Tell me a gift you’ve given or received lately that juts blew your mind. Target audience 40s, mom, almost empty nester, she’s got everything, doesn’t need much, into fashion, comfort, luxury, no flashy brands. We did an experience together already- so this is an actual gift to send. My budget is 200-300 but willing to be less or more. Friends for 35 yrs- so between bdays and Christmas 70 gifts both ways(!) I feel like I’m out of ideas. Just trying to think outside the box. Whatcha got?

My favorites are always something having to do with one of our mutual favorite things. An inside joke based gift from Etsy that's one of a kind (think inscription). A framed picture from a really fun time. Something that reminds me of my friend.

I would say gift a guilty pleasure that she refuses to gift herself. Like a spa trip. A daydation. Gift card to a fancy restaurant

As you get older and pretty much have everything you need or want, spending time with people that make you happy is the best gift of all. I'd try another experience together - a day at the spa, a craft course, a concert or show with lunch or dinner, you truly cannot go wrong with that!

This is very specific but I'll get to the point at the end. My sister bought me solid gold (not gold-plated) earrings for my 40th and it was the first pair of earrings in 10 years that my ears didn't reject. Before that, I wore earrings every day for 20+ years and then seemingly overnight, my ears became super sensitive. After trying many different options, I just gave up but always felt really bummed about it.

Her gift solved a little-but-important-to-me problem and I'm super grateful that she spent her time (and money) trying to find a solution for me.

So, one option is to find something that solves a problem that your friend doesn't have the time, energy, or money to solve on their own.

Another idea -- make a memory book of your friendship. Through in images and stories. You can even include major life events and how you felt watching her go through it (in a positive heartfelt way). This could be a really touching gift

Things I have purchased for myself this year (because I don’t have an awesome friend like you!) in that price range that I love and use all the time: Gucci sunglasses, an oversized cashmere scarf/wrap (great for travel), over the ear wireless headphones, pasta maker attachment for KitchenAid mixer, and Tumi backpack.

Spa/massage gift certificate

Does she wear perfume? This is on the pricier end, but you can engrave a Louis Vuitton bottle (refillable) with her initials or a date that’s meaningful to you. I received this in the Attrape-Rêves scent, which is absolutely amazing. I don’t like heavy/strong scents and I get compliments every time I wear it.

A watch with some meaning. An activity. A tasting menu. Gold belly.

Can never go wrong with a massage or other spa service, in my opinion.

First off I love that you have that type of relationship with a friend. Not because of the gifts. But the memories. I know you both treasure it. (And I’m jealous in a good way)

If she is going towards empty nesting, when was the last time she had a family portrait with her parter and kids? If you have a relationship with the kids, you could get some photos to have an artist mesh a photo together either by painting it or using adobe.

When you did the last experience, was there something that changed in how she used her purse? I have a friend who switched from a mega bag to a clutch and struggling with an idea for her keychain/car fob.

Or since she is starting empty nesting… some sort of empty nester/gag gift or starter pack. Aka things to do when the kids aren’t there, socks,

Do you all love a band? Why not buy tickets to a concert of your favorite artist? I think an experience , perhaps something she’s always being interested in trying but hasn’t yet.

I got a towel warmer and it blew my mind lol. What about a towel warmer with some consumables you know she loves? Bottle of wine, bath bombs or face masks, a bougie candle?

When I'm out of ideas, I go Etsy and there's always good ideas there.

I’ve gotten someone a cameo before - it’s that site where you can pay a celebrity (usually not crazy famous but still known) to record a video for them. You say a few personal things about your friend and they personalize their message for them. It’s fun!