Best 50th birthday gift ideas to celebrate the milestone

Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Woman wrapping a presents in beautiful colors

Turning fifty calls for a celebration that’s nothing short of extraordinary. Whether you’re celebrating your best friend who’s always been there, a parent who’s guided you through life or a partner who means the world to you, finding that perfect 50th birthday gift is about making them smile and feel special. From thoughtful keepsakes to fun surprises, this list will ensure you find the right gift to mark this major milestone. These are the ultimate 50th birthday gift ideas for every budget and recipient, no matter their interests or relationship with you.

Table of contents:

50th birthday gift ideas for friends

They say that if you’ve been friends for over seven years, you’re in it for life. So, if you’re celebrating a friend’s 50th, chances are you’ve already shared countless memories and will make many more together. That’s why celebrating your friend’s 50th with the perfect gift is not just important—it’s a must!

1. Photo book 

What better way to celebrate half a century than a custom photo book of shared memories? This special gift captures the essence of your friendship, featuring the treasured moments you’ve experienced together over the years.

50th birthday gift idea: customized photo book with many shared memories

Source: Custom photo book via VistaPrint

2. Custom journal 

A custom journal offers a personal space for reflection, creativity and recording memories, making it a thoughtful 50th birthday gift. At this milestone, people tend to reflect on their life so far and consider what lies ahead. A journal, personalized with the recipient’s name, encourages them to document their thoughts, experiences and aspirations as they enter this new chapter.

50th birthday gift idea: Custom journal with their name imprinted on the cover

Source: Custom journal via VistaPrint

3. Personalized pen 

Combine the journal with a personalized pen like this engraved metal ballpoint pen to make every scribble, note and doodle feel a little more special and personal.

50th birthday gift idea: custom pens with their initials or name

Source: Custom pens via VistaPrint

4. Custom T-shirt

A custom T-shirt with the year your friend was born printed on it is a fun 50th birthday gift idea. Include an inside joke and their name for a personalized gift they’ll wear proudly for years to come.

50th birthday gift idea: customize a T-shirt with a funny joke, photo or logo

Source: Custom T-shirts via VistaPrint

5. Best friend necklaces

Matching necklaces for your friend’s 50th birthday? It’s the ultimate combo of kitsch, fun and nostalgia. Dive back to your childhood when friendship bracelets and secret handshakes ruled the world. These necklaces are a playful way to celebrate your best friend’s milestone birthday, adding a dash of humor and a whole lot of charm to the big 5-0!

50th birthday gift idea: Matching best friend necklaces

Source: via Depositphotos

6. Canvas print 

Treat your friend to a custom canvas print on their 50th birthday that captures a special memory. Whether it’s a snapshot from a memorable vacation, a candid moment that always makes you both laugh or a group photo where everyone’s looking their best, a canvas print transforms the good times into pieces of wall art.

50th birthday gift idea: Custom canvas print of a special memory or group photo

Source: Custom canvas print gift via VistaPrint

Need more ideas? Check out these personalized birthday gift ideas!

50th birthday gift ideas for parents

Show your parent how much you appreciate everything they’ve done for you over the years with a meaningful 50th birthday gift. It’s the perfect way to celebrate this milestone and let them know just how much they mean to you. Chances are, they’ve already got everything they need, so a thoughtful, personalized photo gift will really hit the mark and make a lasting impression.

7. Personalized puzzle

A personalized puzzle is the ultimate meaningful 50th birthday gift for parents! This photo gift will bring hours of fun. Plus, once they’ve completed it, they’ll have a unique keepsake to proudly display in their home.

50th birthday gift idea: custom puzzle of your favorite photo together

Source: Custom puzzle gift via VistaPrint

8. Custom calendar

Bringing personal flair to their kitchen or workspace, a custom calendar is the perfect practical and thoughtful 50th birthday gift for parents. A wall or desk calendar will bring cheer to the everyday while keeping your parent organized in their second half-decade of life.

50th birthday gift idea: Custom wall calendar with photos and special days marked

Source: Custom wall calendar via VistaPrint

9. Travel mug

A personalized travel mug is a practical and affordable gift. It is useful for daily coffee runs and reminds your parents of your love wherever they go!

