The Best 50th Birthday Gift Ideas

Those of us approaching our 50th birthday remembers the days when department stores thrived and everything came with a logo. It was the '80s, when we also watched "Dynasty" and "Dallas" on picture tube televisions.

Life, and living, are different now. Turning 50 is certainly a major milestone, but marking it with a status symbol is no longer what most of us are looking for. We want feelings and connections — and the experiences that give us those feelings and connections.

Lifestyle expert Katie Brown says one of her most meaningful gifts was a spiral notebook (paper!) of go-to recipes compiled by one of her favorite home cooks. She says feels their friendship every time she makes one of the recipes. Michael Clinton, publishing executive and author of ROAR: into the second half of life (before it's too late), says he celebrated his 50th with a group of friends on a trip to Antarctica.

“That was the best present for me, a life experience we will share forever," he says.

Expression goes a long way

The traditional 50th birthday gift is gold, as in entering our "golden years," I suppose. But come on, I'm starting to finally do the things I wanted to do as a teenager, such as drive a stick shift convertible, have long hair, and date fun boyfriends (not long-haired boyfriends). Gifts should reflect our youthful spirit, no matter the chronology, and they don't have to be gold.

LA-based philanthropist Eve Somer says her special 50th gift was a short film with clips from all her best friends and family, put together by her boyfriend, who happens to be a professional filmmaker. “I've never felt more celebrated or more loved," she says.

Tips for giving great gifts

The key to giving a great gift (short of flying to Antarctica) is to consider what makes the recipient happy and fits with their unique personality, not yours (and no regifting!). In the past few years, I've baked brownies or a cake for a friend on their birthday, and then packaged it in a beautiful box with a ribbon, or a silver-plated cake server, because everyone likes brownies and cake, right?

Here are 11 gift suggestions based on the recipient's personality or background that will allow you to send something they'll love, especially if you can't celebrate in person. (And no age-shaming! Point out that 50 really is the new 50.) Our new motto should be, it's not just the thought that counts but the feeling, too.

50th birthday gift ideas