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Original poster

50 gifts for a 50th birthday

277 replies

PurpleSock · 23/04/2019 19:56

My auntie turns 50 in July and she's been like a mum to me since my own mum died when I was a teenager so I want to go all out for her birthday

I was thinking about getting her 50 smaller gifts that I could maybe make into a hamper (or maybe gift separately depending on what they are) but I need some inspiration.

I also don't want to fall in the trap of getting cheap rubbish just because it's cheap and I need to get the number of gifts up

Any suggestions or recommendations would be great, for background, she works in a school full time but not a teacher, and dotes on her 3 grand children, she also speeds a fair amount of time caring for/helping out her mother in law and is the most wonderful loving and generous person I know and I really would like her give her something wonderful back after all she's done for me!

OP posts:
missmouse101 · 23/04/2019 21:25

I'll be 50 soon and whilst I would really appreciate the kind thought, I would hate having to find a place for 50 individual bits to be put away all over the house. One lovely thing would be SO much nicer.

Erythronium · 23/04/2019 21:27

Does she drink tea OP? Loose leaf tea is making a comeback. You could buy her a beautiful teacup and cups, some nice ones here:

www.johnlewis.com/pip-studio-floral-fantasy-porcelain-large-6-cup-teapot-blue-1-6l/p3533060

Then get her some specialist teas.

Maybe think of a few themes like that and then buy sets of gifts to reflect them.

Erythronium · 23/04/2019 21:27

teapot

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Events & celebrations General shopping
bellinisurge · 23/04/2019 21:44

I'm in my fifties. If a beloved niece wanted to do that for me I would love it. Even if I would probably just want a fancy bottle of champagne. It really is the thought that would count.
Seeds are a fab idea.
Or how about a fifty song playlist. Stuff you know she likes. Or just stuff you think she might like mixed in. Don't know what format would work or she is most familiar with.
People my age used to make mixed tapes in the 80s. It was a rather lame and also cute sign of affection. Maybe burn a cd for her. Or make a playlist for her MP3 player of choice. Or whatever it is you young people do Grin.

BitOfFun · 23/04/2019 21:44

It's a lot of "stuff" though- I'm in my forties, and I get more satisfaction from chucking stuff out than accumulating it.

BarbaraofSevillle · 23/04/2019 21:58

^Favourite magazine, face pack, mini wine and prosecco.
Nice lunch box for work travel mug.
Glasses case.
Keyring (I.e cath kidston)
Considering time of year - beach bag and travel items.
Hair voucher^

Sorry but this and most of the other suggestions are just a load of tat and anything she wants, she would have already bought. I don't think I know anyone who doesn't have too much stuff that stresses them out, anyone of this age who doesn't is likely to be a ruthless declutterer who is likely to donate or bin most of a '50 thing's present.

Just get her one decent present or take her somewhere special for a day out together. Somewhere she took you as a child maybe with a nice lunch or champagne afternoon tea.

CalmdownJanet · 23/04/2019 22:53

I did this for a 40th - never again!! It was so hard!! And one of mine was a holiday, so I bought a new suitcase, wrapped the other 39 gifts individually inside and then wrapped the case so it looked like one big present. Actually I lie, it was 38 presents inside because by the end I was so desperate and out of ideas I counted the cake as a gift too

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 23/04/2019 23:33

I'm 50 next year and would far, far rather have just one nice thing or 5 books than 50 bits of cheapness. I can buy myself cheap things whenever I want but would see for example, a £50 bracelet or pair of earrings or beautiful scarf as a really lovely, special gift. Ditto re five really well chosen books.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 23/04/2019 23:34

Oh and love the one book per decade suggestion - brilliant.

BlueJag · 23/04/2019 23:46

I was 50 in October and my friends and I went to a spa day. It was amazing so much fun. Get her something to do together I'm sure she'll enjoy. A Mum and daughter day.

TBDO · 23/04/2019 23:52

I’d far rather have one or two nice gifts, that I ordinarily wouldn’t treat myself to, than 50 gifts that include home-made crafts.

The thought is nice OP, but you’re basically planning to clutter up get life for the sake of getting to 50 gifts. Take her away or give her an experience instead, along with some personal gifts like photos etc.

SrSteveOskowski · 23/04/2019 23:53

I'm 40 this year and to be honest, would hate 40 little gifts. As other posters have said it'll end up being cheap tat and it's just another load of clutter.

I'd much prefer one big present than 40 small ones.

tanpestryfirescreen · 24/04/2019 00:02

No.....just no

I see so many of these- the first few gifts are ok and then they have to spend an hour opening piles of tat whilst everyone has to watch pretending that they are not bored.

Lots of people age 50 are trying to dump the junk- less is more.

