Milestone birthdays are always significant – it’s usually time for a big party or celebration… perhaps, even a special trip away. But, why do we go so excited about specific ages when we are younger and, then with the turning of each decade?
At hampers.com, we love any excuse to celebrate and so we’ve been investigating the milestones and what they truly mean. Then we've matched some great gift hamper ideas and some ideal ranges for you to explore. As the gifting experts, we'll make sure you have the perfect give whatever the milestone birthday might be.
16th birthday milestone
‘Sweet 16’ is a popular American celebration – a modern day ‘coming of age’ or ‘debutante ball' (which Queen Elizabeth thankfully withdrew her support for in London society in 1958).
In the UK, 16 is one of the first significant birthday milestones to be celebrated (apart from reaching double figures, of course!). It’s also the first age where you have certain new legal rights, including being able to get a national insurance number or apply for a passport without parental consent…or, perhaps a bit more exciting…buy a lottery ticket, drive a moped and pilot a glider!
To help the celebrations, indulge them with something delicious – we know most 16-year-olds are impossible to fill up…and before they take to the skies…explore The Birthday Celebration Hamper.
It's the perfect 'first hamper experience' with a collection of sweet and savoury items, including a special 'Happy Birthday' emblazoned chocolate bar from Love Cocoa. If a food hamper feels like just the right gift on this first major milestone birthday, then explore more food hampers and alcohol free gifts too.
18th birthday gift ideas
Across much of the globe, an 18th birthday is probably one of the biggest milestones. It is THE BIG BIRTHDAY.
In many countries, it is the age at which you are classed an ‘adult’ (whatever that means!).
In the UK, you can open a bank account yourself, get a tattoo, buy fireworks, get married and buy a house…well, apply for a mortgage, at least! With this new-found freedom also comes responsibility…you can vote, stand for election as a member of parliament, serve on a jury…and be sued!
Of course, the most common part of an 18th birthday party plan is…see an 18 certificate at the cinema (finally!)…oh, and maybe, just perhaps, to buy a drink of alcohol or two legally afterwards!
Start of an 18th birthday celebration in real stye with a sophisticated Bellini Gift Box - it's perfect with breakfast, and only a splash of Prosecco is required.
For some more party starting ideas, do explore our range of beer hampers and gin hampers here. Full of great quality gift sets to be enjoyed responsibly and with some great tasting food too.
21st birthday suggestions
Did you know that the origins of celebrating a 21st birthday dates back to Medieval times when a boy could only become a knight at 21 years of age.
There is a tradition of giving a ‘key’ on a 21st birthday because it was once considered an important age when you were old enough to hold a key to your family’s front door, signifying a position of responsibility within the family. …just don’t lose it!
In the US, turning 21 holds particular significance, as it is the age you can legally buy alcohol and also enter all floors of a casino.
In the UK, you can apply to adopt a child and apply for a provisional licence to drive a HGV. Even more excitingly, you can hold a pilot's licence for an aeroplane or helicopter. The sky really is the limit!
Turning 21 is still a really important milestone in a young person's life. They may be away at university, juggling their first job or about to move out. Surprise them with a luxury hamper that will act as the best 'food parcel' they could ever expect to receive. Our Luxury Champagne Celebration Hamper contains a really eclectic mix of foods to try from jam and honey to chocolate truffles and biscuits. Alongside a box of the finest traditional English tea, there is also a bottle of French Champagne. Perfect for celebrating with family and friends in style.
For the classy, modern 21-year-old, check out our congratulations hampers and gifts – also perfect for graduation too.
The decades – 30th, 40th 50th and 60th birthdays
After 5 years of milestone birthdays in quick succession, it’s now time to settle back into insignificant birthdays until the next turn of the decade.
With each one, it’s the new one of the old one…you know, 40 is the new 30, etc. – so essentially you get younger whilst getting older! Make sure you mark that special someone's landmark 40th, with a hand-selected 40th birthday hamper, that certainly makes them feel 30 again! For example, fans of Jeremy Clarkson will just love our Hawkstone Brewery Luxury Beer Hamper.
In truth, there is no significant difference between 49 and 50, but who cares when there is an excellent excuse for a great party and to celebrate that someone special. It is still a very important birthday and occasion. We have a wonderful range of 50th birthday hamper ideas that will truly surprise and delight.
A significant birthday, such as a 60th birthday, is also the perfect opportunity for great food and drink gifts, so make sure you explore our range of 60th birthday hamper ideas, perfect for mum and her maturing tastes, dad and his love of all things sweet, or that special someone who deserves to be spoilt.
Take a closer look at The Luxury Food and Wine Basket - the birthday girl or boy will love it. It's a wonderful chance to indulge or share with their nearest and dearest on this milestone birthday occasion.
65th to 70th birthdays and retirement
With the retirement age creeping up in the UK, the once widely celebrated 65th as the official retirement age could now fall any time between 65 and 70, in a few years’ time. Whatever the exact age, don’t let this significant birthday milestone just pass by.
After years of work and commitment, it’s time to relax and enjoy more time with the family and friends, or even getaway on exotic, long-awaited holidays. Take two weeks, may be three…even six…there’s no tie of work and annual leave allowance to hold you back now!
If you are looking for something very traditional, then an afternoon tea experience is a great milestone birthday gift. Have something extra special delivered direct to their door with our Luxury Cream Tea Hamper. It features fresh scones, Cornish clotted cream and the highest quality strawberry jam. Find more afternoon tea hampers here.
Reaching a 80th or 90th birthday celebration
As one reaches the ‘vintage’ years, a birthday celebration is important every year. It is truly a landmark birthday and an important occasion to celebrate.
What an exceptional time to be alive – perhaps seeing grandchildren and, even, great grandchildren growing up. Reflecting on all that has happened in a lifetime…all that has changed…and still getting to grips with a smart phone!
Whether they have become set in their ways or still seeking new adventures, choose a birthday gift from hampers.com with treats they’ve never tried, as well as old favourites that taste as good as ever.
Our Sparkling Wine and Charcuterie Hamper is simply divine - it offers lots of new products, flavours and textures to try. For more fizz-inspired milestone birthday gifts do explore our range of Sparkling Wine & Champagne hampers.
...and the ultimate milestone birthday of the 100
For those who reach their 100th birthday, we have true admiration.
The number of people reaching 100 is increasing, yet the King (and the Centenarian Team – yes, there’s an actual dedicated team of people!) still ensures every citizen in His Majesty’s Realms (in countries where the King is Head of State) and the UK Overseas Territories receive a special message when they reach their 100th birthday.
You also receive another message on your 105th too, and every year following. Isn’t that such a wonderful tradition?
Whilst we can’t quite equal a message from the King, we think our luxury hampers are a close second – perfect to truly mark a landmark birthday like this. All of the family (great grandchildren included) will adore the selection on offer in our Grand Food & Wine Hamper. It even includes a bottle of the finest Champagne from Veuve Cliquot - only the best for someone celebrating their century milestone
milestone birthday gifts for all
We believe in making every occasion memorable and if we can add a touch of extra joy to the ‘big birthdays’ then even better.
Explore our range of birthday hampers and we are sure you'll find something they’ll love to mark that special milestone. All with free UK delivery when you spend over £50. Come on, you just have to mark a significant birthday with a big gift.
Milestone birthday gifts and hampers