For our parents 50th, we did a personalized quilt. I sent out 100 8"x8" fabric White quilt squares to all their friends and family. I asked them to put something on that square that would remind my parents of them. They came back in so many different styles and designs it was amazing! Some had fabric paint, embroidery, cross stitch, permanent markers, computerized pictures, appliqués ECT... Each and every one was unique to those individuals.

I made the quilt because I sew but there are people out there that would put it together for you. If you would like to see a picture let me know I will go take one at there house.

We also gave them a wooden quilt holder to display it.

Hope I explained it well, if now just ask.

Judy

So if you're not the sewing/crafty type -- how about sending out the request for favorite memories and/or photos from their friends/family? Then put together into a memory/scrap book. We did one for my great-aunt when she turned 90. She loved it and looks at it frequently.

The 3 grandkids gave my parents, for their 50th a gold platter, engraved with the GK's name on the back, and a special note engraved on the front of it.

Sister and I surprised them, by having a special dinner with their closest friends and relatives.

I myself gave them a small book, Apples of Gold and had engraved on the front, cause it was gold hardback, Mother and Daddy, their date of wedding to that days date. Was compiled by Jo Petty

My parents loved it.

Contents were:
Love
Joy
Peace
Long suffering
Gentleness
Goodness
Faith
Meekness
Temperance

I have it now!

Back then, I found it at our Baptist book store.

Sister and I also bought them a special vase with silk flowers.

cat52....

I love your idea! I may use that one for my Mom's Birthday next year. Our daughter scrapbooks all the time.

thanks
Judy

I've taken Amtrak back and forth across the country a number of times. The only tolerable way to do it is with a sleeper. Train travel just isn't what it used to be. My last experience was a nightmare. I would not reccommend a train trip.

Lydia, I know what you mean about January in the midwest.

When my sisters (twins) were about to reach a significant birthday, I threw them a surprise party.

Since I wasn't going to be able to visit them on the actual date, or any time near the actual date, I threw the party 4 months ahead of time. I invited my aunt and cousins who live on the other side of the state, and we had a grand time.

We said that we were having a dinner (we happened to rent a room from a condo association where one of them used to live.) So they were dressed up nice. Since it was no where near the birthday, they were really surprised.

Anyway, it doesn't necessarily have to be a surprise, but if they are homebodies, perhaps they would enjoy seeing family and friends, even if it's a few months early.

Just thought I'd throw this out.

I also think that the scrapbook is a great idea. I've done several for family members, and they've been very well received.

Good luck,
Lynne

Thanks for the ideas so far. I do like the idea of the scrapbook with memories and photos from friends and relatives and since I already am a scrapbooker I have the supplies!

I'll nix the train idea then. Thanks Lindakathy. The commercials always make it look so elegant. lol

I could have the party in early December which would certainly be a surprise to them. Usually the weather is pretty nice then. That is definately something to think about.

Ideas, ideas...keep them coming!

Have you asked them what they would like?

If you do have a party, a great favor is a CD with music that is special to them.

ML

For my parents 50th, we got all the children and grandchildren together at a local restaurant. Many photos were taken, everyone had a grand time. My Dad died three years later. I was so glad we had this party to remember. My parents were never travelers, they never spent money on themselves. They used to vacation 70 miles fromm home, at a lake campground they drove to.

Missouri in October or November wouldn't be too bad. December, January and February are all cold and flu season.
Branson puts on it's Christmas season in the fall if you were willing to do things a couple of months early.

My siblings and I got a bouquet of roses with seven red roses and eleven pink (7 for us kids and 11 for the grandkids). Our parents had asked us to accompany them to their little church for Sunday service. I had each one of my siblings write a note to me about some of their favorite memories growing up. I compiled them and the minister was kind enough to let us present them with the roses and he let me read the letter in front of the congregation. We laughed about memories of the taste of ivory soap and they cried at the special times we remembered. My mom ended up framing the message. It turned out pretty special.

We did a "Card Shower" for my in-laws. About two months before their anniversary, we sent everyone an announcement with their picture on it and asked everyone to send a card to our home. When all the cards arrived, we put them all together in a lovely package and presented it to them. They loved it and it was very easy for all their friends and family to do. They spent hours opening, reading, and re-reading all their cards. It was very special. For my parents, we all took a cruise together! 5 kids, 5 spouses, and all the grandchildren. Everyone met up each night for dinner together and we all did what we wanted each day. It was a blast.

My sister and BIL celebrated their 60th last Dec,and since they live in NY state their kids threw them a party in Oct.DH and i were unable to attend as we were surrounded by those wildfires here in S.calif and were afraid to leave home.

I went to a nostalgia site on the internet and ordered a book with things that happened in the world and on the day they were married.It also came with a cd of music from that era.

DH and i will celebrate our 50th this month,the 19th,but i am going thru post op knee replacement surgery,so have no idea what we will be doing.Never know what my kids have up their sleeve though.LOL
Kathi