Parent's 40th wedding Anniversary gift?

freshpopcorn

Any recommendations for my parents 40th Anniversary gift?
Sorry if this is the incorrect forum.
I don't mind purchasing separate gifts or a few small things.
For Christmas/Birthdays/etc I'm normally find.
Mother is nearly 60 father is 71.
They aren't into holidays, weekends away, etc.
They aren't into spa's, beauty,etc.
I was thinking of getting them tickets for some music they may like but they'd have no interest in this with masks, etc.
I know some people recommend getting something doing with their wedding photos but they only have a few and my mother hates photos.

Any recommendations?

aquinn

Would they do a lunch? Not sure where in the Country you are but lovely selection around the country for nice places that don't have to be too fancy. A lunch would be less fussy and more relaxed. Something to look forward to with the Family when we can get back to living and socialising?

Are they gardeners? You can get them bulbs or fruit and veg to grow?

freshpopcorn

aquinn wrote: »

Would they do a lunch? Not sure where in the Country you are but lovely selection around the country for nice places that don't have to be too fancy. A lunch would be less fussy and more relaxed. Something to look forward to with the Family when we can get back to living and socialising?

Are they gardeners? You can get them bulbs or fruit and veg to grow?

Thanks,
They may like a meal but at the local restaurant. I'd have gotten this in normal times but they've no interest in going to restaurants with masks,etc. I do intend on getting a take away from a local restaurant.
That bulbs, plants etc could work out.

Faith

What about something like this: https://www.gifts.ie/gifts/anniversary-years-married-framed-poster?cPath=25_27_2923 or this https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/lisamariedesigns/product/ruby-wedding-anniversary-print

The traditional gift for a 40th anniversary is ruby. If you can bake, you could make them a red velvet cake (or buy one!). Red plants would be nice, like poppies, roses or even a pomegranate tree!

Louis Friend

Do they have an outdoor area in their home?

Would a nice patio heater or firepit work?

freshpopcorn

Thanks again for the suggestions.
I did consider those type of things 40 years married plaques, etc but they wouldn't be into that sort of stuff either.
They are farmers and would never sit down outside.
In the past year I've bought them a Dyson and a good Microwave and my mother liked them.(I know appliances).

Faith

freshpopcorn wrote: »

Thanks again for the suggestions.
I did consider those type of things 40 years married plaques, etc but they wouldn't be into that sort of stuff either.
They are farmers and would never sit down outside.
In the past year I've bought them a Dyson and a good Microwave and my mother liked them.(I know appliances).

I wonder if you'd get better answers asking in Farming & Forestry? They may have some posters in a similar demographic to your parents who could help think in the same way as your parents might.

freshpopcorn

Faith wrote: »

I wonder if you'd get better answers asking in Farming & Forestry? They may have some posters in a similar demographic to your parents who could help think in the same way as your parents might.

I’d say that’s a good idea.
They are normally easy enough to buy for but I was trying to think of something special this time around.
There just not your standard lovey dicey couple.

ThewhiteJesus

so your dad was 31 marrying a 20 year old, interesting, how about a holiday voucher or maybe two presents as with the age difference there must be differences of interests too.

freshpopcorn

ThewhiteJesus wrote: »

so your dad was 31 marrying a 20 year old, interesting, how about a holiday voucher or maybe two presents as with the age difference there must be differences of interests too.

Yes the age difference is big enough.
They were the same as Charles and Dianna when they got married.
A holiday voucher would be out. They’ve never left the country and wouldn’t go on one.
They might spend a night away if they had to but it wouldn’t be for pleasure.
I would be open to two presents.

ThewhiteJesus

freshpopcorn wrote: »

Yes the age difference is big enough.
They were the same as Charles and Dianna when they got married.
A holiday voucher would be out. They’ve never left the country and wouldn’t go on one.
They might spend a night away if they had to but it wouldn’t be for pleasure.
I would be open to two presents.

I hear you my own parents are a bit older and a mare to buy for, good luck anyway !

beababelle

How about tickets to a show? Would they be interested in something like that? There are a good few events planned for the summer/autumn when things might start to happen again... check out ticketmaster.ie Good luck, its hard getting that age group a present that will resonate!

freshpopcorn

beababelle wrote: »

how about tickets to a show? Would they be interested in something like that? There are a good few events planned for the summer when things might start to happen again... check out ticketmaster.ie

I could get them tickets for some country music thing but they wouldn’t go with any form of restrictions and I don’t know when there going to end.

