Special birthday present for a 70 year old

We recently gave an original “dated” newspaper from their wedding day to a couple having a Diamond celebration. As a joint present from a number of family members, it was a reasonable cost, but I agree with lots of posters who say they’d rather have something that’s a treat out, than something physical. The newspaper, however, is still going the rounds of family and friends, and has been a great talking point.

At Christmas time, I give groups of young relatives joint donations to appropriate small charities, like one which provides children going through surgery for a stoma a teddy bear with the same stoma “button” as theirs - or more appropriate Teen Pack for young adults. It’s like giving a gift twice.

I used to give animal adoptions, but found that once you sign up for these, either you or the gift receiver, is bombarded with further requests from the original charity, or other similar ones.

That’s why a small, local charity (albeit with a UK-wide beneficiary range) is a better bet.

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 would enjoy an afternoon tea if they gave you twice as many little savoury sandwiches and half as many cakes. In fact I wouldn’t much mind if they didn’t bother with cakes at all. Some gougere would be nice, though - I really must have a stab at making that.

Chocolatelovinggran

It sounds as if she'd enjoy a meal out with you.
When my mother was seventy, I did seven tiny parcels to represent each decade of her life - her favourite sweets for the first ( she would have been a child during sweet rationing) , a framed picture of the family to denote the start of her family years, a sudoku book for her seventh decade, celebrating the leisure period, etc.
None of these cost much, and she enjoyed opening each one and talking about each life stage.

That's a good idea!

Ditto to no more ‘stuff’ - unless you know of some specific thing they want. A meal out, or a theatre or concert, to something you know they’d enjoy.

For a Big birthday of my mother, I made a late afternoon tea at home (with mini sandwiches, crusts cut off, sponge cake etc.) before we left for the theatre.

i think it is a case of know your audience. Some suggestions on here would appeal to me and some would have me wondering if my loved ones have ever met me.

From a 71 year old so maybe too old to judge.

Just thought would she like a hot air balloon trip? Might appeal and be a bit different. As others have said we still feel we are that 25 year old but get a shock looking in the mirror! Whatever you used to like you probably still do! A day at the races??

Here we are
All Records on Ancestry®
Worldwide membership includes access to UK, Ireland & all International records on Ancestry®

Monthly
£19.99/mo.

6 month (upfront)
£99.99 SAVE £19*

What about a subscription to Ancestory 🙂

A share in a race horse? About £60

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

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

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

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.

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?

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

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.

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

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.

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!!

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

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

Surely champagne is included in a champagne afternoon tea?

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.

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!

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