Birthday Etiquette for 60th Presents
A loved one's 60th birthday is often a time for family to come together and celebrate the life and contributions of the person whose birthday it is. The guest of honor may be the matriarch who serves as the glue for the family or the patriarch who is always there to lend a hand with home improvement or to share his wisdom and advice. Yet the 60th birthday milestone can be a sensitive one, so it's important to have proper etiquette when buying and presenting loved ones with gifts for their 60th birthdays. Does this Spark an idea?
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Personal Tastes
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As when choosing a present for a loved one of any age, it's important to take into account the birthday person's interests and personal tastes. Some people may assume that because someone is getting older she no longer has the same likes and hobbies she once did. Don't make this mistake. Think carefully about how the person you're buying a gift for spends her free time, then shop accordingly.
No "Over-the-Hill" Gifts
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Funny "over-the-hill" gifts are fine for those in their 40s and 50s, but the 60th birthday milestone is not the time to pull out a gag gift. Many people are nearing retirement and may soon begin collecting Social Security payments, making them more sensitive about their age.
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Freedom Gifts
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With retirement in sight, your loved one will soon have a lot more time on his hands than he's used to. He may be looking forward to finally tackling all the things he's always talked about doing but never found the time to do, like join a golf club, learn to make model airplanes or even travel the world. Think about what kinds of things the person turning 60 has always talked about and look for a present that will help him accomplish his goals. For instance, someone who has always wanted to travel the world may appreciate a nice luggage set.
Looking-Back Gifts
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Use the 60th birthday milestone to remind your loved one what a cool cat he was in his youth. The key to doing these types of gifts right is to focus on how the past is still very much alive. For instance, find that one faded picture of the birthday person wearing bell bottoms and wildly colored hair and have it restored and framed. A personalized frame with a funny but touching message, such as "Still the Coolest Dude Around," may be well received. However, stay away from gifts that may elicit sad feelings, such as family photos with members that have since died.
Old Dog, New Trick Gifts
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Consider enrolling the birthday person in a class of some sort. For instance, a woman turning 60 who has always had an artistic flair might enjoy learning how to make pottery or beaded jewelry, while a man who has always loved being in the kitchen may enjoy a sushi-making class.
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References
- Photo Credit birthday image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
