How to Come Up With 50th Birthday Gift Ideas for Men

The man in your life who's having a 50th birthday can be difficult to choose a good present for. Guys turning 50 years old are younger than Baby Boomers and older than Generation X--they're not young and they're not old. So what do you give them as a present for this special occasion marking a half century of living? While there's no one perfect gift for all 50-year-old men, here are some tips for how to brainstorm ideas for gifting guys approaching the big five-oh.

Instructions

1. Consider the psychology of guys his age. He's about to face the fact that he's now firmly in the "mature" age group. Men of this age often are facing a midlife crisis. Unless you want to make him depressed about growing older, focus on getting him a fun gift that helps him celebrate his experience in life. Give him reason to be glad and proud he's passing the half-century mark.

2. Study the 50-year-old-to-be. Covertly try to figure out what his tastes are. Does he like tools? Cars? Sports? If he's family and you know him well, look again--there's a good chance he's never told you that he's always wanted a Stetson hat or something silly. A 50th birthday is the perfect occasion for getting him something he's always wanted but never been able to bring himself to get--which emphasizes that he's still young enough to enjoy life.

3. Now match the gift to his world outlook. If he's a man with a silly sense of humor, enjoys puns, or likes to play practical jokes, then 50th birthday gag gifts are just the ticket. If he's a traditional, serious sort who appreciates a nice gesture or interesting gadgets, then more elgant gift suggestions include a gift basket, a nice bottle of wine, a personalized pen, an electric shaver, or a personal digital assistant.

4. Drill the man's friends and family. Now you know generally what he's interested in and what general type of gift to get, find out what he already has. Ask those close to the birthday boy what tools he already owns, what sports memorabilia he's accumulated, what recent books he's already read, what auto shows he's already scheduled to visit.

5. Think outside of the box. You don't have to get him a specific tool or object. Consider getting him tickets to a special event. If he does want a Stetson hat after all, consider getting him a gift certificate or gift card at a store that sells cowboy clothes--which is better than a general gift certificate to any old store. It means he'll really get something he's been wanting but wouldn't get for himself.

   For a man turning 50 who has everything, and doesn't really need fancy products, continue with your out-of-the-box brainstorming by thinking of services you might offer him. An IOU for mowing the lawn or doing some other chore he hates? Dinner at his favorite restaurant? Even arranging for him to see somebody he's been out of touch with for a while can be a thoughtful birthday gift--as long as it's not somebody he wants to STAY out of touch with.

6. Ask him. As a last resort in trying to surprise him for his 50th birthday, use humor to tease out what he wants. He won't know whether you're serious or not, and you may be able to surprise him yet.

   For example, say: "What do you want for your birthday? Since fifty years is such an important year, I want you to write down everything you've been wanting during your first fifty. Who knows--maybe you'll get one of them for your second fifty. You can start with a mansion in the Riviera...as long as you end with a mouse pad."