Perfect 60th Birthday Gift Ideas

 

Are you on the hunt for the perfect 60th birthday gift? When it comes to celebrating this milestone occasion, you want to find a gift that is unique, thoughtful, and memorable. Whether you're looking for something sentimental, adventurous, or funny, we've got you covered with a variety of 60th birthday gift ideas that are sure to make their special day even more unforgettable.

Whether you're buying your own present or clubbing together with family to get something a bit more costly, here's our pick of the best 60th birthday gifts to suit every budget.

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1. Unique 60th birthday gift ideas

If you're searching for a gift that stands out from the crowd, or need to buy for the person who already has everything, look no further.

 

Personalised gifts

The most welcome presents for me are things like home made jams/chutney etc which is so personal and enjoyable. Sodapop

When it comes to finding a special 60th birthday gift, personalised items are always a great choice. Not only do they show just how thoughtful and considerate you are, but they also create a lasting keepsake gift that the recipient can cherish for years to come. Whether it's a custom-made piece of jewellery, or a unique gift with a message, these presents add a personal touch to any celebration.

One popular gift idea right now is the personalised memoir book. This unique gift allows you to gather photos, stories, and memories from family and friends to create a one-of-a-kind keepsake. Wonderbly allows you to create a personalised book ranging from poetry to a funny 'user-manual' to a proper mushy love story dedicated to the recipient.  If you really want to push the boat out or are clubbing together with family, Book of My Life will write and publish an entire memoir up to 40,000 words written by a published author or experienced journalist.

If you’re on a budget, you could opt for a family tree artwork. This personalised piece of art can include all family members and their relationships. Not on the High Street has a variety of designs but if you’re crafty, you could make your own. It's a really meaningful gift and can be passed down as a family heirloom.

 

Gift Experiences

I asked for a flying lesson…and I just loved it. Wish I'd done it when I was young enough to get a pilot's licence. I blame all those Biggles books I devoured as a child! Another time I had a balloon flight. I'm over 80 now and still don't see age as a barrier. Annodomini

Some people just don’t want (or have room for) more STUFF. (Another candle? You shouldn’t have. No, really, etc.) If that sounds familiar, you could opt for an experience rather than a thing. There’s something for everyone’s tastes - cheese and wine events, afternoon tea and hot air balloons are just a few of the experiences on offer. For the thrill-seeker in your life, why not consider gift ideas that involve adventure and excitement like a supercar driving day or flying experience?

I was once bought a Komodo dragon feeding experience- amazing present!! BibbleBibbleBlop

A word of caution from your fellow Gransnetters - make sure the gift is likely to be used in time as many gifts have an expiration date. You should also consider if it’s something the recipient will actually want to do. Sure, you may have always dreamed about leaping out of an airplane but would it really appeal to your auntie Louise who goes a bit funny on the third rung on a step ladder?

A few years back I bought my DH a gliding lesson for his birthday as he’d always gone on about how he’d love to do that. He opened it on his birthday and I saw his face drop, he then informed me he actually didn’t want to do it after all. He’s not mentioned gliding since that day. Bluedaisy

Check out Virgin Experience Days and Red Letter Days for inspiration to suit all tastes and budgets.

 

Creative workshops

Opt for a life-drawing class for the brave, a photography lesson or a day spent channeling their inner chef with a cookery class. Creative sessions also provide a great way to relax and unwind, allowing the birthday honoree to escape from the stresses of everyday life and learn a new skill into the bargain. Class Bento offers a huge variety of creative workshops all over the UK, ranging from pottery, Japanese cooking to candle-making.

 

2. Holiday gifts

If you want to level up from an experience day you could really go to town and book a birthday holiday for the lucky recipient. You don’t have to go big budget (well, you can but we’ll leave that in your capable hands) and it’s an ideal joint gift from all the family. The added bonus is that you can go too (unless it would be awkward) so you get a gift and you get a gift and you get a gift..

 

Cottage holidays

"My family took me to Wales for four days to stay in a farmhouse. It was just what I wanted!"

 

 

Cottage holidays are the ideal gift for those who love long weekends away and the glorious countryside. Guests will be able to enjoy time with family, take a variety of lovely strolls and soak up beautiful scenery - the UK certainly has a lot to offer when it comes to great weekend getaways, whether it's Devon, the Cotswolds or even the Lake District. Try Luxury Cottages for beautiful cottages around the UK 

 

Walking holidays 

My friend has just been on a walking holiday, joining up with a group of other singles, and seems to found it friendly and to have enjoyed it. Septima

If your 60th birthday gift is intended for an outdoor-type who loves a ramble, then a walking holiday or similar might be just the ticket. These types of trips are particularly good for solo travellers and those who love to meet new people. Check out Wild Frontiers for overseas trips and the National Trust website for the low down on the most beautiful UK treks. 

 

Festival break 

Went to the IOW festival 2015 absolutely fab fun. Glamped, so we did have showers, loos, and a bar in our area. We were mixed ages including x2 teenagers. Weather good and saw some amazing acts including Fleetwood Mac. Everyone we met was happy, friendly, no age barriers at a festival, everybody is young at heart, it's a experience. Visgirl

Your freshly minted 60-year-old grew up in the 1970s so it might be safe to assume they're no stranger to a bit of rock n roll. Festivals aren't just for the young and they aren't all about music. Whether it's the Hay Literary Festival in Hay-on-Wye or the ever-popular Glastonbury, a day or weekend at a festival is the perfect gift for those who love to try something that little bit different. Many festivals offer ticket and accommodation packages too, which makes the overall cost cheaper and planning much easier. Check out Ticket Master for details of events and packages.

