Sunflowers are some of nature’s most obnoxiously beautiful creations, and they make a real statement when planted in your yard. Bright yellow and absurdly tall, they grab the attention of every passerby. Almost like standing on the porch and yelling at people, but in a really endearing and pleasant way.
At some point during their forties, it becomes acceptable for people to use a small stick to pick out bits of food in their teeth, and leave them lying around. We know, it’s gross. But chances are, your 50-year-old does it. You might as well make it nicer for them with these Scotch infused versions.
For the coworker who is happy in almost every aspect of his life, except for one thing. He just can’t seem to master flipping his skewers. It’s making him the butt of the joke at every barbecue he (tries) to host. ‘Look at Steve, turning each of those kebabs individually! They’re completely uneven’. Save him from this ridicule, please.
Yes, you want the 30-year-old in your life to have a heated whirlpool, but more importantly, you want to have access to a whirlpool without having to maintain it. “What do you mean I can’t hang out in your whirlpool today? You wouldn’t have that if it weren’t for me.” That’ll put them in hot water or, preferably – put you in hot, bubbly water.
Fondue’s one of the classier cuisines and, as lovely as a fondue party sounds, the real reason anyone buys a fondue maker is to go overboard with food experiments. Give the 30-year-old in your life the gift of wondering: “Does this go with cheese?” Along with all the happiness— *cough* *cough* stomach aches—that follow.
Lobsters have many, many great qualities, not least among them are their nutritional and flavor profiles. But they’re dumb as dirt, exceptionally slow, and don’t drive. So if it’s inconvenient for you to go all the way to the ocean to find the best lobsters, you’re going to have to get someone to mail them to you. Thankfully, lobster mail is now a reality.
If the pen is mightier than the sword, you should be able to kill people with it. Because killing people is really easy with a sword. Killing people, however, is frowned upon, unless they’re really asking for it. It’s much more responsible to stick to the symbolic act this penholder allows.
Everyone likes receiving money, and it’s the easiest gift to give. Unfortunately, a pile of bills is often considered tacky. On the other hand, roll them up into flower shapes and it’s considered art. A brilliant ruse to make the simplest of transactions socially acceptable.
Health is wealth, as they say, and it’s even more important when you get old…older, we mean. This air fryer cuts the calories out of their favorite fried foods meaning they can enjoy them a little more guilt free and without having to spend as much time on the treadmill burning it off.
Sure, they can make water more exciting, but why stop there? What not sparkle some juices? Coffee? What happens you sparkle already sparkling water? Can you carbonate already carbonated drinks? We don’t know, but now’s the chance to find out! The drinks — and dreadful discoveries — are limitless.
SodaStreams were a kitchen staple in the 80s so we’re pretty sure they’ll appreciate this updated version of the retro favorite. Much more exciting than simply cracking open a can of Coke, the excitement of choosing their flavor and watching it bubble and brew in front of them will send them straight back to their childhood and make them feel momentarily less old than they actually are.
A year’s supply of mouthwash and party mix is precisely what your sister has been waiting for! This bulk-buyer’s VIP pass will stock every square foot of her home with all the essentials and what-if amenities she could ever need. She’ll never run out of toilet paper again with this all-access ticket to the ultimate in consumerism. Jumbo pack of Q-tips? Check. Tub of pretzels? Check. 5-year razor supply? Check. Now this is shopping!
Who has time for trial and error? Folks today demand fast-acting, proven solutions to their everyday conundrums. A modern stand-in for the tried and trusted Farmer’s Almanac, this back pocket companion is more reliable than your great-grandmother and more concise than an open-ended Google search. Believe it or not, some of the “smartest” solutions have been around for ages.
In a sea of practical jokes and fun gifts, your more serious colleague is sure to appreciate a fabric steamer. Also, a great idea for that guy who always walks in wearing a crumpled shirt and looking like he’s only had 2 hours sleep – what does he do anyway? You probably don’t want to know.
Don’t let them get embarrassed if they can’t quite think of the word in the middle of a game of scrabble, they’re getting old now, they might need a bit more time to think. The Walk By Scrabble Board will give them plenty of time to reach optimum word powerin between turns. (Disclaimer: We can’t guarantee they’re not sneaking off to read a dictionary).
This shiny balloon dog eliminates the sadness of both the traditional party balloon that is destined to pop, and the real-life canine companion that rarely outlives a human (whoa – sorry). This man’s best friend will stay by their side from their fiftieth birthday to their last (if it doesn’t end up in a yard sale before that!)
‘Yes, it really does go back that far – who knew!’, you’ll quip as you hand over this personalized gift (they’ll be creasing up, we’re sure). The perfect gift for the reflective 50-year-old who likes to quote ominously, ‘Back in my day…’, this will give them a whole new source of ways to finish that sentence.
