A 60th birthday is a big one.
By the time a lady turns the big 6-0, she probably has many of the things she needs and has done many of the things she’d hoped to do. When it comes to gifts, you’ll want to give her something with the wow factor, which means avoiding trinkets and considering a few unusual ideas.
Put all thoughts of tacky coffee mugs and printed t-shirts out of your head, because we’ve got unusual 60th birthday gift ideas that she’s sure to love.
For the Travel Lover
If she’s spent years dreaming about a trip around the world, why not make it a reality? After all, you’re never too old, or too young to see the world. In fact, travelling is as healthy as it is fun!
Here are just a few adventures that will make for the perfect birthday getaway.
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Treetop South African Safari
If the lady celebrating her 60th birthday has heard the call of the wild, take her on a South African safari that adds a new dimension to glamping. The 5-night adventure is spent at the renowned Lion Sands River Lodge at Kruger National Park.
She’ll spot beautiful animals on game drives and breathe in the beauty of magnificent sunrises and sunsets. One of those nights will be spent in a luxury treehouse, where she’ll enjoy a candlelit dinner with incomparable views of the reserve. This is one totally wild gift.
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Sri Lankan Tea Trail
Who doesn’t love a nice cup of tea? However, you’re going to have to do better than a box of her favourite tea for such an important birthday!
Take her to the source of her favourite brew with a trip to the Ceylon Tea Trails in Hatton, Sri Lanka. She’ll begin every day drinking in fabulous views of lush plantations on rolling hills before heading off to enjoy tea-infused activities. With private tours of the tea plantations, she’ll learn first-hand how hand-picked tea leaves are transformed into some of the world’s finest tea blends.
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New Wonders of the World
If she’s one with a thirst for travel, whisk your mum, wife, or friend on an around-the-world trip that takes her to the new seven wonders. A truly special 60th birthday gift, the New Seven Wonders tour for two explores several destinations on three continents in 27 days.
The itinerary includes the Colosseum in Rome, Petra in Amman, the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Great Wall of China in Beijing, Chichen Itza in Cancun, Macchu Picchu in Cusco, and Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. She can catch her breath in the comfort of 4 and 5-star accommodation and recount her thoughts over sumptuous breakfasts and premium dinners.
For the Quirky Witch
If the lady celebrating her 60th birthday thrives on art and culture, give her the chance to see a whole other side of London. The Magical Meander is a private magical London walking tour that’s just perfect for a woman with quirky interests.
Lead by an experienced magician and member of the famous Magic Circle Society, the tour will take her on a fascinating and entertaining journey through the city’s history of stage magic, mysticism, and the occult. It ends with a private magic show that is sure to appeal to her inner child.
For the Woman with Green Fingers
If your favourite dame is passionate about plants, give her a 60th birthday gift that will breathe new life into her gardening skills. This Kokedama workshop offers her the chance to create a trendy Japanese-inspired green sculpture with Kas and Ros in Bermondsey, London.
The workshop whisks her away from the hustle and bustle and into a secret garden. Interior stylist Hayley McDonald will introduce her to this elegant form of garden art, after which she’ll select a tropical plant and learn to wrap the plant’s roots in a ball of soil and moss.
She’s sure to love the chance to create a Japanese-style living sculpture to hang proudly in her home.
For the Chocolate Fiend
If your partner or mum is a chocoholic, give her a birthday that’s as indulgent as her favourite sweet treat. Head to MyChocolate for a hands-on experience that brings the history of chocolate to life, complete with exotic tastings. She’ll get to make chocolatey creations, learn new techniques, and sip on a glass of Prosecco. This is one birthday present that is sure to leave her with sweet memories.
If you suspect she’d prefer a bit more activity, how about a full chocolate tour through Mayfair and Soho? She’ll embark on a cocoa-inspired cruise, sampling some of the Queen’s favourites choccies and taste treats at the spiritual home of author Roald Dahl.
With so much luxury chocolates, there won’t be much need for birthday cake!
For the Femme Foodie
A long-to-be-remembered lunch is a fantastic gift idea for the 60-year-old foodie. The three-course lunch menu at The Ritz is quite frankly all it’s made out to be. The Michelin-starred experience includes three classic French courses designed by chef John Williams and served by waiters in white gloves. From the glitzy chandeliers to fine-dining food, her time at one of London’s best restaurants is sure to leave her feeling truly special.
If she’s vegan, show her how much you care by booking a table at Galvin La Chapelle. A 60th birthday is a mark of honour, so where better to celebrate it than this Victorian school chapel turned Michelin-starred restaurant?
The gorgeous setting is bound to take her breath away. You can share love and laughter as you reminisce about the times you’ve spent together while enjoying a seven-course menu gourmand. What’s more, you can toast her with a complimentary glass of Brut.
For the Pamper Lover
A bit of pampering won’t go amiss on a birthday, especially if it happens in the lap of luxury. Take a birthday spa treat to the next level with a package that offers hours of indulgence at the historic and sophisticated Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair. The lucky lady and her lucky guest will delight their taste buds at a champagne tea after a full body aromatherapy massage.
For an Asian-inspired alternative, consider 80 minutes of bliss at Chuan Body + Soul in the Langham Hotel, London. The spa offers various treatments informed by the elements of traditional Chinese medicine. What better way to put the zing into a 60th than by being rejuvenated with various ginger-based treatments?
For the Budding Photographer
A private photography tour and masterclass with photojournalist Stuart Freedman is a must for lovers of the medium. Whether she’s a hobbyist photographer or a seasoned pro, the tour delivers a birthday celebration with a difference.
She’ll visit fascinating locations in London’s iconic East End, capturing the beauty of places such as Brick Lane and Hoxton. This totally unique creative gift giver her the chance to learn tips and tricks from a photographer whose work has appeared in Newsweek and Time.
For the Adventurous Lady
A 60th birthday can be the perfect time to be bold, try new things and of course, drink lots of wine. If she’s up to it, treat to the adventure of a lifetime with a deep-sea dive to a Navis Mysterium – Croatia’s underwater wine cellar.
Edivo Vina is the first underwater winery in the world. Wine made from local grapes is aged for three months on land before it spends 700 days in clay vessels 20m below the surface of the Adriatic Sea. The dive is led by an experienced instructor and is followed by a premium wine tasting. An unforgettable life experience she’ll remember for years to come.
Make Memories on Her 60th Birthday
Whether the soon-to-be 60-year-old woman in your life could do with some pampering, has the soul of an adventurer, or loves to travel, you’ll need to give her a birthday gift she won’t forget. You’ll want to help her celebrate in a way that’s meaning and memorable. This milestone needs to be marked appropriately, so bog-standard gift ideas simply won’t cut it.
With our ideas, boring birthday gifts are a thing of the past. She’ll never forget this special birthday if you spoil her with the chance to make forever memories.