Your mum sounds exactly like my mum! My mum turned 70 last year. She did not want a party or a big fuss. We went out for dinner to the local pub ( just my husband, mum and dad and 2 children) and had a delicious seafood platter. I also booked my mum, my two children and I into a ‘paint and sip’ session which was so much fun. We also did basket weaving one day course which she loved. It was fun making memories together. There are lots of one day classes/events that you can book into like a cooking class, jewellery making, wine or cheese tasting, pottery class, chocolate making etc. This year we went to Robe for a weekend of collecting sea glass along the beaches – lots of fun and laughs.

What about a night at a hotel in the city. You can spend the day together, shopping if that is what she likes, going to the art gallery etc, so many options in the city. Then you can follow it with a nice lunch and a nice dinner as well.

Why dont you talk to her about it? It sounds like she would love you there with the kids, presents and cake but maybe wants to avoid a massive fuss? Does she like being the centre of attention? Definitely do not force that on her if it is not her thing!

I just turned 70 and I didn’t want any fuss but family and friends took me out for dinner and I really enjoyed it. We say no fuss but when it’s made we really do love it. I said no gifts too because people were paying for dinner but they still did give.

A nice lunch in a restaurant, or a high tea?

What did you end up doing?

Maybe give her a voucher for a weekend away. Then it can be booked when the weather is better

Keep the day simple. Bring out the photo albums, cook a dish she used to cook for you and watch her favorite movie.

How about a day focused on her… a lovely afternoon tea at home, a game of scrabble (if she’s into it), endless cups of tea…. You get the idea.

Just be there for her, spend oodles of time with her and just chat chat and chat. That’s all she probably wants and would love but too embarrassed “don’t want to be any bother” scenario. Majority of this age group are forgotten by the ones they love and it’s too late when they’re no
Longer here.

Sounds like she would like to keep it simple so what about a movie at home with an amazing cheeseboard and some fancy champagne, Huge bunch of flowers for the gift.

Paint and sip sessions are becoming all the rage. Or maybe you could do a nice cruise somewhere?

Would she like a family photography session? Opportunity to spend time with the family and get some keep sake things from it.

A simple lunch with family? Sounds like she likes more low key simple things

If you live in Sydney I took my Mother for her 70th to the Gunners’ Barracks in Mosman for High Tea. The views are perfect and in any weather as they have plastic blinds to protect you from the weather. We loved it so much for Mum’s 80th we went for a la carte lunch and that was just perfect for someone with everything. All Mum wants is our presence not presents. Also you book and ask for the code for their Disability parking which was great for my elderly Dad so he could attend as well. End of Suakin Drive, Mosman NSW 2088. Ph 02 8962 5900.

What about a nice dinner or lunch somewhere where there is a nice view? Not sure where you guys are from but maybe a harbour view or somewhere in the blue mountains if you’re in Sydney?

Yes, an experience is lovely ! We did once a ceramic class and we all made a serving tray / personalised house number sign / decorated photo frame or mirror. We also have domne the candle making

I do like the comment about an experience; that is a lovely idea to do something quite different.

What about an experience for her. Something like a candle making class you can do together. Or if she has a favourite type of cuisine you could look for a class together. Or possible flower arranging class. These are all ideas my mum would have loved.

An afternoon high tea or dinner out is always easy and nice when celebrating a birthday.

Within our family we like to go a day out together and do something special, besides also giving a present. We often give a practical gift like vouchers for a gardener, a new woolen blanket for when she takes a nap on the couch, a smart tv that is easier to operate, a special design birth house so she can watch the birds in the garden, a meal delivery service so she doesn’t have to cook every day