70th birthday gift suggestions?

Several friends of mine have celebrated their 70th birthdays recently. One received gifts for the house she was about to move into with her new man, another enjoyed a parachute jump and another was treated to a holiday in the sun with all her children and grandchildren. Another good friend has just made use of her 80th birthday present - a glider flight and lesson! I like the "experience" type of present but, to me, experiences are better shared, especially when it's your birthday. Unless you know your mother to be happily independent, do make sure she will have company.

For my 70th I received a laptop, a tablet, holiday in Bavaria, a voucher for the Sharrow Bay hotel. Special gift from GC was a hand crafted glass heart which hangs in a window. I also received framed family photos.

From my son and DiL I was given the gift of a night away in a posh hotel with my OH and from my daughter and SiL a silver pendant with 3 little round tags on, each engraved with a grandchild's initial. It was from Etsy and she also gave me a Tiffany bracelet. The whole family went out for afternoon tea on the day and I felt very lucky.

Our children arranged a photo shoot of children, spouses, grandchildren, and dogs in the country park near us for our anniversary. We chose 20 for an album and one to be enlarged and framed.
There were also pics of around the village on the disc.

I feel very sad reading these posts.
Some people must be feeling so under appreciated, in spite of being good partners and parents. The funds are not there for these extravagant gestures.

I know this is a Gransnet forum but what can one give a man for his 70th birthday? He is happil but we, his 3 siblings, are wondering what to give.

We don't mind men on Gransnet, Hopkins234. We even let them join in and give opinions sometimes , so don't worry about bringing your brother into the conversation.

That said, I never have a clue what to get any of the men in my life, so I'm no ruddy use at all to you. I always pray that I pull out one of the DD or DIL when we choose our family secret Santa name.

Oh, I've just thought. The last thing I bought for a man was one of those coffee makers with pods that have just been getting a slating for their environmental impact. He seemed to like it though

And DS said I'd made her husband's birthday when I bought him the only thing he'd asked for - a pack of socks for sensitive feet!

I gave DH a an executive leather office chair or his 70th to sit in the study and watch sky sports rather than nesting in another room and killing conversation. It was M&S or john Lewis I've forgotten which. Perhaps really good pillows to go with the silk pillowcases.
I'm having a birthday today but having my little rest and some flowers have come from dd. She would save herself a lot of money if she remembered the date and sent a card in time

I turn 70 this year, and I really don't want any special stuff. I don't feel just because there is a 0 at the end it makes any difference. I don't want 'things' having just downsized, don't want beauty treatments. I never made much of my birthdays at any time. My daughter does, and I have been having a job stopping her going overboard. Not too much of a problem as she lives the other side of the country :-)

Don't be sad, annsixty, there are lots of us like you---always doing everything for others in the family, then saying "Don't bother getting anything for me, I know you're hard up", always hoping they'll ignore this and treat you like a queen. The trouble is, they take you at your word and you get what you've asked for,--nothing! Anyone with a parent out there, ignore them when they pretend birthdays and anniversaries don't matter. They do, so cherish them before it's too late.

I was given a surprise party for my 60th , loads of family and old friends. For my 70th my daughter took me to Paris for two nights , it's my favourite place in the whole world so that
made me happy.

How fit is she?
For my 80th birthday my family bought me a Fit-bit! I have enjoyed it, counts steps ,how many flights of stairs,how many hours I sleep. Sure I am fitter for it.

Well I've suggested this on another thread...............it went down a storm with a 70 year old only last week

A photograph (mine was of the grandchildren personalised in a Wentworth puzzle.......the whimseys spell out HAPPY 70TH BIRTHDAY (other ages are available. Great fun and SO appreciated
www.wentworthpuzzles.com/personal-photo-puzzles/personalised-photo-jigsaw-puzzles-with-messages/personal22.htm

Have a look!!

"Hopkins234"

I forgot to say the jigsaw was for a man last week, but a female sibling had one (60) earlier in the year!

Perhaps your mother has a favourite restauant that she can't get to regularly any longer?
I've not reached 70 yet, but on my 60th I went to London (where three of my children live) and we all went out for a lovely Thai meal in a restaurant that we used to go to when we lived there. Not expensive but one of my favourite places to eat. My children and grandchildren all love Thai food so it was great for all of us.

I will be 70 next year. I like treats like afternoon tea out, preferably with other family members. I have received theatre vouchers in the past which are a very welcome contribution to what can be an expensive evening out these days. Also vouchers for a meal at a local restaurant are a thoughtful gift. Depending on the person and how much you can afford, pamper days, spa breaks at a hotel, etc are also appreciated.

I'm lucky in a way that my birthday falls just before Christmas. This one will be my 70th!! so I've booked tickets for the family to go to the Pantomime on the day.

In February I hope to go to Malta with one of my sons and family so feeling lucky.

You could ask your mum what she would like to do. As a fellow nearly 70 year old I'm sure she wouldn't mind.

She might want to just have a quiet birthday tea. Not everyone is keen on big celebrations.

A lovely, long family lunch (14 of us) in July this year and a marvellous cake made by one of my daughters-in law! My DH paid for everyone to enjoy lunch and we had agreed beforehand that that was his present to me - it was a wonderful day.

For my 70th this year, my daughters arranged a family meal at a country pub. Some of us stayed overnight and had a country walk next morning. Photos were taken, framed and are on display at home.

Mine next year, my niece wants to have a big family party but that's my idea of hell, would just love a quiet evening having a meal with one or two of the family

I shall be 70 in December and my daughter's mil was 60 in June so we were both invited to join my daughter and family (with our other halves) at a villa in the South of France for a holiday. They paid for villa and we just had to get there. Just got back last week and we all had a fabulous time, 6 adults and our twin grandchildren. I am also having a party in December with family and friends and have really been celebrating all year. At my age I really appreciate experiences rather than things eg theatre or restaurant vouchers, Don't really need things as at my age if I want something I usually buy it.

My son and daughter joined forces to buy me (and DH) a posh meal at our favourite restaurant for my 70th. The restaurant sent me a card detailing the gift. I was delighted. I have lovely photos to remember the occasion.

Hi, maybe a family genealogy tree will work for you?
www.twentyfingers.co.uk/family-genealogy-tree.html

BiL gave my OH membership for two with Historic Scotland for his 70th. Since then we have visited lots of interesting places and try to add to our list every chance we get. BiL and wife are also members so often we arrange to meet somewhere, visit the site of interest then have lunch or dinner. This week mutual friends joined us, turned out they had decided to join so now there are six of us motivated to get out, socialise and learn more about our beautiful country. It has been a wonderful present.