Milestone birthdays are always significant – it’s usually time for a big party or celebration, and perhaps, even a special trip. At hampers.com, we love any excuse to celebrate, and so we’ve been investigating the milestones and what they truly mean.
We've also matched some great gift hamper ideas with each milestone birthday. As the gifting experts, we'll make sure you have the perfect give whatever the milestone birthday might be.
16th birthday milestone gifts
A ‘sweet 16’ is a popular American celebration – a modern day coming of age or debutante, 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, apply for a passport, 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 truly delicious. Explore The Birthday Celebration Hamper, filled with sweet and savoury treats to enjoy on their special day.
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 biggest of birthdays. 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 even buy a house. With this new-found freedom also comes responsibility - you can vote, stand for election as a member of parliament, or serve on a jury.
Of course, the most common part of an 18th birthday party plan is to buy a drink or two, for the first time! So, why not start 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.
21st birthday gift hamper ideas
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.
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 a really important milestone in a young person's life. They may be away at university, juggling their first job, or may be about to move out. Surprise them with a luxury hamper to mark their special day.
Our Luxury Champagne Celebration Hamper contains an eclectic mix of foods to try, from fine jam and rare honey, to divine chocolate truffles and moreish biscuits. Alongside a box of the finest traditional English tea, there is also a bottle of fine and refreshing 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
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 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! 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 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 an 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 and 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 their 100th, the ultimate milestone birthday!
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 second place – 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.
Milestone birthday gifts and hampers