50th birthday gift idea: Personalized travel mug for those that are always on the go

Source: Personalized travel mug via VistaPrint

10. Acrylic photo block

Turn cherished moments into modern keepsakes with custom acrylic photo blocks. With its sleek transparent design, an acrylic block turns your favorite memory into a bold and eye-catching display in your parent’s home!

50th birthday gift idea: Custom acrylic photo blocks to place on top of your drawer or on a shelf

Source: Custom acrylic photo blocks via VistaPrint

50th birthday gift ideas for your partner

As we know, turning 50 is a huge milestone, and getting your partner a meaningful gift is the perfect way to celebrate all the unforgettable moments you’ve shared and the exciting adventures still to come. A thoughtful gift says, “I know you, I love you, and I can’t wait for the rest of our lives together!”

11. Personalized wine bottle

The perfect blend of classy and fun, a personalized wine bottle makes for a fantastic 50th birthday gift for your partner. Toast their milestone birthday by printing a special message or unique design on a custom wine label, making every sip a celebration!

12. Custom drinkware 

Personalized drinkware, like etched stemless wine glasses, makes both a practical and memorable 50th birthday gift that will be used for years of celebrations to come.

50th birthday gift idea: Personalized etched wine glasses with initials

Source: Custom etched wine glasses via VistaPrint

13. Framed print

A framed print is a timeless gift idea for any occasion, but especially a milestone birthday. Print and frame a custom design, illustration or favorite photo for a special 50th birthday gift for your partner.

50th birthday gift idea: Framed prints of your favorite photos

Source: Framed prints via VistaPrint

14. Metal print

A metal print is a standout choice for your partner’s 50th birthday gift, combining sleek, modern style with durability.

50th birthday gift idea: Custom metal print of your favorite photo to hang on the wall

Source: Custom metal print via VistaPrint

15. Spa voucher

Wondering what to get a partner who has it all? Treat them to a spa voucher! It’s the perfect excuse for them to pause and indulge in self-care. After all, everyone needs a little pampering now and then.

16. Weekend away surprise 

Go big and surprise your partner with an unforgettable weekend getaway! It’s a fantastic way to show your appreciation, allowing them to relax and enjoy a break from their usual routine. Brownie points in-coming.

50th birthday gift idea: Weekend away to the beach

Source: via Depositphotos

50th birthday gift ideas for women

A meaningful 50th birthday gift is a golden opportunity to shower a remarkable woman in your life with love and appreciation. Whether the birthday girl is your mom, sister, best friend or partner, the perfect gift will make this milestone birthday unforgettable. From luxurious treats to heartfelt keepsakes, our list of 50th birthday gift ideas for women will help you pick something as unique as she is.

17. Custom tote bag

A custom tote bag is a functional and thoughtful gift that is perfect for carrying everyday essentials in style. Every time they use your birthday gift, personalized with their name or initials, they’ll be reminded of the special celebration and your meaningful gesture.

50th birthday gift idea: Custom tote with their initials

Source: Custom tote bag via VistaPrint

18. Jewelry

You can never go wrong with jewelry to mark momentous occasions like 50th birthdays. Consider customizing the piece of jewelry with the birthday girl’s birthstone for an extra special touch.

50th birthday gift idea: Jewelry with a phrase or initials engraved

Source: via Depositphotos

19. Perfume

If in doubt, treat your mom, friend or sister to her favorite perfume! It’s an elegant way to make her feel special on this milestone birthday.

50th birthday gift ideas for men

Turning 50 is like hitting the jackpot of birthdays and giving a gift that’s as awesome as he is will make it legendary! From indulgent luxury gifts that’ll make the birthday boy feel like royalty to budget-friendly finds that still pack a punch, our selection ensures you’ll find the perfect gift that fits both his style and your wallet.

20. Etched pint glass

A custom engraved pint glass turns every drink into a mini celebration, making a fantastic 50th birthday gift idea! Customized with their name, birthdate and a fun message, a personalized pint glass is more than just drinkware; it’s also a memorable keepsake that adds a unique touch to their milestone birthday.

50th birthday gift idea: Customized etched pint glass with their name

Source: Custom etched pint glass via VistaPrint

21. Engraved watch

Combining style and functionality, a watch elegantly symbolizes the passage of time and serves as a timeless reminder of this milestone birthday. Engrave the back of the watch with a personal message to make this 50th birthday gift even more special.

