Gift ideas-- 60th Wedding Anniversary

[Philliefan33]

We are invited to a party to celebrate our neighbor's 60th Anniversary, and I need some gift ideas.

They live in a small house and don't need/have room for any "stuff". A gift card for dinner out seems like a good idea, but it's a rural area with limited options so if most guests have the same idea the couple will have 20+ gift cards to the same one or two places. Plus, since money is tight for the happy couple, they aren't in the habit of going out to eat and I'm not sure if they really enjoy it.

What I suspect would be most useful would be a gift card to the supermarket or Walmart :cringe: or cash. None of those feel appropriate for a 60th anniversary.

Any ideas?

 

[aaronc879]

In my opinion, gift cards are always appropriate if you don't know what they would like. I'd much prefer to receive a gift card than some other gift I don't want and won't use.

 

[Spudd]

What about something consumable, like a nice gift basket with gourmet foods in it, or a bottle of nice wine if they are drinkers?

 

[Amethyst]

My parents didn't quite reach their 60th, but when they were in that vicinity, they would have loved anything anyone gave them - just for the thoughtfulness.

That said, they would have liked the gift card to the local grocery store. Those gift cards didn't exist back then, but I know they would have liked it. The Wal-mart gift card would have gone over well,too. When money is tight, you appreciate ways to help stretch it out.

They also would have liked it if someone offered to do some chore for them, that they otherwise would've hired out. Cleaning, repairing, yardwork.

 

[omni550]

I have gifted car wash gift cards, supermarket cards, restaurant cards, gas cards, theater tix, movie tix, book store gift cards, etc. The recipients seemed thrilled ...as 1) they are things they would have [likely, eventually] paid for themselves and/or 2) it didn't add to the "stuff' they already had too much of.

I gifted a $20 grocery store gift card in the Christmas card I gave to the retired couple across the street. Unbidden, they've called me while I was traveling to let me know the snow removal guy had not been promptly clearing my drive & walks, so I wanted to show my appreciation. The next time I saw them, they were excitedly telling me the fun they were having in discussing and deciding what to buy with it. It seemed as though the little "extra" to spend really made a fun diversion for them.

omni

 

[Walt34]

Or you could just do it the old-fashioned way, an envelope with a card and cash. Or a Visa or M/C gift card they can spend anywhere.

 

[Bestwifeever]

$60 (get it?) Walmart gift card, if that's where they likd to shop, imo would be a very nice gift for your neighbors.

 

[Amethyst]

Yes, my parents did that with money gifts as well. I think it was less that they couldn't afford stuff themselves (although money was tight for them), and more the politeness of telling the giver exactly how the gift was used and appreciated. With a sweater, you tell the giver how you enjoyed wearing it on the first chilly day. With a money gift, you tell the giver how you decided to spend the money!

I aving in discussing and deciding what to buy with it. It seemed as though the little "extra" to spend really made a fun diversion for them.

omni

 

[Philliefan33]

Thanks everyone. After reading your suggestions and anecdotes, I am leaning towards either a gift card to the supermarket or cash. Probably cash.

 

[Philliefan33]

I also wanted to say that some of the other suggestions were very good for typical situations, but just won't work for this particular couple.

I like the idea to do a chore or repair, but the man in this case hires himself out as a handyman.

Gift baskets of gourmet / speciality foods or wine are good ideas for many people, but not our neighbors. They don't drink, eat simple foods and are set in their ways.

 

[MooreBonds]

I like the idea to do a chore or repair, but the man in this case hires himself out as a handyman.

In that case, tell them that you would like to buy his services for X hours to "sit back, relax, and enjoy the moment with his wife".