MAIN Party Ideas Birthday Party 70th Birthday Party Ideas

Strong on experience and confidence, but softened by a years of fond memories, those who reach their 70th birthday truly deserve a special celebration.

If you're planning a milestone birthday bash for mom, dad, or other close friend or relative — here are a few tips for creating an entertaining, affordable and especially memorable "Super 70" birthday party:

Invitations

For affordable homemade invitations, use an appropriate greeting for the front cover of the invitation or use a catchy headline like "Celebrating 70", "Sexy 70", or "Lucky 70". Or, how about a graphic of a sports car speedometer with the caption ..."Look who's pushing 70!"

Inside, don't forget to include the where, when, and RSVP details.

Below, feel free to use these graphics for your next 70th birthday bash. Simply right click on the image and choose 'Save' to your desktop:

Party theme & food ideas

The feelings of the guest of honor should be the first consideration when planning the big day, which may mean a quiet family get-together, or an all-out birthday bash, or something in-between. What do they like?

If the honoree has a sense of humor, the "Over the Hill" theme with lots of "old geezer" gag gifts should provide lots of laughs. You can also opt for a theme centered around the celebrants favorite foods. A fiesta 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 enjoyed their teen years or early adulthood, such as a 50's or 60's theme.

A "Through the Years" theme is perfect for a 70th birthday celebration, featuring a presentation of old and new photos of the honoree with friends and family exhibited throughout the room. Make it extra special by e-mailing guests in advance to ask them for short tributes that can be printed out and included with the photos.

Finally, put everybody in the mood by making a special collection of songs to play in the background including Kenny Roger's "Through the Years," The Beatles' "In My Life", Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World", Frank Sinatra's "Young at Heart", and other sentimental favorites.

A surprise party can also be pulled-off with a bit of expert timing and planning. Again, first take into account the tastes of the guest of honor, and then decide whether or not they would truly enjoy all the extra attention!

70th birthday gift ideas

Stay with the "Lucky 70" theme with a gift of 70 lottery tickets, 70 red roses, or a $70 gift certificate to their favorite store or online shop. Keep the fun going by buying in bulk in anything in quantities of 70, whether it's balloons, trinkets, or favorite drinks and snack foods.

If everyone's on a budget, present an expensive item as a special group gift, or chip in with an all-expenses-paid trip to a unforgettable dream travel destination.

70th Birthday toasts & quotes

"I will never be an old man. To me, old age is always 15 years older than I am."
- Bernard M. Baruch

"Aging seems to be the only available way to live a long life."
- Daniel Francois Esprit Auber

"We can’t reach old age by another man’s road.”
- Mark Twain, at his seventieth birthday dinner; 1905

"No wise man ever wished to be younger."

"You know you are getting old when the candles cost more than the cake."

More about milestone birthdays around the Web

On the Web, surf around for more ideas on planning any milestone party with additional tips & advice on decorations, invitations, games & activities...

70th Birthday Party Ideas - Get expert tips from a professional party planner with advice on keeping it laid back and casual with additional ideas themes and activities.

Celebrating a Memorable Milestone Birthday Party - Lighthearted and humorous ideas with advice on not going overboard.

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) with decorating, food and entertainment ideas.