50th birthday gifts, I never knew I needed!

[WhyCantThingsJustBeEasy]

I'm turning 50 in a few weeks. My husband and I had always planned to go on a cruise to celebrate this, as we also celebrated our 25 wedding anniversary at the end of last year. Unfortunately, this now cant happen. BUT, everyone is always asking what I'd like as a gift, saying I need to have a party etc! I don't want or need anything and I certainly don't want a party! So, my question is, does anyone have any ideas on what gifts I never knew i needed in my life? My parents want to buy me a nice piece of jewellery, but i just haven't seen anything that's shouting out to me! Hit me with some suggestions please.

What’s the budget?

Tickets for ‘Just for one day’

• based on Band aid/live aid (about to finish in London, but touring next year - superb musical)

Theatre vouchers, an experience voucher.
Books?
How about a family lunch/ dinner?

Flight vouchers

Why not ask your parents for a memorable day out instead? Theatre? Afternoon tea? River trip? Dinner in a posh restaurant?
spending time with loved ones means so much more than physical items.

I’m also turning 50 this year and am like you, I absolutely do not want a big party! However, I have told my DH that I’ll have a few smaller events, me and him are going for lunch on my actual birthday, then with the kids out for dinner a couple of days later, some close friends have booked me somewhere with them for a day and then I’ll have my family over the summer for a bbq and also also friends for smaller gatherings throughout the year!
Sorry, that doesn’t help with gifts but it has helped me with the explanation of why I don’t want a big party.
Gifts I always find difficult as I never want to be grabby, but also don’t like asking for a budget as it seems rude! From your parents can you go jewellery shopping with them? Friends are more difficult!

Someone I worked with was given a spa day but with friends boocking in for each treatment.

So friend A came along for the massage, Friend B arrived to have a pedicure with her.

Obviously you have to be the type of person who likes spas and treatments.

50 things from friends to go towards a charity / good cause eg 50 tins for the local food bank.

Where are you? Could you have a trip with your parents Birmingham jewellery quarter and have something made just for you?

I will be 50 later this year, dh, my mum and adult children have asked what I would like and I’m debating a diamond pendant, earrings and a good watch.

vouchers for the theatre would be a good shout, I love going but don’t go often due to the prices.

other than that I don’t know. I’m definitely going on holiday for my birthday though, sunshine, family and cocktails., 🍹

If you genuinely don’t need/want anything then send the folk who are insisting a link to donate to your preferred charity. I do this every Christmas and birthday and have done for years…takes the monkey off your back trying to come up with suggestions for folk.

in my circle quite a few people set a page for donations to a charity.
Or a theatre/ spa/ weekend away trip when friends covered your ticket/ treatment/ meal out.

One of my friends at 50 wanted a helicopter ride over London so we all contributed rather than buying presents. A few waved her off and met up in pub garden afterwards...not a party but a nice afternoon.
Any similar experiences people could contribute to for you?
(I am 60 this year and have no idea what I want, or want to do).

How about a piece of jewellery with your birthstone? February is amethyst and March is Aquamarine. Both gorgeous.

I’m having my 50th this year. I’m going away for a long weekend with a friend who is also turning 50 this year and I have friends from abroad coming over to stay. Not after gifts and I actually found turning 40 seemed a bigger event.

Thats a great idea @Nicecatneighbour I'll have a look. Thanks ❤️

Thanks for all the replies.
To give a little more info.
I live in Glasgow.
The reason we can't go on a cruise or holiday at all, is my husband has been quite poorly, for the last couple of yrs and is not really able to do so yet, but I'm hoping that will changeǰ soon.
My parents budget is around £300 but I hate the idea of them spending so much on me! Mum has been looking at diamond earrings. I think id prefer a nice necklace, but haven't seen anything 'different'.
Does anyone know any good online sites?

Clogau jewellery

https://www.clogau.co.uk/collections/new-items-old?usf_sort=-date

Another Welsh one.

marithomas.com/collections/all

Hi @WhyCantThingsJustBeEasyI’m turning 50 in May too <hello to the ‘76 babies> and we can’t go away either, I’m the poorly one here though…. Sorry to hear about your husband.

what about something by Sheila Fleet? A Scottish jeweller. Or if you and your mum fancy a trip through the argyle arcade you could visit Sheila fleet in Princess square after?

https://sheilafleet.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooYFA6zzqvvCSo3ewcpw8OsAIIHqTJfugspeVYwjNQlCL_K8lpI

They’re gorgeous.

Perhaps think about getting something bespoke designed for you OP?

Or looking for some antique jewellery.

A bit niche but very different- a taxidermy lesson? This one is in London, but I'm sure there would be some more local. 😆
https://afieldguide.org/workshops.html

Cassette tapes are back in fashion now - you could ask for a vintage Walkman and some vintage cassette tapes - there are some excellent ones on eBay - that's something that would take you right back to your younger years- I was 50 a couple of years back, and it feels weird that the stuff from my youth is now considered vintage, but that's life, I guess!

Another '76 baby here and have no idea what l'd like so will just have a nice trip away somewhere - l'm all about the memories!

@illsendansostotheworld that was always our plan too. Have the best time 🎂