The best 50th birthday gift ideas: from luxury jewelry to travel experiences

Turning 50 is a milestone to be celebrated and what better way to celebrate than by receiving one of these 50th birthday gift ideas?

The big 5-0 isn't like any other birthday. It calls for reflecting on the wisdom of past years and momentum for all the ones to come. Because of that, finding the perfect gift can be tough when all interests, from skincare to books, could be equally as fitting.

Whatever the style and taste of the person you're shopping for, it's important to consider what they already love, like timeless gold jewelry, or want to try—like the world's best restaurants on their list. That's why we've rounded up our favorite 50th birthday gifts, bound to impress even those who swear they don't want to celebrate half a century. 

What do you get someone for their 50th birthday?

Traditionally, you bought something gold as a 50th birthday present. But with so many fantastic and unique 50th birthday gift ideas out there today, this no longer needs to be the case.

Tracy Kemp, director of the unique gift company Vintage Playing Cards, suggests personalizing a gift for a bespoke touch.

"Buying something for the home is a great gift as the recipient will see it every day. Or, something bespoke is a brilliant idea too—as they know that the gift has been created especially for them."

We also love the idea of giving the gift of a new experience—or the chance to make new memories—as a birthday present. We've included a few of those 50th birthday gift ideas below, along with more traditional presents, too. (And yes, there's one or two gold pieces in the list, for good measure.)

How do you pick a meaningful gift for a 50th birthday?

We spoke with Emma Bridgewater who shared her gift-giving advice and wisdom. As the founder of the eponymous British pottery company, she has over three decades of designing and creating gorgeous personalized gifts.

"I love the idea of a gift that can last for generations," Bridgewater gushed. "So you are giving a gift which will continue to give pleasure for years to come. A personalized mug or bowl makes a really thoughtful and unique gift."

Naturally, her favorite gift holds sentimental value, an attribute to consider as we shop for our beloved Gen-Xers.

"Beyond adding to my vintage pottery collection, I think my all-time favorite gift was the bundle of sticks which turned into a cherry orchard, an inspired present one year which produced beautiful clouds of blossoms in spring and baskets full of fruit in summer for years later—it has inspired me to give trees or shrubs as presents.

"It's certainly a unique present, and one that the recipient can enjoy for years to come."

Quick Links: Best Retailers to shop

Don't know where to look? Fortunately, we've rounded up useful shopping hubs with the best 50th birthday gifts. 

• Best beauty & wellness retailers for 50th birthday gifts: Amazon and Jo Malone
• Best home retailers for 50th birthday gifts: Amazon, Fortnum & Mason, and Not On The High Street
• Best fashion retailers for 50th birthday gifts: Aspinal of London, Astley Clarke,  Marks & Spencer, Matches Fashion, and Mulberry
• Best travel retailers for 50th birthday gifts: Priority Pass and Mr & Mrs Smith
• Best tech retailers for 50th birthday gifts: Amazon and Ancestry.com
• Best retailers for last minute 50th birthday gifts: Amazon, Airbnb, and Nordstrom, and Selfridges
• Best retailers for 50th birthday virtual gifts: Book of the Month and Masterclass
• Best retailers for vouchers for 50th birthday: Virgin Experience Days

The best 50th birthday gift ideas

We've hand-picked 50th birthday gift ideas for every budget, whether you're looking for unique 50th birthday gifts that break the mold, or gift ideas for a couple, a wife, husband, friend, or family member that they will treasure. From minimalist wardrobe essentials to best books, there's something for everyone—we promise.

Beauty and wellness gifts

Olverum Bath Oil

RRP: $52/£36.50 | Delivery: 2-4 day shipping | Refundable? 14-day money-back guarantee

Described as a 'kind of miracle' by Gwenyth Paltrow's Goop and loved by all who have tried it, this multi-award-winning bath oil contains 10 pure essential oils and is proven to naturally relieve stress and help people achieve a better nights' sleep. We've been told personally that the brand counts the royal family as fans—so if it's good enough for royalty. Available in sizes 4.25 and 8.5 fl oz./ 125 and 250 ml.

• Olverum Bath Oil at Amazon from $52/£36.50

Engraved Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Candle

RRP: $70/£50 | Delivery: 4-10 day shipping | Refundable? 14-day money-back guarantee

Among the best scented candles, this top-rated delicacy imbues notes of lime, peppery basil, and aromatic white thyme. Best of all, it can be customized as a special keepsake—just choose from two fonts and engrave your candle with a thoughtful message. 

• Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin Home Candle at Jo Malone for $70/‎£50

NUFACE TRINITY FACIAL TONING DEVICE

RRP: $70/£50 | Delivery: 2-4 day shipping | Refundable? 60-day money-back guarantee

Give the fountain of youth with this top-rated gadget, designed to deliver an at-home microcurrent treatment. Backed by interchangeable attachments, the device sculpts, tones, and defines sagging skin and wrinkles. The result: a supple, more radiant complexion that doesn't look a day over 35.

