80th Birthday Party Ideas – Best Ways to Celebrate Turning 80
The 80th birthday has a special milestone meaning in cultures around the world. Some consider it to have been the year that the life has been lived completely. Others see it as a milestone of perseverance and determination. Still others mark most of the decades that pass as a special occasion. There are many 80th birthday party ideas that show the importance of reaching this accomplishment.
How to Celebrate an 80th Birthday
If you or a loved one is reaching the 80th birthday it is time to celebrate! This is a large milestone, and many people will not make it to that age. There are many 80th birthday party ideas that are suitable for a wide range of health and physical abilities, as well as a wide range of ages for guests.
The most important focus for these birthday parties is to have the people who they love present on their big day. There can be decorations, food, music, photos, and more, and each will mean more when surrounded by family and friends. Locating their best friends and inviting them will help to brighten the day. Children and grandchildren should all be invited, and a family reunion may be a side event.
Fun 80th Birthday Party Ideas
For a fun 80th birthday party idea, get photographs of the birthday celebrator throughout the years, and make a station for each decade. Each station can include foods that were most popular during those years, drinks that were found in the clubs and bars, and photo backdrops to match. Encourage everyone to go to each station if they can and learn more about the past as well as their loved one. Alternatively, have guests dress up suited to the many decades that the guest of honour has seen to help them see the changes that have occurred throughout their life.
Games that are popular also change frequently. Have some of the popular kids’ games from their life set up for people to try for a fun twist on games night. This allows for them to take a trip back in time to their childhood. Plus share some of their favourite memories. It also offers a chance for the younger family members to bond with them and learn more about them. Attendees can bring their own top games as well and share them with all the guests. Encouraging engagement and interaction will make the party a success and ensure everyone has positive memories of it.
If your birthday guest of honour wants a new look this is a wonderful opportunity. Take them for a haircut, a pampering facial treatment, or a warm shave for men. They are sure to enjoy the pampering and feel a boost of confidence. If there are health limitations that make this difficult. However, many service providers will go to the seniors’ homes to treat them there. People of any age love to get dressed in their best for a night out.
80th Birthday Party Games
For a fun game to play at their party, set up a quiz about them. Every guest can guess, and it can be set up similar to a pub quiz with prizes for the winning team. Up the difficulty level by making it a game show they can host. Or just watch with their friends in an audience as your family battles it out to see who knows them best. With a little friendly competition and rewards for participating it’s sure to keep the party going and gather some laughs.
80th Birthday Party Themes
Theme parties that share the value of aging 80 years are a fun way to celebrate such along life. Some are “aged to perfection” with whiskey references, “chic and classic” with gold and pink colours, and vintage themes for everyone. Grab their favourite colours, gathering their best friends, and share the best things that you have learned from them. Alternatively, choose something that they love such as a movie, a television show, a hobby, or a place, and plan their party around that theme. Bring in foods that relate to the theme. Dress as the characters or as locals to where they like to travel.
Potluck dinners can keep the cost controlled and offer a wide variety of dishes for all the guests to enjoy. It also offers a chance for people to bring what they think the birthday person has never tried, that is their favourite, or a new version of a family recipe. With guests of many ages, there is sure to be an eclectic selection and something for everyone.
Technology offers great advantages in creating gifts and bringing people together across any distance. Ask guests, friends, and family members, both those who can attend the party and those who are unable, to record birthday wishes. These short recordings can include birthday wishes, memories and stories of them and the birthday person. The could also include hopes for the future.
Whichever theme you decide one, decorations will set the tone for the whole gathering. There should be some chairs for those who need to sit, and tables to hold the food. These can have lovely tablecloths, balloons can be tied to chairs or used as centre pieces. Flowers for those who love gardening or who like to be surrounded by flowers will brighten the space and their mood.
What is the Significance of an 80th Birthday?
As with many milestones, the 80th birthday has different meanings and considerations for different families, cultures, and personalities. For some this milestone marks a special year that is celebrated as them having lived a full life and celebrating that they have more years to come. Some consider all decade birthdays to be a milestone as it marks another significant batch of time having been survived and enjoyed. Each year that passes people are gathering new memories. And by 80 years there are many memories, both good and bad. They have had families, built careers, lost people they loved and found new love, and experienced many of the things that life has to offer.
They should be celebrated and respected as elders in the community. As one ages, they also gather knowledge, which is priceless.
Gift Ideas for an 80th Birthday
You will likely want to share a gift for their birthday. And there are many things that can bring a smile to their face. Photographs and gifts that carry the images of their family are sure to please. Blankets, cups, and framed pictures may become treasured items. Alternatively, help them move into the future with devices that make their lives easier. Easy to use video calling can help you to stay closer to your family of any age. And if you have family who travel this is a great way to share updates throughout the year.
If you have a travel loving 80th birthday in your family, then a short trip can be a welcome break from the everyday. Find somewhere they loved as a child, return to their hometown from high school. Or locate a new city they’ve never seen. You can try the most popular restaurants, find the best desserts, and go sightseeing. Often someone who has lived a full life has gathered all of the items they need and will appreciate new experiences more than anything else.
About Author
Jane Sheriff is the founder, creative director, party planner and mom of three. She started Darling Celebrations back in 2012 to share easy and beautiful ideas for celebrating the special events in life.
