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Step 1
Emphasize her reaching the milestone age of 60 only if you know that the woman is very much not sensitive about her age. Over-the-hill presents and gift baskets may delight her if she's a certain type of woman. But if your 60-year-old birthday girl does not easily laugh at herself and the world, then opt out of focusing on the age itself when choosing or presenting the gift.
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Step 2
Give her a gift that is not highly taste-specific, since, say, a book or DVD she likes she's likely to already have. Avoid fiction books or anything genre. Limit yourself to non-fiction if you're going for books, and subjects of general interest. Avoid extremely eclectic jewelry unless you know her style well.
Examples of birthday presents that are not linked to taste include a digital photo album, a gag gift such as the Animatronic Elvis Talking & Singing Robot (see Resources), or a personal comfort item such as those found in Hammacher Schlemmer or The Sharper Image catalogs. -
Step 3
Present art gifts to her only, again, if you know her tastes well. Yes, art is a "taste" gift, but it's not something she's already likely to have.
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Step 4
Give 60th birthday presents that convey the message that she's an active woman who's still growing and changing. 60-year-old women may get a kick out of books that teach them new crafts. If she's interested in exploring the possibilities of technology, but hasn't yet quite gotten on board, try a personal digital assistant or even a starter laptop computer.
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Step 5
Present her with a "feel good" secondary gift along with whatever 60th birthday gift you give her. This can be flowers or chocolates, or...well, flowers or chocolates. She will still get an incredibly special feeling out of your gift, even if, after all your efforts, it's not the most ideal gift she'd have wanted.
