A milestone birthday is different from any other: the gift is kept and remembered. It works best when it says something about the person rather than just taking up shelf space. Here are ideas that suit a big birthday, and a separate note on choosing a brandy.
What to give
- Something with a story. A watch, a fountain pen, a leather briefcase, cufflinks. These last for years, and an engraved date makes them personal.
- An experience. A trip, dinner at his favourite restaurant, a masterclass, tickets to a concert or a match. Even better if it is something he has long put off.
- A book or album. A rare edition on his hobby or a photo album of the family story.
- An aged brandy in a case. A classic gift that works from family, colleagues and business partners alike.
How to choose a brandy for a milestone birthday
For a big birthday, choose a long-aged brandy, 20 years or more. It is soft, has a long finish, and is lovely to open at the party or to keep for a special evening.
Look at the packaging: a case or box saves you hunting for a bag and shows the gift was chosen with care. And check that he drinks spirits; if not, pick another idea from the list above.
TUFF as a milestone birthday gift
TUFF Heritage is aged 30 years. The bottle rests in a dark blue case and comes with a carry bag, and the cap is carved by hand in volcanic tuff after the reliefs of the Church of St. Gregory in Ani. It is a gift for a 50th, 60th or 70th, for someone very close or a respected boss.
TUFF XO is aged 20 years; the Ani edition comes in a black gift box with a stone window. A good choice from friends and colleagues.
The brandy will be finished, but the tuff cap stays with him as a keepsake of the day.
How to present it
Add a card with personal words: recall a shared story or say what you value in him. His name and the date can be engraved on the glass, even on a single bottle: put the words together in the engraving studio and see them on the bottle before you order. For gifts from a whole company, see corporate gifts.
Questions and answers
What should I give a man for a milestone birthday?
Something with a story (a watch, a pen, a briefcase), an experience (a trip, a dinner, tickets) or an aged brandy in a case. What matters is that the gift says something about him.
Which brandy makes a good milestone birthday gift?
An aged one, 20 years or more, in a box or case. From the TUFF collection, Heritage 30 years is the usual choice; from friends and colleagues, XO 20 years.
What is a good 50th birthday gift for him?
A keepsake with an engraving, a trip, or a collector's brandy in a case, such as TUFF Heritage 30 years.
TUFF gifts · A gift for your boss · Armenian brandy as a gift
Read next: Birthday gift for dad: honest ideas and when brandy fits · TUFF XO or Heritage: which to choose
