I think a whole family photo shoot would be absolutely perfect!

I don't know that you need any help-- you have great ideas!

I especially like the family photo shoot, commissioned painting of their first house and planting 50 trees.

One more vote for family photo shoot. Brilliant idea!

I can't imagine anyone not being thrilled at any of the above.

What they said.

I think the ”whole family photo shoot” is leading the pack!! Great idea.

I too think the whole family shoot is a great idea for those who don't really need anything in particular. A family get together with all the grands before or after the shoot would be a great way to celebrate.

You can get a really nice picture frame in brass (golden color) and have it engraved.

I think you are just showin' off. All great ideas!!!

Thank you all! My sister in law didn’t seem to go for the whole family photo shoot idea when I texted her this afternoon - I think her teens are not easy to corral. I’ll propose it again.

We couldn't do a family picture, either, given that we were all living far apart. But we gave the frame and took pictures of everyone at the party. Wound up with a nice collage rather than a group picture.

People who want to be in the picture will be there, people who don't won't. I would not make arrangements based on corralling children/teens. There is nothing elders appreciate more than seeing their families gathered- it is quite gratifying.

Gold is the traditional gift for a 50th 'golden' anniversary, which can be interpreted in various ways, of course. Does that help at all?

Maybe your family photo could have a golden frame...?

“I think her teens are not easy to corral. I’ll propose it again.”

I hope they would agree to be there. It’s a great gift idea. Having a family photo with one or 2 missing grandkids would not be the same. If SIL still balks, does she have a better gift suggestion?

In my experience, everyone has to be engaged and enthusiastic for a family photo to work-- it can be a lot to coordinate when you have multiple households and families with lots of activities.

Something that might work better is to hire a photographer to capture candid moments at your gathering (if you have it in a private room). A friend of mine is a photographer who does a good business documenting more casual events (in addition to weddings).

I still like the idea of a painting of their first home-- it's where it all started after all!

Exactly because teens are not easy to corral is why the family phot is the best (IMO) of the ideas. I'd nudge a bit harder and personally I am not above guilting someone reluctant.

In the old days, my family used to mount 50 silver dollars in the shape of the number "50" and frame it as a gift. Of course, back then, they were real silver. Not so much today.

I love the whole family photo shoot idea. My niece made a photo album for my mom that was pictures of her and family occasions through her lifetime. She made it using Snapfish. My mom loved it. its still fun to look at.

Odd man out - painting of their first home.

I like the idea of a family photo shoot before a celebratory dinner or gathering. Hopefully the entire family will attend the celebration. Having the photographer shoot during the party would be nice also. I would definitely have a phtographer during the party even if the entire family was not there.

For our fiftieth, hub and I made reservations for two at a very fine restaurant. One of our daughters came to see us off and casually asked where we were going. We told her. When we arrived at the restaurant the owner seated us, presented a bottle of champagne, and told us dinner was a gift from our children. It was a very lovely surprise.

The next night, they hosted another surprise party that included friends and family. The pictures from that are priceless.

Our children made an album of our fifty years together. We don’t need any baubles or more things. The album is a true treasure. Keep your gift simple and meaningful. They will love it .

“Any teen not present will be photoshopped in from a pic of my choosing” That should bring them to the table, 😂.

My parents would not have wanted a picture of their first home. It held no sentimental value for them. I do not want a picture of the first home I shared with DH for the same reason. DH’s sister gave their mother a nicely done watercolor of the house they grew up in, which was also the old family home. When she died, no one wanted it.

What parent, gradparent doesn't cherish pictures of their kids, grandkids and even more special when they can look at the photos anytime and relive the big day? By that stage of life most of us don't want anymore things.

Gifting is dumb at some stages. We had a party for all the friends, made sure all the offspring/grand children/spouses were there..and yes a photo shoot. DONE.

We did a home family photo shoot for my parents' 50th and there were grandchildren involved. I showed up with a big box of those old-fashioned red wax lips -- enough for everyone -- and we had an absolute blast. Lots of laughter that night and we got some great photos! Would photos with props be fun for your group?