Dh offered to buy me a pressie.... any OS suggestions?

cheeswright

off the wall suggestion here
if you have a bit of garden
what about a small chicken coop and a couple of chickens or bantams?

mine give me a huge amount of pleasure..and a few eggs
and they encourage me to sit in the garden for a cup of tea even in winter...

valk_scot

Budget of £40 and an allotment? How about a heated propagator? Or some nice wicker wigwams for the beans next year, or some wind chimes or a bird bath.

My best presents over the years have been my full height polycarbonate wall house (like a 2 feet thick slice of greenhouse pinned to the wall), my second hand Kenwood Chef, a good light-up make up mirror for inspecting my wrinkles, a heater propagator and a pair of "border" tools for the garden, which basically means a slightly smaller than average digging fork and spade in stainless steel. As I'm only 5'4" these are ideal for me.

babyshoes

You say you are not interested in fashion, but perhaps you could do with a few good quality wardrobe basics which will last well? I don't know what type of clothing you like, but a good winter coat or a few jumpers/cardigans from somewhere like M&S will last you ages. Other items to consider might be underwear (I know it doesn't get seen, but a good quality bra can do wonders for both your shape and confidence), a smart pair of plain trousers or skirt, a good pair of shoes etc.

Or, as others have said, how about some pampering? Massage, nails, hair, facial etc is always nice!

Do you have a hobby? Perhaps the startup set for something like candle, card, scrapbook or soap making might interest you? (I enjoy melt and pour soap making, PM if you want to know more!)

Do you read novels? A complete series by an author you like would be a good pressie.

rosie383

You are all so lovely. Thank you. Angeltreats, I have a pressure cooker that my Mum gave me, but it doesn't have a weight, and frankly I have always been scared to use one!
I have a food processor that I got a couple of years ago, but I do fancy a mixer. i don't mind if it is old, but I couldn't find anything on ebay for less than £100 local to me. I figure that it may not transport too well if I got one from a distance away.
A heated propagator........ hmmmmm, that might work. Or some nice garden/lottie tools.

Pitlanepiglet

A pressure cooker is a good idea but if Rosie is a car boot sale fan then you'll always pick up a cheap pressure cooker at boot sales.

A second hand Kenwood Chef is a good idea, or perhaps a hand held mixer if space is an issue?

Or, what about a nice cast iron pan, it's within your price range, something like http://direct.tesco.com/q/R.203-9034.aspx or one of these http://www.procook.co.uk/shop/Cookware/Stockpots-Casseroles-Steamers/d32/sd250 , the shallow one is nice, but I'd probably go for a traditional casserole if I could only chose one. I love my cast iron pots, there is something really satisfying about cooking in them and you can use them on the hob or in the oven. I'm making soup in one of mine now and using mine always makes me smile! (maybe I'm easily pleased )

rosie383

Frugal, Eid is the 16 or 17th November this year. I am easily pleased too. You've reminded me now. That is something I have wanted for a while, a cast iron pan. I'd love something that goes on the hob or in the oven.
For the pressure cooker, I do have one, but no weight for it. I had a look on ebay, but there was only one for a new one and mine is a Prestige that must be about 30+ years old. It may be worth just buying a new/used one at a car boot sale. I do have a hand-held mixer, just fancied maybe something that would leave my hands free to do other things while it makes my cake for me!!!!!
I'd still really love a suggestion of a book which has all the OS stuff in it. Unfortunately it wouldn't have all the lovely MSE'ers, so wouldn't be as much fun!

Butterfly_Brain

I couldn't be without my kenwood mixer or panasonic breadmaker, they are the best things that DH has ever bought me (I am after a dehydrator for Christmas )

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kenwood-Classic-Kitchen-Machine-Silver/dp/B000Q7ZCFK/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1288449999&sr=8-3

Quiet_Life

Breville food mixer for just over £40

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Breville-SHM2-Twin-Stand-Mixer/dp/B0009YERJW/ref=sr_1_8?s=kitchen&ie=UTF8&qid=1288450990&sr=1-8

rosie383

Decision made!!!!!! I was just browsing the web, and looking out into the garden. I know what I want now. Something I have wanted for years, and never had. Wait for it...........A bird table:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:
Don't know what dh will think, but it would make me so happy. All the trees behind our house got cut down a couple of years ago, and I really miss having birds visiting. They do come to next door who have a few feeders out, but I want to enjoy them with the children.
A perfect gift. I will really really enjoy it, and the birds will too!
I just was looking at them online.... has anyone tried the stick-on-your-window type thingys?
I imagine the cats and squirrels couldn't get at them then.

angeltreats

Ah that's lovely what a good idea!