My mom is turning 50 in November, and I'd like to throw her a proper event, whether that's a surprise party with lots of people, or an intimate gathering if she doesn't want a big thing. She was planning on going to Hawaii with her sister (who was turning 60), but money's tight, and now they can't afford to go. I'm also on a very limited budget, but I was hoping for some great party or gift ideas. I'd like to give her something meaningful. What have you done for your parents? What's gotten the best reactions? I'd love to hear any ideas - thanks!
Why not do a Hawaii/tropical themed party complete with decorations, music and foods. If you keep it small and simple, it wouldn't cost too much either.
My first thought was to throw her a Hawaiian type luau with all the friends and family. It could be really fun and themey and maybe you could "take" her to Hawaii anyway! If she's not into a big party maybe you guys could just pool money and do a fancy night at the theatre and an overnight hotel stay with her sister or whoever she wants. You aren't too far from Chicago right so maybe it would be a little getaway for her. Are there anythings from her childhood that maybe you could get for her, like special cakes/treats whatever, that might remind her of that time?
I think whatever you do will be heartfelt and she'll love, so good luck!
We got an idea from a magazine, and it was perfect! We listed "50 Things We Love About You" for my mom. I gathered thoughts from my sister, brother, their spouses, and all the kids. The responses ranged from sentimental to silly. I typed them up and put them in a frame. We read them at her (small) birthday party, and everyone loved it. Good luck helping your mom celebrate.
I also was thinking a luau with a roasted pig and the whole nine yards - maybe some hula dancers you could hire.
But I also love the idea of a video - or something meaningful/special. If none of your family knows how to do a video, do a PowerPoint with a photo montage and funny comments about the photos. Check out www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com - pics of really funny/bad family photos. Or you could do something more poignant in a PPT- nice pics of mom w/family and some sweet thoughts about how she made things special, things she did for everyone, her best traits, what she taught everyone.
I always think even a basic party - a BBQ or surprise party - something that is just creating a great memory, is so awesome. You could take pics during the party and then go to www.snapfish.com and have an album created with pics of the party as a keepsake. When my sis and her kids came into town, I took a bunch of pics and made it into an album on Snapfish that I sent them for Xmas. They loved it!
We had a party for my mom at a restaurant and it was lots of fun. Also, as her gift the whole extended family made a scrapbook page and we put them together in a book for her. She loved this.
Of course, scrapbooking is out now, but you could put together a photo book from Shutterfly or something. Create a user name and password account, start the book and give everyone the log-in information. They can create their own pages.
I'm writing from two perspectives: The daughter who gave her mom a 50th birthday, and now the mom turning 50.
For my mom we didn't have the resources to do as much as we would have liked, so we just took her to dinner with the kids and grandkids. We gave her a beautiful mothers ring as a gift. She was thrilled, and still wears it all these years later. We had stones put in for all the kids and grandkids. It took some looking to find a graceful style that wasn't gaudy, but we found one that incorporated 9 stones.
For me, the best gifts are time with my whole family and things that remind me of the family and our best memories. When my son made a video of family pictures, along with meaningful songs, that was better than any expensive gift would have been.
Another idea is to make a book of her best "mom-isms"...all the things you've all learned from her. She'll love knowing that she's had a good influence on you.
A party with family and friends can be as elaborate or as cost effective as you choose to make it. From fancy-schmancy to pot luck. Being remembered is the most important thing.
Gift wise, if the mother's ring isn't the right thing for her, one thing I would love to receive from my kids (I'm embarrassed to even say this) is the James Avery Mother/heart pendant.
I hope any of these ideas are helpful. As a mom the age of your mom, I want to thank you for thinking of her and wanting to make this milestone a special one!
