They say you know you’ve grown up when you start requesting clothes for your birthday. Our child selves prove right, though–in time, even the socks and sweaters join our old toys by sliding off the bottoms of our wishlists too. Sooner than we ever imagined, we begin dreading the question. “Oh, I don’t need anything,” we say.
A child’s birthday is a chance to show them that dreams can come true if you ask well enough and can wait. A 75th birthday, though, is for something different. At 75, our dreams are usually for things that can’t be bought, let alone wrapped. Because the noise and distractions of youth have now largely settled, 75th birthday gift ideas aren’t about that cool new thing; they’re about love.
So what do you give as a 75th birthday gift? Something that shows the birthday boy or girl that they’re navigating these twilight years with the company and support of the people they love. That could be a house, a spoon, a poem, or anything in between. It depends, of course, on the person turning 75. Below, we’ll discuss five particularly outstanding 75th birthday ideas to get your wheels turning.
75th Birthday Gift Idea #1 – A Special Day
Most of us, no matter how old, don’t mind eating our favorite meal with our favorite people. We call these birthday dinners, especially when the birthday boy or girl doesn’t want a “party”.
But why not take it a step further and give that person a whole day that’s about them? Watch a favorite movie from their youth together and talk about it; deliver or buy an extra-long shoulder rub or manicure; play a favorite card- or board game.
The point here is to dedicate the day to this person you love. If you have trouble thinking of special things to do for them, ask a child who knows them. Children have an uncanny knack for generating ideas full of sweetness.
#2 – A Tribute Song
This is a one-of-a-kind gift that the birthday boy or girl will love and remember as long as they live–and one that everyone else who hears it will love and remember too.
At Tall Tribute, we actually talk with family members to collect memories and sentiments and compose a full, unique song about them. It’s a collaborative process with drafts and feedback. That way, even if you can’t write music at all, you can still have a hand in creating a touching tribute that drives home the family’s feelings about their loved one.
Depending on the package you select, you can get a professional CD jacket with photos and other relevant art. You can even order a live performance, travel budgets permitting!
#3 – An Interview
It’s amazing how much someone can open up when they get the chance to talk about the way things were back in the “good ol’ days” to someone who is really listening. An interview about what school was like or how it felt to live through historical events or their first day of work quickly turns into a conversation about who this person feels like they really are, even now, all these years later.
Pro tip: record the conversation like a real interview. It drives home the fact that you care about what’s being said, as well as preserving a piece of this person to have forever, even after they’ve passed away!
#4 – A Photosomething
Photographs have a special power to transport a little part of us back in time. But somehow, they can make us more present in the here-and-now too.
It’s fascinating to see a photograph of a grandparent when they were our own age–and just as fascinating for them. This is what they looked like when they formed their ideas of who they are.
These days, a photograph can be printed on just about any material thing–hanging glass, quilts, tables…. If this idea appeals, consider who it will be for and see if you can think of the perfect type of item to put it on.
#5 – You’re Only Old Once!
This is a little-known work by the king of children’s books, Dr. Seuss. It was published in 1986 when he was 82.
He reflects–in the same whimsical, rhyming way as always–on the experience of getting old. The protagonist lives in the Golden Years Clinic on Century Square for Spleen Readjustment and Muffler Repair. It’s uncomfortable getting older and more medically needy–but the man who spent so long writing silly optimisms for kids reflects on it with just enough humor to make its frankness palatable.
Perhaps You’re Only Old Once! Isn’t a standalone 75th birthday gift–but if you present it as a sort of “stocking stuffer”, it’s sure to supply some chuckles at its worst–and some intimate, helpful reflections on aging at its best.
The Spirit of an Outstanding 75th Birthday Gift
The best 75th birthday gifts communicate love and gladness at being together. Whether it’s a custom tear-jerker of a song or a silly picture book (or both?), the point is to make your recipient feel seen and appreciated.
And on the other side of the coin, the act of giving an especially thoughtful gift provides its own rewards to the giver. The conversations that lead to a song can deepen your appreciation for this person; an interview can teach the interviewer a practically infinite selection of things about life, family, and themselves.
Congratulations for being someone who cares enough to put real time and thought into 75th birthday gift ideas. If you know the person well enough and don’t give up, whatever you choose will be right. There is no single right answer; only the feeling of family and togetherness!