I’m going to be 50 next year and we just came back from a friends 50th birthday party in St Lucia and my wife is asking what big thing I want to do for my 50th.
Has anyone else gone big for their 50th, and what did you did? Feel like your 50th is your last bday milestone.
Comments
Please do not comment directly to this post unless you are Gen X or older (born 1980 or before). See this post, the rules, and the sidebar for details. Thank you for your submission, OBB76.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
It was during corona so no
Celebrate big but believe me, 75 is also a birthday milestone
I went out with family that day and then a dinner with family and friends. If you can afford to go big, go big, but aren’t compelled to do so.
I bought myself a cake and ate it alone.
Are you kidding? 65 is a big one too. And then every year after that, if you make it.
Yes, went to a play in NYC.
My son, BF & I spent a week in Princeville, Kauai, for my 50th. It was so peaceful and we could see the splash of whales breaching (January). For my 40th, the city was flooded, 60th nothing special, and for my 70th I took myself for a week to Scotland in September because I’m not a big fan of cold weather. On my actual BD the city was frozen over and so I stayed home. January is a shit time for birthdays.
No, but it’s been at least 20 years since I last celebrated any birthday.
Nah, we don’t really do that. We go big for milestone wedding anniversaries. 25 years was a bike tour of southern California staying at the fancy places along the route. Can recommend.
I took a guys trip to a casino a couple states away. We drank, gambled, watched and bet on football, played indoor golf, and had a couple nice meals. It was a pretty fun weekend trip and not overly expensive (besides the money lost gambling, of course)
I had a huge party with 50 friends. No joke.
Yes, I will be! It’s already in planning and it’s going to be a huge party.
During covid lockdown so no. Nobody drive by my house and honked a horn or nothin!
We planned a big party and then the pandemic hit. Bummer
I forgot it was my birthday.
Yes. Got a car as a gift.
Had a great dinner out with close friends!
Unfortunately was laid up with the flu. Did treat myself on my 60th.
Hopefully, we have something we can celebrate most days…
I was at a gig & the whole club sang the birthday song for me. Drunken revelers even brought me a cupcake!
Mine was in the thick of covid. I got pizza delivery and downed a green cheek four pack of west coast IPA. Yay me!
I’m going snowboarding in Chile or Argentina for my 50th. Did Chile for my 40th and went to Bariloche a few years later, so haven’t made a final decision yet. It’s still a couple years away.
My 50th occurred during the initial total lock down portion of the pandemic. No celebration for me.
It’s in April and I’m ignoring it. I’ve decided I’m staying at 42.
I had a big party at my house with my closest friends along with my brother and sister. We catered in some BBQ and my wife made a delicious strawberry/amaretto cake.
We also had a bunch of photos of me and my friends over the years circulating on the big screen TV. It was an awesome night.
My closest set of friends are all 1 year younger and the next year we went to one of them’s 2nd house at the beach and had a weekend together. That was equally fun.
I went on two international trips for my 50th, one was technically for my dad, who turned 80 the same year.
I’m not sure why you say 50 is the last birthday milestone. 65 is pretty big, as is 75, 80, 90, and 100 (60 and 70 are up for debate).
nope, just another day
Went to Vegas with the wife…had a blast.
I had thought that maybe I was going to go out to dinner and the opera, then one day about 3 weeks before my birthday, I thought “What the hell? It’s my 50th!” So I went to Spain and Portugal for two weeks instead.
Lots of other milestones after 50 — 60, 65, 70 and so on. At some point I think you get back to the point where each year is a milestone
No-it was in the early part of covid, like right at the beginning when we didn’t know anything…so no..
Spouse and I did a cruise for our 50th b-days which were a couple weeks apart.
My birthday is December 31st. The entire planet celebrates for me.
I did not. Had high hopes for a work celebration (people that make big deals out of a lot of people’s birthdays) but they fell so flat.
>Feel like your 50th is your last bday milestone.
Shut your whore mouth. 🙂
I’m going to be 69 in September. I’ve been with my wife for 51 years. Plenty of milestones ahead.
I was traveling with my husband. No one remembered. My sister’s never called, daughter didn’t call. Both of my parents are deceased. I was a bit down that evening, and my husband went out and found me a bottle of my favorite scotch. I would have preferred a card and maybe chocolates, but at least now I know not to expect anything from anyone.
I’ve got a bit over a year and I plan on doing nothing. My gf loves celebrating birthdays but I’m jaded from earlier years and to me it’s just another day, it literally means nothing to me except I have to remember 5X instead of 4X for my age. She may push something but it won’t be a huge ordeal because she’d respect my desire to make it small.
