Ideas for a New Friend's 50Th Birthday?

I would do something low key and not very expensive. You admit you do not know her well. You will end up embarrassing her. Maybe just take her to dinner. No limo. Keep it simple.

You don't know her well, but do you know her friends enough to know if something else is already planned? If no one else has stepped up or if she has no family, then it would be nice to do something for her when you know you won't be stepping on anyone else's toes by occupying her on her special day.

I think a limo might be a little over-the-top and unnecessary if people aren't drinking and needing a driver. It's a luxury, yes, but if you don't know her well enough to know if she would consider this embarrassing or wasteful, I'd pass. Comedy clubs might be fun, so would a dinner out, so would a bit of pampering at a salon/spa where she can choose the service (facial, massage, etc.). But a movie and then a dinner out might be nice too - you can discuss the movie and get to know each other better. Depending on her interests, you might consider a theater production, a concert, or a day at the art museum. Gallery hopping or boutique browsing, followed by a lovely lunch? If you know some of her friends, you could make this a foursome so that different people get to know each other and surround her with their good wishes.

Make sure that this is something in line with her interests, and that it's not too expensive, which can make people uncomfortable in a new friendship or relationship. If the giver appears to be trying too hard, or if the recipient feels there will be pressure to reciprocate, it can be more uncomfortable than celebratory.

Even with my good friends, I just treat them to a meal out. Ask her what's her favorite restaurant and say you'd love to treat her to dinner to mark her birthday. I wouldn't go overboard, even with a milestone birthday. Leave that to her family and closest friends.

if you don't know her well, you probably should avoid things like limos and comedy clubs, unless she has specifically told you she enjoys such things.
dinner and a movie, or just dinner somewhere really nice, would be awesome. few women DON'T enjoy a good spa day. or if you met somewhere specific and have a common passion, take her for a day of whatever that is (a trail ride on horseback, a museum and nice lunch, rock-climbing, fancy english tea, wish-shopping in haute couture shops, the botanical gardens, you get the idea.)
khairete
S.

This might be jsut me, but if someone who is not all that close to be becuase we've just become friends recently wanted to take me out in a limo to ao comedy club or something I would feel pretty strange about it. On the other hand if she's looking to do something unusualy for her birthday since it's ab ig one why not suggest soemthing like a day trip to Catalina Island - it involves a boat ride, a sweet little town, lucnh and or dinner and a return boat. Or a day trip to San Diego to the zoo or Mission Bay. But i'd much rather be outside enjoying nature than to be sitting in a dark comedy club. Especially now that we've living with all this snow for the last month and a half. Anytime outside not wrapped in wintercoats, gloves, scarves and boots would be a welcome change!

dinner out at someplace she likes. no limo. comedy club maybe. although that is usually a place where there is a drink limit. something at a spa would be nice. maybe a gift card for a mani pedi a friend got me one of those for my 50th. I loved it.

That's really nice of you - I agree with the others who say to keep it simple. I love it when friends treat me out to lunch or dinner, or we do a spa day. It's so rare these days as busy moms, it's just a really nice treat. I think a limo is a little funny, but that's just me - it would really depend on her personality. I would just gear it around what she's into and how much fuss you think she would want made over her birthday. Remember, it's the gesture (just to celebrate her day) it doesn't have to be super elaborate :)

I think the comedy club sounds fun or a quaint club where there is music.. sometimes those places also serve food.. I would skip the limo (if it's really pricey and maybe catch a cab) I mention this because it still sounds like a new and developing friendship, in which case, I think it's good to have boundaries. also, although it would be very kind and generous of you, too much might make her feel uncomfortable..
but you are talking to someone here who has over-given for much of their life.. so now, I am trying to develop better monetary boundaries..
to me... it sounds lavish... for others.. maybe it's a drop in the bucket..

good luck :)

It's hard to know what people want for this milestone birthday.
Some people want a big blow out party while others want to forget it as much as possible.
My husband did not want to even acknowledge his 50th birthday in any way shape or form.
The safest bet is to ask her what she would prefer.

I would do lunch or dinner with her and a group of her girlfriends. Everyone can socialize, give her little cards/gifts/flowers and make her feel special. I personally would not be interested in a limo. Does she love going to comedy? Or a certain type of music like jazz? That is a good idea if that is something she is really into. I love the idea of going to a day spa with her and a handful of friends...then lunch afterwards at a really nice place.

honestly, for my 50th, I was adamant on the NO party rule. I did not want any $ spent on anyone else. Instead I used "the party $" on a dream trip with my Mom. We celebrated her 70th & my 50th with a Road Trip thru the Southwest. We took 2 16yos with us, & it was a blast!

seriously. All I wanted was a good dinner with my family. No drama. No grandstanding. I was militant when approached with suggestions.

soooo, I would seriously think twice before doing anything extravagant. I know the rule is "it's the thought that counts", but not if it is uncomfortable & out of your comfort zone/life choices. Your ideas are too much for me. Sorry!