That’s so nice of you to gift your wife something special for her 50th! There are a lot of good responses here, as to what to surprise her with. Regarding your initial idea, a spa package — that sounds nice but as others pointed out, does she enjoy spas, as not everyone does. Has she had massages and/or facials in the past?

If so, Brownwood Hotel & Spa is a definite possibility. It’s local, as you requested, and you might get her a spa package there followed by a meal with her at the adjoining Wolfgang Puck.

You might drop a hint to feel her out on what she might enjoy receiving. Personally, my husband usually buys me gift cards to stores that I frequent. True, It’s not super creative, but I end up getting something I want and can use. Jewelry is another option, if you know her taste in that category.

Good luck! Hope she has a great birthday.

My husband traveled back and forth to Europe on business for most of his working life. When I hit the dreaded big Five O he was in Scotland and I was feeling very sorry for myself. He called me early in the morning on my birthday and told me my gift was in the closet. The gift was a very beautiful antique solid gold key on a fine gold chain with a note saying "You have the key to my heart". I was shocked because he is a very stiff upper lip kinda guy and this was a real surprise. I wear that key every day and he has never done anything that romantic since.

Spa
 

Brownwood hotel offers a very upscale spa day with champagne !

Brownwood hotel is a splendid treat. It’s gorgeous. I’ve gotten 2 of them. They bring you a glass of wine in the relaxing area.. go a lil early &
Enjoy.. my boyfriend waits for me in the hotel bar. We have another drink when I come out and appetizers. The hotel is a must see.. it’s gorgeous.. We love it there.. He likes it for date night 100x more than any square. Sawgrass is second. Good luck.. she’s only 50 once.. it’s about the full experience.

Sarah at Brownwood gives a great facial. And anything 14k is also nice. :)

Brownwood Hotel and Spa. $300 for spa hydration facial and full body massage. She’ll love it and you for it. There are different packages you can buy but a flat dollar amount allows her to choose the services she wants.

Agree. I for one am not a fan of spa days

message from the wife - take her on a cruise long or short doesn't matter, there's a spa on the ship.

No $$
 

No money, there’s no thought put into that. The majority of women would like a gift where there was effort.

Spa Package
 

You might want to try the Spa at Brownwood Hotel - we both like it. Classy, new, clean - we've been going for the past 3 years now every 3 months or so, never disappointed.

Sweet.

Whatever you decide to give for a gift, the presentation counts as well. Consider starting a week ahead with a series of a small gift each day culminating with the large gift on her birthday. The gifts don’t have to be big but something which you have put thought into. For instance, a letter talking about your life together, a nice scarf, a box of four truffles…you get the idea. At first, she will think you are crazy. By the day of her birthday , she will have built up a great sense of anticipation. Hope you are successful in giving her a tremendous day.

Be wary of a cruise ships spa. They hard sell all kinds of things that nobody has heard of.