Big ideas can change the world, but so do small acts. Not all of us can create the next Google or reinvent the energy industry, but we can all be better at being human. This international, online-integrated card game provides the ideas and the motivation to spread goodwill everywhere you go, one act at a time.
Chess pieces may look cool, but they’re extremely dated. Here’s a chess board that makes use of something they can relate to: drinking vessels that help them forget everything they hate about their life. Don’t worry, they’ve kept the little horses and whatnot. Now you can just drink out of them.
Contain the fungal spores multiplying in your sister’s fridge with these ingenious protective sleeves. Mold might be a naturally occurring substance, but that doesn’t mean it should be invading her finely crafted tea sandwiches. Leave the fuzz to the peaches and check that chalky residue coating her favorite cheddars. The deli drawer deserves a little TLC, don’t you think?
Perhaps you should pack this with a disclaimer: it’s only for their clothes. We understand that this might be a little disappointing for them, especially if they’re conscious about crow’s feet and laughter lines, but at least they can appreciate crease free clothing to compensate for the inevitability of the aging process.
What better object to have in hand while you’re getting drunk than a grimacing skull to remind you of your own mortality? Rendered in stunningly intricate detail, this guy really comes to life when you fill him up with a colored liquor. Just like someone else you know.
It’s an idea best executed as soon as possible after their 40th birthday, just to make sure their heart can still take a rousing ride on a rollercoaster. If you know a thrill seeker, an adrenaline junkie or someone who just needs a bit of livening up, a trip to an amusement park is the just the ticket to mark their milestone birthday.
As much as we hate to mention, and we don’t advise you do, they’re not spring chickens anymore and Ben and Jerry probably aren’t the best of people for them to be around. They’ve probably realized this already, so give them a helping hand with their new healthy lifestyle with this marvelous little yogurt maker which will let them create some delicious and nutritious snacks to help make that break up a little easier.
If there’s anything that can make wine taste better, it’s a little frustration. If you think life in our rapid-delivery consumer culture is just a bit too easy, then teach someone a valuable lesson on their 50th birthday, by making them work more than they anticipated for their reward. You’re not only giving the world’s oldest artisan beverage, you’re helping develop life skills.
When you were a kid, chances are you attempted to eat your fare share of non-food objects. And who could blame you? The world does look mighty tasty from down there. Most likely, your parents dealt with the issue by repeatedly pulling items from your mouth and offering a good deal of scolding. But you have to wonder, was that really worth all the effort? Probably, given they didn’t have a choice. Here is a different option: if kids are going to eat their toys, just make them edible. Makes sense to us.
Different people learn in different ways. Not respecting those differences is a major reason the public education system has failed us so terribly. Some people learn visually, some learn by mimicking, and some learn by beer. This book is for the last group.
Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, or maybe just gives you PTSD. Either way, it’s better than dead. Here’s a book that can help the owner avoid the dead category for a little longer, even when things get hairy. Rough world we live in.
If they're a little clumsy in the kitchen, these cut resistant gloves may help them from accidentally adding unplanned ingredients to their meal (fingers in the coleslaw are never good). Now you won’t need to be suspicious of that red sauce when they invite you over for dinner.
Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, or maybe just gives you PTSD. Either way, it’s better than dead. Here’s a book that can help the owner avoid the dead category for a little longer, even when things get hairy. Rough world we live in.
Help your sister get away and recharge in a faraway place where nobody knows her and she can act however she wants with virtually no longstanding social repercussions. Because when things get tough, evacuation is usually the only solution.
Nothing creates a sense of urgency like counting the seconds until the time when you can’t count the seconds anymore. The surest way to beat procrastination, this watch doesn’t let you off the hook. Strap it on someone’s wrist, give them a hearty slap on the rear, and tell them to get to work.
Savor the good times with them while also savoring the good stuff. If you know someone who likes a nice drink every so often, a bottle of their favorite poison that is as old as they are will be a rare treat. With a little luck and planning, they’ll open up the bottle on the spot and share with you.
By their 50th birthday, they’ve probably managed to acquire some decent jewelry. Maybe not a lot, but some, and good enough that they want to keep it clean and nice. So instead of giving them another gold bracelet, perhaps this Jewelry Steam Cleaner would be a prudent gift.
Help them drift into 40 with a gift that they won’t be able to take their eyes off. Soothing to watch, it’ll take their mind off their inevitable old age and stop their legs going to jelly about it. We’ve been assured that it’s not actually hypnotic, but we’d check on your 40-year-old at regular intervals, just in case, or leave them to it if you’re enjoying the peace and quiet.
Stir up a little healthy competition and engage in some well-needed unplugged time with this family classic. Too tired to finish the game? No problem! This contest can rally for days, weeks, months even—as long as it takes to score the perfect word. Up the ante with some high-stakes wagering and watch the real fun unfold. Board games are back!
