For Anyone

• One of the landmarks of turning 50 is an invitation to join the American Association of Retired Persons, or AARP. While the celebrant may groan about this rite of passage, surprise him with a year's membership, which includes a subscription to "AARP: The Magazine." Not only will the new 50-year-old receive numerous discount offers and resources that accompany membership, but she will also be able to read a magazine that contains information pertinent to her lifestyle. "Saga Magazine" is a leading publication for the over-50 crowd in the United Kingdom. A gift subscription for the birthday girl would be a thoughtful addition to the magazine rack of anglophiles interested in topics ranging from celebrity news to travel pieces.
  
  

For Men

• Just because he's turning 50 doesn't mean he can't stay hip. Giving a subscription to "Esquire" will remind him that he can be cool regardless of age with pieces about trends in pop culture. Filled with articles of almost universal appeal to men -- including features on cocktails and advice columns -- "Esquire" may inspire the 50-year-old man to stay on top of style news for years to come. A "Men's Journal" subscription will keep the new 50-year-old young at heart with accessible articles on everything from sports features to car reviews. This magazine contains rugged travel stories that could spur the birthday boy to get off the couch and explore the world in this next stage of life.
  
  

For Women

• Give the birthday girl a subscription to "More," a magazine for a mature audience. The new 50-year-old can glean everything from fashion advice for women her age to testimonials about life-changing events for middle-aged women. After receiving her subscription, the celebrant can join the magazine's online community. For a free subscription option, check out Goldivas, an online magazine "for women over 50 who are too young to be old," according to the publication's website. Provide the celebrant's name and email address, and Goldivas will notify her whenever it releases a new issue. The 50-year-old can peruse poetry and fiction online and read articles that discuss challenges women her age face.
  
  

For New Hobbies

• The new 50-year-old may find herself with more free time, particularly if she's nearing retirement. Encourage a new hobby to fill the birthday girl's days by giving her a subscription to "Outdoor Photographer." This magazine gives a full treatment of topics useful to photographers of all levels. The celebrant can read about topics ranging from types of equipment to use to recommendations on capturing wildlife images. Foster a hobby in the birthday boy by giving a subscription to "Field & Stream." Turn a 50-year-old's casual pastime into a passion with a magazine that celebrates hunting and fishing. "Field & Stream" offers tips on tackle and techniques to catch prize fish as well as pointers for bagging game. Give the celebrant more knowledge of the outdoors to go along with the increased time he'll have to experience it.