It can be difficult to find creative 85th birthday gift ideas, but you’ll find an amazing selection of presents here. Whether you’re looking for 85th birthday gifts for a relative or friend, you’re sure to find the perfect gift to suit your taste and budget.
Shopping for a octogenarian (someone who’s in their 80s) can be a challenge. At this point in their lives, they probably already have everything they really need.
And it’s important that you find a meaningful gift – a present that’s worthy of such a momentous occasion. I’ve searched all over the internet, and found these recommendations that should delight the birthday celebrant. Enjoy shopping for the perfect 85th birthday gift!
Day You Were Born NY Times Front Page Puzzle
This unique puzzle is a fun way to commemorate an important day in someone’s life.
It features a full replica of the actual front page of the New York Times as it was published decades ago.
Find out what else was happening in the nation and in the world on the day he or she was born. What issues were important to the world on that special day?
The puzzle comes in three sizes so they can do it on her own or with the whole family. Everyone will delight in reading the headlines as each one is revealed in the puzzle.
Close to Your Heart Personalized Blanket
Choice of 5 Colors
What has brought your favorite senior more joy in life than his or her family?
This landmark birthday is a wonderful time to remind them of how special they are, and how much the family loves them.
This super-soft, snuggly fleece blanket is personalized with the names of up to 21 loved ones, and is sure to bring pleasure on their birthday and throughout the year!
It’s the perfect weight and size for keeping toasty warm while reading, watching TV or napping.
Personalized 85th Birthday Blanket – Choice of StyesCHECK PRICE85 Years Loved Personalized PillowCHECK PRICE
The Year You Were Born Personalized Canvas Print
What Was Life Like 85 Years Ago?
Someone who is 85 years old has certainly seen a lot of changes in the world – and this unique personalized keepsake print is a fun way to see some of those changes!
The personalized keepsake includes the recipient’s name and birth date at the top.
The plaque is full of interesting trivia and historical news about the day the recipient was born – including the headline news stories, as well as the top movies and sports results.
It also features the cost of living comparisons between the olden days and current times.
Story of a Lifetime Memoir Book
After 85 years, you can be sure that the birthday celebrant has loads of memories, and their own unique perspective on life!
This lovely “Story of a Lifetime” memory book is the perfect inspiration for them to reflect upon their lives – and to share those precious memories and recollections for the next generation!
The leather book features 384 gilded-edged pages that pose a variety of questions from the simple to the provocative.
The questions will help your favorite senior chronicle all aspects of their life – including their childhood, relationships, parenting philosophy, and other traditions and milestones.
A wonderful tool for self-discovery – and a marvelous chance to share your life-story with future generations!
85th Birthday Gift Baskets
Everyone, no matter what their age, loves a gift basket!
I was thrilled when I found out that my favorite gift basket shop, GiftTree, makes personalized ribbons for some of their most popular baskets.
Each of these baskets can be customized with a ribbon personalized with 45 characters – plenty of room for a unique message!
The baskets range in price from under $25 for cookie towers and baskets to over $400 for elegant champagne gift baskets featuring high-end names such as Dom Perignon.
If you’ve left your shopping until the last minute, GiftTree offers next-day delivery on several of these baskets.
85th Birthday Gift Box with Childhood CandyCHECK PRICEChampagne Gift Basket with Personalized RibbonCHECK PRICEBeer Gift Basket – Choice of StylesCHECK PRICE1936 Was a Great Year Retro Candy Gift BasketCHECK PRICE
Funny 85th Birthday Gifts
Looking for funny 85th birthday gift ideas?
Leave everyone laughing with the hilarious “You’re Only Old Once” book by Dr. Seuss!
Described as a “Book for Obsolete Children“, the fun book uses Dr. Seuss’ signature rhymes and illustrations to poke gentle fun of growing old.
New York Times Ultimate Birthday Book
Every Birthday Front Page from All 85 Years!
An 85th birthday is a wonderful time for reflection and thinking about how many amazing events have occurred in all those years.
Unique personalized “The Times of Your Life” book is a fun way to stroll through the pages of history.
The hardbound book features every single New York Times birthday front page from the recipient’s entire life – 85 years of headlines in one journal!
It also includes an exclusive photo-packed 20 page timeline, as well as additional headline pages of world events.
FREE SHIPPING!
Enjoy Free Shipping on up to two Custom Birthday Books or Ultimate Birthday Books at The New York Times Store. Expires 12/31/23.
