But the benefit here is that you really do know this person very well. Try to think if you know of anything that they would like to have, and perhaps get them that. I don't think it has to be anything extra big or extra expensive, as long as you know that this is something they really want.



Also, since you've known them for so long, you can probably guess whether he/she wants this to be a big celebration in the first place. Some people like to meet their fortieth birthday with a huge bash, while others want to ignore it completely and pretend it never happened. Like you said, it is a milestone.

If he/she does want it celebrated, here's an idea for you. How about hosting a surprise party for them? I figure that, that is not such a bad idea because he/she will be going away on a trip. You'll have some preparation time available to you too while he/she is enjoying Mexico. You could call up some common friends they haven't seen in a while and arrange for them to come, and just make it a very warm, special and memorable occasion. I'm sure they would enjoy that very much.

You could give them something related to Mexico. Like maybe a Mexican sort of painting or hats or stuff that look sort of Mexican looking. It might also be a nice idea if you had pictures of them from the time they were together and could make a photo album out of it to give to them. Maybe luggage, some spending cash for clothes or souvenirs, maybe you can give them some sexy romantic stuff, so they can have extra fun on their trip. A camera, some stuff for a massage (like spa kind of stuff), lotions...and just stuff like that.

The gym and martial arts is hard unless you want to spend a lot. You could send them a guide book for martial arts or a book about traveling. You could also send them a calendar that shows different places they could go. You could send him/she a gift certificate to some place to shop. You could just send them a book or maybe something he/she would need for there place or wherever, or something they mentioned occasionally like he/she wants a watch or something.

Those are a few ideas. The gift certificate may be good for the first gift, that way they can pretty much get whatever they want and it can be within your price range.

I think listing his/her accomplishments is a very good idea. It's very meaningful and you should have a lot to list since you have known him/her throughout your lifetime.

But I really think that's a good idea. You could also write him/her a poem about how wonderful he/she has been to you in your life, but that's only if you are a pretty creative person and are good at writing poems. But I think the list of accomplishments is a good idea. Just be sure to give them something else too depending on if you can afford it. Maybe some money or something they need for his/her place or wherever.