Just because someone is older—or less young, whichever you prefer—doesn’t mean their appreciation for gifts goes away. Sure, they may have seen their fair share of gifts over the years and even received some repeats, but gifts can still be meaningful. To avoid falling into the “repeat gift” category, take the opportunity to put some extra thought into your present. Consider your friend or family member’s interests and lifestyle. Then, pick something that purposefully reflects how you feel about them, and it will be a gift that’s remembered.
Meaningful 80th Birthday Gift Ideas for Men
Men—they either have everything or, if they don’t, they seem to want nothing. Don’t fall for it! Men appreciate gifts; all you need to do to pick a good one is be observant. What hobbies do they have? Cars? Woodworking? Nutrition? Board games? Below we hope to spark your imagination with the perfect 80th birthday gift idea for your husband, dad, or grandpa.
Clothing & Accessories
T-Shirts: Getting a t-shirt is a pretty safe option, especially if you can get one that appeals to the man’s interest, like golfing, or helps him own his age with confidence, such as those "vintage" t-shirts!
Watches: Older generations still wear and value their wristwatches, and gifting one that celebrate their age or has a picture of someone they loved as the background will surely make them smile.
Hats: If the man you’re shopping for often wears a hat, consider buying him a new one that he can rock on his birthday.
Hobbies
Reading: Having the time to sit down and enjoy a good book is a perk that older folk often get to enjoy. If the man you’re shopping for enjoys reading, consider getting them a “You Fell Asleep Here” magnetic bookmark, a box set of historic cartoons, or a nice “vintage” mug. A nice glasses holder might be nice—after the reading is done, the glasses have a spot to go and won’t get lost.
Food: No matter how old you are, food never gets old, and giving a gift related to food could be a cook/chef/food-lover’s joy, no matter their age. Consider gifting a new apron that celebrates the 80 year milestone birthday, some gourmet peanut butter cups, a pistachio stand that they’d probably never buy for themselves but meets all pistachio needs, a bottle opener, or some glass cups with a map of their hometown etched into them.
Movies: If the 80-year-old you’re celebrating loves a good movie and popcorn, consider getting them movie posters or books, or even a popcorn bowl sitter.
Puzzles & Games: If you know they love figuring things out, consider getting them a murder mystery jigsaw puzzle alongside a piece-sorting tray. A new game might be fun for them as well.
Best 80th Birthday Present for Women
Many gifts for women overlap with those for men, so don’t rush to jewelry or chocolate just because you can. A superficial present is easy to spot. Though jewelry and chocolate are nice, remember that after 80 years, your family member or friend has likely built a life with layers of experiences and an array of likes and dislikes. So, whatever gift you decide to give, give it with purpose and sincerity.
Clothing & Accessories
80th Birthday Party Outfit: 80 years old is a remarkable milestone birthday worth celebrating! If your loved one is up for a birthday bash, get creative with party ideas! You could get these 80th-party crew shirts for a fun day out with the girls.
Jewelry: Yes, remember what we said above, but there are some jewelry pieces that would make for the perfect gift. Just be sure to do it with thoughtful intention rather than as a last-minute gift idea For example, a "decades necklace" could celebrate everything they've become in the last 80 years.
Accessories: if the woman you’re shopping for wears makeup, consider a high-quality leather bag with her birth year stitched onto it. Something that goes with an article of her clothing is a good guideline.
Interests & Decor
Cooking: For rocking the kitchen, get her a fun vintage apron that reminds them just how awesome they are.
Reading: If she loves to read and enjoys a good birthday joke, get her Dr. Seuss’ “You’re Only Old Once” book for obsolete children, or “Unexpectedly Eighty” by Judith Viorst.
Decor: Consider decorations that will bring warmth into your loved one's home. For example, a personalized, celebratory newspaper is sure to be a hit and is a unique way to celebrate.
Self-Care
Comfort: You can’t avoid aging, but you can make it as comfortable as possible. Consider getting her a custom blanket or a neck massager.
Pampering: With the inevitable aches and pains that come with age, consider getting her a complete spa set to help her relax.
Personalized 80th Birthday Gifts
Going the sentimental route is probably more appreciated when the person you’re celebrating has lots to remember and treasures the memories. Consider getting them a personalized family birthday picture or a gift box with a personalized mug. Another option is to get them their own birthday box to bring back some memories.
Funny 80th Gifts to Add More Laugh Lines
Regardless of who they are, trying to bring a laugh to the birthday boy or girl can be a fun idea. There are also a plethora of funny birthday cards to complement your present.
What to Give Parents?
There’s no better way to celebrate life than to fill it with people we love. If you have a parent who is turning 80, one great gift is to consider throwing a surprise 80th birthday party for them, doing your research to invite everyone they know—family, friends, neighbors, old schoolmates, past co-workers, church friends, etc. With the internet and the help of social media, you’ll probably be able to reach a lot more than you think. Be sure to have a guest book there for people to write a short note about how they feel or to share their favorite memory.
Another option is to give the gift of experience, which is also one of the best anniversary gifts for parents. As mentioned before, if you’ve received 80 years of gifts, you’re bound to get a repeat. Choosing to gift an experience, such as a gift card to a local theater or to get a massage, tickets to see a comedian coming to town, a pre-ordered ticket to a local event happening later that year. Helping them create new memories without adding “stuff” could be the perfect gift for the minimalist in your life.
Another option is to create something yourself. No store could sell that. Do you paint? Sing? Play an instrument? Organize? Cook? Think about what you can give, even if it's just a happy birthday card. If you put thought, effort, and heart into it, they’ll be sure to love it.
How Spoonful of Comfort can Help
Whichever of the above present ideas you settle on, if you’re thoughtful and intentional, then it will be well received. Spoonful of Comfort has many wonderful gift options for every occasion—so happy gifting, and we’ll see you in a decade to inspire you with 90th birthday gifts!
