Great ideas, everyone! Pbrisjar, they wanted to have a BBQ at home too. Now they think it is at their daughter's house. She thinks they will freak out at the cost and they do not intend to tell them. She is letting them think that until a couple days before. They are not fancy, have buried both sets of parents and have more than they need. She's always trying to give stuff away (nieces, nephews, kids, etc.) She is my mother's daughter - "everything should be put to good use." They have a modest home in Mexico and modest home here. When they aren't in Mexico or here, they live on a boat in Canada. They would think flowers were a big waste of money. LOL! A cake may be nice because we all could enjoy but I'm hesitant to ask the restaurant to serve the cake. It's the kids' party and I don't want to seem like I'm taking over, YKWIM? If it was going to be at someone's house, I'd do a cake in a heartbeat. Great idea. As for this couple, they still drive the Toyota they bought (used) when the kids were young (it's immaculate). You could say they live life to the fullest, between their camper and boat, and two *very* modest homes. My sister cuts her hair every three months, so when she cuts it, she cuts it very, very short. :+" My sister thinks my house is fancy and it's always a work in progress. LOL!

We celebrated our 50th last May and I got my husband a Seiko mantle clock. It plays six different songs and they are all so pretty. They had several clocks to chose from and each clock had different songs. We have had so many compliments on the clock and the beautiful music. My husband was so pleased and that is saying a lot as he usually doesn't pay much attention to such things. I had a plate engraved and put on the front of it. Felt like it was a real hit. The cost was around $300. Bought it at a jewelry store, but you might google and find one on line. By the way, it doesn't have to be a mantle clock, but that is where we put it. Congratulations! Dora Lou

Thank you for the suggestions, Though my BIL is not the massage type, that RED ENVELOPE is really cool and if I don't come up with an idea we will get a nice gift certificate! We had just moved our godparents off the old farm house after 40+ years in the same home and the plates and knick nacks she had packed away in boxes was overwelming. I would rather get something that can be used and enjoyed then the item that gets kept in the bottom of the china cabinet for another 20 years! thanks again

My parents will be celebrating their 50th in a few years, and I can assure you they will NOT want gifts. My mom has been relentlessly purging for what seems like 10 years, lol! They haven't downsized yet, but man will they be ready when it's time. Mom takes particular pleasure in gloating to me that her attic is now, finally, EMPTY! :) They are an age where they have everything they want and need. They no longer value "things" they value time with family and friends, extensive travel, and leisure time activities (golf, gardening, etc.) They will LOVE the large party we will throw, but would not LOVE gifts. I have a few years to plan, but am already concerned about how to get the "no gifts" point across in an etiquette-acceptable way!