what to buy the mother who has everything for her 50th birthday???

[gigglinggoblin]

as you were all so fantastic at finding cockerels for me :)

she does not want:
massage/ pampering day type stuff
bath stuff
ornaments
clothes
jewellery
food/ drink
videos
books
computer stuff

she likes birdwatching but has bird table, books on birds, binoculars and rspb membership

if you are still there any suggestions appreciated

um, some kind of houseware, lovely quilt, throw or cushion?

and a fabby big bunch of flowers? at least she doesn't have to keep them!

OMG !! Crochet coasters !!

I'm 50 this June and I want a CD of the Kaiser Chiefs

As well as the Italian holiday I'm having

And all the champagne I'll be drinking

lol cam!

and flowers are deffo, tho will probably be daffys as thats what she asks for!

sorry if I made you feel old Cam - it's just when people mention their mums I automatically think of my mum, or, worse my MIL, both of whom sailed past 50 quite some time ago and might well appreciate the odd crocheted coaster...

A birdwatching \link{http://www.birdtour.co.uk/asp/birding_tours.asp\weekend?}

hi gg
sorry, asked a question then went off to bed having forgot I was on the thread! Not at work till Monday, but DD has been at nursery for the first half of the last two weeks and has been eased into it each time, and seems to be loving it, so that's a big relief!

I know you are too far away from the west end but how about a meal and a show in manchester?! acorn antiques - the musical ! or ladyboys of bangkok?!! grumpy old women?

golf clubs and lessons

ipod

rally car driving

hgv licence

years hair dressing

coat

sailing holiday

tent

Ooooh, rally car driving, yes! I was going to do that for my 50th (so long ago I'd forgotten!) but couldn't cos I was ill - will have to have it for my 60th now

Janh I wanted to do the HGV driving for my fortieth but was derided..I wish I had as it would have been useful!

Demand it for your next birthday, ztt!

Not read all the suggestions but what about:-

Manicure and Pedicure
Facial
Back Massage

or something along those lines.

I know they will not be something she can keep and have memories of but would be very enjoyable, if she likes that kind of thing.

I bought my mum a posh (well posher that the ones she had)handbag with matching make up and travel wash bag type thing for her 50th.

personalised monopoly is great fun to put together, we did one for my friend's 40th and we enjoyed making it probably more than she enjoyed getting it.

The other idea is a little bit DIY/folky-crafty, no good if she's a glamourpuss, but is a tear-jerker.
It's a memory Jar. Get a big kilner jar and decorate it. Also buy a beautiful writing pad/notebook/blank diary. Attatch a big label saying something along the lines of ''this is for you, your children and your grandchildren. Simply take a strip with a memory from inside, pour a glass of wine, and take time to remember...
The strips have things on like ''Your favourite holiday,' 'first boyfriend' 'What did your wedding dress look like?' 'Earliest childhood memory' 'favourite childhood toy' etc etc.

It's nice for her to be prompted to reflect on many different aspects of her life - and without wanting to sounding maudlin, nice for you to have for that time when she's not there anymore...

I took my mum to the opera for her 70th - would that sort of thing appeal? (Also stage-managed a family garden picnic lunch party champagne bash, which was exactly right for her because she's a very family-oriented sort of person, never happier than when the whole clan is in view.) In both cases I was trying to do presents that are experiences rather than "things".

Does she live in a house you could have a house portrait of..or marslady had a portrait done which was interesting , use somebody who has an interesting take on the subject?

Or a special place..I've done these myself and really like them

50 of her favourite flowers?

try \link{http://www.naturetrek.co.uk/europetour.asp?TourID=171\here}

they do bird watching weekends in Norfolk

I bought my dad a falconry day in Somerset - really fantastic. We actually went with him and also did it. If you are interested I can give you the details.

I got my dh a falconry day a couple of years ago and it was brilliant. Well worth it.
or else if you are near London how about tea at the Ritz. Did that for my mum and dad one year and they said it was just lovely.

A balloon trip?

Surprise dinner with all the family?

Birdwatching trip - depending on budget, UK wetlands /Gallapagos islands (!!!)

For my dad's 60th I got him a lords title. They do them for ladies too. You buy a foot of ground in the scottish highlands and that entiles you to use the title of lord/lady.
There is a web for them and I've seen them on e-bay.

buy her a charity gift.

try \link{http://www.oxfamunwrapped.com\Oxfam} or \link{http://www.greatgifts.org\WorldVision} or even get a tree planted in her honour with \link{http://www.forests4life.com\Forests4Life}

what about like a 'memory' book about her children? or an experience day out - at a historic place or some fun event she'd like.