need birthday suggestions

umdbride

So we're moving into a new house that will need lots of work and decorating and I can't wait to get started.  I would LOVE for any and all b-day gifts to be house-related but my stepmom isn't a fan of this idea, so I need some other suggestions. 

What did/do you want for your birthdays? Or what item did you get recently that you love?

Bonus points to anyone who can figure out a way to secretly make it something we can use in the new house but not seem like it is 

babygirlpriest

I so don't get how a SM is against this? I mean, if she doesn't want to by you cans of pain fine, but you mentioned decorating, etc. which leaves tons of options! Why is she against it? Does she want to give you an 'experience' vs. 'thing'? Is she of the 'b-day gifts should be about spoiling oneself' kinda thing?

Some ideas:

1. Something SPECIFIC that Bed Bath & Beyond has. They have a great return policy so you can ask for one thing and return it for something for the house (ok - a bit shady but whatever).
2. Actually just about anything from a dept. store could be returned for something else - although I think Target has SUCK return policy.
3. Hint about a GC to fav. restaurant - pick one that delivers or does pick-up. It's rather indirect but our first few weeks in our new house I can't count how many times DH grabbed food on the way home or we got delivery.
4. I'm so tough to buy for - very picky about clothing. But maybe ask for new workout gear? Of course this means you can wear your old stuff doing work on the house and it's ok to kinda trash it.
5. I generally like gc for spa treatment, hair, nails, etc.

This is just hard because if it's not clothing-related or an 'event' (tickets, dinner out, etc.) then it would be things you'd use around the house!

Would she do a crockpot/coffemaker/insert your kitchen need here? Or could you just say, "Oh you know how much I love candles/holders!" or "Been wanting to get a nice leather desk set..." without it being too home-related?

megstoo

What about a small kitchen appliance?  We got a toaster oven from bed bath and beyond and that's been a lifesaver.

What about a picture - say you saw this picture you love and have the perfect place.

maryandkirk0909

My mom is like this too- she wants to give a gift for me alone, because it is my bday.  House stuff =/= for me alone, so it doesn't count.  My husband and I tend to buy each other things that we'll both like.

This year I got: 

-Clothes from J Crew (specified in advance)

-A Lily Pulitzer Nook cover

-A Michael Kors dress

-Flip flops and headbands (I recently cut off my long hair into a short style)

-A JoAnn's gift card

-An iPad