Cheers to 50 Years: 10 Fun 50th Birthday Ideas for Dad

Turning 50 is a significant moment, marking half a century of life experiences, memories, and achievements. And celebrating your dad's 50th birthday should be more of an opportunity to show appreciation for all the love, support, and guidance he has provided over the years. Whether your dad is the adventurous type, enjoys heartfelt moments, or loves a good party, finding the perfect way to celebrate can be quite exciting but also challenging at the same time. The challenge lies in finding an idea that perfectly balances his preferences and creates a memorable experience. In this article, we’ll explore the best birthday ideas to make your dad's 50th birthday truly unforgettable, offering a mix of unique 50th birthday party ideas, experiences, and mementoes that will show just how much he means to you.
15 July 2022 11 min read
Best 50th Birthday ideas

Half a Century of Awesomeness: 50th Birthday Ideas for Dad

We have curated a variety of ideas to ensure this milestone birthday is celebrated in the most special way possible. Let’s dive in and make your dad’s 50th birthday a celebration he will cherish forever!

Gift an Experience

Experiences make some of the most memorable gifts, providing your dad with moments he will cherish forever. Here are three unique experiences that can make his 50th birthday truly special.

1. Hot Air Balloon Ride

A hot air balloon ride will give your dad a unique view of the world. Imagine soaring above the countryside at sunrise or sunset, with breathtaking views stretching as far as the eye can see. This serene adventure is perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Book with a reputable company that offers experienced pilots and well-maintained balloons. The journey starts with a brief safety orientation and an overview of what to expect. Once airborne, your dad can enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of floating through the sky.

Some companies even offer a champagne toast upon landing to celebrate. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that your dad will cherish and remember fondly.

Highlights:

  • Budget Range: £150-£300 per person
  • Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon for the best views
  • Special Attention: Ensure the company has a good safety record and offers insurance
One of the most Unique 50th birthday party ideas

2. Golfing Weekend

Treat your dad to a golfing weekend at a renowned golf resort, where he can indulge in his favourite sport and enjoy a mini-vacation. Start with a round of golf on a scenic course, then relax at the clubhouse. Choose a resort with well-maintained courses, professional coaching sessions, and luxurious accommodations.

Many resorts offer packages that include lessons from golf pros, allowing your dad to improve his skills. After a day on the green, he can unwind in the resort’s spa or enjoy a gourmet meal at the on-site restaurant. This experience is perfect for golf enthusiasts who love a mix of relaxation and sport. A weekend focused on his passion, combined with the luxury of a top-tier resort, makes this gift truly special. 

Highlights:

  • Budget Range: £300-£800, depending on the resort and package inclusions
  • Special Attention: Look for packages that include coaching sessions and access to amenities like the spa and gourmet dining
  • Booking Tips: Book well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to get the best deals and preferred tee times
One of the most relaxing 50th birthday party ideas

3. Cooking Class with a Private Chef

Arrange a cooking class with a private chef for a fun and interactive experience that your dad will love. This hands-on lesson allows him to learn new techniques and create delicious dishes from scratch. A cooking class is perfect for dads who enjoy experimenting in the kitchen or want to master a new cuisine. It’s a great way for him to ask questions, refine his skills, and enjoy the process of making gourmet meals.

Choose a chef who specialises in his favourite cuisine or a cooking style he’s interested in. The chef will come to your home or rented kitchen space and provide a personalised lesson tailored to his preferences. After the cooking class, you can sit down together and enjoy the meal he’s prepared, making it a memorable and enjoyable evening. For a seamless experience, hire a private chef from Yhangry in the UK. They can make the process easy and ensure a top-notch culinary adventure.

Highlights:

  • Budget Range: £200-£300, depending on the chef and length of the class
  • Special Attention: Choose a chef with expertise in your dad’s favourite cuisine
  • Booking Tips: Invite family over to taste the results of the cooking class!
Booking a cooking class is one of the Unique 50th birthday party ideas

Kickstart 50’s with a Party

4. Casino Night

Ready to roll the dice and hit the jackpot with an unforgettable 50th birthday celebration for your dad? Throwing a casino night is the perfect way to combine fun, excitement, and a bit of glamour! Picture your home or rented venue transformed into a mini Las Vegas, complete with poker tables, roulette wheels, and blackjack stations. Set the scene with elegant décor – think green felt tables, playing card motifs, and sparkling lights. 