50th birthday gift idea: Classic, simple Men’s watch with brown leather straps

Source: via Depositphotos

22. Custom polo 

Customize a polo shirt with the birthday boy’s name or a unique design for a one-of-a-kind 50th birthday gift.

50th birthday gift idea: Custom polo shirt with a unique design

Source: Custom polo shirt via VistaPrint

23. Wood print

A wood print is an excellent gift idea for that special guy’s 50th birthday, combining a rugged, down-to-earth look with a personal touch. The natural texture and warmth of the wood make any photo or design pop, transforming the print into stylish wall art.

50th birthday gift idea: wood print block of their best friend, their dog

Source: Wood print via VistaPrint

50th birthday gift ideas for globetrotters

For the jet setter in your life, find a gift that matches their adventurous spirit! Whether they’re climbing mountains, uncovering secret spots or dreaming up their next big adventure, our handpicked list of 50th birthday gifts for globetrotters will make their travels even more epic. From handy travel gear to mementos celebrating their globetrotting feats, these gifts will keep the birthday person’s passion for travel burning.

24. Monogrammed beach towel 

A custom beach towel is the perfect 50th birthday gift idea for a globetrotter, adding a dash of personal flair wherever they go. With their name or initials stitched in style, a monogrammed beach towel is a standout accessory for lounging on sun-soaked beaches or poolside.

25. Custom stamp 

A custom stamp is a clever 50th birthday gift idea that brings a personal touch to every envelope. Now that they are in their travel era, this gift is a fun way for them to add personality to their postcards sent from all corners of the world.

50th birthday gift idea: Custom stamp with initials

Source: Custom stamp via VistaPrint

26. Map poster 

For the globetrotter in your life, a custom poster of a map featuring all the places they’ve been is a fantastic 50th birthday gift! Alternatively, gift them a map where they can scratch off each destination they visit, turning their adventures into an interactive display.

50th birthday gift ideas for a homebody

If the special someone turning 50 is more of a homebody than a globetrotter, we’ve got a selection of cozy gift ideas to help them chill out at home. Ensure their milestone birthday is filled with comfort and joy with one of our handpicked 50th birthday gift ideas for a homebody.

27. Custom pillow 

A custom pillow featuring a favorite memory or unique design is a charming 50th birthday gift for the person who loves a night in, adding a personalized touch to their favorite cozy spot.

50th birthday gift idea: Custom pillow with a photo

Source: Customized pillow via VistaPrint

28. Personalized blanket

Complete the birthday homebody gift set with a custom blanket, and you’ll have a perfect duo that transforms the recipient’s home into a haven of personalized comfort.

50th birthday gift idea: Custom blanket with a collage of photos

Source: Custom blanket via VistaPrint

50th birthday gift ideas for foodies 

For the foodie in your life, choose a gift that’s as thoughtful as they are passionate about their food. Whether it’s gourmet treats, kitchen equipment or a food magazine subscription to inspire their meals, gifting something food-related is a surefire way to make their 50th birthday extra special.

29. Gourmet gifts

A gourmet gift package is a fantastic 50th birthday gift for a foodie, offering delicious treats tailored to their tastes! Go sweet with a box of chocolate goodies, or go down the nostalgic route with gummy candies. If they don’t have a sweet tooth, choose savory treats or useful kitchen utensils for your gift.

50th birthday gift idea: a basket of gourmet foods and snacks

Source: via Depositphotos

30. Personalized apron 

Personalize an apron for the chef in your life! An apron isn’t just a practical kitchen accessory but a daily reminder of how much you see and appreciate their passions. Each time they pop on the custom apron with their name emblazoned across the front, they’ll be reminded of your thoughtful 50th birthday gesture.

31. Food magazine subscription 

A food magazine subscription makes an exceptional 50th birthday gift, delivering a delightful surprise to their doorstep every month, keeping their culinary creativity cooking!

Assortment of vegetables surrounding a cutting board and knife

Source: via Depositphotos

When it comes to 50th birthdays, thoughtful and personalized gifts always hit the mark. Custom gifts show you’ve put extra care into choosing something truly special, whether it’s a meaningful keepsake or a unique item tailored to their tastes. So, go the extra mile this milestone birthday with a personalized photo gift and birthday card idea that celebrates their life so far.