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The best gift ideas for a friend turning 50

Turning 50 is a big deal, in the best kind of way and finding that one memorable gift can often seem like a challenge – but, with a little care and thought, you can make the most of this special occasion and give your best friend a gift they’ll cherish for years.

By LLM Reporters   |  

It’s true what they say; life really does begin at 50, and at this stage in life, it’s all about enjoying the fruits of your labour thus far and making more time to do the things you love.

If someone in your life is approaching the big 5-0 and feeling less than thrilled about it, then spoiling them with a beautiful luxury gift is a great way to inject some fun into the occasion and remind them about the positive side of getting to celebrate another birthday. Let’s face it – everyone loves to be made to feel special, and showering them with an expensive piece of jewellery, a thoughtful getaway or a delicious meal at their favourite fine dining restaurant are all great ways to put a smile on their face.

Turning 50 is a big deal, in the best kind of way – and finding that one memorable gift can often seem like a challenge – but, with a little care and thought, you can make the most of this special occasion and give your best friend a gift they’ll cherish for years.

A lavish friendship ring

Image credit: Story Jewellery

We all remember giving basic versions to one another as children – but friendship rings can hold just as much meaning as adults. Of course, they’ve been given a luxurious upgrade for those exchanging them at this stage in life, and can be engraved or delivered with a special, personalised message that will let your friend know just how much you appreciate them. 

Available in a variety of metals, some even encrusted with some beautiful jewels and gemstones, friendship rings – of the grown-up variety – are a show-stopping gift they’re certain to love. Plus, these gorgeous rings, like this spinner ring, can be easily paired with any outfit, so they’re certain to become a new favourite in your friend’s jewellery box.

A memorable experience day

3d render of blue-white hot air balloon in the blue sky

The gifts we tend to remember the most aren’t the material objects, but the memories we make with the people we love. By the time we get to fifty, most of us already have many of the material possessions we’ve always dreamed of, which can make gift-giving a little trickier – so treating them to an experience day – whether it’s an indulgent few hours at the spa or a thrilling ride in a hot air balloon – is a fun way to mix things up a bit and really spoil them. 

If you know there’s an event your friend would love to attend but has never found the justification to until now, gifting them tickets for this momentous occasion could be just the job. If it’s something you can do together, then even better, as it’ll make for a wonderful day out they’ll never forget, and largely thanks to the company.

A Michelin-starred meal

Luxury dish - grilled scallops with asparagus and creamy espuma.

Going out for your 50th birthday meal should undoubtedly be an extravagant experience, with no expense spared – so gifting them a meal at that Michelin-starred eatery they’ve always wanted to try, or the one they simply can’t stop returning to for more, is bound to go down a treat.

Sharing a meal together is a simple but excellent way to help them feel loved and appreciated, and a multi-course tasting menu prepared by their favourite chef, complete with an expertly paired wine flight, is an indulgent gift that won’t just be an in-and-out affair, but a long and leisurely culinary experience that they’ll be telling everyone they know about for years to come.

The bottom line

A fiftieth birthday is a monumental occasion, and with a little thought and care, you can transform your friend’s special day into one that they’ll remember for a lifetime. It all starts with a simple yet meaningful gift that will stay with them for years to come – whether in the form of a beautiful keepsake gift, or memories that will last a lifetime.