Just one century ago, most Americans only lived to be between 45 and 55 years old.
Though life expectancy has certainly increased, reaching the age of 50 is still a remarkable feat. By this point, many have raised families, accomplished professional greatness, and learned a lot about life in general.
If your loved one is about to turn 50 years old, honor this achievement with a special gift. Keep reading to find the perfect gift for your loved one’s 50th birthday.
Milestone Markers
Clearly, turning 50 is a milestone in itself. But now’s a great time to remember some of the other milestones your loved one has experienced in their lifetime (so far).
You can do this by giving gifts such as scrapbooks, framed photos, and locket jewelry. Insert photos or keep a record of some of your loved one’s biggest accomplishments.
And if possible, leave some space for them to add or update the gift as they reach new milestones.
Customized Goodies
Customized gifts are thoughtful and always leave a good impression. You can customize gifts using your loved one’s name, an inside joke, a hobby, or anything else that signals this gift is made just for them.
Some personalized gift ideas include customized glassware, jewelry, stationery, and clothing.
Learn more about how to create these great gifts before your loved one’s big day.
Family-Focused Gifts
Many 50-year-olds cherish the bond they have with their family. They may have kids (and even grandkids) they love deeply, or they might have a chosen, non-biological family they spend time with.
If this sounds like your loved one, incorporate family into their 50th birthday gift.
A photo album of family memories is one great option, as well as a painted family portrait.
If they love nothing more than spending quality time together, arrange a family trip in honor of their birthday.
Unforgettable Experiences
Fifty is certainly not too old to try new things—or revisit favorite experiences of the past.
Give the gift of one of these memorable experiences for your loved one’s birthday. Some ideas include:
- renting a boat and going sailing for the day
- organizing a day trip to a nearby city
- paying for a class, such as a cooking or art class
- giving tickets to an event
- treating them to a fancy meal they would otherwise never experience
Pampering Presents
For the 50-year-old that deserves a break, encourage relaxation with a pampering gift.
Give a certificate to a local spa or salon, or book them a room in a luxurious hotel.
You can also choose gifts that allow for pampering at home. These can include at-home massage devices, bath bombs, skin and body products, and bathrobes.
The Classics
Not all gift ideas need to be original or unique. Sometimes, classic gifts are the perfect way to celebrate and show your love.
Gifts like jewelry, flowers, or luxurious socks are always a win. Choose a color or style that fits your loved one’s taste when possible.
Gift cards are also usually a safe choice, especially if you know where your 50-year-old loves to shop. Grab them a gift card from their favorite store so they can use it whenever and however they want.
Subscriptions
These days, there’s a subscription for just about anything you can imagine. Celebrate each month of your loved one’s 50th lap around the sun by giving them a one-year subscription.
If they love to read, give a newspaper or magazine subscription. For those who love to cook, try a meal kit or food box subscription.
There are also subscriptions for streaming services, self-care products, razors, and more. Choose one that fits your loved one’s interests and hobbies.
Acts of Service
Not everyone wants (or needs) a tangible gift like clothing or flowers. Some crave help and acts of service instead.
If your loved one has spent the last 50 years caring for others, return the favor with a thoughtful gift.
Offer kind acts such as:
- making them breakfast in bed
- agreeing to wash their car in the summer
- doing their chores for one week
- maintaining their lawn
- meal prepping their dinners for a week
- helping with their errands
- managing their dry cleaning for a month
Decide which act you’d like to give, and write it in a card or on a handmade coupon that they can redeem later.
And if you’re not sure how to be of service to them, simply ask. They likely have a request in mind.
Fifty of Their Favorite Food
If your loved one is a total foodie, give them a supply of their favorite food. And to make it themed with their milestone birthday, give them 50 of it.
Of course, this may not work so well if their favorite food is, say, steak or lasagna. Instead, you can choose a favorite snack or small dish.
If they’re a chocolate lover, give 50 chocolate bars. If they’re more into savory snacks like potato chips, give them 50 bags’ worth.
This gift is both fun and practical for satisfying food cravings.
Gag Gifts
If your loved one has a great sense of humor, consider giving them a funny gift to honor their 50th birthday.
You can find everything from toilet paper to wine glasses poking fun at turning 50.
For those who are getting older but still feel young at heart, one of these gag gifts might be the perfect choice.
Give the Perfect 50th Birthday Gift
Your loved one’s 50th birthday is a big day worth celebrating. Give a gift that suits them and honors all they’ve accomplished in the last 50 years.
For more ways to celebrate and connect with your loved one, check out our latest blog posts!
