Male - female? Dollar amount?
Having turned 50 several/several years ago, I can say that the gag gifts received are not really memorable and just got passed along or tossed.

For something meaningful - write out 50 reasons why you like them as a friend or 50 memories you have of things you've done with them, or 50 things you'ld like to do with them in the future....kind of a bucket list ( ie restaurants to go to , shopping, movie, etc.).

As far as buyable gift ideas, perhaps a book that falls into their area of interest- look at Amazons 2013 best books of the year for ideas. Or a coffee table book with photography, such as Humans of New York or again look at Amazon's 2013 best books of the year. Or, get a state specific photography book....search for Colorado coffee table book or California coffee table book, etc.

Bake them a pie or get a collection of coffees or teas. A bottle of wine. 50 bottles of different kinds of beer. If a female, a pretty necklace, scarf or handbag.

I've given gifts from Amazing clubs.com before where they send a gift each month. You can pick and choose for the number of months or type of product depending on the persons interest. Perhaps that's more than you want to spend, but it's always been well received by the people I've given it to. It's like a gift that keeps on giving. If I remember you can print off a gift card or maybe I just made up something telling them what to expect.

Fifty of anything seems kind of overwhelming, for both the giver and recipient. Why not a good book or a really good bottle of wine?

It's for a female, spending around $50-$75. I'm just in a group that life gifts! I'm not a good gift giver:) I find it very stressful!
I was thinking champagne or wine. They have a nice 50 and fabulous wine glass I could get in time. I like the of the month club but not sure I could find one in my price range.
Thank you. These are actually getting me thinking.

How about 50 lottery scratch tickets??

I just turned 50. One gift I liked a lot was a teapot with a bunch of different types of tea from Teavana. I've enjoyed trying the different teas.

One friend got tickets for the two of us to see a concert (and dinner). Loved this, too.

Another friend, in past years, has given me a "certificate" for the two of us to go for pedicures and lunch or dinner.

I like these "experience" gifts a lot. Gives me (and the friend) something fun to look forward to.

A gift certificate to her favorite restaurant, a gift card to Spafinder or her favorite salon for some pampering, or same to her favorite clothing store, garden center, shoe store, specialty shop, etc.

50 home-made cookies; 50 pieces of some divine chocolate. The wine glass would not interest me (and I drink wine).

I agree with others that anything with 50 printed on it would not be something I would like. I love the idea of 50 lottery tickets. That could be a lot of fun. Does she garden? How about some daffodil or lily bulbs to be planted this fall for next spring's blooming season?

I hear you on the things printed with 50. They are fun to give but don't get used.
We found out she wanted a great pair of pricy special red shoes so we are going together with a few people to get those. She'll get lots of use - and hopefully joy - looking at fun red shoes throughout the years. I think it's a win - win!
Now I just have to find a little something fun - maybe chocolates - or red earrings to go with the shoes :)
Thanks for the ideas!