The art of gifting at 50 & 60: what to give someone who has everything
What gifts do we give someone at 50 or 60? It can become tougher to find something genuinely special or meaningful as we get older. This is partly because we’re out of ideas - we’ve used them all up with earlier birthdays!
It’s also because they’re more likely to have everything they ‘need’. So what else is out there? Of course, everyone is different and there’s no set formula to follow with gifting. But if you’re feeling uninspired in your search, here are a few ideas to help…
1. Highlight happy memories
The milestones of 50th and 60th birthdays often prompt feelings of self-reflection and nostalgia. Something that recognises this, such as a framed print of their favourite place, is a thoughtful gift because of what it brings - a trip down memory lane. It shows you get it.
Alternatively, a simple snippet of their childhood - whether it’s an old-fashioned game they used to play or a must-have (or completely horrible) food from back in the day, something that sparks old memories is a lovely way to mark the occasion.
Double sided metal hanging frame (4.5 x 5.5cm), £5.95
Double sided metal hanging frame (15 x 10cm), £12.95
Double sided metal hanging frame (25 x 20cm), £19.95
2. Consider gifts that last a lifetime
If they’re not the sentimental type, why not focus on a single, high quality gift - or as we like to call it, a ‘forever gift’.
Give them something they can cherish forever (or at least a really long time) - such as a lasting addition to their home or a timeless piece of jewellery. Gifts like this grow in meaning as time goes on, serving as a reminder of the past and, more importantly, the friendship.
Amber bottle vase (25cm). Was £14.95, now £4.95
Large amber bottle vase (31cm). Was £19.95, now £6.95
3. Focus on family-oriented gifts
Age often brings with it a new sense of perspective and what matters most. For lots of us, that’s family. The gift of quality time together, whether it’s shared experiences or simply just a board game for lazy Sundays, tends to be the most rewarding of all.
Texas hold'em poker set, £24.95
4. Give the gift of time
People generally find they have more time on their hands in their 50s and 60s than they did when they were younger. The kids have flown the nest, and work may be easing up - which leaves more breathing room for life’s little pleasures.
Capitalise on this! What can they realistically do now that they couldn’t before? What would they like to do more of? Thinking about gifts that suit their lifestyle show you’ve really done your homework.
Pack of flower seeds, £1.95
5. Push them out of their comfort zones
A birthday can be the perfect excuse to try something new - especially for those young at heart.
Whether it’s revisiting something they once loved or exploring a whole new interest, the right gift can bring new energy and excitement to the everyday. From painting and puzzles to finally starting that garden project, who knows what might come of it!
Ladybird embroidery kit, £8.95
6. Don’t overthink it!
We know this sounds a bit contradictory after giving you a list of things to think about! But the above is only meant to be a bit of direction if you’re struggling to know where to start. Gifting is, and always will be, about the individual. It’s just that their wish list might look a little different than it did 20 years ago!
Shop 50th birthday gifts
Shop 60th birthday gifts
