker. That might be good gift to make amazing ice cream at home.
Normally I would ask for babysitting for a weekend to go somewhere, but since that's not an option right now I'd love a stitch fix box, a leather coat (picked out by me), a butcher box, or a meal delivery kit.
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A close friend with the exact same interests as you just had the exact same dilemma. I'm not sure what your outdoor space options are, but she ended up choosing to create a little outdoor oasis adult space, the key being adding a SoloStove. Solo Stoves are awesome! She got a cushioned adirondack chair to go with it, and she LOVES it.
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Peloton
Bi-weekly housecleaning for 6mos
Outdoor landscaping (You can have someone design it but buy and plant it yourself to lower cost)
New outdoor furniture -
A piece of artwork.
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Love these, thanks all!
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Do you like to garden? If so, a gift card to a local nursery or plant delivery company. My friends gave me a gift card to a nursery. We bought and planted 3 limelight hydrangeas in our front yard. So so nice!
Home improvement: Updated light fixture/ sconces or chandelier and installation
Yearly Fitness subscription to Peloton or Obe.
Loved the idea of $ for home cleaning person.
I bought my husband a hammock & stand for Father’s Day last year... amazing! The entire family used it so so much!
4 Adirondack chairs to go on our new patio.
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@Alba4: These are awesome, thank you! I got some great ideas here to invest in myself, since unfortunately DH and my family didn't ask and sadly misfired with gifts, despite best intentions.
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