I'm in the middle of getting ready for a surprise 40th anniversary for my parents. I put it on the invitation that after 40 years together the last thing my parents needed was more stuff - so in lieu of gifts it would be wonderful if guests brought either a picture of the two of them from the early days (which I could scan after the party and return if needed) or a story or memory about them to share. We plan to videotape the sharing portion for my parents to keep.

Since she's only in her 70's (and would kill me for saying that), if my mother gets any actual presents she's on her own about writing a thank you note. Having said that, if I attended a party for someone who had arthritis or was in poor health etc I'd think a pre-printed thank you note that was signed by them would be just fine. If you wanted to go a pinch above that - over the course of a week or two she could sign them and add a single 1-line note about the gift. Something like "Loved the vase, can't wait for my roses to bloom next spring to use it" or "Only thing sweeter then the chocolates you gave us is you... - Literally 1 single sentance. Or you could help her write the sentance and she could sign etc.

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