Best 50th Birthday Party Favors: Ideas Guests Will Love

Short answer: The best 50th birthday party favors feel like small milestone gifts rather than throwaway trinkets. Focus on items that are useful, a bit nostalgic, and easy for guests to enjoy after they leave.

• Personalized keepsakes: engraved bottle openers, custom glassware, or leather key fobs
• Edible treats: gourmet chocolates, specialty coffee, or mini champagne bottles
• Pampering items: candles, bath salts, or hand creams
• Memory-based favors: QR codes linking to a shared photo album from the night
• 1976 nostalgia touches: vinyl coasters, retro candy, or custom mixtape playlists

Who this is for (and not for)

This guide is for hosts planning a 50th birthday who want favors that feel thoughtful. You want guests to leave with something worth keeping, not a plastic trinket headed for the trash.

This is not for large-scale party store hauls or “over the hill” gag gifts. These ideas work best for intimate to mid-sized gatherings (10 to 50 guests) where quality matters more than quantity.

Affordable favors (under $5 per guest)

For her. Scented sachets, mini hand creams, or small candles in elegant packaging. A handwritten thank-you tag elevates even a simple favor.

For him. Specialty coffee packets, craft beer koozies, or leather-wrapped bottle openers. Skip anything with “50” plastered across it.

For your mom or dad. Homemade baked goods in kraft paper bags, small jars of local honey, or tea sachets. The personal touch matters more than the price tag.

Nostalgia angle. Include a small card with a 1976 fun fact or a QR code linking to a playlist of that year’s hits (Fleetwood Mac, Wings, Elton John).

Mid-range favors ($5 to $15 per guest)

For her. Mini spa kits with bath salts and a quality candle. Custom wine labels featuring the guest of honor’s photo or a meaningful date.

For him. Engraved bottle openers, whisky stones, or a small leather notebook. These work especially well for someone who appreciates understated quality.

For them. Custom coasters featuring a subtle “Est. 1976” design, or a single high-quality chocolate bar with a personalized wrapper.

Nostalgia angle. Vinyl record coasters, retro candy boxes (Pop Rocks, Razzles, Bubble Yum), or a printed “1976 Yearbook” card with pop culture highlights like Rocky, Taxi Driver, and the first Apple computer.

Splurge favors ($15+ per guest)

For your mom. A small succulent in a ceramic pot, a premium candle, or a personalized piece of jewelry like a birthstone charm.

For your dad. A quality pocket knife, engraved cufflinks, or a small bottle of aged bourbon or scotch.

For intimate gatherings. Commission a local artist for small prints, or give each guest a framed polaroid from the party itself.

Nostalgia angle. Custom vinyl 45s with the guest of honor’s favorite song from 1976, or a professionally printed “Life in 1976” booklet.

Memory-based favors guests actually keep

One of the most meaningful 50th party ideas is giving guests access to shared memories. Set up a QR code photo sharing system so everyone can upload and view photos from the celebration. Guests leave with digital memories they can revisit anytime.

Gather Shot is a photo sharing platform for events that makes this simple. No app downloads required. Print small cards with the QR code and place them at each seat or on the favor table.

Tips for presenting your favors

Display options. Set up a favor table near the exit so guests grab items as they leave. Alternatively, place favors at each seat as part of the table setting.

Packaging. Small boxes, organza bags, or kraft paper pouches elevate even simple favors. Add a custom tag with a short thank-you message.

Include photo access. Place a small card at each seat with a QR code linking to your shared photo album. Guests will know exactly where to upload and download photos from the party.

For more celebration ideas that match this approach, see our guide to classy 50th birthday party ideas .

Frequently asked questions

How much should I spend on 50th birthday party favors per guest? Most people spend $3 to $15 per guest. For smaller celebrations, you might go higher. For larger parties, simpler favors like edible treats keep costs reasonable.

Do I really need party favors for an adult 50th birthday party? Favors are optional but appreciated. If budget is tight, skip physical favors and offer something memorable like shared access to party photos.

What are some budget-friendly 50th birthday party favors that still feel special? Homemade baked goods, small candles, or sachets of coffee or tea feel thoughtful without breaking the bank. Add a personalized tag to elevate the presentation.

How can I include photos as part of my 50th birthday party favors? Use a QR code photo sharing platform like Gather Shot. Print small cards with the QR code and place them on the favor table or at each seat. Guests scan to upload and access all the party photos.