 

3. Memorable 60th Birthday Gift Ideas

Elevate your gift-giving experience by adding a personal touch that speaks volumes.

 

Photo Collage or Video Montage

I like the memory/photo book idea...perhaps also referencing significant family/personal events - and/or a large framed collage of photos from each decade. Elothan

There’s no need to spend a lot to find a gift that will mean the world to your loved one. Capturing cherished memories and creating a personalised way to reminisce, a photo collage or video montage is an ideal 60th birthday present. You could also add birthday messages for an extra personal feel. The perfect present for long-distance grandparents and those who may need reminding of all the incredible things they've done. Take a look at Photo Gift World for canvas prints and Boots Photo for digital prints.

I just made a lovely montage of family pics found on their their Facebook pages (stalker me!) for MIL's birthday. I did the montage on Photoshop and had it printed professionally while I was ordering other stuff from my favourite cheap internet printers, so cost of that and frame were within a tenner.” Moobox

Private Movie Screening

You don’t have to be an A list celebrity to clear out a cinema just for you and your nearest and dearest. If the birthday boy or girl is a movie buff, a private movie screening doesn’t cost as much as you’d think. Prices at Cineworld start at £120 for up to 20 guests and they offer a selection of films to choose from.

Find some further film inspiration from our Talk boards

 

4. 60th Birthday Gift Ideas for the Foodies

If your recipient is a bit of a foodie, then a culinary-based birthday gift could prove a winner.

 

Gourmet food basket gifts

As a one-off treat, you could send a gourmet food hamper from John Lewis or make their year with a delicious cheese selection from Gourmet Food Baskets. Recipe box service Gousto also allows you to purchase a subscription for someone else. They send recipe kit boxes as often as you choose, which include ready-measured, fresh ingredients and easily followed recipes.

 

Kitchenware gifts

Perhaps they could use some new kitchenware like this coveted Kitchen Aid artisan stand mixer or upgrade their cookware with a non-stick pots and pans set or an air-fryer from Ninja. (It seems that everyone is talking about air fryers lately, so your birthday boy or girl might want to give it a go too.) If you’re feeling generous you could also throw in The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook to get them started on their culinary adventure. 

 

Afternoon tea

"We were treated to a surprise joint 60th birthday tea at The Ritz, which was lovely. We two mothers had thought we were all going to see a film! Wonderful surroundings and the chefs bought us a cake to mark the occasion. I shall never forget it."

If they’d prefer to dine out, then you can’t go far wrong with a a quintessentially British experience with a bit of bubbly thrown in for good measure. The Ritz champagne afternoon tea is certainly a luxurious treat for someone who loves company and a bit of pizzazz in a glam location. Perfect for marking this milestone birthday. For a more purse-friendly option, Warner Leisure Hotels offer a classic afternoon tea for two for £22.50 pp. 

 

Theatre and dinner gifts

We love musicals but also plays, comedians and dh enjoys modern jazz and jazz fusion Kittylester

If they like eating and a bit of theatre magic -and let's face it, who doesn't - a three-course dinner followed by a West End show of their choice in the heart of London can be an extremely fun way to spend a 60th birthday. Try the theatre and dinner for two package from Red Letter Days.

 

5. Beauty and skincare gifts

Show your loved ones that their well-being is a priority with thoughtful presents that nurture both body and soul.

 

Beauty box subscription

Skincare and cosmetics have come a long way in recent years and beauty boxes – bundles of products and make-up delivered straight to your door via a subscription - make an excellent gift. With Glossy Box you can choose a one-off box, three or 12 month subscriptions.

Read about the beauty boxes Mumsnetters swear by

 

Spa break

For something a touch more indulgent, you could opt for the ever-popular spa break. Packages come in all shapes and sizes, but most include access to all the spa's facilities, a healthy and light lunch and one spa treatment per person. A great gift for recharging those batteries. Check out Red Letter Days for a variety of pampering experiences. 

How do Gransnetters get glowing skin after 50?

 

Hair salon voucher

To quote Fleabag, hair is everything. If your birthday person is of a similar mindset to the subversive heroine, then you can’t go wrong with a salon voucher. Most hair salons will offer gift vouchers while the Treatwell gift card can be used in any salon within their network.

Find the best hair dryer brushes for salon-worthy styles

 

6. Unusual gifts

Much can be said for thinking outside of the box and something from the selection below will certainly make for a memorable gift. 

 

Donation to a charity

"We had this problem for a friend 'who has everything' - so we made out a Charities Aid cheque for £60 and asked him to choose his own worthy cause."

 

As there are many worthwhile charities to donate to, it might be a good idea to let the recipient choose their own. Check out the wide range of gift options from the RSPB. You'll be helping to prevent the extinction of many species without lifting a finger.  

 

Plant a tree gift 

A fun day out and eco-friendly at the same time. The gift will usually come with a personalised certificate and an invitation to a planting event. Each tree will then be properly looked after as part of a maintenance programme. Of all the 60th birthday gift ideas out there, this one might just be our favourite. Take a look at this Plant a Treet Gift from The National Forest.

 

English Heritage or National Trust membership

 

 A gift for a budding historian or someone who loves the outdoors. With unlimited access to hundreds of sites and a number of historical events, it's sure to keep them busy all year round. Try English Heritage membership for a whole year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

   Images: Shutterstock, The Ritz, Buyagift.com, notonthehighstreet.com