• NuFace Trinity Facial Toning Device at Amazon for $339/£234

Home gifts

Luxurious Cashmere And Merino Wool Throw

RRP: $178.63/£145 | Delivery: 2-10 day shipping | Refundable? 28-day money-back guarantee

A beautifully soft blue throw made from superfine merino wool and cashmere. Finished with subtle cream tassels, this lovely gift is perfect to snuggle under on the sofa or bed and will look gorgeous in any home.

• Cashmere And Merino Blue Throw at Not On The High Street for $178.63/£145

Personalized Watercolor House Portrait

RRP: $77.97/£55 | Delivery: 2-10 day shipping | Refundable? No

This bespoke watercolor sketch is a unique gift sure to delight any recipient, hand-drawn by artists working in Devon, England. The process is easy: Simply submit a photo of the property you would like painted and choose if you would like the picture framed. The artists will do the rest, leaving you with a one-of-a-kind present that will be loved long after the last slice of birthday cake has been eaten.

• Watercolor House Portrait at Not On The High Street for $77.97/£55

150 Restaurants You Need To Visit Before You Die By Amelie Vincent

RRP: $27.99/£20.29 | Delivery: 2-4 day shipping | Refundable? 30-day money-back guarantee

Never find yourself in a new city with nowhere to go to eat ever again. This visual bucket list highlights some of the world's best restaurants and gourmet experiences, curated by popular food blogger Amélie Vincent. 

• 150 Restaurants You Need To Visit Before You Die at Amazon for $27.99/£20.29

The Fortmason Hamper

RRP: $146.02/£100| Delivery: 3-6 day shipping | Refundable? 14-day money-back guarantee

Fortnum & Mason is home to exceptionally made luxury hampers. This one features a delicious assortment of treats from scrumptious biscuits to delightful tipples and savory pleasures. Once each morsel has been devoured, the wicker hamper makes a timeless and lovely keepsake.

• Fortmason Hamper at Fortnum & Mason for $146.02/£100

Personalized Distressed Leather Photo Album

RRP: $33.95/£24.95 | Delivery: 2-5 day shipping | Refundable? No

If your recipient is big on sentimentality, give a personalized photo album encased in handmade leather—where they can capture and store memories of past decades. Each album features 30 pages of recycled cotton paper and protective tissue paper, which help preserve the quality of treasured photographs. 

• Personalized Distressed Leather Photo Album available at Not On The High Street from $33.95/£24.95

Bartesian Premium Cocktail and Margarita Machine

RRP: $349.85/£300 | Delivery: 2-4 day shipping | Refundable? 30-day return policy

Bring the top shelf home with this sophisticated cocktail machine. Similar to the best Nespresso machines, this gadget operates with a capsule insert. Whether you're crafting margaritas or old-fashioned cocktails, Bartesian capsules include real juice concentrates, bitters, and extracts for authentic taste and freshness. 

Once yours is in the machine, select your preferred strength and press "mix."

• Bartesian Premium Cocktail and Margarita Machine available at Amazon for $349.85/£300

BACCARAT Faunacrystopolis Tumblers by artist-designer Jaime Hayon

RRP: $490/£370 | Delivery: 7-10 day shipping | Refundable? 30-day return policy

Curated by renowned artist-designer Jaime Hayon, these tumblers are whimsical and striking—a sharp contrast from traditional kitchen essentials. Each glass is engraved with his original drawings and weighs less than 10 ounces.

• BACCARAT Faunacrystopolis Tumblers available at Baccarat for $490/£370 

Fashion gifts

Twist Pearl Stud Earrings

RRP: $275/£275 | Delivery: 2-4 day shipping | Refundable? 14-day return policy

British purveyors of luxury lifestyle goods, Aspinal offers these distinguished stud earrings featuring freshwater pearls set in yellow gold. Sure to elevate any outfit, pearl earrings are a classic way to mark a milestone birthday, and you can't go wrong with an established brand such as Aspinal.

• Twist Pearl Stud Earrings at Aspinal of London for $275/£275

Marks & Spencer 2-pack High Impact Underwired Sports Bras

RRP: $21/£21 | Delivery: 2-4 day shipping | Refundable? 35-day return policy

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If you want to take your loved one on some adventure, but can't fit a whole mountain to climb into the wrapped-up box, consider getting them something smaller you might be able to give them as an advance for it. For instance, find them the best sports bra: Mark & Spencer's High Impact 2-pack set is the crowning jewel of the retailer's Good Move collection and with sound reason. This duo reconciles support with comfort, featuring breathable, sweat-wicking fabric that'll help you stay cool mid-workout. From an aesthetics perspective, they offer a natural silhouette, with a non-padded design, mesh panel detailing, thick straps, and underwiring for securing cleavage in place. The set includes one plain and one animal print style, and the size variety spans from 32A to 42H.