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Personalized Photo Frame
Choice of Colors
I’m a huge fan of personalized photo frames – a personalized frame doesn’t cost that much more than a traditional frame (these frames start at under $25) and you can customize them with any name.
They make a much more unique and thoughtful gift than a traditional frame – and after all, you want your presents to wow the recipient.
This personalized frame is perfect for any birthday! It features the recipient’s age, birth year, and current year.
It’s also personalized with their first and last name, as well as 2 optional nicknames or titles such as Mom or Grandma.
It’s available in your choice of 6 cheerful frame colors.
85th Birthday Coffee Mugs

Is the birthday celebrant a coffee or tea fiend? Then he or she will definitely enjoy one of these affordable coffee mugs!
Zazzle has a great selection of 85th birthday mugs that range from funny to sweet. These cute mugs make fun little gifts all on their own, or you can make a gift basket out of them.
Just add some special coffee and a few of their favorite cookies or chocolates for a special treat.
Not Everyone Looks This Great at 85 MugCHECK PRICE85 Years Loved Personalized Coffee MugCHECK PRICECelebrating 85 Years of Being Fabulous Coffee MugCHECK PRICEFloral 85 Personalized Mug for Women – Pink or PurpleCHECK PRICE
Personalized Bottle of Wine
A milestone birthday is the perfect excuse to make a toast – and a personalized bottle of wine is the perfect beverage choice!
Each bottle of wine is individually sand-blasted by skilled artists to create a beautiful keepsake bottle.
The recipient can enjoy displaying the flowers long after their big day is over.
California Wine Gift Basket – Ships FreeCHECK PRICEAged 85 Years to Perfection Wine GlassCHECK PRICEPersonalized Awesome 85 Year Old Wine Bottle LabelCHECK PRICENot a Day Over Fabulous Wine Tumbler Gift SetCHECK PRICE
New York Times Front Page Reprint from the Day You Were Born
Looking for a unique 85th birthday gift that’s sure to delight the recipient? Here’s one that’s sure to be a hit!
Striking custom-printed reprint is the perfect way to commemorate this important occasion!
Order a reprint of the New York Times front page from any day you like. Choose framed or unframed in 3 different sizes.
A wonderful way to pay tribute to a milestone birthday!
Personalized 85th Birthday Photo Album
The birthday man or woman can relive all the excitement of the big day with this thoughtful personalized photo album.
Available in your choice of 2 designs, the natural alderwood photo book features the recipient’s name and special birthday on the front.
Inside you can store up to 72 pictures from the big celebration.
A gift that can be enjoyed long after the party is over!
Personalized Fortunes of Longevity Fortune Cookie
Wish the birthday guy or gal good fortune for the year ahead with this affordable (under $25) gift!
Hinged silver fortune cookie features your own personalized fortune, which includes the recipient’s and the giver’s names printed in classic Chinese script on fortune paper.
The fortune cookie is then carefully nestled inside an authentic Chinese take-out box which features the Chinese symbol for the word “Longevity” printed on the outside.
A gift that’s sure to be noticed and appreciated!
85th Birthday Gifts Under $25
Inexpensive Presents They Will Love
There’s no need to spend a lot of money to get a memorable birthday gift!
Check out the collection of 85th birthday gifts under $25 at Zazzle.
They offer shirts, mugs, mouse pads, posters, hats, notebooks, keychains and more – all priced at under $25.
If you really just want to give a little token, check out their selection of buttons, magnets and keychains that are all specially designed for an 85 year birthday. Prices for these items are around $5.
Engraved Jewelry Box
This beautiful wooden jewelry box would make a wonderful sentimental 85th birthday present for any special woman that you’re close to.
Personalized with any name or title you’d like, so it’s an especially thoughtful and heartfelt gift that any woman will cherish.
The box can be personalized with a heart-felt poem or letter that you’ve written yourself.
Too hard to put words to your feelings?
Don’t worry, you can also choose from 9 beautifully pre-written poems for these keepsakes.
85th Birthday Greeting Cards
Send HUGE birthday greetings to your favorite elderly man or woman with a ginormous oversized greeting card!
Check out Zazzle’s unique collection of large birthday cards. The cards come in 3 sizes (the largest one is pictured above) and will definitely make a big impression!
Perfect for everyone to sign their birthday wishes – and it looks fabulous on the gift table.
You Might Also Like:
- 85th Birthday Gifts for Women
- 85th Birthday Gifts for Men
- Sentimental Gift Ideas for Mom
- Birthday Gifts for Older Women
- Birthday Gifts for Senior Men

