The big five-oh might sound a little scary (it is, after all, half a century) but, according to all the fabulous 50-year-olds we know, it could be the best decade yet. Many report that this modern milestone brings with it a lot more confidence, a better view on life, stronger relationships and, of course, wisdom.
It’s also the decade in which many start to prioritize their health, well-being, needs and wants. Fifty is all about the me-time. As well as bringing a bunch of benefits, the decade also reduces the burdens that plagued some people in earlier years, from financial instability to the weight of other people’s opinions and expectations. No wonder it’s called the golden birthday!
We’ve carefully curated a list of gift ideas for every personality and style, and to suit various budgets too. These unique presents are sure to thrill the celebrant and give them a warm welcome to the golden 50s.
This personalized printable poster should come with a warning: waterworks expected. Collect 50 things you love about your new 50-year-old (which could be a collaborative effort with others) and the designer will send you the finalized poster as a digital file for you to print out, frame and gift.
The year 1974 was iconic in more ways than one, which is why your celebrating friend will love rocking this vintage retro tee. It comes in three colors and is made from cotton.
With five decades' worth of headlining newspaper stories from their birthday each year, this custom book by Wonderbly is a superb birthday gift for anyone turning 50 this year. Also available are LA Times and New York Daily News versions.
This cute handmade card is the perfect place to write your wishes for your new 50-year-old friend or loved one. It features real Scrabble tiles on the front and makes a great budget gift or a thoughtful addition to another present.
Teleport them right back to their childhood with this box of vintage candy. It’s got all the good stuff like Razzles, Fun Dip, Dots, Red Hots, Pop Rocks, Life Savers and many more throwback treats for a sweet trip down memory lane.
Plants are a great gift for the 50-year-old (or really anyone!) who's into indoor gardening. We like this gorgeous plant with vibrant pink foliage, but what really makes it stand out is its self-watering planter. Simply fill the reservoir with water once a month, and the plant will take the water as needed —?no need to worry about over- or under-watering.
Are they looking to take up a new hobby in this chapter of their life? This beginner pickleball set comes with two paddles and extra balls so they have everything they need to hit the court.
What’s a better way to celebrate turning 50 than a box of 50 desserts? (We’ll wait.) These delicious bite-sized treats come in a colorful box, and you can choose from either an assortment of mini cupcakes or macaroons.
This coffee maker from Ninja is a delight to wake up to every morning. It can make six different types of coffee, including cold brews and cappuccinos; has a built-in milk frother; and is quite the fancy addition to any kitchen countertop.
By this age, they’re typically self-sufficient and have everything they need, which makes them a particularly difficult bunch to shop for. If you’re stumped on a birthday gift idea, go for this affordable pair of socks to let them know you think they’re just awesome.
If the guest of honor is partial to a good vino, a nice bottle of wine is a no-brainer birthday gift. Make it extra special by putting it in this cool linen wine bag that’s printed with cultural tidbits from the year they were born.
For something fun that can be enjoyed long after their birthday, this box has 45 sealed cards with activity ideas they can do solo or with a pal, as well as five blank cards that can be filled in by you or the recipient. They might have to try their hand at something new, go on a day trip or do something more relaxing at home.
This dainty necklace from Brook & York offers three personal touches for a 50th birthday celebrant. There are two pendants, one with their initial and the other with their birthstone, and it’s gold, the official 50th birthday color.?
Whether the giftee has a green thumb or not, this braided money tree from Bloomist is a beautiful pick that’s very low-maintenance (read: easy to keep alive). It has air-purifying properties and is said to symbolize prosperity and good luck.
Although they came out in the late ‘30s, reel viewers were particularly hot in the ‘70s and ‘80s,?so this retro gift will no doubt bring any ‘74 babies a serious bout of nostalgia. The novel thing about this option is that you can customize the reels with memorable photos.
Attractive and practical, this weekender bag from Mark & Graham is made from a durable waxed canvas and will get plenty of use. Perfect for long weekends away or as a carry-on, the bag can be personalized with their initials and comes in either khaki or slate.
While it’s a must-have addition to any new 50-year-old’s Pandora charm bracelet, this “50” dangle charm can also be put on another piece of jewelry or accessory, like a necklace, bracelet or key ring. It’s made from sterling silver and cubic zirconia and features a mini rose on the front.
Keep the special person’s wine rack filled with a Wine of the Month membership. You can customize the subscription to suit your budget with either monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly shipments of four to 12 bottles of reds, whites or a mix of both.
We tested the Oura Ring and think it’s one of the sleekest wearables out there. It tracks sleep, activity and overall wellness, making it a particularly considerate birthday gift. It helps the wearer to focus on and improve their well-being while also being a snazzy accessory.
Available in seven different colors, including blue, red and purple, this weathered, cotton-blend adjustable hat declares that the wearer is “aged to perfection.” It’s a reasonably priced gift that is useful and easy to style.
An apt way to celebrate a golden birthday, this stunning gold-plated tennis bracelet has dazzling round-cut crystals that go all around the wrist. The gems are quite sizable so you might want to warn the wearer about the impending influx of compliments they’ll have to deal with when wearing this beauty.
They’ll never run out of bubbles again thanks to this wonderful machine. It can add fizz to anything, like water, cocktails, tea and even Champagne that has gone flat. It’s easy to use — we’ve tried it ourselves — and there are five color choices.
These initial cuff links from Mint & Lily are a unique gift idea for those who dress up often. They’re plated with real 18-karat gold and the company guarantees that they’ll never rust or fade, ensuring a long-lasting gift that can be enjoyed for another 50 years.
Quaint, quirky and ideal for a quinquagenarian celebration, this handmade soy wax candle is made by a small business in Delaware.
Show your loved one that you care about them and their life story by giving them this elegant journal. In case they get a bout of writer’s block, the book has handy prompts to jog their memory on their experiences from infanthood to the current day.
Ideal for a coworker or an acquaintance, this gift box has some universally appreciated contents: a small aloe vera plant in a ceramic pot, a soy wax candle, a glass jar of safety matches and a card.
We have to face the facts; not everyone will be jumping for joy at hitting their new milestone. If for whatever reason your birthday friend is feeling a little blue, perk them up with this Birthday Care Package from Spoonful of Comfort that’s filled with mood-lifting edible goodies.
Every page of this beautiful Birthdate Book is crammed with personal insights based on the exact alignment of the stars and planets on the date, time and place the giftee was born. It offers an in-depth explanation and analysis of their unique astrological birth chart and is the quintessential coffee table book.
Graphic tees are back in style, so this cool play on Chanel’s famous N°5 perfume is a chic and trendy addition to any new 50-year-old’s closet.
We’re loving this personalized memory frame that’s designed to look like a Spotify-style screenshot. You can personalize it with a picture of you and the birthday star and add a heartfelt message and a tune that’s sentimental to you both. This cute frame also doubles as a soft night light.
