Getting Personal

                Be prepared: birthday gifts for the golden years :: 50th Birthday Gifts
            
                The title of this article is slightly ironic, because your golden years probably don't start until you're 60. However, we're paying tribute to the many lovely ladies and gentlemen turning fifty this year! If you know one of them, remember to make a fuss and let them know you love them, because 50 years is a milestone.

Actors Alec Balwin and Bruce Campbell and actresses Andy Macdowell and Holly Hunter have all recently turned the big five-O. Still, they look as glamorous and healthy as ever. So, chances are that if you know someone who is turning 50 this year they still look a million dollars too!

Fifty isn't really as old as it used to be. In fact, as they say, it's probably the new 40, which is of course the new 30. Going along that line of thought it's a lot clearer why so many 20 year olds act like big kids.

50th birthday gifts

To celebrate her 50th year on the planet Ellen Degeneres, had the likes of Victoria Beckham, Jake Gyllenhaal and Heidi Klum singing Karaoke in her honour. Meanwhile, Madonna celebrated her 50th birthday with a small London party at one of the city's hottest clubs. 

When it comes to getting 50th birthday gifts for your loved ones you probably won't be able to pay the Hollywood elite to sing 'I will survive', or hire out Madonna's trendy London club Volstead, but you can definitely buy some cool presents and have a fun time. 

Chilling out time

50th birthday gifts don't have to be as elaborate as these celebrities seem to think, they can be much simpler and more heartfelt expressions of love. Most of us, whatever age we are, really appreciate the chance to escape from it all and indulge in a pamper day, for example!

There are loads of experience days out there and some are perfect for a 50 year old, because they offer a chance to get away from it all. Experience days such as the spa package, include a massage and various other treatments. Taking it easy is a great way to celebrate 50 years of hard graft. It's also a running joke that as women age, they like to claim they're half as old as they really are. A pamper day could help them to feel it!

Remembering to celebrate

It's a sad fact that many people reach a milestone age like 50 years old, but don't have the support of their friends or children on their special day. Often, we pour attention and affection on children and young adults when their birthdays roll around. Then, the older bunch, the mothers, fathers, uncles and aunts can end up a little bit forgotten. 

Don't forget the 49 year olds in your life and make sure they enter their fifties with a bang. 50th birthday gifts don't have to be expensive, either. They just need to show your loved ones how much you care and thank them for all the love and attention they've given you over the years. 

Sweet surprises

If you don't have much money you could throw a surprise party instead of getting 50th birthday gifts for your Fab 50 year old. With some simple finger food and a home baked cake the night could be a real treat. If you play some songs from their youth (probably found in their CD collection) and ask the guests to bring a bottle of wine with them, it wouldn't cost much cash. No one's ever too old for cake, candles and a good rendition of the happy birthday song, especially after a few glasses of wine.

If you're arranging a party for someone who doesn't feel 50 years old, why not get them some 'lost count' candles for the cake. Lost count candles have those words spelled out in colourful wax letters so that the birthday man or lady doesn't have to think about their new age too much. Novelty candles also save space and give the birthday person the chance to 'blow out their candles and make a wish.'

Alternatively, you could pay back your friend or family member for all their love by taking them out for a yummy meal at a local restaurant. Sometimes it can be nice to just have a quiet meal with friends and talk about the years we've shared together.

If you're still feeling a bit stuck for 50th birthday gifts, go for something related to the person's interests. There are loads of gifts out there for sports fans, foodies, gardeners and adventurers.

Related article: Fabulous finds for friends over fifty(50th Birthday Gifts)