32 Great 50th-Birthday Gift Ideas for Your Friend, Spouse, or Relative (2024)

Though the '70s seems not too long ago, believe it or not, that special someone in your life who was born in that decade is turning the big 5-0 this year. Finding the perfect birthday gift can be daunting, especially for a milestone year. You want to ensure that you are finding the right options to show your love and appreciation for the special 50-year-old in your life. Whether it's for a parent, a friend, a relative, a coworker, or a partner, finding the perfect gift can be a fun and rewarding experience. But the real question is: What do you get the person who seems to have it all?

When thinking about a gift, consider the person's hobbies, interests, and needs. It could be a cookbook they are excited to try, a stylish piece of jewelry that will complement their personal style, or even a new gadget for the tech enthusiast—there are so many excellent options at all price points. You can even create a personalized gift such as a photo album featuring memories of each decade. And funny gifts are great, too; you just have to know your audience with that one.

Below, we curated some options that are practically guaranteed to put a smile on your recipient's face. They'll love how much thought you put into celebrating their special day, and you'll love getting to honor them with something truly unique.

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Made by Cozy Earth—the brand whose bedding Oprah described as the “softest ever”—these luxury pajamas are designed for the ultimate in comfort. Treat your 50-year-old to blissful relaxation in this sumptuous stretch-knit loungewear designed to drape beautifully and flatter every body type.

Celebrate their special day with this compendium of The New York Times front covers on the date of their birthday. Their name and date of birth will be printed on the front, making a truly wonderful coffee-table book.

Anyone with a sense of humor will get plenty of wear out of this tee. Plus, it comes in a number of colors, so pick the one they love the best, and they can wear it all year long.

Maybe they're the gym-going type, or maybe they're the type to pack up a bag on a whim to travel somewhere new on the weekends. Whatever their lifestyle, this duffel bag is perfect for their needs. It has multiple pockets, a spacious interior, storage space on the side that fits a rolled up yoga mat, and two different kinds of straps for carrying it.

Birthdays are always a time for nostalgia, especially big milestones like a 50th. If they have a sweet tooth, this special box of candies will have them salivating at first sight and evoke memories of their childhood.

Chosen as one of Oprah's Favorite Things, this mini massage gun is a great gift for those who often suffer from aches and pains. Oprah said, “Give the gift of a tension-relieving massage anytime, anywhere with the new Theragun Mini, which is even more compact and lighter than the original mini—and just look at the desert rose hue. Connect it to the Therabody app for guided recovery routines.” The perfect gift to alleviate aches and pains.

This sleek, 14 oz. self-heating coffee mug will ensure that their morning brew doesn't get cold if they forget about it. Conveniently, it senses when the cup is empty—or when it hasn't been touched in two hours—and turns itself off.

When someone has been on this earth for half a century, they're sure to have some stories to share: that summer they backpacked around Europe, the time they won that big game, the lost weekend in Nashville... This will encourage them to put pen to paper, with prompts for memories, stories, and wisdom.

There's a reason that this ultra-plush hooded robe has a devoted fan following, including Oprah herself. As she declared in her 2021's Favorite Things roundup, "What I know for sure: A yummy-feeling bathrobe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I like that these have a roomy fit and that the ribbed material and hood up the cozy factor even more."

California-based Flamingo Estate sends a quarterly subscription box packed to the gills with their seasonal provisions, from moisturizing olive oil bar soap to luxurious jasmine and rose body lotion to artisanal strawberry fruit snacks. It'll be their favorite gift that keeps on giving.

If they love music, why not celebrate them with one of the favorite songs in wall art form? Simply select the artist and title, and the lyrics will be presented in an artistic rendition of a record, all framed and ready to hang.

Vinglace's minimalist wine chiller will keep their bottle of bubbly or rosé the ideal temperature, whether they're toting it for a picnic or keeping it on the counter for easy access during a party. It's designed to fit most 750 ml bottles of wine, and it comes in a handful of colors.

Sometimes there is nothing like a gift that is a living thing. Flowers are always welcome, but with a plant, the giftee can enjoy the item for so much longer. "I'm a firm believer in the power of nature," says Oprah. This is one of her go-to gifts.

Does your 50-year-old enjoy a glass of wine? Let them say cheers to 50 years in style with this "Fifty & Fabulous" stemless glass. They can turn it into a Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants gift with their friend group as they hit milestone ages.

A great way to challenge your mind and improve cognitive skills, memory, and concentration is with puzzles. This luxury jigsaw puzzle makes for a thoughtful gift because it is not only entertaining but also a great bonding activity. Once it's done, your recipient can even hang it up as a forever keepsake.

Want to give them a gift that has some serious "wow!" factor? Then this "Cheers" celebration box filled with premium chocolates and candy will hit the mark. hey can sip the sparkling wine while enjoying the fragrance from the champagne-scented candle.

This oh-so-soft pillowcase from Brooklinen is crafted from mulberry silk so they won't wake up with pillow creases on their face or tangled, frizzy hair. It comes in a range of neutral and bright hues, plus a few limited edition patterns. (Pro tip: Tell them to travel with it, too!)

Give them a pocket full of sunshine, with Saje's Pocket Farmacy. This version includes roll-on essential oil blends that use aromatherapy to aid physical ailments, like headaches, sore muscles, coughs, and even stomachaches. While they might still reach for the Tylenol, this wellness gift will surely make them feel soothed and comforted.

Cookbooks, especially for the nature buff, make a great gift because not only will your friend or family member find great recipes to try out, but they'll also have a great excuse to invite you over for dinner! Win-win.

Turning 50 means your recipient may want to go on a trip to celebrate their birthday. If that means a tropical vacation, this fedora hat will literally have them covered. Designed in Australia, these hats offer a trendy and effective way to protect against the sun.