50th birthday gift suggestions

[Whatliesbeneath707]

I have a good friend who is turning 50 in a few months. I'm trying to think of a nice present for her, but I'm struggling. It can be an actual gift or an experience. I did think a collection of small gifts could work too, but struggling to come up with ideas. She likes coffee, gin, meals out, music, travelling & shopping.

Any ideas?
Thanks.

I turned 50 last summer. The only gifts I remember are a handmade birthday cake in the shape of something that means a lot to me and lunch on a steam train.

Could you get them an experience for you both to share? Or bake an incredible cake?

Yes, that's a good point @OldTinHat, I would like something memorable. It's just tricky trying to think of something.

Googled ‘gin tasting experience’ - and they all seem to be in either Manchester or Edinburgh. So if she doesn’t live in either of those cities you could combine travel and tasting!

A 12-month coffee subscription

I got some lovely 50th birthday gifts from friends. One of my faves was a voucher from Buy a gift. It was really flexible and I booked myself an amazing spa day with lunch and a treatment. I added about £20 to the voucher which was more than worth it.
Another friend gave a bottle of sparkling wine and a candle which she knew are two of my favourite things.
Another good present was a restaurant voucher.

Many people that age are tired of "stuff" and would prefer an experience

Cookery school outing
Afternoon tea
Fancy restaurant
Rick Stein or Tom Kerridge delivery
Gin making (seems to be everywhere now)
Wine tasting at local vineyard or Vinopolis (does that still exist?)
Trip on London Eye or similar if local to you
Flower subscription (one of my personal favourites and took the sting out of a birthday with an 0 at the end/ spread the treats over a year). Mine came from Cornish Blooms, family run, very ethical/eco packaging

Oh, I dunno, Defiantly41 - I like stuff. But it has to be the right stuff - which necessarily falls within very narrow parameters.

And I wouldn’t be mad keen for pre-ordained experiences falling within the normal financial constraints of friendship.

Would love someone to pay my coffee bean subscription for a year. But really, a case of (well chosen) wine would be best!

How about a hamper or a selection of edible goodies from Fortnum and Mason?

Oh fabulous ideas - thank you! I will have a look.

@TottersBlankly I actually agree, just am very particular about "what" stuff! Ornaments, picture frames, vases .... no thanks; decent wine, Neom candles, Clarins yellow tonic bath range ... yes please!

And a subscription from Colombia coffee roasters in Oxford would be marvellous

For my 50th a concert I had tickets for was cancelled (bloody covid) so we had a tea party with a life-size cardboard figure of my fav heartthrob!!

Got a selection of bits and bobs and of course a cheesy 50th glass as a keepsake!
Had a lovely day!

Does she play any music instuments or maybe she'd love to learn? If so think about getting her either some equipement or see if there are courses on that.
If she travels a lot then think of travel sized skin care products. If she takes pictures and uses a professional camera then could be a personalized camera bag or a travel slideshow software or a digital photo frame for displaying the pictures.

Thanks everyone. I've bought her a flexible gift voucher from Buy a gift as I think she might like the glamping thing.
Thanks for all your suggestions- I've got lots of ideas for other birthdays now too! 😁