fiances fortieth birthday

If it was me, I'd prefer the item I'd always said I'd love.

Man here.

I’d say the bag. In terms of the surprise I’d say bring her to BT and say “take yer pick. I don’t the same with my wife, brought her to Brown Thomas, up the red steps, Louboutins in my case and said take your pic. The shopping experience was half the thrill.

Mad Maxx it's her birthday and her choice not yours.

I certainly wouldn't want a trip to London at the moment. Are you mad the place is riddled with Covid!

I do understand its a huge amount of money for a bag, couldn't justify it myself either but whole point of fortieth is to do something extragravent!

Unfortunately mine was during lockdown but we lived it up in 5 star hotel when we could because that's what I wanted, you only live once.Everyone is different.

Does it have to be a surprise? Does she like those? Personally, I'm not into surprises at all.

It's tricky asking a bunch of total randomers on the internet who don't know this person maybe. Women aren't a hive mind etc.

I place very little value on either bags with metal letters on the front or west end shows, so what you've described would be disappointing if it was my 40th. A tree for the garden, or something for my bike would be more my thing.

Don't buy a bag for 5 or 6 grand, you are dead right. Doesn't matter how much money you have or how much she wants it, that's a joke. The designers must be laughing every time someone buys one.

Mad Maxx I really think you need to forget about surprise element, I actually couldn't think of anything worse.

Imagine spending the money on chanel bag + it's not the one she wants!

As someone else suggested why not book a day out say just before her birthday, go out for fancy lunch/ afternoon tea or whatever she likes then into Brown Thomas to pick the bag( that's even if they stock them they are very expensive!)

If your going for trip abroad instead surely you would need to check first dates etc anyway with her?

Your still taking about €3,000- €5,000 and some of them already have good bit of wear and tear on them.

They are usually leather so will age so why would you pay that money for one someone has already used + might not have taken care of properly.

€5k or €6k for a bag is crazy. Could never justify that.

You do you, but just to add an alternative opinion, I absolutely treasure gifts that have some history to them. The quality is often better than recent mass production and it’s better for the environment in general to reuse. It’s tricky to balance thinking about the planet and not being consumerist when you also love beautiful things, this way works for me.

Two quick examples… I have a gorgeous 60’s ash ercol armchair that was a gift. It’s stunning looking and ridiculously comfortable. Modern furniture doesn’t come near the quality. I also have a blindingly beautiful Poole delphis platter, 70’s, secondhand. That was a milestone birthday gift from my mum who knows me well! :) Neither were crazy money I think (I Hope!). The plate was found in a charity shop. I love using both. The original craftspeople and artists are long finished producing so they are rare finds.

I see vintage shops popping up alright more these days and am delighted to see that being a trend.