It’s a good thing these big birthdays only come once in a lifetime!  Today I thought I’d share some of the lovely gifts I received from family and friends in case you need ideas for “older” friends who are celebrating a birthday.

Annie made me several more eyeglass chains. I still wear the cheapo reader glasses and if they are not attached to me I can never find them. She made several styles since they are often the only jewelry I wear!

Wine – you can never go wrong with wine! How about that “Educated Guess!” Isn’t it the perfect gift for a retired chemical engineer???  Add a few more bottles to that row since my brother and his wife couldn’t drive up due to the weather until the next day. That should last me – maybe a week….

Handmade cards – this one from Annie. (Someone got it wet.) Photo books are also a perfect present. Of course, I hated looking at the pictures of me but the sweet sentiments Annie added were lovely.

You can never go wrong with fresh flowers!

Some fun bar ware from your favorite colleges or sports teams!

Wow – yes, a Vera Bradley weekender bag! It’s soooo nice and will be perfect for our little college jaunts – which are about the only vacations we have anymore.

Oh yes, you might say I’m spoiled.  A coach bracelet!

A necklace from my daughter (and her shop Words Truly) with a special sheet music sentiment.

Spa packages! I received a gift card for a manicure and pedicure. Have I mentioned I’ve never had a manicure?  What a treat!

Season II Downton Abbey to add to my Season I!  I also am getting the complete script due to arrive any day!

The sweet sentiment that turning 50 “sucks”….

Lottery cards are always fun – especially since I don’t buy them.  Gift cards to local restaurants are super ideas. I received several for my new favorite local restaurant. We went there all the time last summer because my son played there!

If you really want to spoil her….well, a Nook is nice! I feel like a traitor, but I love it! I’ve already loaded some books from the library – audio as well as reader-style. And I can access the internet with WiFi.

If you have other gift ideas for the “old lady” in your life, feel free to share!