A 70th birthday is a big deal, so you probably want a unique gift to help your loved one celebrate. Whether you want a funny 70th birthday gift or something useful, sentimental, or personal, you’ve come to the right place. Capture reached out to some of our 12 million customers to ask them about their favorite 70th birthday gifts. Use their special gifts as inspiration for your own and come up with something that guarantees a memorable 70th birthday party. Keep reading to learn from five 70-year-olds and their favorite gifts including everything from thoughtful keepsakes like photo frames and memory books to personalized gifts, funny ideas, and more.
Jump to:
- Section 1: John's Favorite 70th Birthday Gifts
- Section 2: Susan's Favorite 70th Birthday Gifts
- Section 3: Albert's Favorite 70th Birthday Gifts
- Section 4: Margaret's Favorite 70th Birthday Gifts
- Section 5: Eleanor's Favorite 70th Birthday Gifts
Section 1: John's Favorite 70th Birthday Gifts
John has always loved technology - from building his first transistor radio to becoming a HAM radio operator. That passion has guided his family’s gift ideas over the years. For his 50th birthday gifts, he received a camera phone, a protective case, and a DVD player.
It happened right when DVDs came out, and John was thrilled to explore this then-new tech. Since then, his interest in innovation has only grown stronger.
Caption: A VR game made the perfect 70th birthday gift for a tech-loving grandpa.
Now, 20 years later, John’s favorite 70th birthday present is a Virtual Reality video game that he plays with his grandchildren. Not only does he love the immersive experience, but it also helps him create new memories with the people he cares about most.
Another recent gift was his first digital camera - a fun addition considering he somehow jumped from Kodachrome film directly to a smartphone without ever owning a digital camera in between.
Taking someone’s hobbies into account can turn a good gift into a great one. Whether it’s gardening, music, or tech, a thoughtful gift for grandpa or grandma based on personal interests adds meaning - and makes any 70th birthday party more special.
Section 2: Susan's Favorite 70th Birthday Gifts
Susan has a large display case filled with her favorite gifts. She said, “I particularly like the gifts that take me on a trip down memory lane.” If you’ve been wondering what is a good 70th birthday gift for a woman, Susan’s story offers a clear answer. While she’s received plenty of fun items like wine glasses, mugs, and personalized trinkets, it’s the gifts filled with photos and memories that she truly cherishes.
Caption: A handmade memory book filled with family stories meant the most to Susan.
Her favorite gift from her 70th birthday celebration is a memory book that contains photos, messages, and drawings of family memories including vacations, Christmas celebrations, 20-year anniversary gifts, and family members’ favorite moments with Susan.
When we asked Susan for advice when giving presents for septuagenarians, she said try to include memories to reminisce over now and precious heirlooms that can be passed down to future generations. Then, she told us she hopes her loved ones transfer VHS to digital and create a digital copy of her memory book for her 71st birthday.
Section 3: Albert's Favorite 70th Birthday Gifts
Albert is known as the “fun uncle and grandpa” within his family because he always wants to spend time with his loved ones, try new things, and go on trips. So, it’s no surprise that his favorite 70th birthday gifts revolve around his experience.
Caption: Albert’s top 70th birthday gifts included a puzzle, photo frame, and family trip.
The first was a custom puzzle featuring a portrait of the entire family tree. It became an instant favorite, not just because of the image - restored through scanning 35 mm negatives to digital - but because it gave Albert quality time with his grandchildren as they pieced it together. What is a thoughtful 70th birthday gift? For Albert, it’s one that brings family closer.
Another gift in his top 3 was a digital photo frame. After learning how to digitize old photos, Albert’s son uploaded decades of memories to the frame, turning it into a rotating gallery of moments that now lives in Albert’s living room.
But perhaps the most cherished of his top 3 best 70th birthday gifts was an experience: a family trip to California, where Albert grew up. The group visited his hometown, old high school, and even made time for Disneyland and a stroll down Hollywood Blvd. Should I plan an experience for a 70th birthday? In Albert’s case, the answer was a resounding yes.
When we asked Albert to share his advice on giving presents for Dad and Mom at age 70, he said to not overthink it. Just get them something they will like, add a personal message, and, most importantly, spend the day with them “because that’s really the perfect gift for any birthday girl or boy.”
Section 4: Margaret's Favorite 70th Birthday Gifts
Coming up with the best 70th birthday gift ideas can feel overwhelming, especially when you're shopping for someone who seems to have everything. But Margaret’s story proves that sometimes, the most meaningful 70th birthday gifts are also the most practical.
Caption: A gift tote and surprise party showed that useful gifts can still wow.
Margaret, who describes herself as a little old-fashioned, prefers presents she can actually use. That’s why one of her favorite 70th birthday gifts for women was a personalized tote packed with everyday luxuries: shampoo, lotion, perfumes, gift cards, and more. It felt thoughtful and indulgent - without being over the top.
She also loved receiving decanters and tumblers. “I still like to share a toast,” she laughed. And yes, she got a good chuckle from a gag gift too: a giant stemless wine glass that read, “One day you’re 20 in the 70s and the next you’re 70 in the 20s.”
But her all-time favorite 70th birthday gift? A surprise party. The moment she and her daughter stepped inside, she was greeted by decorations, music, and all the people she loved most. “That was better than any traditional gift,” she said.
Margaret’s advice? Don’t stress. The perfect 70th birthday gift doesn’t need to be extravagant - just thoughtful. Look for items your loved one wouldn’t typically buy for themselves, like a pampering gift basket, weighted blanket, espresso machine, or even a piece of wall art that speaks to their personality.
Section 5: Eleanor's Favorite 70th Birthday Gifts
What do you give someone who treasures family history and memories? For Eleanor, the best 70th birthday gift was rooted in legacy, nostalgia, and love.
Her story began when she downsized her home at age 69. While packing, her children discovered shoeboxes filled with old photos, home movies, and even an old film projector. But those priceless memories were fading, and at risk of being lost forever.
Caption: Converting old VHS tapes to digital made Eleanor’s birthday unforgettable.
That’s when her daughter decided to transfer VHS to digital using Capture. In just 30 days, the family had digital copies of all their tapes, film reels, and photos - preserved forever as DVDs and easy-to-share downloads.
Instead of a typical birthday, they planned a celebration built around these rediscovered moments. Everyone gathered to watch the home movies, flip through the photos, and reconnect with decades of family history. Paired with heartfelt cards and thoughtful keepsakes, Eleanor called it “the best 70th birthday idea ever.”
So, what is the perfect gift for someone sentimental? For Eleanor, it wasn’t a product, it was the chance to relive a lifetime of love.
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Meaningful 70th Birthday Gifts Start with What Matters Most
There are countless 70th birthday gifts to choose from - tech gadgets, useful presents, unforgettable experiences, and sentimental keepsakes. But as we’ve seen through the eyes of John, Susan, Albert, Margaret, and Eleanor, the most memorable gifts are often the ones that preserve and celebrate a lifetime of memories.
If you’re thinking of giving a meaningful, memory-based gift, Capture can help you digitize old photos, VHS tapes, and film reels to protect them for years to come. With high-quality digital copies, you can create custom photo gifts, share cherished moments with loved ones, and even relive family videos during the celebration.
Not sure where to start? Give your loved one the ability to choose with a Capture eGift Card - a thoughtful way to let them preserve their most treasured memories in their own time and on their own terms.