Mrsmum

How about a retro style record player, really cute, small and compact ones available now and some country, if that's the music they like, records.

Mrsmum

Or a nice everyday set of dinner plates, cups, cutlery.

freshpopcorn

Mrsmum wrote: »

How about a retro style record player, really cute, small and compact ones available now and some country, if that's the music they like, records.

They have had these over the years.
They'd mainly have CD's for the car.

Mrsmum wrote: »

Or a nice everyday set of dinner plates, cups, cutlery.

Yes, I think my mother would like this.
I might end up getting two presents.

rubberdungeon

Do they have a smart device that lets them make or take video calls to stay in touch with family or friends?

Perhaps they use their phones, if they don’t have something like a tablet, IPad or HomePod would that be something they’d appreciate and get some use from?

freshpopcorn

rubberdungeon wrote: »

Do they have a smart device that lets them make or take video calls to stay in touch with family or friends?

Perhaps they use their phones, if they don’t have something like a tablet, IPad or HomePod would that be something they’d appreciate and get some use from?

Thanks, My mother has an Iphone and I got her a Samsung tablet for Christmas.
We've a few smart devices in our house.
Father has no interest in technology.

colm_mcm

40th is the ruby anniversary.
Maybe you could incorporate this somehow.

freshpopcorn

colm_mcm wrote: »

40th is the ruby anniversary.
Maybe you could incorporate this somehow.

Yes, I was thinking of getting my mother a small piece of Jewelry. Even tough she'd probably never wear it.

aquinn

What about rescuing Donkeys? If they have a farm then space shouldn't be an issue and donkeys are just fabulous.

https://www.thedonkeysanctuary.ie/visit-and-fall-in-love

rubberdungeon

https://www.moonpig.com/uk/personalised-cards/p/mum-and-dad-celebrating-40-years-of-marriage-anniversary-multiple-photo-upload-card-/lj073/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA1KiBBhCcARIsAPWqoSpLoj7Z7P9lyB1hl9Pi39bLJtDtI903L_3X-QkppuDeY4jTGQsijgsaArVeEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds&size=1&utm_campaign=shopping&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google

Not a gift but might be an idea for a card for your parents.

Do they drink? (Ruby) Red Wine

Do they like flowers (Ruby) Red Roses

freshpopcorn

Thanks for the replies everybody.

Yes, I'll try and get a nice or personalised card. Finding photos may be difficult tough but I'll try.
I might get flowers on the day.
They don't drink so no wine, champagne, etc.
They are actually easy enough to buy for but the normal things for something like this they'd have no interest in.

AMKC

Get them something they really need in or around the house or something to make there life easier. Are they into sports at all. My Da is in his 70s and Golfs. If they are get them something for that.

Or you could buy them something expensive that always said they would like but never had.

freshpopcorn

AMKC wrote: »

Get them something they really need in or around the house or something to make there life easier. Are they into sports at all. My Da is in his 70s and Golfs. If they are get them something for that.

Or you could buy them something expensive that always said they would like but never had.

Ya, I'm trying to think of something for around the house they may like.
Sports are out.
I would get them a stove for the living room but my father is against them.(Long Story).
We've got them a new cooker in the past few years. I got a dyson, microwave, kitchen units in the past year.(I should have held off)

wildwillow

Don't know your budget but maybe a new bed. I know my parents were delighted with a new bed when they moved into a new house and were sorry they didn't change it sooner.

They could shop for it when we can move out again or they are vaccinated. Add a lunch and you have a day out.

Mrsmum

Is there any nice view on the farm or maybe a beautiful old oak or something like that you could take a photo of and convert to a large canvas picture. Also I know I've seen where you can get an artist to draw/paint their house or even the front door if it's nice from a photo. I couldn't begin to know where I've seen it but remember thinking it was beautiful to have an artist's impression of one's home.

phildenny

If new bed might is too much, maybe a new mattress. Most people don't change their mattress for years. Even if they think their own is perfect, it may not be!

freshpopcorn

wildwillow wrote: »

Don't know your budget but maybe a new bed. I know my parents were delighted with a new bed when they moved into a new house and were sorry they didn't change it sooner.

They could shop for it when we can move out again or they are vaccinated. Add a lunch and you have a day out.

