I can't help but think since this is under the parenting and pregnancy category, that this should have been birthday party ideas for six year olds, but let's talk about a party for a 60 year old.

The most important thing is the guest list. When a person has been around for sixty years, there are various sources from which to invite peoplefamily, old friends, newer friends, people from clubs, organizations, church, work and neighbors. Determine how many people you want to invite and send out the invitations several weeks in advance. E-invite is a neat place to invite via the computer and it allows people to see who else was invited and their response.

Once you know how many people you want to invite, you will need to decide whether you want a home party or to rent a hall or meet at a restaurant. A home party allows people to be more relaxed. You will also need to determine what fits into your budget.
In addition you need to decide whether you want to have a meal, buffet, or just finger foods and cake. Drinks can be punch, soda, coffee and/or alcohol.

An important thing to remember to have on display is pictures of this person's sixty year existence. You can make them into a poster, put framed pictures around the room on display, or leave out photo albums. You can pick a favorite photo to copy onto paper for placemats. There are some very good computer programs where you can put the pictures on DVD and set it to music. This would make a great presentation during the party and be a wonderful present for the sixty year old.

Background music is good. Try to pick the favorite type of music of the guest of honor.

If you feel the need to have games, there are several possibilities; however, they will take planning. One is to pick twenty pre-determined questions regarding the sixty year old. For example what are: his/her favorite color? First car? Where born? First pet?things like that. Find out the correct answers before the party. Give each guest a paper and pencil and have them answer each question. After they've done that, go over the answers and give a little prize to the person who knows the sixty year old best.

For another game, research on the internet what the price of various things were in the year that the sixty year old was bornprice of postage stamps, milk, gas; also who was President, new movie out and other things pertinent to that year. See who can get the most correct answers.

Pass around a notebook for people to write in a favorite memory or something special they like about the birthday person. This will be a nice keepsake afterward for the guest of honor.

In summary, the key is to invite people who love or care about the sixty year old and to have plenty of refreshmentsdon't forget birthday cake. That should be enough to have a good party. To have a great one, try to incorporate in addition, any of the above mentioned ideas. Celebrate life!

Learn more about this author, Deborah C. Washington.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

---

Add your voice

Know something about Birthday party ideas for 60 year olds?
We want to hear your view. Write now!