A 50th birthday present is almost always a difficult one
The birthday boy or girl may well be feeling sensitive about leaving their forties behind, so try not to make a fiftieth gift one that reminds them of their age. Nor should it be a gift that can in anyway be construed as a 'present for old people', so avoid tartan shawls if you want to retain their frienship.
Here are some ideas we have come up with. Whatever your budget, if you are buying birthday presents for a 50 year old, you should find something to interest them in the list below:
Regardless of gender, a bottle of a really fine red wine can be a great 50th birthday gift. A grand cru (the best vinyards in a region) french burgundy wine is probably the easiest choice, but there are so many options open to you.
If food rather than wine is their thing, then why not consider gift vouchers for a real top quality restaurant. These should not be for a restaurant that is part of a chain, but for a world class eaterie run by an acknowledged master chef. If you get it right, you might just be giving them one of the most memorable evenings of their life.
A camera to record their birthday with is a good idea for a fiftieth birthday gift. Most people can still embrace technology at 50 so don't be frightened o the latest technological gizmos. However, if they are a 'serious' photographer and already own a good digital SLR, then buying them something less impressive would be a bit of a waste.
Sports memorabilia are very popular gifts for a 50th Birthday. Tickets from a famous football match or signed team photos perhaps. Signed shirts currently retail at around £100 ($150). However, be careful to get the right team!
Personal Stereo. An iPod or MP3 player is great for gardening, exercising or relaxing at home. Here is the thing that you do to make it special. Preload it with songs from their past. That might be well loved classics or pop from 35 years ago when they were first listening to music. Either way, this makes a great 50th birthday gift.
A shooting weekend was another option voiced by a friend for this list. Wether game or clay, shooting gets you out in the countryside and gets the blood pumping.
Entertainment System is a similar gift idea, but on a more generous (and expensive) scale.
Remember that if he considers himself a bit of a country boy, then play to that and let him get out in the open. Modern materials mean that presents that might have been impractable in previous decades are now worth considering. I have an inflateable canoe (a Sevylor Colorado) which is just brilliant and would be welcomed by most 50 year olds I know. Because it is inflateable, storage is just not a problem.
A single, beautiful diamond or emerald will never dissapoint a lady (or indeed some gentlemen). You can either have it set on a chain, brooch or stud pin, or just give it 'au naturelle'.
Mini Cactus Garden is a nice idea for someone who never got into gardening, since it takes no effort whatsoever to keep it alive and healthy.
As a really generous gift, why not give a holiday in a country they have never visited? 50 is a great age for travel. In many foreign countries by the age of fifty you are treated with the respect appropriate to your life experience. Worries about health shouldn't put most people off adventures as a possible birthday gift idea.
You could offer them a chance to enjoy the glamour and splendour of riding
aboard the world famous Orient Express train. They will be welcomed on board
in London England by stewards in their immaculate uniforms and shown to their
reserved seat in a 1920's or 1930's characterful carriage, each an original
masterpiece in itself. Then they have the joy of a first class leisurely steam
through europe to Venice or any of a number of magical destinations.
Whatever you choose, remeber that your friend is celebrating 50 years and the best gift anyone an have is good friends to share it with them. If you don't have money to spend on presents, a visit, and time spent together with good company is still the best gift anyone could ask for.
Search Engine Optimisation by Brown Bear Media Ltd