70th birthday gift ideas

Feeling a bit stuck for 70th birthday gift ideas? The good news is that when it comes to buying a present for someone special, there are a wealth of options to choose from. What are their hobbies, interests and passions - and what is the one treat they would think is really luxurious? Whether you have too many ideas or too few, gransnetters are full of creative suggestions and good advice. Here are our the best 70th birthday gifts to suit a variety of budgets.

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1. Pampering gifts

The verdict is in: when it comes to birthdays, a pampering gift really is a winner. If spa treatments and beauty salons are a bit beyond your budget, why not consider a really good, nourishing body scrub as a budget-friendly alternative?  
 

Spa gifts

"We arrived at the spa mid-morning and had full use of the facilities, including a beautiful swimming pool, sauna and steam room. Then we had a light lunch, followed by treatments, a three-course dinner and an overnight stay in four star accommodation including breakfast!" 

An hour, a day, or a whole weekend of pampering and relaxing at a tranquil spa is a thoughtful and relaxing birthday treat that will certainly be remembered for years to come. For a truly showstopping gift, choose a deal that includes lunch, dinner or a glass or two of bubbly. 

Try: Pampering Spa Day for Two from Experience Days.

 

Surprise birthday makeover

"My other half was most pleased with a token for a full makeover at our local beauty parlour."

A surprise appointment at a local beauty salon for a pedicure or professional makeup and hair styling might be the ideal 70th birthday present, especially if they're having a lavish party to celebrate the occasion. Not only will it be a fun few hours, but it'll make them feel like royalty too. 

Try: A luxury pedicure from Buyagift.

 

Give a new hairdo

If you're looking for a slightly cheaper option, but love the idea of giving a pampering gift, then why not treat your intended recipient to a new haircut? If time is on your side, consider keeping her company at the hairdressers - then head out for lunch together to air out the new 'do. 

Try: Red Letter Days for a hair makeover package.

 

2. Food gifts

Homemade or hand-picked, people love a birthday present that looks lovely and tastes great. Whether your budget is big or small, an edible gift is an excellent way of showing someone how well you know them. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

 

Birthday hampers

"When I turned 70 last year, my daughter sent a gorgeous parcel of food goodies." 

Go all out with a birthday hamper from the likes of Fortnum and Mason or a special birthday box filled with a variety of luxurious treats - and champagne too, of course. If this idea is a little beyond your budget, why not assemble your own birthday hamper filled with all of their favourite foods?

Try: A birthday hamper from Fortnum and Mason.

 

Give a fondue set

Add to their kitchen gadgets by giving a fondue set complete with a range of different cheeses and dipping extras. Or, if you're putting together your own sweet treats set, go for quality chocolates and fresh, exotic fruit. For a slightly cheaper alternative, buy ready-made chocolate dipping sets in various sizes depending on their sweet tooth.  

Try: Marks and Spencers' Fondue Gift Set.

 

Go to a farmers' market together

When it comes to 70th birthday gifts, our users agree that spending the day with family tops their birthday wish lists. So, if you're looking for a slightly more interactive foodie present, why not arrange a family trip to a local farmers' market? Have lunch there and fill a birthday basket with goodies to take home.

Try: The best of London's farmers' markets.

 

3. Little luxuries

Who doesn't love a little touch of luxury? A soft pair of slippers or a new towelling robe - or perhaps a set of really good, intensive handcreams? Whether it's a personalised umbrella, a pair of 100% cashmere socks or something that they would never usually buy for themselves, it's the little things that often mean the most.

 

Slippers and soft robes

"I love comfy gifts like big, snuggly slippers." 

Putting on a soft pair of slippers after a long day is a little slice of heaven for some. Whether they're made from shearling or cotton, as long as they hug and care for feet they'll feel like pure luxury on a chilly night. Or perhaps they would love a new comfortable robe to snuggle up in every morning while the tea is brewing?

Try: This Pure Cotton Towelling Dressing Gown from Marks and Spencer.

 

A bottle of their favourite tipple

You can't go wrong with a bottle of bubbly or a delicious liqueur. Whether they prefer to drink locally produced ale, non-alcoholic, sparkling cordials or a specially imported gin, they'll love being spoilt with their favourite tipple on this special day.  

Try: The Edinburgh Gin Liqueur Selection from John Lewis.

 

Beauty gifts

Intensive creams and moisturisers can significantly improve the condition of ageing skin, and using one of these products will not only make skin look glowing, but also feel healthier. Find out which brands are their favourite and treat them to a gift that'll make them feel beautiful inside and out. 