To keep the energy high, serve classic casino cocktails like martinis and mojitos alongside delicious finger foods. Think sliders, shrimp cocktails, and gourmet popcorn. For an extra touch, consider hiring a caterer from Yhangry to take care of the menu, ensuring everything runs smoothly while you enjoy the night. Create a lively playlist to keep the atmosphere buzzing all night long. By the end of the night, everyone will be talking about the incredible fun they had – and your dad will feel like a true high roller!

Highlights:

  • Budget Range: £200-£500, depending on equipment and catering
  • Special Attention: Rent professional-grade casino equipment and hire dealers
  • Booking Tips: Plan ahead for rentals and catering to ensure availability
Best ideas for a 50th birthday man

5. BBQ Bash

Nothing says “celebration” quite like the sizzle of a grill and the aroma of mouth-watering BBQ wafting through the air. Hosting a BBQ Bash for your dad’s 50th birthday is the ultimate way to combine delicious food, relaxed vibes, and great company. Choose a scenic spot, whether it’s your backyard, a local park, or even a beachside venue. Decorate with picnic tables covered in checkered cloths, string lights, and colourful bunting to create a festive atmosphere.

Fire up the grill and serve an array of BBQ classics: juicy burgers, tender ribs, grilled veggies, and corn on the cob. For a fun twist, set up a DIY burger or hot dog bar with all the fixings so guests can customise their meals. Keep the drinks flowing with an ice-cold selection of beers, lemonades, and iced teas. With great food, laid-back tunes playing in the background, and plenty of laughter, your dad’s BBQ Bash will be a hit.

Highlights:

  • Budget Range: £150-£300, depending on food and decorations
  • Special Attention: Set up a DIY burger or hot dog bar for customisation
  • Booking Tips: Consider hiring a caterer from Yhangry to handle the grilling and food prep
BBQ is one of the most Unique 50th birthday party ideas

6. Sports-Themed Party

If your dad is a sports enthusiast, a sports-themed party for his 50th birthday is a no-brainer. Picture a day filled with his favourite games, good food, and great friends, all tailored to celebrate his love for sports. Start by picking a theme based on his favourite sport, whether it’s football, basketball, baseball, or golf. Decorate the venue with team colours, banners, and sports memorabilia.

When it comes to food, keep it classic with stadium-style snacks like hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, and pretzels, along with a cooler full of cold drinks. This way, everyone can enjoy a taste of the game-day experience right in your backyard. The combination of his favourite sports, delicious food, and the company of loved ones will make this birthday party unforgettable.

Highlights:

  • Budget Range: £100-£250, depending on decorations and food
  • Special Attention: Create a mini Hall of Fame to showcase his sports achievements
  • Booking Tips: Hire a caterer to provide stadium-style snacks and cold drinks to keep the party hassle-free

Best ideas for a 50th birthday man
Image Credits: Pinterest

Tokens of Love

Here are some thoughtful 50th birthday present ideas for him that will surely make his special day even more memorable.

7. Personalised Watch

A personalised watch is a classic gift that combines practicality with sentimental value. Choose a high-quality watch that matches your dad’s style, whether it’s a sleek stainless steel design, a classy leather strap, or a modern digital display. Have the back of the watch engraved with a special message, an important date, or a meaningful quote, adding a unique touch that makes the gift truly special. Every time your dad checks the time, he’ll be reminded of your love and thoughtfulness.

This gift is not only a timepiece but also a cherished keepsake that will remind him of this milestone birthday for years to come. A personalised watch is a thoughtful and enduring gift that perfectly blends functionality with personal sentiment.

Highlights:

  • Budget Range: £100-£500, depending on the brand and features
  • Special Attention: Engrave a special message, date, or quote on the back
  • Additional Features: Waterproof design for active dads, chronograph for precision lovers
A watch is the best 50th birthday present ideas for him
Image credits: Istock

8. Gourmet BBQ Set

If your dad loves grilling, a gourmet BBQ set can elevate his cooking experience. Look for a set with high-quality stainless steel tools, such as tongs, spatulas, skewers, and a meat thermometer. Personalise the handles with his initials or a special message to add a unique touch. Include a selection of gourmet BBQ sauces, rubs, and marinades to inspire his culinary creativity. 

