Birthday Gift Suggestions for a Long Time Friend

ciao_bella · ‎03-13-2010

A long time female friend, who I get together with for lunch or dinner once or twice a year, is having an 80th birthday party that her son is hosting. She called me yesterday to tell me about the party and invited me. It will be on a Sunday at the end of July. I won't be able to attend because my brother and SIL are flying from CA to NJ to visit that week and we have made plans together which includes the day of her birthday.

I would like to send her something for her birthday, but I'm at a loss for what I should send. A little background. Her husband was a jeweler for almost 50 years, so she has tons of jewelry. She's very spry and takes good care of herself and, honestly, doesn't look 80 years old.

Any suggestions as to what I might be able to send her? I guess I could always default to flowers, but I thought maybe someone might come up with something else that would be appropriate.

Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life!

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

The last thing most people that age want is stuff! I'd do a lovely card, if you have a photo of you two do a picture to go in it, and a sweet gift card to either Amazon or maybe a book store if she reads.

Just a small "here's for you to have fun with" gift card and a note about what her friendship means to you and the kind of person she is that means something to you!

On It · ‎03-15-2021

@ciao_bella I would send a birthday card. In signing the card I would mention how much you enjoy her friendship. If you are so inclined, you could include a separate note explaining your brother is visiting and you are hosting, but you would like to take her to a belated birthday lunch.

At this stage in life, all I want is people's time. I do not need gifts.

JYWilliams · ‎03-10-2010

I agree with @Sooner . The photo and gift card is a good idea. Also if you have several photos of the two of you together you can make some kind of memory book. And the note also is a great idea. I wrote my friend a note just to tell her how much her friendship meant to me over the years and she really appreciated it. She mentioned the note to her husband and he was even touched. I sometimes think the simplest gifts mean the most.

wagirl · ‎03-09-2010

I LOVE @Sooners suggestion!!

jackthebear · ‎03-11-2010

gift card if you know her fave store

otherwise Amazon

LizzieInSRQ · ‎12-27-2010

Gardening kit
Spa gift certificate
Door Dash/Grub Hub gift card ( who doesnt want dinner delivered somtime)
Two tickets to local museum/aquarium/theater/zoo
Vermont Brownie Co / Harry & David.etc. . Gift
Gift Certificate for New Balance sneakers
A cool belt bag in her style she could use on her walks/exercising/ active life

With the exception of the gardeningkit bag and shoes, note was suggested was consumable and not anything to store or display. My elder 95 yr old friend appreciates that as he "has enough 'stuff' and does not need any more".

Think along thise lines for more ideas. She sounds amazing and so do you @ciao_bella @ ❤

Daisy Sunflower · ‎10-26-2010

I would mail her a b-day card with a Walmart gift card inside.

(I'm assuming she lives near a Walmart.)

LindaSal · ‎05-15-2014

These are some nice ideas...... For me though I think I would send a card with a nice summer scented candle. Candles always bring me comfort as do my very best friends!