I'd buy them a bed or bedroom furniture no problem but there's a slight issue with this.

Due to my fathers hoarding there isn't room for my mother in the room anymore and she sleeps in another room. Honestly I just want to do something nice for her and I'm not trolling.

Mrsmum wrote: »

Is there any nice view on the farm or maybe a beautiful old oak or something like that you could take a photo of and convert to a large canvas picture. Also I know I've seen where you can get an artist to draw/paint their house or even the front door if it's nice from a photo. I couldn't begin to know where I've seen it but remember thinking it was beautiful to have an artist's impression of one's home.

There is a nice view that I possibly could get done.

HildaOgdenx

Sounds like their preference would be for something practical rather than ornamental.
Lots of good suggestions on the thread.

Have a look at a few websites like Arnotts, Kilkenny Design, and Newbridge Silver for ideas too.
I think they are good for nice stuff that is practical, but won't break the bank either. And they all do online delivery.

Congrats to them, on their anniversary!

wildwillow

Do something special for her room. Lots of older people move to their own rooms for a good night's sleep.

aquinn

Get them a skip. Your Mam will appreciate that anyway and maybe give your Father the hint that he has too much c*ap lying around.

Bed linen is something practical and nice for your Mam too.

Still think the donkey is the best idea

Mrsmum

How about a a swing chair set for the garden. They probably wouldn't buy it for themselves but might like it all the same, especially as they are getting older.

freshpopcorn

aquinn wrote: »

Get them a skip. Your Mam will appreciate that anyway and maybe give your Father the hint that he has too much c*ap lying around.

Bed linen is something practical and nice for your Mam too.

Still think the donkey is the best idea

I have suggested this in the past to my mother but she says it will give my father a heart attack.
I have got them bed linemen.
I'm fairly sure my sister got my mother a donkey from their a few years ago.

Mrsmum wrote: »

How about a a swing chair set for the garden. They probably wouldn't buy it for themselves but might like it all the same, especially as they are getting older.

I'd happily buy it for them but my fathers hoarding they wouldn't be room for this.

Reading this I think I should just get them marriage counselling.

rubberdungeon

Do they drive? Full car valet when it’s possible?

How would they feel about the luxury of having a cleaner come in once a week ( when it’s possible) to do some of the heavier housework like changing beds/laundry?

Would they use an air fryer type appliance?

Do they have a dishwasher?

A new TV?

Free food shopping to a value ( gift card for a determined value for the local supermarket), each week they could do the food shop til the balance depletes)

freshpopcorn

rubberdungeon wrote: »

Do they drive? Full car valet when it’s possible?

Yes, I consider this but I clean their car weekly and clean the seats every so often but I'd be open to it.

rubberdungeon wrote: »

How would they feel about the luxury of having a cleaner come in once a week ( when it’s possible) to do some of the heavier housework like changing beds/laundry?

Father wouldn't allow this and she/he could get squashed with clutter.

rubberdungeon wrote: »

Would they use an air fryer type appliance?


Do they have a dishwasher?

A new TV?

I'd love to buy an appliance for them. However in the last few years almost everything has being replaced.

rubberdungeon wrote: »

Free food shopping to a value ( gift card for a determined value for the local supermarket), each week they could do the food shop til the balance depletes)

I have given them vouchers in the past and generally my father just takes them to buy clothes and tools.

wildwillow

You need three gifts. A token ruby gift, plant or cake or something which doesn't cost much.

Some luxury for your mother, either an experience or special clothing or shoes, anything she wouldn't buy for herself.

Then get something which your father would like, and I thing the budget should be split to favour your mother.

My Dad was easy to buy for as he had lots of hobbies and loved reading.

Couldn't please my mother. The one thing which she was really pleased with was an expensive well cut jacket and skirt suit with a silk blouse. This was years ago and she would have been in her seventies.

She would always have been well dressed on a tight budget but this was way more expensive than she would ever buy for herself, and beautifully tailored. She did look stunning in it. Because she didn't know what it cost she was happy to wear it.

So maybe you could treat your mother to something she would desire but never buy.

aquinn

Oh, a pair of Dubarry boots for Mam:

https://www.dubarry.com/ie?_dub=ss20sale&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI08fY_LLs7gIVFLd3Ch0TMAXoEAAYASAAEgIqFvD_BwE

Great quality, last for years. Handy around the farm as warmer than wellies.

rubberdungeon

freshpopcorn wrote: »

Yes, I consider this but I clean their car weekly and clean the seats every so often but I'd be open to it.


