Happy early birthday! I just had to respond because my birthday (25th) is also on Monday Hmm, ideas. For my 21st my parents got me a Waterford crystal piece. I have always admired the pieces in my mother''s collection so they decided to start me off on my own. This year it was a cute handbag (they gave it to me early so I could start using it). Jewelry is always nice of course I also like getting things for my apartment, artwork or other things that I would like to have but would never buy for myself.
An Ipod? That''s what I got for my 23rd.
My parents knew I was going to be studying in Europe the next year, so they gave me money towards that for my 21st.
My brother got a collection of nice vodkas as that is his favorite drink.
I should point out that I am from a very practical family, so if you''re looking for sentimental, I am no help.
Did they give you any kind of budget? Do you have a sense of what a budget might be? That would probably help people brainstorm (not to sound crass, just to get a ballpark...).
I never know what I want, but I usually need several practical things that I don''t want to pay for. One year I got new brakes on my car for my birthday.
Orrr... you may want to completely go the fun route. Is there a nice handbag you''ve been admiring? Or maybe they could get you a gift card to your favorite store (mine do that sometimes). Maybe there''s some jewelry you like? A tiffany''s pendant perhaps? (Gosh, I''d like one of those myself come to think of it.)
My parents gave me diamond studs for my 21st. Ten years later they are still sparkling in my ears! Don''t know if it fits the budget, but my mom''s jeweler told her it was what you give for the 21st! I''m glad she listened!
Sometimes I like getting experiences more than I like stuff. Maybe they could get you a gift certificate for a night (or two, depending on the budget) at a B&B to spend with your honey?