I’ve seen people do big trips or big parties, to each their own.
Spent a week in Hawaii.
For my 40th I went to Vegas and raced a Lamborghini for five laps. For my 50th? I still went to Vegas, but just ate pizza and watched the hookers walk by, lol.
I did a tour of Italy for 2 weeks, thoroughly enjoyed it! Plan to go back for 55th and maybe add in Greece and Sicily to the tour. Use any excuse you can to celebrate life!
I didn’t. I think we ordered takeout and maybe we went to a movie that weekend.
Nope, but then I’ve never been one to celebrate my birthday.
I never have parties personally. I own a ranch so my day is the same as all the others. I tend to buy a new pew pew for my bday every year. All I ask of others is just to remember me. Simple. I might take a min and lay in the hammock by the chicken coop.
No big fan fare. I just went to my favorite coastal spot on earth and did my thing….
I threw a BBQ where I cooked and no one said happy birthday me
I had a girls night at the local trampoline place and then sushi and karaoke after. It was a lot of fun.
My in-laws celebrated their 50th anniversary the same year so my husband, my in-laws, and I took a 10 day trip around the UK and Ireland. It was great!
I have no recollection of what I did on my 50th. Must not have been anything big.
No, I hate that shit. Lol
I went to Hong Kong (from Australia). I ate, I shopped and I sight saw.
Wife threw me an “Over the Hill” birthday party. Invited some friends I work with, and had the kids each go to used record store and buy me albums of bands I’m a fan of. She presented me with a retro record player that also plays cassettes and has an/fm radio, and Bluetooth connection for jump drive. This was like 16 yrs ago.
I was silent for 24hrs. Didn’t take a vow or anything, just notified those who’d wonder about it, turned off my phone & other devices, and spent most of the day alone in the woods. Figured I’d been running my mouth for half a century, might be good to spend a day listening. It was wonderful.
Nope. I was overseas in Africa. Didn’t even realize it until I saw my wife’s Happy Birthday email the next day.
For my actual birthday celebration, it wasn’t anything extravagant. However, I’m an auto racing fan, and my intention is to attend 50 races in person this year. In particular, my gf and I are planning a trip this fall to one that’s kind of a bucket-list race for me.
It was my usual birthday dinner: grilled NY strip with NY cheesecake for dessert.
On my 55th I took the day off work and rode my bicycle 100miles for the first time.
My husband does want he can. One friend suggested a cruise. I was very happy with the beautiful piece of jewelry he brought me. We don’t like to go into debt.
Our 50th (me and hubby are 18 hours apart, same year) so we celebrate together. 2020, was our 50th, it was both Covid and we were also experiencing some ugly fires and smoke in Oregon. We did go out to Astoria for our 50th and stayed at a nice hotel, had some good food, but smoke followed us (we could see it, but mercifully couldn’t smell it). It was gloomy the entire time we were there (and got back to Portland and it was much worse), so that birthday wasn’t as special as it could have been (we went back to the same place for 51 and it was much better 🙂
I went sky diving for my 50th.
My 50th was during peak Covid. Had a nice home-cooked dinner with my immediate family and my wife went all out and had a painting of my family commissioned. I love it.
I talked to my husband into having a big party at a pavilion with lots of family and friends. DJ, cake, the works. Turned out he hated it and later confessed he agreed to it only because he knew how much I love to party and dance. 2 years later, when my 50th rolled around, he didn’t plan any party. We just went shopping and stayed at a hotel for a night. Same with my 60th, no party.
Nope! Didn’t celebrate my 20’s, 30’s, or 40’s. Not going to celebrate my 60 this year either.
I went to Las Vegas with my husband and got a really nice room at the Cosmopolitan. We saw a show and went to some nice dinners. I also got myself a big tattoo on my forearm that I paid too much for, but I love it anyway.
I turn 50 next year, too. A good friend is turning 40. We are thinking of throwing a big combined party. IF the Navy let’s him get home in time. He’s retiring next year.
I turn 50 this month and we have nothing planned. Granted, I’m currently recovering from surgery, but I wouldn’t have planned anything anyway.
Yes, wife took me on a week long cruise.
No, not big. Just family and closest of friends.
Just another day for me. Understanding that some like to recognize 50 years with a party full of gag gifts making fun of old age. It was just a number to me, I didn’t give it any more special treatment than my 51st birthday. Maybe if I had a wife and family, but living alone, naaaaa, just another day.
The covid lockdown started on my 50th. I had a party several years later.
We had a Miracle Fruit party. We had a table with . various foods, and took some miracle fruit. Tomatoes tastes like sweet berries. Strawberries were way too sweet. Unsweetened lemonade tasted sweet. Plain yogurt tastes sweet.