They deserve to put their feet up, it’s their birthday and not only that, they’re 40. We understand that as special to you as they are, you maybe don’t want to spend your day waiting on them hand and foot, so improvise with this end table, which will provide them with a constant supply of drinks and provide you with some peace and quiet.
Since the dawn of time, chaos, terror, and death have periodically rained down from the sky. Only the lucky were spared. But now we have weather radios, so you can go inside instead of dying. This one also conveniently charges your phone so the next hurricane doesn’t have to interrupt your game of angry birds.
Take decorating to a whole new dimension with this spectacular light display. Intrigue passersby with these dangling diamonds lighting up the night sky. Distant life forms might be compelled to communicate once they catch a glimpse of these streaming signals. This is mood lighting redefined and on the move.
Everyone loves s’mores so, who wouldn’t love their very own s’mores maker? Perfect for winter months when they’re looking for comfort food but it’s too cold for a campfire, this handy little tabletop alternative is great to bring the fireside food indoors. And they’ll definitely want comfort food at the thought of turning 40.
Even if they feel like they’re running out of gas as they reach 40, it doesn’t mean they have to. This is a brilliant addition to any barbeque and makes sure that the outdoor fun can keep going as long as they can, even if that might be earlier than you think, after all, they probably have a preference for an early night these days.
Watch opposing armies fight for supremacy on the living room wall with this piece of functional art. Grandmasters and novice players alike will appreciate checking their opponents on the most unique game board in their home. Framed like a picture, this chessboard makes a lovely 30th birthday present for anyone who loves to play games.
Never let your 50-year-old run out of gas again! With this practical gift, your recipient can monitor the propane level in their canister, and know exactly when they need to buy more. It could prove particularly helpful now they’re getting older – chances are they’ve got other kinds of gas to worry about…
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s a rather large fish flying through the air. We think this is a fintastic gift for anyone who appreciates the quirky and the unusual, budding marine biologists or any burgeoning aviators who didn’t quite get off the ground. They certainly won’t be expecting it and it’s probably something they didn’t even realize they wanted.
This gift is worth it solely for the look on their face when they find out what it is—even if they don’t understand why it is. It’s best delivered deadpanned; no expression and definitely no explanation. Don’t worry, they’ll learn to love it—and if they don’t, all their Facebook friends will when you post that picture against their will.
Do you have a friend who still consults a magic eight ball for important decisions? Well, it’s time for them to grow up. Everyone knows the real wisdom lies in magnets. The sleek design of this modern divining tool is sure to get attention for its looks as well as its results. Give the gift of infallible prediction.
If their 21st birthday party is anything like mine was, there’s no telling where they’ll be when they finally pass out. In the bushes is somehow not that uncommon of a place to wake up on the first day people are 22. With a wearable sleeping bag they’ll be hilariously prepared for this inevitable right of passage.
Sitting on the throne, for lack of a better term, isn’t the place where you tend to feel at your most gallant, but every king or queen needs a loyal knight to serve them and we’ve found just the man for the job. Always at hand when they need him the most, he won’t shy away from coming to their aid in even the most, er, challenging of situations.
We’re not sure how far the constitution goes as far as ring marks on tables are concerned, but if you know someone who’s passionate about defending their household surfaces then you might just hit a bullseye with this present. This set of heavy duty coasters are as much a conversation starter as they are a conservation effort so we’d definitely take a shot on them if we were you.
A cleaning tool that will exceed their expectations, this hardworking brush will tackle those hard-to-reach spots with perfect execution and unrivaled efficiency. No job is too ambitious for this zealous wand. A dirt-loving devil with a thirst for grime, domestic duties will be done in no time.
The last thing they’ll want to be doing on their 50th birthday is cleaning the shower in preparation for their overnight party guests (it doesn’t hurt to be optimistic about the scale of the celebrations!) Give them this practical, if unglamorous gift, and they (and their back!) will thank you in the long run!
Flowers don’t just look nice and fill the air with pleasant aromas, they also carry various levels of symbolism. Much like the zodiac, each month has its own flower variety, reflecting the character of everyone born therein. Or at least, that’s what someone decided a long time ago. And it sure is a nice idea. Regardless of whether the person you’re buying for really is a carnation at heart, or whether they’re more of a Venus fly trap, these earrings are going to look great on them.
If you’re whisking them away for a relaxing holiday to mark their 40th birthday, get the celebrations started before you even get there with these mini cocktail kits. They’re great for making your favorite drinks on the way to your favorite destinations or simply calming some in-flight nerves, whether they’re from the flight itself or the fact they’re turning 40.
The thought of turning 40 might leave them wanting to be beamed up but logic dictates that after a long soak in the bath, they’ll slip on this plush, warm bathrobe and be ready to live long and prosper. An absolutely enterprising gift for any closet or not-so-closet Star Trek fan.
