My mom turns 70 next week. I would like to do something a little special for her birthday or surprise her with something. My dad turned 70 in April. Instead of flamingoes, we surprised him in the morning with a yard full of plastic pigs (inside joke on the pigs) and a birthday sign. He is an extroverted kind of guy, he was kind of bummed about turning 70 and he loved it. It cheered him up and he liked the attention from the neighbors, friends, etc. We obviously can't do the same thing so how do we recognize my mom's birthday? She's not shy, but she's not quite as outgoing or attention-seeking as my dad. She had a singing telegram when she retired several years ago and I'm not sure what she thought of that. So, singing telegram, carolers, special delivery flowers or balloons? Anyone have any ideas for how to recognize this milestone birthday? (FYI--she is in poor health and has limited mobility whereas my dad is healthy if that affects anyone's thoughts or ideas.)
The birthday is Thursday. Friday night her entire family is taking her out for a nice dinner. I think my brother and I are going to go in together on an "Edible Arrangement." She is diabetic so the healthy treat will be appreciated. She loves fruit. My dad reports she already has more than enough holiday plants and centerpieces. I am going to check with my brother, who lives nearby my parents whereas I don't, if we should hang some balloons on her mailbox or something. Thanks for the suggestions. I just didn't want to look "cheap" in light of the money we spent and the special things we did for my dad's birthday.
We just had a surprise 60th b-day party for my mom last week. We got a private room at a resturant and invited just family members - about 25 guests total - and had a buffet dinner. It turned out great and she really loved the surprise!
Take her for a nice lunch, and have a singing telegram delivered to the restaurant while you're there! Then everyone there will know its her bday :-)
I would take her a nice bouquet and tie some baloons to the front of the house and mailbox.
My suggestion is to realize that she isn't so outgoing and if she's like most Mom's she's probably nostalgic. The key to making her birthday special will probably lie in rekindling memories. Maybe a photo montage that the family can watch on TV put to music that she can enjoy. Or recreating a special memory like a place you went as a family. For example if you went on a trip to Hawaii that she loved - get decorations and create a luau! Or camping make a fake fire and make smores. If there are grandchildren then homemade crafts and artwork would make her happy or a play with the kids going through the years of her life like a timeline. Good Luck!