• Marks & Spencer 2-pack High Impact Underwired Sports Bras at Marks & Spencer for $21/£21

Astley Clarke Interstellar Diamond Ring

RRP: $1,000/£750 | Delivery: 3-7 day shipping | Refundable? 30-day money-back guarantee

A delicate 14-carat gold ring with a stunning display of pavé set diamonds around the band. Perfect for everyday and upscale wear, this timeless piece can either be worn alone or as a stacking ring on a finger with other pieces. Available in sizes J-P/5-8.

• Interstellar Diamond Ring in Yellow Gold at Astley Clarke for $1,000/£750

Fringed Two-Tone Wool Cape by Johnstons of Elgin

RRP: $328/£255 | Delivery: 2-4 day shipping | Refundable? 28-day money-back guarantee

Made by Johnston's of Elgin, the legendary Scottish atelier, this wool cape feels like being wrapped in a luxurious plush blanket. As a relaxed silhouette, it's a special, yet undeniably practical addition to any wardrobe. Available in one size and two colorways: camel and navy.

• Johnstons of Elgin Fringed Two-Tone Wool Cape at Matches Fashion for $328/£255

Mulberry Bayswater

RRP: $1,195/£995 | Delivery: 2-4 day shipping | Refundable? 30-day money-back guarantee

If there were ever a perfect time to gift an iconic Mulberry Bayswater leather bag, it is for a milestone birthday. It features the brand's signature Postman's lock, soft suede lining, and natural vegetable-tanned leather. Available in six colors.

• Mulberry Bayswater at Mulberry for $1,195/£995

Travel gifts

Priority pass for flying

RRP: $99/£75 | Delivery: 3-5 day shipping | Refundable? No

For the frequent flyer or experienced traveler, give the gift of a more comfortable journey with an airport lounge priority pass. Priority Pass gives the holder access to over 1300 airport lounges worldwide, meaning an escape from the hubbub and hustle and bustle of the main airport terminal—and a glass of bubbly—is never far away. Choose from three different membership plans with various benefits.

• Standard Membership at Priority Pass from $99/£75

Mr & Mrs Smith Gift Card

RRP: $50/£50 | Delivery: Immediate | Refundable? Yes, should you cancel a reservation

A night away in a boutique bolthole, a spa retreat for two in a luxury hotel, or a contribution towards the trip of a lifetime, there are so many exciting options for the recipient of this gift card. Mr & Mrs Smith is a hand-picked, curated collection of the world’s best boutique and luxury hotels with a vast selection of stays available to browse online before booking.

• Mr & Mrs Smith Gift Card from $50/£50

MLVOC Travel Pillow

RRP: $21.99/£20 | Delivery: 2-4 day shipping | Refundable? 30-day return policy

The MLVOC Travel Pillow boasts a sizable fandom of frequent and sporadic travelers alike, hailed as one of the best travel pillows just on Amazon alone. Its curved-shaped design holds the neck in place en transit, preventing muscle pain and tension in effect. Furthermore, it's made of plush memory foam and features an adjustable rope lock, so you can customize the pillow's size and shape to your liking. Available in four colors.

• MLVOC Travel Pillow at Amazon for $21.99/£20

Tech gifts

Kindle Paperwhite

RRP: $129.99/£119.99 | Delivery: 2-4 day shipping | Refundable? 30-day return policy

Hailed as one of the best eReaders, Kindle Paperwhite is the best-selling Kindle, with intuitive, easy-to-use features (even for the non-digital native). It incorporates a waterproof design, weeks of single battery life, 8GB and 32GB of storage, and a 300 PPI glare-free display that reads like real paper. Plus, it's compatible with Audible—just pair with Bluetooth headphones or speakers. Available in Black, Twilight Blue, Plum, or Sage colors. 1-year limited warranty. 

• Kindle Paperwhite at Amazon for $129.99/£119.99 

Ancestry DNA Kit

RRP: £69.99 total for six months /$21.50 each month for six months | Delivery: 10-day shipping | Refundable? No

AncestryDNA is a cutting-edge DNA testing service that utilizes some of the latest autosomal testing technology, revolutionizing the way people discover their family history. With a simple DNA test, the recipient can discover the details of their origins from more than 1000 regions around the world. Plus, the company provides a global network of AncestryDNA members to identify other people who share your DNA—potentially connecting you with long-lost family members.

• Ancestry 6-month membership for £69.99 total for six months /$21.50 each month for six months

TEAC TN-400BT Turntable with Bluetooth

RRP: $79/£99 | Delivery: 5-8 day shipping | Refundable? 30-day return policy

Revamp their music setup with Crosley's Retro Record Player, exclusively available at Urban Outfitters. The player comes with a Bluetooth Receiver, which enables users to stream their favorite jams and playlists around the clock. It also features three speeds of Vinyl (33 1/3, 45, and 78 RPM) and a headphone port.

• Crosley UO Exclusive Ryder Bluetooth Record Player available at Urban Outfitters for $79/£99