50th Wedding anniversary

[smfritz03]

Dhs grandparents 50th Wedding Anniversary is tomorrow. We just found out on Wed. that the quilt his sisters were going to order wont be completed in time. So now we are stuck trying to come up w/ something special last min. as a gift. And ideas?

First--they dont need anything---they refuse to own a tv--they just completed a trip--they are just real simple farmers. We bought them a gift cert. for a restaurant last year--just a $40 one for Christmas and it took them a whole year to go through it--because they very seldom eat out. So Im at a loss. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RangerPooh]

I was going to suggest that you create a DVD phot montage(?) showing images of their lives together over the last 50+ years. But being said that there's no TV, how about just creating a photo collage? You could go to Michale's and loom for a nice size/design to hold the photos. Or perhaps a scrapbook. Although as you said, you are short on time. What about having everyone write a short letter to them describing their favorite memories? Yu could do thys in a scrapbook where you include a picture of either the couple or the individual writing the reflection. HTH.

 

[smfritz03]

Hmmm--I like that idea about writing the letters---just not sure whose toes I would be stepping on---his Aunts are the type who would get mad that I started that-------but I am working on a scrapbook already to give next Christmas to them.

Ok--talked to dh--he does like the writing a letter idea---so thats one thing we will do--take it and have all the friends and family that attend sign it--and Im going to take a pic of each couple--along w/ a ton of pics from the party and add to it afterwards.

But I also want something that they can open.

Thanks alot for that wonderful idea--I know they will LOVE it!!!!

 

[momxx5]

Okay, this maybe a bit of a stretch but it would be so worth it.

Do they know about the party?

Ask them to be dressed and ready 1hr before the party. Pick them up and take them to a photo studio.....Picture People, Olan Mills, etc.

Have a wonderful portrait of them made. Just the 2 of them. Then off the the party.
In one hour go and pick up the photo, having a beautiful frame and mat ready - put the picture in, head back to the party to present the gift. It will be something that they will always treasure. Ask the picture place to hold copies because family may want to come back and purchase additional pictures.
To add to it...you can get the frame personalize at Things Remembered.

Remember the days when older people and couples had portraits done. Remember all those great pictures that hung in the "parlor". Well I think its great to bring back some of this tradition.

It is something that people just do not do for themselves anymore.

(My mom got remarried in a very simple serve with no wedding pictures. I want so badly to take her and her DH to get a portrait done - they are so stubborn)

 

[KelNottAt]

Definitely arrange to have their milestone reported in the local paper. Many papers will place an item about 50, 60, etc anniversaries in the section with engagements and weddings (for a fee).

My in-laws were absolutely tickled that we surprised them by putting their 45th in the paper. (It's the kind of thing they never would have done for themselves.) They said that although their dearest friends knew about the anniversary, coworkers and acquaintances didn't.

By having the item in the paper, more and more people were able to offer their congratulations...long after the actual date had past. It really extended the joy for my humble small town IL when they could come home from the Acme and say "remember so-n-so? she saw us in the paper and stopped to chat with me this morning."

 

[smfritz03]

Yeah--its already been printed in the paper--w/ their first wedding photo and a current one. And to announce the party.

They just had a photo done at their church of them together---but that wouldve been a neat thing. Dh and I will be getting there just as the party is starting since he works up till an hour before it starts and its an hours drive away--so it wouldnt work!

But I am loving the ideas---its getting my mind rolling!

 

[OceanAnnie]

Even if you can't get a current picture to mat and frame a good one of the two of them together would be nice. Target and Michael's craft shop carries a large picture frame and large mat (I think the picture itself is 5x7 or 8x10 at the most). Guests at the party sign all around the mat. It looks really neat and it's a long lasting memento.

HTH!

 

[momxx5]

I forgot about the mat signing....we did that for our soccer coach.


Have a current photo of them - their church one, or even one of them arriving AT the party, using a digital camera. Have a printer handy, print the photo, put it into the frame and them have the guests sign the mat.

Can you imagine how surprised they would be if they got a framed picture of them cutting the cake moments after it happened?

(gotta remember this idea)

 

[mitushib]

Thing remembered stores have lot of personalized ideas. Stuff u can engrave and everything. Most of the malls have it. try there I have got really personal and memorable things for my grandparents from there.

 

[Uuaww]

gift certificate to borders or some other bookstore.