By Jackie Storer BBC News Online political staff

What do you buy one of the world's richest women to celebrate her 50 years on the throne?

Your gift suggestions

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It is hardly a regular predicament, but it is one that Tony Blair's Cabinet finds itself facing - what would be an appropriate gift for the Queen?

Downing Street has confirmed that the government will follow in the footsteps of previous Labour premier James Callaghan, who presented the monarch with a silver coffee pot to mark her 25 year reign in 1977.

And like that occasion, Cabinet ministers will be expected to dig deep into their pockets to fund the royal gift.

In 1977, ministers each handed over �25, but to buy a golden present fit for a queen, it is likely the John Prescotts and Jack Straws of this world will have to shell out a sizeable bit more.

Cabinet coffers

It is also reported that when Mr Blair raised the issue during one of their weekly Thursday morning meetings that there was "a certain amount of banter" in response.

A collar for the corgis?

A minister was reported to have told The Guardian: "There was a general joke around the table, but no evidence of any reluctance to put hands into pockets."

It is believed the gift has already been chosen, but speculation is rife as to what exactly one should buy the Queen?

Considering her wealth and the historical significance of her Golden Jubilee, it is not a wilting purchase that one could pick up from the forecourt of the local garage.

Golden hamper?

And with the pageantry of the Jubilee weekend so fresh in people's minds, it is certainly not an occasion that the Cabinet, like a forgetful partner, can brush off with an appealing: "I'll make it up to you soon dear - promise".

Possible Asprey gifts

Candle-light centrepiece �5,500 Set of six Jubilee dishes �1,650 Golden Jubilee clock �2,975

For the desperate gift buyer, this presents a problem.

The Queen already has a sumptuous golden carriage. She has many crowns, tiaras and jewels.

But what of her hobbies and interests? Could whoever is in charge of the kitty - perhaps Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt, because of her former role as economic secretary - purchase something for her love of horses, hunting, shooting and her family?

A golden brooch for the 'Jubilee Girl'?

Or could the Cabinet buy something off the wall, like a golden dog's collar for one of her corgis or a golden hamper for one of her regular family picnics?

The Queen might like to receive a candle-light centrepiece bearing the Golden Jubilee hallmark in Britannia silver, priced at �5,500, and in 18ct gold at a price on application, from Royal warrant holders Asprey Garrard's.

A limited edition Asprey Golden Jubilee English Carriage Clock, priced at �2,975, might also fit the bill.

But whatever Mr Blair decides would be a suitable token of affection from his ministers to a monarch, it was reportedly made clear that resisting the proposition was pointless.

"Tony explained that it was normal practice for the cabinet to give a gift to the Queen at a time like this," officials told The Guardian.

"He left them in no doubt that they would have to divvy up by saying it was one of those things."

Anecdote

Perhaps when it comes to actually choosing a gift, Mr Blair could follow the example of his predecessor, Lord Callaghan.

Something for the horses?

He told the recent BBC documentary "Queen and Country" that he had quietly inquired of a Buckingham Palace official as to whether he had any ideas for a gift after rejecting suggestions from colleagues which included a saddle and a clock set in Welsh anthracite.

Lord Callaghan told the programme: "He said, 'Do you know, you'll hardly believe this, but there is only one coffee pot at Windsor that will serve twelve cups of coffee, and so when we go to Balmoral we have to wrap it up in a bit of newspaper and take it with us.

"So Audrey, my wife, bought a very nice silver coffee pot that served twelve cups of coffee."

The Queen asked all the Cabinet to the palace for the presentation of the gift and later had their names engraved on the coffee pot.