Try: Clarins' Normal to Dry Skin Collection.

 

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4. Birthday getaway ideas

No matter your budget, there is one gift that will always be well recieved - spending quality time together. Whether it's as a couple, mother and daughter, brother and sister or with the whole family, the best 70th birthday present according to our users is the opportunity to spend time with loved ones.

 

A weekend break

"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 very happy."

A two-night getaway in a beautiful city, such as Paris, Vienna or Budapest, is the perfect length of time to soak up the culture of another country, visit popular tourist attractions and have a much-deserved break. If you prefer to stay a little closer to home, there are a number of brilliant places to visit in the UK that will also do just the trick.  

Try: Getaway deals from Secret Escapes.

 

A farm stay for the whole family

If you can get the whole family together to celebrate the occasion, why not go all out and book a weekend farm stay? Going back to basics is a great way to bond with the grandchildren and enjoy a break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Try: Farm Stay UK for a number of rural breaks.

 

A week in a historical village

"I'm spending a week away with my husband in Ironbidge. I've never been before, but I am looking forward to the Victorian Village."

Eschew the crowds that usually accompany a trip abroad by travelling to somewhere local and unusual. Spend the weekend in the countryside visiting famous historical houses or explore a historical village, such as Ironbridge, Caernarfon or even Dunfermline.

Try: Holiday cottages courtesy of Historic UK.

 

5. Unusual gift ideas

Are you buying a present for someone who doesn't want a lot of fuss? It's a tricky situation; showing up with no present will feel odd, yet showing up with something unwanted will feel pushy. Fortunately, we have come to your aid with suggestions to inspire you.

 

Donation to a charity of their choice

If helping others is their passion, then what could be better than showing your support and joining in? Get the whole family involved with a donation to a charity that's close to their heart.   

Try: A charity gift voucher from Charity Gifts.

 

A bit of DIY help

"The ideal gift would be an hour with a tall person who can reach the high bits in the hall, so I can finish the wallpapering I started five years ago." 

They might feel younger than ever at 70, but everyone needs a helping hand once in a while. Is there a DIY project they're working on? Is there bedroom that needs painting or a bathroom that's waited an age to be redecorated? An extra pair of hands might be the gift to beat all gifts. 

Try: Online for a list of handyman services near you.

 

Skype your present

"My daughter Skyped me on the day and watched me open my present."

If you live far apart and can't spend the day together, why not send them a present in advance and Skype them on their birthday? Watch them open your gift while chatting over a cup of tea...or a glass of champagne. 

Try: Skype - it's completely free! 

 

Have a family photo shoot

"Our children arranged a photo shoot of children, spouses, grandchildren and dogs in the country park near us. We chose 20 for an album and one to be enlarged and framed."

What better way is there to celebrate a special family member and create lasting memories? Having a professional take the family snapshots means you can all relax and focus on enjoying time with your loved ones. If you're at a specific venue on the day, hire a photographer to shoot on location.

Try: Wowcher's Family Photoshoot, including prints and digital images.

 

6. Subscription gift ideas 

Certain types of gifts will keep on giving - sometimes even for a whole year! Our pick of fun subscription gifts come in all shapes and sizes. 
 

Flower deliveries

"We bought our very good friend a bouquet of flowers to be sent each month for her 70th birthday year, delivered by her favourite florist. Each month I'd get a photo of the bouquet and an update on how she is!"

If your intended recipient enjoys filling their home with vibrant colours, treat them to a monthly delivery of flower bouquets, perhaps from their local florist. Ask the florist to use flowers inspired by the changing seasons for a more personal touch.

Try: A Letterbox Subscription from Bloom and Wild. 

 

Book club or magazine subscription

"A subscription to a magazine was much appreciated by my mum for her 70th birthday."

If you need a gift for the family's bookworm, but worry that you don't know their taste well enough, why not treat them to a book club membership? As an annual subscription, they will receive one book a month for a year based on their reading preferences. If you're after something a little lighter, an annual magazine subscription might be just the ticket - choose one that reflects their interests and hobbies from fashion to cooking to travel and technology.

Try: Magazine subscriptions from WH Smith.

 

Food subscription gifts 

While big baskets of delicacies might look impressive, it can sometimes be tricky to enjoy such a vast quantity of food before it goes out of date. Fortunately, you can now give the same present in bite-size portions that stretch over time. Hooray! These come courtesy of food clubs that send small, monthly parcels of treats, such as cheese, chocolate and cake.

Try: The Cheese Society's Monthly Cheese Club

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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