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Special birthday present for a 70 year old

(58 Posts)
Emerald888 Tue 10-Dec-24 21:46:04

Can anyone suggest a decent 70th Birthday present for a young at heart dear friend. Budget @ £100.
All advices much appreciated.

Liz46 Wed 11-Dec-24 19:52:46

I would not be happy with afternoon tea.
One of my daughters bought me a bird of prey experience which I thoroughly enjoyed. My husband came along too and we were given gauntlets so that the birds flew onto our arms.

flappergirl Wed 11-Dec-24 19:59:31

theworriedwell

We all like different things even at 70. I'd have been very disappointed if I'd got an afternoon tea as a present for my 70th. I've had them a couple of times and basically had to drive to the arse end of nowhere to have a tea I could have got locally for half the price. So I suppose where the afternoon tea is would be a big part of it but for me I'd rather have a meal than a tea.

I'd like CocoPops idea but I've already had my 70th so it doesn't help does it.

I agree. Afternoon tea is OK if you absolutely love scoffing lots of cakes. You can't have lunch and it spoils your evening meal and, as you say, they're usually in the arse end of nowhere. I'd much rather have a slap up meal and a glass or two of wine.

Emerald888 Wed 11-Dec-24 22:26:21

Chocolatelovinggran that's a great idea for a family member being able to mark the decades. I haven't enough photos or stuff to attempt that, unfortunately.

theworriedwell Wed 11-Dec-24 22:26:28

flappergirl

theworriedwell

We all like different things even at 70. I'd have been very disappointed if I'd got an afternoon tea as a present for my 70th. I've had them a couple of times and basically had to drive to the arse end of nowhere to have a tea I could have got locally for half the price. So I suppose where the afternoon tea is would be a big part of it but for me I'd rather have a meal than a tea.

I'd like CocoPops idea but I've already had my 70th so it doesn't help does it.

I agree. Afternoon tea is OK if you absolutely love scoffing lots of cakes. You can't have lunch and it spoils your evening meal and, as you say, they're usually in the arse end of nowhere. I'd much rather have a slap up meal and a glass or two of wine.

I'm totally with you except for the wine, I'm teetotal so you could have my wine?

Frenchgalinspain Thu 12-Dec-24 12:32:41

Grandmadinosaur

I think when we get to these big birthdays we don’t necessarily need stuff. For me it’s experiences that hit the spot. I’d suggest a posh afternoon tea.

Wise idea. I was going to suggest an afternoon tea at The Dorchester Hotel (London) .. or similar venue.

If not too far.

Willow65 Thu 12-Dec-24 12:47:55

I made a lovely photo book for my dear friend Hazel of over 50 years. So straightforward ….i just gathered all our photos into an online album (lots were from a big travel down under in our 50s) and it’s so, so easy on a photo album maker like POPSA. Also have some great deals atm! I’m so pleased with the results and not very expensive 🥂

SaverSaver9 Thu 12-Dec-24 12:52:11

A thoughtful gift for a 70-year-old could include personalized items such as a custom photo book, a piece of jewelry engraved with meaningful dates, or a commemorative keepsake. Experiences like a family gathering, tickets to a favorite event, or a relaxing spa day can also make memorable presents. Tailor the gift to their interests and passions for added significance.

Mojack26 Thu 12-Dec-24 12:53:33

I will be 70 next year and also look a lot younger, someone thought I was about 50, and young at heart, still think Im 20!🤣.I don't want things...I want time with people and doing things..what about a really posh afternoon tea and nice flowers or some kind of experience or a day out not things.. I treated my bff, and me, to a lovely dinner in a very up market restaurant a nice card with a wee momento inside the card

FriedGreenTomatoes2 Thu 12-Dec-24 12:57:58

Just Googled ‘afternoon tea at The Doechester’.
Blimey. £££s

Afternoon tea at The Dorchester in London costs between £95 and £180 per person, depending on the type of tea and the champagne you choose:
Traditional afternoon tea: £95 per person
Champagne afternoon tea: £105 per person, plus the price of a glass of champagne
Festive afternoon tea: £135–£155 per person, plus the price of a glass of champagne

Very nice I’m sure but certainly out of my price range!

4allweknow Thu 12-Dec-24 13:21:56

Short helicopter ride. Can be had for approx £50. Unless of course retired pilot then the Zip slide in Wales would be fantastic experience for someone full of life at 70.

Aveline Thu 12-Dec-24 14:37:23

Surely champagne is included in a champagne afternoon tea?

gangstergranny Thu 12-Dec-24 14:38:55

A subscription to a newspaper/magazine/podcast or even Audible.
Speaking from experience it's a brilliant gift

poppysmum Thu 12-Dec-24 14:45:46

I would suggest an experience day or tickets for a favourite place but otherwise Etsy has marvellous things for number birthdays take a look

Sadgrandma Thu 12-Dec-24 14:52:03

I agree, a nice experience for her and her husband or with you. At her age she’s probably trying to get rid of ‘stuff’ so doesn’t need any more. What I hated on my 70th was when I opened a parcel to find a mug and a big card, both with a huge 70 on them. Didn’t need to be reminded!!

Musicgirl Thu 12-Dec-24 17:12:02

I had my sixtieth birthday last week and celebrated with an afternoon tea at home with family. The food was provided by M and S and the whole thing was really nice. I agree with other posters who have suggested afternoon at a venue nearby. It is fun to have something to dress up for, too. I like the suggestion of a magazine subscription - perhaps a book of the month subscription might be an idea. If your friend is a keen reader, she might also like a kindle.

Aveline Thu 12-Dec-24 17:55:12

A subscription to the 'Oldie' is money well spent!

Cateq Fri 13-Dec-24 01:12:03

For my 60th one of my brothers ordered a bought of flowers to arrive every month for a year, which I was thrilled with as I love flowers. My DH brings me flowers every week, just the way my dad did for my mum, gran and two aunts. So for me it would be flowers that I’d appreciate the most.

vegansrock Fri 13-Dec-24 01:34:27

An art pass so you can get into loads of exhibitions free or half price.

CocoPops Fri 13-Dec-24 01:55:16

When I last stayed with my son he took me to the West Midlands Safari Park. We had a super time.
Would your friend like that or a trip to the zoo I wonder?

Galton Fri 13-Dec-24 05:54:54

I will be 80 next birthday and would prefer not to have it celebrated quite frankly. I have all that I want in life and just to have good health is far more important. Oh and a bottle of Champers would not be refused, you see I can still be bought.smile

Peaches7 Fri 13-Dec-24 07:36:12

I had my 70th birthday in July, and my daughter adopted a donkey for me,it was a fab present I have a picture of him and get updates about him,I can also go and visit him at the donkey sanctuary

Jaxjacky Fri 13-Dec-24 08:26:54

I’d like the flowers Cateq no thanks to an afternoon tea.

Greengage Fri 13-Dec-24 12:20:39

I love a hamper of fruit and/or veg, or delicatessen type items, or flowers and luxury chocolates!

Leanetta Sat 14-Dec-24 16:48:16

A share in a race horse? About £60

Daisydaisydaisy Sat 14-Dec-24 20:29:43

What about a subscription to Ancestory 🙂