Need to get a gift for a dear female friend's birthday...

July 9, 2017 11:49 AM

She has been my friend for many years. She is the kindest person I know. She has been having medical problems lately, she actually had to retire early due to her health (diabetic, cirrhosis). She is someone who dresses really nicely, enjoys high end cosmetics and jewelry. I have always gotten her something small because she is just one of those people who if she wants something she gets it. She is a spiritual person, she enjoys spending time with her family. She goes shopping frequently when she has to go to her doctor visits. Lately though, she has been a little depressed and I want to get her something special, but I have no idea what. I am on a budget, I would like to spend less than $50. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
posted by just asking to Human Relations (10 answers total)

A beautiful plant?
A photo of the two of you in a lovely frame?
A wonderful journal and pen?
posted by bookmammal at 11:55 AM on July 9, 2017

Best answer: I really love Mantrabands. I match a lot of the descriptions you give for your friend (minus the medical problems). I was given the Carpe Diem one as a gift and thought it was so thoughtful (and I love that phrase). I have since bought a couple of more for myself. They are stainless steel so they look sharp and can be worn all day every day with no tarnishing, but that also makes them less pricey than gold of silver.

There are so many phrases that surely you can find one that is meaningful to both you and her?
posted by Brittanie at 12:17 PM on July 9, 2017 [4 favorites]

I tend to go with homemade food when I'm on a budget, say an apple pie or such, or some form of luxury food they like but don't normally brie, like surprising my girlfriend with some really nice aged cheddar or similar.
posted by Canageek at 12:27 PM on July 9, 2017

Massage? Day spa package? Mani-pedi package?
posted by MovableBookLady at 12:36 PM on July 9, 2017

Would she like a subscription to something like Birchbox? (There are other cosmetic sample subscription boxes - that's one I'm familiar with, rather than an overriding reccomendation). That way it would be a little something nice repeatedly - if you got her a three month subscription to start the next month (which comes under your budget), you could get a card telling her that you've bought her the subscription for her birthday, then she gets three smaller gifts spread over a time when she's not getting other things.
posted by Vortisaur at 12:41 PM on July 9, 2017 [2 favorites]

Perfume?
posted by carmicha at 1:35 PM on July 9, 2017 [1 favorite]

When I need a gift for someone especially dear to me, I go to Litographs.com. I would choose a book you know your friend loves or one that the two of you have shared and have a scarf made from it.
posted by angiep at 2:20 PM on July 9, 2017 [2 favorites]

Sounds like me! (But minus the spirituality.)

When I'm down I REALLY love a good fancy candle. There's something about a nice smell that cheers me up. Do you know her taste in scents?

Also, it's not my *particular* taste, but Kate Spade has super adorable little gifts for under $50. I just got my BFF a very sweet little wallet for $48 and she loves it.

(Also, when I'm bummed, an accompanying card that talks very specifically and personally about how I'm a good friend actually means more than the gift. Mega boost to the self-esteem!)
posted by functionequalsform at 2:24 PM on July 9, 2017 [4 favorites]

If she likes fragrances/perfumes, Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab has sample packs of their scents that are under $25.
posted by celestine at 2:48 PM on July 9, 2017

A gift certificate to a nice float tank center is PERFECT!!
posted by jbenben at 5:33 PM on July 9, 2017