40th Bday gift for dear friend?

[Anonymous]

Any ideas for a birthday gift for a 40th birthday of a very close female friend? I'm at a loss and need something by next week.
Any creative ideas? She's a mom of 2 and has just about everything I could think of buying her!

[Anonymous]

A truly gorgeous potted plant. That way, she can just let it go if she doesn't want to "store" it, or she could take good care of it and enjoy it for years.

Maybe an orchid? But be sure to get one from a dedicated orchid grower. The ones you buy at the store or at costco are very weak plants, designed for one showy bloom, and then they're done. There's a guy who sells orchids at the Dupont Farmer's Market (Sunday mornings) and he's quite good.

[Anonymous]

How about taking her out for pedicures for the two of you, or a spa day for you both if you can afford it?

[Anonymous]

If she's your dear friend, then you know what she likes-think about things she really likes and then extend it to something she would'nt buy for herself-that's what I do when a gift is really important and truly about the 'thought'. If it's something you both can share, even better-does she like pampering? Easy, a day at a top salon for both of you. Creative? Go to craft fair like Sugarloaf and let her pick out something different. A cook? Instead of some cooking "thing", both of you go to lunch at some chi-chi spot. Athletic? Go skiing, hiking, sky diving with each other. Just put together "something she likes" and "what I like about her" and you won't have any problem. No matter what you get her, she's gonna love it because she loves you. (PS-I work in advertising).

[Anonymous]

One of your favorite books that you think she might like.

An offer of an early morning walk together or late-night dinner, time for just the two of you to catch up (in other words, something before or after key family time hours).

Beautiful fresh flowers - like several sprays of delphynium (if I'm spelling that right) or orchid-like blossoms.