60th birthday gift

Well I'm interested in the replies to this question too as My 70th is coming up and I have the same dilemma. I really don't want "things" but neither do I want an "Experience Day". Maybe I'll just tell them I'd really like a happy photo of my children and grandchildren, (which I would).

I agree, too much 'stuff' anyway, but if they really want to buy me something then I suggest they take me out somewhere, RFH, theatre, overnight stay at a nice hotel with a trip to a castle or mill or gallery. Then you get a wonderful experience and the pleasure of their company.

What about something to display on the dresser?

I ask for National Garden Centre tokens. There's always something I want and you can add them together.

For christmas last year my daughter gave me a gift token for a theatre I'm particularly fond of. I have used it several times & have just used the last of it to book tickets for a performance in November. It was a gift which gave us almost a year of enjoyment, loved it.

A couple of years ago on a big anniversary the family clubbed together and sent us to Hay-on-Wye for the weekend with £50 each to spend on books.

Hay on Wye and books may not be everybody's cup of tea, but the principle of a weekend away somewhere of special interest makes a lovely present..

My DC gave me an experience for my 60th that I haven't forgotten - they paid for me to go up in a glider. It was not terribly expensive and I absolutely loved the experience - flying high above the Cheviots; it was so silent and peaceful. I would definitely recommend gliding

A family photo in a nice silver photo frame, a locket with grandchildrens photo, a charm bracelet and each could buy something to go on it.

I've booked to go away for my 60th. So any contributions towards costs would be welcome.
I also love the idea of a professional photo of DD and her family.

Son gave us a joint Art Pass for Xmas & daughter signed me up as a Friend of the local Theatre (so something for a Charity AND for you). They are used a lot so I think of them every time I do.

If you have any particular interests (painting, writing, embroidery, pottery, yoga, etc., etc.) - a residential course. (Personally, I'd love to go on a residential writing course).

A weekend away.

A "pampering" session (facial, massage, etc. etc.) or a spa weekend with OH or friend.

My friend went with her husband on a day trip on the Orient Express, which included a lovely lunch.

Cinema membership.

A collage of your own photographs printed onto canvas (there are businesses that do these).

I was 6o on Sunday, here are some ideas from what I received a 'terramundi' pot to save for a special holiday I smashed mine last year for a holiday but never replaced it.... An authentic Harris Tweed handbag, a silver brooch, a new watch with larger numerals on it. (I was always rummaging for my iphone to check the time. Tickets for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo (went to late show Sat night with fireworks it was brilliant)

I've had a dresser since last summer grannyactivist and I still find myself sitting a gazing at it and thinking "Wow! At last!"
I can't remember what I had for my sixtieth - I think the main thing was a nice family meal out.

My 60th last year was more or less cancelled with flu wiping out myself and some of the family who were coming to celebrate. So I had a 60+1 birthday this year and DH gave me a surprise trip to London. He'd arranged that on the actual day we went on a tour of Houses of Parliament, something I'd always wanted to do and it was Free! Rest of trip was brilliant but not free. Cabinet War Rooms, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London,a theatre visit to see Matilda [brilliant] and a lunch at one of Gordon Ramsey's restaurants. What I'm saying is that I didn't want any 'things' on my birthday, but experiences that leave you with wonderful memories. Think of something you've always wanted to do or see or an amazing restaurant you'd like to try. These days, consumable gifts are much appreciated - theatre tickets,restaurant vouchers, champagne.... Nothing that I am going to have to dust! Only exception is jewellery. Dear St-S bought me a Thomas Sabo charm bracelet and I've had lots of fun adding charms that represent all the good things in my life.

I hit that number next September long way off !!,

Had party for my 40th and 50th but have always said want keep low
Profile for the next milestone!

Maybe special holiday!

Like some of these ideas!

At 60, I had just moved house and was still in recovery, so I had a small get-together with close family and friends. 70th was a very different story - a big party in a community hall - old friends, family and in-laws. Great!

Thanks for all your suggestions.
My list now includes a teasmade, touch lamp, cushions (lovely ones that I would never buy for myself) - or 'experiences'. It seems a little odd to be making lists of things I'd like when I'm actually going to be away on holiday on the day itself, but my lovely mother in law is hosting a family dinner for me a couple of days before we leave. I have enjoyed each of the passing decades, but knowing that (with the exception of my mum) the womenfolk of previous generations in my family died in their sixties lends it a certain poignancy.

My children and partners and a nephew came over to help me celebrate and I treated myself to a group Geology trip to Iceland in a very cold March.

My two children in NZ and OZ gave me a photo book full of pictures of my five Grandchildren. It's a lovely keepsake. They took the photos whilst staying in OZ and there were quotes from each of the children. It was a smashing gift.

I would have like a picture of all my daughters (3) as well but I was very happy.

I reckon an experience would also be a good idea or alternatively a great family day out.

Hope you have a lovely day whatever you decide

I have just had my 60th in July. My girls took me and the grandchildren to London. We went to a live butterfly exhibition at the Natural History Museum (4yr old grandchildren loved it even more than me) then black cab ( a treat in itself) to a lovely Italian restaurant (my favourite food) and they also bought me beautiful turquoise Italian glass earrings ( I don,t think I,m dressed without earrings) and had a big personalised photo album made of the little girls from birth to present year including photos of me and their mother and Aunty with them as we'll. I absolutely loved it and it was such a personal present made up for me with love and I,ll treasure it always. I agree that something personal to you is a lovely memory. Hope you have a great time when your birthday arrives. 60 is the new 40!

A trip to see the northern lights would be a lovely treat.

Sad to say I'd been so busy that I'd forgotten that my birthday was coming up until DH asked if there was anything I had in mind. I've had to scrabble round to think of things as I hate waste and if I don't like it it is a waste . I would actually like to give it a miss this year as it's the age my mother died and I feel very drained of verve and energy. Also I've just said goodbye to DD1 and children and I never hear from her for weeks on end as she is so tied up with work but DH reminded her that it was my birthday which I wish he hadn't. I feel if she has to be reminded of her mother's birthday it is a it poor show. My hastily scribbled list includes a large vase as bouquets seem to get bigger these days , leather gloves for winter in orange so I won't lose them,a set of Joseph chopping boards in a sleek case which I have been coveting for ages, and a cruise around the Black Sea. Hope my list might give ideas. I suspect I will get black gloves from M&S .

stansgran I hate it when they have to be reminded too.
Hope you perk up soon, it's hard when your family go home.

Twice as nice your day sounds so lovely and thoughtful ! One of my favourite presents when I was 40 was a barometer. I always wanted one and I look at it every day when I leave the house. It is very accurate at predicting the weather too