You might also consider adding a grilling apron or gloves for protection and style. This gift not only enhances his grilling sessions but also shows that you appreciate his love for cooking. The joy of grilling delicious meals for loved ones, combined with the special touch of a personalised set, makes this one of the best 50th birthday ideas for dad.

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Highlights:

  • Budget Range: £50-£1000+, depending on the brand and customisation
  • Special Attention: Personalise the handles with initials or a special message
  • Additional Features: Includes high-quality stainless steel tools, gourmet BBQ sauces, rubs, marinades, grilling apron, and gloves
BBQ set is perfect for 50th birthday ideas for men
Image credits: Big Green UK

9. Subscription Box

A subscription box is a fantastic way to give your dad an unique gift that keeps on giving. Choose a subscription that matches his interests and hobbies, such as a craft beer box, fine wine deliveries, gourmet snacks, or monthly book shipments. Each month, he’ll receive a very own curated selection of items that will bring him joy and excitement. This ongoing gift is a great way to introduce him to new products and experiences he might not have discovered otherwise. 

Many subscription services offer personalisation options so that you can tailor the box to his preferences. For example, a craft beer subscription might include different styles of beer from around the world, while a book subscription can be tailored to his favourite genres. This gift is convenient and thoughtful and provides a regular reminder of your appreciation and love.

Highlights:

  • Budget Range: £20-£50 per month, depending on the subscription service
  • Special Attention: Choose a subscription that aligns with his interests (e.g., craft beer, fine wine, gourmet snacks, books)
  • Additional Features: Options for personalisation to tailor the box to his preferences, introducing him to new products and experiences regularly.
A subscription box is one of the best 50th-birthday ideas for dad
Image credits: Pinterest

10. Personalised Whisky Decanter Set

A personalised whisky decanter set is an elegant and timeless gift that any whisky-loving dad will appreciate. Choose a high-quality crystal decanter and matching glasses, and have them engraved with his initials, name, or a special message to make the gift unique. This set will not only enhance his whisky-drinking experience but also serve as a beautiful display piece in his home bar.

This gift is perfect for a dad who enjoys unwinding with a glass of fine whisky. The decanter allows the whisky to breathe, enhancing its flavours, while the personalised touch adds sentimental value. It’s a sophisticated present that he can use during gatherings or quiet evenings, making it a cherished keepsake.

Highlights:

  • Budget: Prices typically range from £50 to £200, depending on the quality and customisation options
  • Personalisation: Initials, name, or custom message
  • Use: Ideal for whisky enthusiasts and home bars
Whiskey decanter is the perfect for 50th birthday ideas for men
Image Credits: Pinterest

Celebrate Half Century in Style

Planning a birthday party can be a whirlwind of excitement and stress, especially when it comes to executing your ideas perfectly. The pressure to make everything flawless can be overwhelming, and when it comes to food, the stakes are even higher. If you’re hosting a BBQ party or any event with a large guest list, cooking for everyone can be a daunting task. You might find yourself stuck in the kitchen, missing out on precious moments with your dad on his special day.

This is where the idea of hiring a private chef or caterer comes in as a lifesaver. Imagine serving gourmet meals that cater to your dad’s favourite flavours without having to worry about the preparation or cleanup. Consider hiring private chefs from Yhangry. With Yhangry, you can access Michelin-starred private chefs who will plan, prep, and serve an exquisite meal tailored to your event. They handle all the details, ensuring that your dad’s 50th birthday is stress-free and memorable. Enjoy the party without the hassle of cooking and cleaning, making this milestone birthday truly special. Cheers to creating lasting memories on this unforgettable day!

FAQ's

 Focus on personalisation, incorporating his favourite activities, foods, and people. Thoughtful touches like a video montage of well-wishes, a memory book, or a surprise visit from a dear friend can make the party unforgettable. Hiring a private chef to create a customised menu can also add a special touch.

 Activities can include a themed trivia game, a photo booth with props, a karaoke session, or lawn games if it’s an outdoor event. Tailoring activities to your dad’s interests, such as a wine tasting or a poker tournament, can ensure everyone has a great time. Fun activities help keep guests entertained and engaged.

Managing food and drinks for a large group can be challenging, so consider hiring a private chef or caterer to handle this aspect. Services like Yhangry can provide a chef who will plan, shop, cook, and serve, allowing you to enjoy the celebration without stress. This ensures high-quality food and seamless service, making the event more enjoyable for everyone