In a way, you seem to be saying that if your SIL doesn't find black roses, etc. hilarious, that means she's lost her sense of humor. Whereas, I believe that the people who chuckle at 50th BD stuff that says, "You're old and ready to croak," are just going along to get along. Secretly, they despise it.
Not only are the "Over the Hill" balloons, black roses, and cards featuring canes and bedpans, an unfunny cliche - they are
hypocritical. Look at the 60th, 70th,and 80th BD cards in the store. Cards for those BD's
never joke about being old and ready to die. When you are
really old, the cards say "How wonderful for you to have lived such a terrific life." So, why not do things for a 50th BD that say "How wonderful for you to have lived such a terrific life..." and leave the cliche's to somebody with less taste.
1. An actual newspaper from her birth date. You can buy these at
Newspaper From The Day You Were Born - - a unique birthday or anniversary gift - - order your birthdate paper here and many other places. I got one for my husband's 60th BD and he really enjoyed reading about the significant events that happened the day he was born.
2. See bbbam1's suggestion...very classy.
3. 1960 mint U.S. coin set, if her husband thinks she'll like it. I would like it; some women wouldn't care for it.
4. Enlarged framed portrait of her from the 1960's, if her parents are still alive (for sure, parents can provide a cute photo of her as a tyke, and your local photo shop can do the rest).
Amethyst