Milestone birthdays signify importantlife achievementsthat are worth commemorating. Whether the milestone year is 21 or 50, these birthdays are the ones wetendtocelebratein creative,unforgettableways.
According toresearchers atThe Wharton School,recognizingtemporal landmarkssuch asa birthday or new year ismotivational because they provide an opportunity for reflection andgratitude.It’s no wonder people look to honor these milestones inbig ways!Here are memorablecelebration ideas for eachmajor milestone birthday.
Fun ideas for throwingan18thbirthdaybash
The 18th birthday is the first big milestone in our lives.It comes with many adult perks, like being able to vote or purchase a car.“It’s the one in which western culture bestows young people with rights they will enjoy for the rest of their lives,” said family therapistKyle King. “They are excited to flex some of their new independence and privileges.”
One way to celebrate this new independence is with a sophisticated party to mark the occasion. Encourage attendees to get dressed up in formal wear and if you can, try renting out a party venue to make the day extra special. You could even plan a “bon voyage” cruise-themed party as you watch your childhood years sail away, with a cruise-themed menu and snacks.
Go all out for a 21stbirthday
Twenty-oneisa milestone that grants newprivileges,so it’s usually honored by indulging in these fresh abilities. To feel luxurious,rent a limo on the way to a casino or 21-and-up nightclub. If the honoree would prefer something small, then an evening at home with sophisticated co*cktails or wine and a few friendscan make the night special. You could even hire a mixologist (or buy a mixologist kit) and keep the night intimate as the honoree celebrates their newfreedoms, and keep the decorations simple with aGirls’ Night Out floral arrangement.
Celebrate 30 in style
If your honoree is feeling particularly old at this milestone, you can throw an“over the hill” party.Ask guests to dress in black to “mourn”their youth and bring gag gifts like fake teeth. If they’re not up for the joke, the30th birthday can also be a time to celebrate a refining of tastes and interests. Organize a dine-around your local city, where you try a different course at each restaurant. Or you could find a private chef to cook an intimate meal at home for a gourmet night in. Ifyour honoree would rather their 30thstill feel youthful, you can throw a classic slumber party, full of cheesy movies, pajamas, and plenty of snacks.
Getfestive for the 40th
A fun way to honor the40this by throwing a1940s big band-themed party.Guestscandress in’40s-era clothing and the party can feature swing music or vintage movie classics. For a more low-key event, try an at-home spa weekend for your closest friends. You could set out wine and cheese pairings (or wine and chocolate – it’s a birthday celebration, after all!),do mani/pedis, or even hire a masseuse. Complement the weekend with a Lavender Spa Basketfor a luxurious experience.
The best ways tobring inthebig 5-0
Aside from the 21st birthday, the most popular birthday for adults to celebrate is their50th. According toMatt James, an award-winning professional event planner, most people turning 50 prefer a tasteful party, with good food and good company, rather thanacheap joke-shop style theme party.He recommendsactivities that celebrate the person, not just the age, such as a personalized crossword puzzle or even a piñatabust created in their liking. If your honoree wants to skip the party route, thencreate a to-do listwith 50 tasks tocomplete over the year. Or, select adestination 50 milesawayand spend the day exploring the areafor a peaceful retreat.
Celebrate 60 to the max
Each decade that passesprovideseven more reason to cherish timewith loved ones.A60thbirthday(or even 70th or 80th) shouldbe full of smiles and laughter, celebrating old friends and new family members alike. You could arrange a birthday around old childhood favorites, including classic birthday sweets. If the honoree is up for it, try childhood activities like a bike ride, ice skating, or a visit to a local amusem*nt park. For an at-home event, surround the special person with stories and memorabilia from their youth, taking time to share stories.
Make a90thbirthdaymemorable
At such a special milestone,thisbirthdaycan be commemorated by planning an event wherenew or distant family and friends have a chance to reconnect with the honoree, either in person or over video. You could have attendees write a short note honoring their life, or even gift aPersonalized Message in a Bottle.If you can, visit a favorite childhood location or neighborhood and hear old stories. If you’d just like to provide some company and conversation, an outdoor lunch at a new café or restaurant can offer a lively afternoon.
Honoring the ultimate milestone birthday: 100 years old
After 100 birthdays, there’slessvalue in material gifts,andthe gift of time and love from family and friendscan be more valuable.Center the theme of the party around their life. Create a pictorial timeline of the honoree’s milestone moments, and ask friends and family to contribute photos and videos for a “this is your life” presentation. Allow guests time to toast with their fondest memories, oryou could even roastthemwith funny jokes and stories.And make sure to eat lots of cake!
