Birthdays are milestones, and the higher they get the more pronounced they become. Gift giving seems to become harder the older a person gets, however. As we age we need and want less. This list of 75th birthday gift ideas was a challenge to make even for us, but not quite as hard as making our list of 80th birthday gift ideas for women!
We all have the best intentions when choosing a gift for an elderly loved one. However, there are some items that may seem like great ideas on the surface, but after further thought, turn out to become something that goes unused and unnoticed beyond the birthday itself.
For example: My mother in law is well into her 70s and we thought it would be a wonderful idea to get her a new telephone for an upcoming birthday. It was a disaster! It frustrated her and caused many hours of aggravation.
She didn’t know how to use the multiple functions, and we were frequently inundated with phone calls and messages from friends to assist her.
What is the Traditional Gift for a 75th Birthday?
Platinum items are a traditional gift to celebrate a 75th birthday. Common platinum gifts include jewelry, candle holders, photo frames, drinks, tableware, and writing utensils.
Platinum is a rare precious metal. Giving it to someone celebrating their 75th birthday is a way to recognize and respect that person and all of their contributions. Giving gifts made of rare metals can demonstrate the rarity of longevity and remind people of their precious lives. Platinum also represents wealth and status.
Of course, platinum is also very expensive.
75th Birthday Gift Ideas that Cost Nothing (or Very Little)
The best things in life truly are free. Seniors often do not want material objects. Time and attention is what they value most. These gifts align with those desires.
1) Housekeeping Card
This a great gift for grandchildren to give a grandparent who is turning 75.
Does your loved one have a household chore that they just hate to do? Taking out the garbage? Scrubbing toilets? Sorting laundry? If so, this is a great gift. Give them a card, letter, or note explaining that you will take over that job for them for a certain period of time.
Be specific about this gift. If you say you are going to do their chore, then you really need to do it.
2) A Tell-Me Notebook
This is one that I would love to give my parents! As I am getting older I want to know more about them and their history.
All you need is a simple notebook. Fill the book with questions, one every three pages so there was plenty of room to write if needed.
The questions will vary depending on who you are giving the notebook to. The questions I would ask would be: “Tell me about your first house.” “Tell me about something you are proud of.” “What do you remember most about your mother?” “Tell me about three memorable friends.”
Think about what you want to know about the loved one you are giving the gift to… and then be prepared for some really insightful conversations.
3) Handmade Album
Put together pictures of your loved one in a tasteful collage or a photo album box that they can cherish forever.
4) Career Highlighter Poster
Make a poster highlighting the important achievements in your loved one’s life. They will be blown away by this gift and will love picking out a prominent wall to display it on.
Just pick a few highlights from your loved ones life and career! This is a great centerpiece to display at the Platinum Jubilee party.
5) Time
Everyone nowadays claims they never have time to do anything. Giving the gift of time could be as simple as meeting your loved one for coffee or visiting them at their house. Just show them that they are worth every second of your time by being fully engaged during your moments with them.
6) Family Gathering
Family gatherings are times when memories are made – something that is very important especially if you are celebrating a big milestone, like a 75th birthday. Many years from now, your children will be reminiscing about the time you all had together celebrating.
7) Meal at a Favorite Restaurant
Take your loved one to their favorite restaurant and share a moment together celebrating the milestone.
8) Visit Old Friends
Technology has given us lots of ways to stay in touch with loved ones, but sometimes, there’s nothing like a face-to-face visit to celebrate a milestone. Visiting a person who is special to your loved one is a great way for you and your loved one to celebrate their birthday and to maintain the relationship.
Eight Meaningful Gifts to Buy
Ideas for Mom
1) Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible: 260 Exquisite Patterns by Hitomi Shida
- Explore a new world of knitting with exquisitely detailed stitch patterns and techniques from Japan
- Shida, Hitomi (Author)
Knitting isn’t just for retired old ladies anymore! If your mom loves knitting or just wants to take up a new hobby this book is sure to please! Hitomi Shida’s, Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible: 260 Exquisite Patterns, offers clear patterns and techniques to practice intricate knitting patterns.
2) Spa Day
There are many seniors who would not feel comfortable going to a spa for the day, but for those that would, it’s a great idea, particularly if you accompany them. Nothing says relaxation like a spa day and your mom may be long overdue for one. Take her for an indulgent spa day that can help her rest and rejuvenate. And if it’s just family, it’ll be a great bonding session too.
3) Click and Grow Smart Garden
- Grow Fresh Herbs and Vegetables Indoors: energy-efficient LED grow lights ensure your plants thrive no matter the weather.
- Get Started Right Away: Just drop in the included plant pods, fill the water reservoir, and plug the self watering planter in - your herb garden starter kit is good to go.
Give your mom a Click and Grow Smart Garden kit, which makes growing her favorite herbs in the comfort of her own home simple and comfortable. There’s no need to be a great gardener!
Ideas for Dad
If the gift ideas that follow don’t suffice for Dad, check out our list of gift ideas for a seventy-year-old man.
4) Medal Display Case
- Fully Adjustable or Removable Wooden Shelves
- 98% UV Ultra Clear Protected Acrylic Door
For a member of the military, a 75th birthday gift can be a great chance to grab something to memorialize the experience. A pin display case for medals earned in the army, navy, or air force, can be the best and most relevant gift you can offer to the loved one in your life who has finished his tour of duty.