Father wouldn't allow this and she/he could get squashed with clutter.


I'd love to buy an appliance for them. However in the last few years almost everything has being replaced.


I have given them vouchers in the past and generally my father just takes them to buy clothes and tools.

With the greatest respect, your parents are very lucky to have you. ‘You’ are the gift that keeps on giving and it sounds like you’ve been and continue to be attentive to their materialistic and non materialistic needs.

I’ve no doubt you’ll find something they’ll love.

Kudos to you!

Mrsmum

aquinn wrote: »

Oh, a pair of Dubarry boots for Mam:

https://www.dubarry.com/ie?_dub=ss20sale&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI08fY_LLs7gIVFLd3Ch0TMAXoEAAYASAAEgIqFvD_BwE

Great quality, last for years. Handy around the farm as warmer than wellies.

I want those.

aquinn

Mrsmum wrote: »

I want those.

They are amazing. Have a pair of sailing boots 12 years and I absolutely love them. Expensive but 12 years later to still adore? Worth it.

Loveinapril

What sort of farmers are they?
I got my parents a completely unromantic present last year of a full butchered lamb for the freezer and they really appreciated it. It was just a random present though and not for a specific occasion so it probably went down well because of that too, although your parents sound so practical it might suit.

freshpopcorn

Boots and clothes are a good option and are something I'm considering.

They are just very small farmers.

Teach30

My parents v similar wouldnt have an interest in much. Newspaper subscription for the journal? Voucher for a good butchers for a few weeks worth of meat would suit mine and then cook them a dinner for their anniversary. Mine prefer eating at home to going out.

Practical presents when they have most things are tough. Keep it simple mine wouldn’t see the point in buying something for sake of it. You could just mark the day with a dinner at home and small gifts. My mam is into nice delph/cutlery/tablecloth, at Christmas I got her 2 pairs of Wolford tights. Practical and she’ll use them. Wedgewood China do nice anniversary gifts.
We got a Stellar kettle and teapot and they are used everyday.

Men more difficult, decent shoe horn, clothes, shoe polish set, (prob end up your mother using it if he is like mine) decent wool farm cap, body warmer, that what mine are into.

XxMCRxBabyxX

I had a quick flick through so might have missed this but would you consider getting their genealogy done and/or their family tree printed?

freshpopcorn

XxMCRxBabyxX wrote: »

I had a quick flick through so might have missed this but would you consider getting their genealogy done and/or their family tree printed?

That maybe a good idea. However we have have family trees done going back generations done in the past.
Would these turn up much extra?

XxMCRxBabyxX

freshpopcorn wrote: »

That maybe a good idea. However we have have family trees done going back generations done in the past.
Would these turn up much extra?

Honestly, it depends per family. You can get reports commissioned that will provide more detail than just names you already have with background about the areas they lived in or jobs they worked, etc. There are companies such as Ancestor Network that will do them. Full disclosure, my mum is a genealogist with them which is why I know them specifically. There are others out there too.

Other options are one of the DNA kits depending on your feelings about them or something to display like an engraved tree on wood. I got my mum this one from Etsy for Christmas with her family tree back 5 generations and she loved it.

freshpopcorn

Thanks for the advice.
I'll probably get my mother a piece of jewelry.
However I notice there are two shades of Ruby.
Does it matter which one you go for?
I'd consider the first one more traditional.

freshpopcorn

Thanks for the advice.
I bought the newspaper from the date they were married in a book format and it includes major headlines from the 1980's as well.(I think).

I'll get my mother a necklace also.(Not crazy expensive).

I'll sort something out for father also.

I'll get a take away from a restaurant and a few bits on the day also.

jellybear

If they're in to gardening a plant could be nice. This website has a list of plants with the word ruby in the name or with ruby coloured flowers/foliage
https://www.burncoose.co.uk/site/category.cfm?cat_id=27

Legit_ie

One thing that's gone down well in my family, is getting friends and family send a video message and compile it all up into one with some background music, interspersed with old and some recent family photos. Did it for my Dad's 80th, and it does take a time and planning (give it 3 weeks ahead of the time to get all the videos in, scan photos, compile the video etc) but he just loved it. You can give the token material things as well, like a card with a voucher of some sort, but you can't beat memories.