I went to Bath for a few days with my husband. It was lovely. I haven’t been one for parties since my early 20s really.
We had a pie fight at the park when I turned 50. Good times.
I went to the ocean and decided the rest of my life I come first!!!
My two older brothers only 2 years apart from each and myself both had surprise 50th’s I told my wife I wanted a suprise party too and my birthday came and my mother had a small get together just family. I kept thinking why didn’t I get a party? My wife was throwing me one for some reason AFTER my birthday and then because it was March 2020 it never happened. So i’m looking forward to my 60th lol
Nothing.
Nope. Didn’t do anything, which is normalish for me. Talked about doing something for my wife when she hit 50, but I don’t remember us doing anything special. It’s another birthday….probably went out to dinner.
I did a cruise with my man for my 50th (just last July) but that was only the start. I’m still in the middle of completing this but I’m endeavoring to “Do 50 things in my 50th year”. Thing = anything I’ve wanted to but haven’t done. Some big, some small.
A liston a few things this has included:
hitting at batting cages,
riding a train to visit a historic town about an hour away (took a pto day and went midweek, it was fantastic),
taking a pottery class,
staying in a cabin at a lake we usually just camp at,
entered a photography contest which will go on display next month
Rode an aerial tram (1 of only 3 in the world)
Bunch of hikes in places we’ve never been before
Up next – going to a Driving Range to hit golf balls! Also have another PTO/hooky day planned to go to a famous local museum
I feel like the day of our 50th is a big deal but it’s just 1 day. I want to celebrate my 50 years on the planet doing and seeing some of the many many things the world has to offer before getting too old to enjoy them
My actual birthday I didn’t do much. But about 10 months later, I went overseas, on a trip, alone. It was amazing! I’ll be 60 this year, and my BF 65. a month apart. we were hoping to take a trip somewhere, but not sure if that will happen or not. At least not this year. But as our birthdays are at the end of the year, we can push it into 2026
I went to Hawaii (first time) by myself, made a dollar store tiara with a pink glitter ‘50’ on it, wore it to the beach, had Mai tais, went to a luau. It was lovely 🤗
I did 50 random acts of kindness. Flowers and visits to nursing homes, hand written letters, anonymous gifts, paid for person behind me in fast food drive thru etc. It was the gift I gave to myself instead of some wild party. Took me a few weeks to finish, but it made such a difference in my well being. Additionally, I didn’t post the doings on social media because then it would be a receipt to wave instead of gifts given.
No. I told my family for a few YEARS before my birthday that I would really like my first birthday party on my 50th.
I told them, I was clear, and I didn’t assume they could read my mind. No one did a fucking thing. Sure, I could throw my own party and maybe I will next year but dammit, I shouldn’t have to.
My mom (my bff) passed away a few months before my 50th birthday. I know she would have made it special but it wasn’t meant to be. My (pos) sister barely acknowledged it despite the fact that we (mom & I) had made a big deal about her 50th seven years earlier. She gifted me with a potted flower from the grocery store that isn’t native to our area so it couldn’t even be planted — I’m an avid gardener—- I realize it’s the thought that counts but there was less than 5% thought in this “gift”. My in-laws did the cake and ice cream thing but pretty low key, which was actually lovely given all that was going on in ours lives at the time. My 60th celebration was much more loving and thought filled!
I had a huge disco party. I had a Studio 50 sign made, a red carpet. It was such a blast.
I celebrate every aught birthday. 40 was Manhattan. 50 was Maui. 60 was supposed to be a safari but I did that two years ago. I’m thinking Europe @60, if they’ll have an American.
For my fiftieth year, I moved to México to travel around for a year, but then spent another year in Puerto Vallarta living as a hedonist and promiscuous gigolo. True story.
It wasn’t big but very amusing. In a karaoke bar in Vinnytsia/Ukraine. Shortly before the russian invasion. Which is one of many reasons why I hate russia.
My wife and several friends arranged an elaborate surprise for my 50th. I had no plans to do anything.
It began when my neighbor insisted on taking me flats fishing in Apalachicola Bay. I’m not a fisherman, but it was a nice gesture and perfect weather for it.
After a really fun morning we drove the hour back home and I immediately got suspicious when I saw a friend’s car near my house. It’s hard to miss a ’58 Chevie Belair ratrod.
As I approached the front door I recognized several neighbors and friends. I was cool with it. I strongly dislike surprise parties because what do you do when the recipient isn’t in the mood? Thankfully I was OK.
