What should you get a couple celebrating their 50th anniversary? Plenty of options
Q. What do you do for a couple’s 50th wedding anniversary open house? They got a lot of gift cards at Christmas.
A. What a wonderful milestone and special event in this couple’s life! And, yes it deserves celebrating with family, friends, cake, champagne and gifts. And ... yes, the gift part may be the most difficult element of it all. Part of your decision process should take into consideration how well you really know this couple, their mobility and health. Another gift card to a restaurant may not be realistic since they no longer drive, for example, or have difficulty walking and getting around without assistance. “Gold” is the traditional gift and that could include gold rimmed champagne glasses or champagne glasses with gold lettering “50th Anniversary,” but the question is: Do they drink alcohol or do some of the medications they take dictate “no alcohol.” On the other hand, maybe their health is great and they are very active, love to entertain and love trying new restaurants. Maybe you could present them with a night out for dinner with you to a new restaurant. Maybe they like to go to sporting events, like baseball or ice hockey; therefore, tickets to a game might be appreciated. Maybe it would be fun if the four of you went to a game together. Maybe they like the symphony and would appreciate tickets to the symphony. If the couple has children and you know how to contact them, you could ask them what kinds of gifts they might recommend for their parents. You could ask them if their parents have a favorite charity or charities they like to support. If so, perhaps you could make a donation to one of these charities in their name. After you have developed answers to these questions, you are certain to make a decision as to that perfect gift for them.
Q. My in-laws went home in a huff the other night because my husband refused to discuss politics with them at the dinner table. I think they thought he was joking about it and when they realized he wasn’t, his dad mumbled something, finished the last bite of his dessert and then announced to his wife they were leaving. I think I was in a state of shock and didn’t know what to say. My husband got up and went with them to the front door and helped them with their coats and away they went. I suggested my husband call them to apologize and he said he wouldn’t. Should I?
A. I think this is one of those situations where the less said, the better. It is definitely not your responsibility to do the apologizing and since your husband said he wouldn’t, let it go and hope the subject does not come up again at all.