Kaydogsdinner · 24/04/2019 00:04

Sorry if this has already been suggested, haven't read through all replies but you could do a nice framed letter or poster with 'fifty reasons why' you (or your family etc) adore her? maybe get a calligrapher or printer to do it to make it a bit special? Teamed with some champagne and a massage voucher I bet she'd be chuffed. Not on the high street has some great stuff you could personalise, they also have loads more stuff that might inspire/help you come up with something. what a lovely niece you are, whatever you do I bet she'll love it 😊

howmanyleftfeet · 24/04/2019 00:36

Oi, you lot! The OP has confirmed that she's doing this with other family members.

Her OP asks for help with gift ideas. She did not ask if she should do it or not!

Some of us would love loads of little gifts

None of us know the OP's aunt well enough to say if she'd like this - but presumably the OP does!

howmanyleftfeet · 24/04/2019 00:39

PurpleSock, a photoshop idea...

How about you ask family members / friends what they love most about your auntie, or what their favourite memory of her is. Take a nice picture of each person (or ask them to send you one) and include their quote. If you do, say 7 family members / friends, that's 7 off the total of 50 already.

howmanyleftfeet · 24/04/2019 00:41

Another free / cheap idea:

Does your aunt like puzzles? How about using a nice notebook to make a puzzle book, with crosswords and word searches in with words / answers based on things that mean something to her. Each one could have a different theme.

(Remember to include answers at the back!)

PickAChew · 24/04/2019 00:43

I'll be 50, this year and, honestly, one lovely gift will be fine.

howmanyleftfeet · 24/04/2019 00:59

How about a personalised calendar, using pics of family members or of places & things you know she loves - starting in September? (As she works in a school, an academic year makes sense)

I always make a personal calendar for my mum and MIL at Christmas (they've both made it clear they expect it now!). If you do this, shop around for a deal (there's always at least one site with a deal on!) and check they let you start at any month (most of them do this).

I haven't used this site before but I see they have good deals on at the moment: www.optimalprint.co.uk/wall-calendars/designs?pages_count=1&page_nr=1

I've used Snapfish before, I like their widget. Their deals page is here: www.snapfish.co.uk/vouchers-deals-offers

howmanyleftfeet · 24/04/2019 01:22

For unusual and interesting gifts, have a look at museum shops. (Simply google Museum Shop), and check out their sales for affordable gifts. I imagine you'll know which museums are likely to appeal to your aunt. My family are Londoners and transport geeks, so these from the London Transport museum shop appeal to me, for example:

London Underground pencil set (£5)

Underground film map poster (£3.75 reduced from £15)

Here are all their sale items: www.ltmuseumshop.co.uk/sale/all-sale-items#sort=code:price&show=46

Obviously that's specific to my family's likes, but here are loads of museum shops and lots will have sales on.

50 gifts for a 50th birthday
FiremanKing · 24/04/2019 01:32

Another one of the same age bracket and I would not want lots of small gifts no matter how meaningful they were.

Is rather be taken out for a meal.

howmanyleftfeet · 24/04/2019 01:37

If your aunt works in a school, then I'm guessing stationary could be a good gift? Either anywhere local that sells cheap and fun stationary, and/or shop around for bargains on better quality stuff.

eg TK Maxx has some good bargains on pens. Seriously, WHO spends £92 on a pen?!! Reduced to £25 here:

www.tkmaxx.com/uk/en/home/hobbies+leisure/books+stationery/stationery/c/04100520?q=&sort=publishedDate-desc&facets=stockLevelStatus:inStock&page=0

choli · 24/04/2019 01:45

Is this sort of thinking the result of being brought up with the whole "buy lots of crap so they have lots to open at Christmas " thing? Believe me, no 50 year old wants that. One good present please, she is not a spoiled toddler.

howmanyleftfeet · 24/04/2019 01:54

Believe me, no 50 year old wants that. One good present please, she is not a spoiled toddler.

JFC - MN loves to disagree!

My next big birthday will be 50 and I'd love this. The OP isn't buying a bunch of tat - she's being thoughtful and trying to get things her aunt will like, hence this thread. I'd love it if my family went to all this effort for a big birthday of mine.

I've seen someone do this for a friend on his 40th and he was genuinely touched.

elp30 · 24/04/2019 02:56

Personally, I am 49 this year and I'm getting more intentional with my belongings. I've come to the realization that my memories are not wrapped up in things so I am releasing a great deal of items from my home. I know a great deal of people my age who are doing the same thing. Don't get me wrong, your idea of the 50 gifts comes from a generous heart but gifts may not be what your aunt wants from you.

If it was me and it was my niece partaking in a special gesture and keeping with the 50 for 50 theme, perhaps you could write your aunt a daily letter, starting 50 days before her birthday. They don't have to be full on letters, perhaps more of a note but you can write her about a special memory you have of her, a lesson you learned from her, a special photograph of her or of something that connects you to her and why it means a lot to you, or a small token and explain why it reminds you of her, etc... Every day, for 50 days, she'll know you have thought of her. To me, that's more special than a mini Prosecco. C'mon, MINI, I would want a case! Lol

Obviously, OP, you know your aunt better than anyone and if you think she would enjoy opening 50 small gifts, then enjoy your shopping.