5) National Geographic’s Destinations of a Lifetime
National Geographic has beautifully compiled 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places. Is your loved one a travel junkie or a wannabe traveler? This book will allow him to travel while in his living room to hundreds of the most breathtaking places on earth.
- Hardcover Book
- National Geographic (Author)
World class photography, awesome text and stunning images of natural and man-made wonders of the world are compiled in another stunning book by National Geographic. They also offer the best times to go, places to stay and what to do so when your loved makes the trek to one of these visual wonders. He’ll be sure to have the most epic and authentic experiences.
6) Bonsai Tree Starter Kit
- Grow Your Own Bonsai Kit: Plant your own bonsai kit - choose from seeds for Brazilian Rosewood (Jacaranda Mimosifolia), Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea Pungens Glauca San Juan), Flame Tree (Delonix Regia), or Black Spruce (Picea Mariana). Experience the joy of watching your tree grow, from the seedlings in your bonsai tree kit to a fully-formed bonsai tree.
- Everything You Need to Succeed: Our bonsai grow kit comes with everything you need to grow your own bonsai tree — 4 varieties of mini bonsai tree seeds, 4 soil disks, 4 burlap grow bags, 4 plant markers, bonsai shears, a wood box that doubles as a planter, along with detailed instructions. No matter whether you’re searching for plant gifts for women, or a bonsai tree kit indoor beginner for your own gardening initiation, look no further than our complete bonsai starter kit.
Houseplants are a phenomenal way to elevate your surroundings. They oxygenate the room and provide comfort in the form of proximity to another living being. Bonsai trees make some of the best houseplants, as they look like miniature trees, making them one of the more aesthetically pleasing specimens.
7) Engraved Pocket Knife
- PERSONALIZED - Your choice of up to two lines of text and an icon (optional) are professionally engraved on one side of the handle, deep into the wood so the text is dark and easy to read
- STAINLESS STEEL BLADE - 3.25 inch 3CR13 Stainless steel blade with dual thumb stud can handle any job with it's razor sharp edge
An engraved pocket knife is a great gift idea. The standard notion is to have the name of the recipient carved into the handle. It lends a personal touch to an otherwise plain, if useful, household item. Now, you could think outside the box and have something else engraved on the handle, a playful meme perhaps.
8) Whiskey Stones
- Purity Set in Stone – Unique Ice cubes dilute your drink, leaving your whiskey watery and weak. Enjoy your drink to the last pure drop with EMcollection’s whiskey glass set featuring reusable ice cube - 8 piece whiskey rock set.
- Just Add Whiskey – Complete your collection with EMcollection’s whiskey set. All you need is whiskey since it comes with 2 whiskey glasses, 2 glass silicone coasters, forceps, and 8 stones all in a wooden box.
Whiskey stones are basically rocks, but better because they’re designed to hold the cold a lot longer than any normal material, keeping your whiskey cold for much longer than any ice cube could ever hope to.
75th Birthday Party Planning
Planning a 75th birthday party involves picking a theme, a venue and a date, as well as planning a guest list. Choose decorations that reflect the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Celebrate memories and personalize the party with the guest of honor’s hobbies as the theme to celebrate the milestone.
Pick a Venue, Date, and Time
Consult your guest of honor about the venue choice. It could be a favorite spot, like a garden or golf club, or someone’s home. Choose the date and time of the party based on the guest of honor’s availability.
Choose a Theme
The theme can be anything that reflects the person’s interests or hobbies. For instance, a fishing-themed birthday party could be held for an avid angler or a flower-themed one for a gardening enthusiast.
Send Out Invitations
Depending on your budget and size of your venue, make a guest list. Check with family members to see if you have forgotten anyone, especially if the list of invitees is a wider group of friends and family. Send out invitations at least a month in advance. The invitations should include the RSVP details, as well as information about a dress code.
Don’t forget about guest who are far away who still wish to join in the celebrations. For this you could set up a virtual party using various platforms:
- Weve
- Remo
- Zoom
- Facetime
- Skype
- Google Hangout
Choose the right words to say and get the invites out!
Decorate
The venue can be decorated according to the theme. In keeping with celebrating 75 years, some decorating ideas are a photo collage of the person in the shape of the number 75 or a photo banner announcing their 75th birthday,
Plan the Cake and Food
The cake could be a photo cake with edible images of the person’s life or it could be in the shape of the number 75. Food can be kept to just finger food or a buffet, depending on the budget. A toast celebrating the person is integral to the party. The perfect party requires planning! There are several things to consider when planning your party.
Before you make out your guest list, before you buy your party decorations, take a minute to put your plan on paper (or computer screen). Pre-planning will save time, money, and your composure on the day of the party. Most importantly, have fun!
Summary
Buying gifts for seniors can be a challenge. What do you get the person who has everything and wants nothing? Often the answer is time, attention, and something meaningful. If you are shopping for mom, perhaps you’ll enjoy our article on 75th birthday presents for Mom that she’ll love.
I hope this list helps you figure out what to buy your senior loved one on his/her 75th birthday. Let us know in the comments section if there’s a gift idea that we missed!