50th birthday gift suggestions

I'm looking for suggestions for a 50th birthday gift for someone musical (especially loves show tunes) and literate (longs for happy endings and good writing). Ideas?

Music note bookends?

You can't go wrong with PBS on the job! I suggest -

Broadway: The American Musical (2004)
Starring: Julie Andrews, John Lahr Rating: NR (Not Rated) Format: DVD ; Amazon 4.9 out of 5 stars

http://www.amazon.com/Broadway-American-Musical-Julie-Andrews/dp/B000BITUNE/

Excellent suggestion, fugitive!

It is, unfortunately, out of my price range. Guess I should have qualified my request for suggestions as to price. Say, up to $20-$25 US tops. I like her a lot and all but we've never exchanged sizable gifts and I have bill to pay.

I'll look for something less expensive along the same lines.

Have you looked at the "That's Entertainment 1&2" dvd?

Since it's a fiftieth birthday, how about Gypsy - 50th Anniversary edition of the original cast recording with Ethel Merman? It was recorded in 1959, but nominated for a TONY in 1960, and it's available on Amazon for a sum well within your price range. Or you could chose one of the musicals that won the TONY that year -- there was a tie between Sound of Music and Fiorello.

I'm past my 50th now, but my 50th birthday present reminds me every day: its a garden gate, designed and made by a local craftsman. I absolutely love it!

Speaking from the receiving side, it is lovely to get something that you would never consider getting for yourself, that will last.

Now I have to start preparing for my younger brothers - coming up next year and two years after...

6> Very good suggestion for this birthday diva! She would probably love the Merman role herself.

7> I also like the idea of something the celebrant wouldn't get herself, but I'm not sure I could hit that (or afford it).

8> I'm not sure I could hit that (or afford it).

Well, yes, it was expensive (the whole family chipped in). But if you know the recipient, maybe you can think of something she has commented on in the past, but clearly would not get for herself? I must say, I think the bookends idea is a good one - not something you would probably get for yourself, useful, and will remind you of the giver every time you go past the bookshelf.

For myself and my like-aged girlfriends I got Forever Fifty and Other Negotiations by Judith Viorst. It is a collections of poems about aging and being middle-aged. Here is one of the shorter examples:
Wild Thing
I went for a walk in the sun without wearing my sunscreen.
I went out of town without making a reservation.
I placed my mouth directly upon a public drinking fountain, and took a sip.
I didn't bother flossing my teeth before bedtime.
I pumped my own gasoline at a self-service station.
I ate the deviled egg instead of the cauliflower with low-fat yoghurt dip.
I bought, without reading Consumer Reports, a new dryer.
I left my checking account unreconciled.
I know that the consequences could be dire,
But sometimes a woman simply has to run wild.

It is listed at $17.00. Last I knew BasBleu.com had it for $12.95 or so.

Love it! :-D