MAIN Party Ideas Birthday Party 60th Birthday Party Ideas

As baby boomers enjoy life well into their retirement years, Sweet 60 doesn't have to mean over the hill.

One boomer who recently came of age laughs, "Ok, let's just say...chronologically enhanced!"

For baby boomers, 60 is the BIG milestone. And better reason to celebrate? With the big 6-0 comes years of memories and a well-earned perspective on life's challenges.

Invitations

Along with the where, when, and RSVP details, use appropriate greetings for the front cover of the invitation indicating the specific party theme and a headline reading "Sexy Sixty", "Aged to Perfection", "The Big 6 - Oh!", Sweet 60", "or "Sixty is Nifty!"

60th birthday party theme ideas

• The "Over the Hill" theme has always been easy and popular, but you can also opt for a theme centered around the celebrant's favorite leisure activity. A sports theme party or a luau is always fun, or take a trip down memory lane with a tribute to the decade in which the birthday boy or girl grew up, such as the 50's or 60's.
  
  

• A surprise party may take a little extra work, but with a bit of planning it can provide special excitement and lots of happy memories.

60th birthday party music playlist

What's a party without the music?

Think of the special person turning 60 and you're sure to come up with more.

"I'm Still Standing" - Elton John
"Simply The Best" - Tina Turner
"Can I Have This Dance" - Anne Murray
"In My Life" - The Beatles
"When I'm Sixty-Four" - The Beatles
"Long May You Run" - Neil Young
"What a Wonderful World" - Louis Armstrong

60th birthday gift ideas

• Gift-giving at a 60th birthday party is simplicity itself - whether it be 5 dozen roses, 10 six-packs of beer or soda, or 60 lottery tickets.
  
  

• Create something more personal by arranging a memory book or scrapbook filled with favorite photos and keepsakes. Ask friends and loved ones to e-mail special birthday wishes well in advance to be included with the photos, or print-out the e-mails and pin them up separately on a decorated bulletin board.

Party food

You can work in the Sweet 60 theme with another great idea: substitute the birthday cake with 60 individual cupcakes, served on a tiered party tray.

Also try to include foods that everyone will enjoy, including low salt or sugar-free drinks for those on dietary restrictions. As with any party, self-serve is way to go, making for easy mingling around the buffet table.

If in doubt, skip the "lame" prune juice and Jello. The food should be centered around the guest of honor's favorites!

Turning 60 around the Web

On the Web, surf around for more ideas on planning a memorable 60th birthday party with additional tips & advice on decorations, invitations, games & activities, and other reasons why sixty can be nifty ....

Make a wish! Plan a milestone birthday party - Archived feature from NBC's Today Show with related video on how to make any milestone birthday special with tips on invitations (including a free printable) plus decorating, food and entertainment ideas.

60th Birthday Party Ideas - Visitor-suggested ideas & activities at ThriftyIdeas.com.

60th Birthday Party Invitation Wording - UK party store with ideas for invitations and related quotes about growing older.

Baby Boomer Headquarters - Trivia, photos, nostalgic black & white and color images, gift shop, and lots of ideas for party themes for those turning 60.