WHAT DO I GIFT FOR A BIG, LANDMARK BIRTHDAY?

Ah, 21. Though it may feel like a very, very distant memory, one echoing thought remains from that time: the idea that you’re standing on the precipice of adulthood, ready to get out there and make your mark on the world. For most 21-year-olds, though, this year hasn’t been the best example of the joy and freedom adulthood can bring – it’s been quite miserable. That’s why I’m recommending 21^st-birthday gifts that are all about pure, unfiltered joy. What’s needed right now is less of the grown-up-, organise-your-life-type things (there’s plenty of time for that – maybe next year or even the year after), and more of the grin-inducing stuff ­­– from grown-up games to joyful accessories. (And you’ll be known forevermore as ‘the cool cousin’. Result.)

Why is it that the words ‘turning 30’ feel like they could be interchangeable with ‘on the verge of an existential crisis’? It appears that a lot of us have lumbered ourselves with a self-imposed life litmus test that kicks off at 30 years old, making us question why we haven’t yet reached Beyoncé levels of success and productivity. Yep, life at 30 can feel like an unbalanced path, but while we ricochet from ‘I am a professional businesswoman’ to ‘I don’t think I’ve changed at all since I was 18’, it’s the nights we have with our closest friends that keep us smiling and let us enjoy the best that the decade has to offer. After all, could Beyoncé have done it without Kelly and Michelle? I suggest not. So, to thank her for being there, I’d put together a knock-out gift box that includes a bottle of bubbly (personalised with the date you two became BFFs), a filled photo album of your most hilarious (read: embarrassing) Instagram snaps and maybe a little something that will remind her of your friendship for the next 30 years…

When it comes to family members, it can be all too easy to fall into the trap of rebuying the same gifts, year on year. Yep, the ‘failsafe’ gifts – as positive and efficient as they may be for all involved – can fall a little bit flat on a landmark birthday like a sixtieth. This year, steer away from her favourite perfume (honestly, she’s probably stockpiled enough of it to last a lifetime), and surprise your mum with something unexpected. Whether that’s a luxurious bottle of gin she’d never think to pick up for herself or a rejuvenating face toning device for some serious pampering; there’s no time like the big 6-0 to really wow her. 

Let us help you find the perfect gift

From carefully selected hampers to extraordinary gifts for the home, our team of gifting experts, the Elfridges, can help you find sure-to-please-presents for any occasion. Simply dial into your video call to view a personally curated selection of items that can be delivered to your loved one’s home.
 

Book your virtual gifting appointment with teams at your nearest store:

Please note that our Exchange Square store's gifting offer is focused on fashion, accessories and beauty.