Help them forget about turning 40 and focus more on turning pizza with this counter top creation that will ensure that their favorite food is flawless every time. Sitting neatly on the work surface, it’s simple to use and designed to make sure that dinner tastes as good as it should, you really can’t top this as a present, we think it’ll definitely be an all-round hit in the household.
Celebrate their roots with one of these insanely comfortable t-shirts to remind them where they’re from. A great antidote to homesickness and scratchy-clothing syndrome. And if someone should find them drunk and unresponsive on the front lawn, they’ll know approximately where to send them.
It’s important that they start to look after themselves a bit more now that they’ve reached 40 and even though they’ll still want to look after their house too, understanding their limits is key. Make sure they’re not stretching themselves too far when they’re doing the housework with this long reach power tool which is perfect for getting into all those hard to get places.
We are intelligent survivors by nature. Despite its ominous name, a worst case scenario can be a lot of fun, provided you have the tools available to pull a MacGyver-like exit. This little kit can save someone’s life over and over again. Check that, only their primal genius can save their life. But this lends a helping hand.
We are constantly awash in a sea of waves, fields, and rays, not to mention whatever the aliens are shooting into us, and if the scientists didn’t tell us about it we would have no idea any of that stuff is even there. The ferrofluid desk toy is a super cool way to see what magnetic fields would look like if they were actually visible. The included 2-poled magnetic wand allows the user to literally manipulate physics with their hands. Well, that’s probably not true, but it kind of looks like it.
The ability to make your own yogurt is something you only really come to appreciate at a certain age – it’s usually around 50, we believe. Give them this culinary gift, and watch as they delight in whipping up their own ¬blends of strawberry, raspberry, or if they’re feeling adventurous, maybe even gooseberry!
It doesn’t matter how calm they look on the outside, we can almost guarantee that they’ll be at least a little bit stressed at the thought of turning 40. Even if they’re not up for admitting it, they’ll love this scalp massager that they can use to destress and unwind by themselves and retain that cool and collected exterior.
As a person approaches the big 5-0, the long walk from the couch to the fridge can start to feel unbearable. They begin to crave being able to reach down and produce a new, freshly chilled beer, with zero effort. It’s the small things. This genius table will keep their laziness secret when guests come over.
If they've always dreamed of wielding a light saber, this powerful beam just might fit their fancy! Best when not pointed in a loved one’s direction, this powerhouse of illumination will penetrate darkness with impeccable precision and provide a clear and safe path out of harm’s way. The weapon of choice for any dark alley, thick forest or deserted road outing, this superhero outperforms any other handheld flashlight on the market today.
It’s a big claim, we know. But yes, apparently all of life’s mysteries can be explained using flow charts, and this handy book has collected them all together. Give this to the 50th birthday recipient who has always wondered about the meaning of life, and berated the lack of a sufficient diagram to explain it.
It’s notoriously tricky to not get your nori in a knot, but this will make things so much easier, they’ll be on a roll in no time. There might be something fishy going on with puns here, so we’ll leave you to appreciate the genius in the simplicity of this gift.
Time waits for no man (or woman) especially at their age, so we firmly believe that no man should be waiting for eggs to boil in the mornings either. Make sure that they’re not wasting the precious last days of their youth slaving over a hot stove with this neat, compact and time efficient egg cooker.
Their toothbrush cleans their mouth, but then what cleans their toothbrush? How have you not been thinking about this? If you don’t have one of these, your mouth and your toothbrush are just playing volleyball with all that crap that comes off your teeth. Life is gross enough without walking around with a bacteria factory in your face.
The perfect gift for the 50-year-old who’s always getting lost in the dark, tripping down the stairs on their way back from the bathroom, or struggling to summon The Batman, the light from this flashlight is visible from five nautical miles away. They’ll never need to fear the Joker again!
If you’re racking your brain trying to think of a perfect 30th birthday gift for someone who’s keen on a little outdoor cuisine, this should solve your birthday present brainteaser. As simple as it is, it’s a flippin’ genius invention that will take their barbeques to the next level and buying it will guarantee your invite to the next one.
Humanity’s relationship with fire spans hundreds of thousands of years – further back than even your 50-year-old can remember. Give them this for their special birthday, and allow them to indulge their inner caveman or woman with this ultra-modern take on the ancient discovery. What would our ancestors make of us now?
Treating someone to a homemade breakfast is a brilliant way to show them how much you love them and even if they’re not looking forward to reaching the milestone age of 40, we think you’ll be able to sweeten them up by starting celebrations early with this waffley good gift idea.
Sunflowers are some of nature’s most obnoxiously beautiful creations, and they make a real statement when planted in your yard. Bright yellow and absurdly tall, they grab the attention of every passerby. Almost like standing on the porch and yelling at people, but in a really endearing and pleasant way.