After entering the house and greeting unexpected guests, I caught a glimpse of my sister who lived 5 hours away. What a great surprise. Then my other sister appeared from a side room. She traveled seven hours. The kicker was my father emerging from the bedroom. He flew from Philadelphia to north Florida for the event. I was knocked off my feet.
The icing on the cake -literally, were two cakes, one decorated with a Grateful Dead logo, the other with the Penn State Football logo. They had my number. I think it was in my most memorable birthday.
I went back to England from the US for a few days and had a joint 50th and my Mum’s 90th meal with family.
I just went all out at my home. I did a hello kitty pink theme. Had pink wigs for all who wanted to wear them. Pink Toole on the ceiling, pink confetti all over the floor, pink drinks, pink cupcakes and food. So much fun, even the guys loved it.
Hubs got a limo, we went to a fancy restaurant, then to the casino where I won $200. It was so fun.
My wife had a surprise party for me. It was jokey revenge for when I had one for her. We don’t like surprise parties.
Hired a bartender and a caterer and proceeded to get about 25 or 30 people fed and fairly lit up. It was a great day and I didn’t have to do much but walk around and talk to people.
My father had died the week prior so no big party but my work friends went all out on a Survivor themed celebration complete with a tent set up inside an office, a scavenger hunt, and Tribal council.
I went to Portugal for a week.
Rented a motorcycle, got lost (in a good way).
Spent time with good friends.
Ate good food.
Drank good wine.
It was awesome.
My wife threw me a big party and not one person that is blood related to me showed up (they were all too busy celebrating the second wedding of an ex-granddaughter-in-law that only two people in my family actually talk to 🤣😅😄) I celebrated with friends I have known for 10, 20 and 30 years who I consider to be my true family.
I went on a cruise (my first) with my BFF since 4th grade. I was in Ensenada, Mexico doing a cooking class, tequila tasting and shopping on my actual 50th birthday.
I’m an only child, divorced, with no children and spend a lot of time alone. It was CRITICAL (for me) that I did something special for my birthday. It was also just after COVID, so it was kind of a celebration of that. Unforgettable and totally worth it.
My husband and I went to New Orleans with 2 of my sisters, and had a great time.
We were leaving Pat O’Brien’s, with me in my crown and boa, and a handsome young man said “Well, someone is having a good time”. I told him that this was my birthday crown , and he made a sweeping bow and said “Well then, happy birthday, your majesty!”. I wanted to take him home for my daughter, but thought kidnapping would be a step too far.
We set up a tent in our driveway and borrowed a wood-burning pizza oven from our neighbour. We invited friends and family and had a big party.
For my 60th, we reserved a room at a local restaurant that had a stage. We invited friends and family, and my band played a 2.5 hour set.
Both were great fun, but the concert on my 60th was a a lot more fun, because most of my friends and family had never seen my band perform (it was our 2nd show ever). We’ve played a few more since then, and we have another gig coming up in 10 days.
I went to Red Rocks ( goal since watching the U2 concert on repeat pre-Joshua Tree ) – got to see the Shins
I played a gig with my band got drunk and my childhood buddy drove me home. I was happy.
I flew to Australia the day before my 50th. With the time change, I landed the day after. Technically, I didn’t have a 50th.
I couldn’t find anything fun to do for my 50th so I celebrated by seeing Bob Weir and Ratdog play in Jamaica on my 51st.
40th was Cabo San Lucas for 18 days. 50th cant’t remember 🤣. 60th and 70th took kids and grandkids to Hawaii for a week to celebrate with me. For my wife’s 70th taking the family to San Diego for 12 days.
Yes, it’s cultural for me as a Hawaiian; 1st & 50th birthdays are Very Big Deals
Wr went to the Dominican but I would have been just as happy to go fishing 😁
Trip to Hong Kong.
My 60th was much much more fun than my 50th. All the 10s you should celebrate. It sounds like you think you will be a fossil when you turn 60 lol.
I’m not going to tell you what I did on my 60th, but it was the best birthday I’ve ever celebrated.
For my 50th I made lunch for my team of coworkers and baked my own cake. I wanted to celebrate it and since nobody mentioned doing anything I figured I’d at least eat the food I enjoy on my birthday!
Didn’t want to but old boss gave me 1000 and some cupcakes
I hadn’t thought about it until recently and realized I want to do “something.” I’m thinking a local weekend vacation or, as a combined 50th with my husband, buying a travel trailer!
Why is 50 the last bday milestone? Do we die after?😄
Old people is 50….
Man I know of 50 year olds that run marthons and 20 year olds that are so fat they can’t get up a flight of stairs. While “age isn’t just a number” it sort of is in ways.
Did back to back aerobics classes to prove to myself I could.
