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Celebrating the big 5-0 — the "golden jubilee" — is a huge milestone in anyone's life. That means, you have to go all out with a giant hurrah for their 50th birthday. Once you've planned their blowout party or made reservations at their favorite restaurant, browse our guide for the best 50th birthday gift ideas for the man or woman in your life.
As you shop recommendations from our gift experts, consider their interests to find a present they'll truly love. Turning 50 is all about nostalgia, so consider presents that honor the year they were born or just take them right back to their childhood. Or, you can focus on their hobbies (are they a foodie, for instance?) or find a pick that's made to last (a metal wallet card engraved with a sweet message is just one idea on our list).
We've got great birthday gift ideas for men and thoughtful presents for women, as well as top-rated items they'll adore (even if they're not up to speed on TikTok). If you're shopping on a budget, don't stress. Everything here is affordable and won't empty your wallet. Feel free to choose two or three gifts to really impress them, and don't forget to pick up a card to write a meaningful birthday wish while you're at it!
If you're hunting for a present he can take everywhere, look no further than this stainless steel card. The laser-engraved design is the perfect size for his wallet and it will last so much longer than the typical paper options.
Lapis lazuli represents strength and wisdom, two things they'll surely need now that they're middle-aged. This simple bracelet isn't just for women either, it's subtle enough to be styled for him, too.
A cute 50th birthday gift for her, this stainless steel tumbler will keep her drinks insulated on the go. It has double-wall vacuum insulation, a cheerful design and is under $20 to boot!
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These burlap wine bags will add a fun touch to her 50th birthday bash. They're large enough to fit a standard champagne bottle and come printed with fun birthday facts for 1974. She'll want to reuse them long after the celebration is done.
She'll instantly be in love with this beautiful custom leather jewelry box, which features her name and birth month flower. It also includes necklace hooks, an elastic pocket and ring holders to keep all her favorite pieces organized. It's available in eight colors.
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One Amazon reviewer described these EVA foam slides as "super cushy" and with over 12,000 five-star ratings, it seems many other customers agree. They have unisex sizing and come in a bunch of fun colors. Their feet will thank you later.
She might be complaining of poor circulation now that she's turning 50, so these rechargeable hand warmers are actually a very thoughtful gift. They heat up in less than two minutes and will warm her hands for up to four hours when fully charged.
The sweet message makes this bamboo cutting board the perfect pick for the newly minted 50 year old who loves to cook. Combine it with a homemade meal for a 50th birthday they'll never forget.
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Good sleep is non-negotiable at this point in her life. Make sure she gets it with this soft silk pillowcase, which comes in a range of sizes and colors. The experts at the GH Institute found it to be sweat-wicking in their moisture management tests, and if you weren't aware, silk pillowcases are known to keep skin creases and hair frizz at bay.
RELATED: The Best Silk Pillowcases of 2024
They can enjoy all of their favorite childhood candies with this fun gift box. It comes filled with treats that were popular in 1974 — think Pop Rocks, Chuckles, Laffy Taffy and more.
This unicorn makeup bag is an absolute steal at under $12. She can easily fit her cosmetics, essentials and more, and it has a unique design that'll help her feel extra special.
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They already know 1973 was a special year, but do they know just how special it was really? This 75-page book is packed with fun-filled facts about entertainment, politics and so much more for them to learn all about it.
Help her celebrate this major milestone with a minimalist necklace she can wear every day. Made of nylon and brass, the number of beads corresponds to the age she is turning.
Help them plan their next big trip with this Virgin gift card which can be used to book plane tickets, hotels and even activities. Plus, it'll be delivered right to their inbox, making it the perfect last-minute present.
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The adjustable bracelet features four adorable charms, including a wine glass. There's also a cuff-version that's a little more subtle. "Gave to 3 of my friends and myself for special 50th birthday trip to Aruba. They loved them," one Amazon reviewer wrote.
A nice wallet is always a good gift idea. This one, which is a best-seller on Amazon, comes in so many colors and styles. The compact design can hold his cash and cards (up to 12). It also has RFID blocking for extra security.
Each pearl represents the decades they've been through. As if the necklace itself wasn't enough, it comes in this ready-to-gift box with the sweetest message.
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Okay, hear us out. Shrinky Dinks were actually one of the hottest toys in 1973, so if you really want to bring them back, include this 51-piece set with their other gifts.
Celebrate their special day with this custom birthday book that includes 20 newspaper clippings from the day they were born. They'll be fascinated to read about what was happening when they were making their world debut.
Cailey Lindberg
Commerce Editor, Gifts & Lifestyle
Cailey Lindberg (she/her) is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering products, lifestyle, entertainment and food. Before joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, she was a staff writer at USA Today's shopping network, Reviewed.com.