60th birthday present ideas

[2PintsOfCidernaBagofCrisps]

My mums 60th later in the year. Sister & I are struggling to think of a special gift so I'd appreciate if people would drop in any gifts they've received for birthdays that felt extra special to them.

We have considered a spa day, an extra posh meal, maybe a hotel stay or perhaps a piece of jewellery (but she has unique tastes with jewellery so not sure we would get it right).

My mum is lucky enough that she could do all of the above for herself if she wanted to, so whilst all nice options and I'm sure she'd enjoy it, it's not a rare treat for her. Has anyone ever done an 'experience' they would recommend or a stay somewhere (Scotland) that felt luxurious?

Budget between my sister and I is probably circa £500, split between us.

I got my mum a hand drawn portrait of her cat for her 60th & mil one of her home (unique cottage).

If it were me Id love theatre tickets with you both and maybe overnight stay?

If you could take pics of her fav jewellery a designer could make something to her taste? I got a beautiful necklace from Annie Smith in Edinburgh.

Mine bought me a watch between them. It was £200 and I chose it. I love it and wear it every day.

Well, apart from the fact that I don't understand why birthdays with a zero are supposed to be "special", why not just ask her? I'm nearly 60, and all the cliched stuff would leave me cold - especially anything described as "posh". Your mother may be different, of course, but you know her best.
Personally, I think an activity/trip etc is always better than more stuff to fill up the house. I would like an annual membership to a gallery, like the National or RA, but your mum may have very different interests. I don't know - if she likes gardening, buy her a ride on lawn mower...... ASK HER! A 60 year old woman does not need a surprise, a party, or a fuss.

It's my 60th this year and I'm dropping heavy hints about indoor skydiving!!

I have done in the past for DH

• day paragliding experience
• day micro light plane experience
• Eastern European baking workshop
• River Cottage vegetarian cooking day (BIG hit).

Does she live in an old house? If so you can get the history researched and made into a book.

We have asked her 🙄 Her response was "surprise me". Funnily enough, I didn't think I needed to give a breath-by-breath run down of every conversation and consideration made for an upcoming birthday.

I also listed some things we have considered for her, based on her tastes. I asked for people to comment with what they had received as a birthday gift (I didnt say it had to be a birthday that ended in a 0), that felt special to them.

This isn't the AIBU forum. Asking people to chat about gifts they've received, that they enjoyed, is a perfectly reasonable thread for the Chat forum. You've taken a standard, pleasant thread and put your own passive aggressive bitterness in it, for no reason.

Hand drawn portrait is a great gift! It's given me the idea that maybe some sort of family photo shoot might be nice 🤔 She loves family time and photos so that could be a good shot. Thanks!

At least you haven't mentioned a nice scarf 🤣

Wow they sound great! I don't think anything as adventurous as paragliding is her cup of tea but a cooking class or maybe one of those cocktail making workshops could be worth investigating. Thanks!

I'm a similar age and to be honest what I want from my dc is their time and attention. I don't want them to spend loads of money on me, I want to spend some time with them going for a walk, chatting, messing around with our dogs somewhere pretty. Maybe a nice cake...

My DDs suggested an experience but I wanted something tangible I could keep.

That's a very good thought, actually.
Maybe book a nice Air BnB not too far away and have an evening in our PJs, eating Chinese takeaway, few glasses of wine and watch some of the old moves we were brought up on. Definitely worth some further consideration I think. Thanks!

I had a flying lesson for my 60th.
Best. Present. Ever. !!

Afternoon tea at the Ritz, Claridges etc!
Or if London is totally out of reach a similar local venue.
Alternatively if you think that would be her idea of hell then a fast car experience or flying experience.
I think 0 birthdays are great & absolutely do enjoy a special celebration!

I was 60 last year as were many of my friends. Welcome gifts among us included a pen, diamond studs, a surprise trip to Lisbon, afternoon tea at the Goring, standard rose bushes, a trip to the Emirates stadium, a theatre trip, a day out at Chartwell, tickets to Harry Potter World.

Don't know where you are but Pullman Dinner trip is lovely. They're going from Victoria Station in London.

Making your own gin class (a friend went to one in London but I think it may be available in other distilleries)
Cooking/Baking courses - as a thing together maybe?
Photoshoot with the family or restored photos of her parents/grandparents?
Painting/drawing of something important to her
Annual ticket for something she loves to go to
Weekend away - if it's something you would do, I personally wouldn't but know friends who went with their mums.

Lots of great ideas here. Thanks, everyone

It was mine last year, I had:

piano lessons
spa day
very nice hotel and weekend away

Personally I would think an afternoon tea at a fancy hotel or a night away perhaps (I’m rubbish at this!)

A nice handbag perhaps?

My DM is having 2 nights away in a nice Airbnb with us and close family and a new weekend bag.

I’m making her a cake and a photo book of special memories with grandchildren etc. I’m also going to get her a llama trekking experience (maybe with afternoon tea) and theatre tickets to see something that will make her laugh. Considering making her a nice hamper as well with some of her favourite foods/drinks for while we’re away.

Painting by a disabled artist, this one is buy a young man with autism and is one of my faves. https://art-rabble.org/collections/tom-coomber-1
And you'd still have more than £400 for a day out.