In a way. A month or so after my birthday I travelled back to my old home town for my first visit in 10 years. Spent some time with my sister, looked up some old friends, saw some sights and ate at a couple of my favourite restaurants.
It was cool.
Just booked a bucket list vacation Alaskan cruise for my 50th (Hubby’s idea and $) cant wait. Went all out upgraded verandah and all you can drink package! 100 days
40 – Vegas weekend with boyfriend
50 – threw myself a big party
60 – Quiet weekend at a mountain cabin, 3 couples
I bought a house. 😁 Actually it was a complete coincidence but I like to think this house was my present.
Right after that I was dx with breast cancer (I’m fine) so I’ve made sure to kick ass on every subsequent birthday. #72 coming up!
Went out to a really nice restaurant with a table full of friends. Nice memory.
Yes I had a big geeky party on May 4th (Star Wars day)
My husband threw a dinner at a nice restaurant. My parents, children, and friends attended. It was really special to me. He and I also went on a few bucket list trips during the year that we’d always wanted to do, and we capped off my 50th year on Dec 31 atop a volcano watching the sun set. I don’t regret a thing. It was the best year of my life.
Nothing different- went to dinner with the family.
I threw a surprise party for my mom’s 50th, at home.
If I did, I must have *really* celebrated.
My husband and son had me a surprise party. It was my first birthday party ever (youngest of 5).
My husband is turning 50 in a couple of weeks. We’re having a medium size friends and family party in our barn.
Not a surprise because it’s his barn/garage.
I rented a house for the weekend in a mountain vacation area 2 hours from my home and invited our 8 closest friends to come for the weekend. We played cards, went hiking, went shopping, did a bit of day drinking, antiquing, BBQ outside and had an all around blast. It was definitely the best birthday celebration I’ve ever had.
50 is old?
I am bicycling 50 miles in all 50 states for turning 50. 22 states down; goal is to complete the list by 55 – 2027. It’s a birthday celebration with each new state…
I can’t even remember, maybe we went out to dinner?
Covid stole my bd.
Goodness I don’t think 50 is your last birthday milestone at all. I think birthday milestones get bigger as you get older. As for lovely places to go Kauai is amazingly beautiful. I also love Bermuda. I have been to St. Lucia and very much liked it there but you can’t beat the two above for beauty and romance.
Wedding anniversary. Yes.
Go to Temptation in Mexico 🇲🇽
Recovering from brain surgery. Yay!
I was gonna have a big party for my 40th birthday, but I wasn’t in the mood so I decided I would have a really big one on my 50th cause it’s such a well rounded milestone. Then Covid happened. It was a fun little get together with four loved ones and me, for my 50th, but not exactly what I planned… I bet I felt better the next morning though than if I had followed through on my original plan🤪
No. My mother in law had a stroke that day. We did not celebrate it at all
My friends and I went to Vegas to celebrate our birthdays together. We all had milestone birthdays that year. We planned it for two years and went to a few shows and had a good time.
Fot my 50th, I asked my mom to bake a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. She was not a baker and used box mix. It was great! I miss her.
I started guitar lessons
I went to a Blondie show on the other side of the country for 50. Good times.
In the year leading up to the big day, I did a “50 before 50” where I had to do 50 new experiences that I had never experienced before. Things that made the list were heavily based on 3 trips…fly in a helicopter, snowmobile on a glacier, hold sled-dog puppies, go to axe throwing, drink a Guinness beer (I hate beer), see a bald eagle in person etc. it made it fun! And then on the big day I hosted a party at our house with friends and family, catered tacos/margaritas and had a guitarist play my fave songs. I also spent the year before with another mantra to “lose30before50” which I did through plant based diet and exercise. It was a great time until f’ing covid came into our lives a few short months later.
It was during the pandemic, so nothing. Very typical. I’ve never had a big birthday party. My 16th? My parents went out of town without me. My 18th? I had to cook dinner for my extended family. My 20th? Basic training.
There’s been years where I never even rated a cake.
My wife through a surprise party for me. it was fun. Altoids were all the rage then (2007) so I got custom altoid gifts.
Yep. 50 people. 50 years. Big backyard bash
I went to San Francisco and got a big ass tattoo, a tramp stamp, on my 50th. Then met with friends and family for dinner and had a wonderful stay. A friend of mine, a lady about the same age, went skydiving for the first time. Yeah, ya gotta’ do something special.
I live in Cali. I called my 3 best friends (Bro, Bro in Law, childhood Bf) and said “I want to go to the bourbon trail for my 50th with the wives” we rented a house and had a great great time. We still talk about it.
My first ever birthday party. And the majority of people came which shocked the shit out of me.