60th Birthday Party Ideas and Themes

A 60th birthday party is a perfect opportunity to show a close friend or loved one how special they are. In 60 years they’ve accomplished amazing feats, made unbreakable friendships, and established an incredible legacy. Highlight all these wonderful qualities with a fitting birthday party. If you’re looking for inspiration to get started on your party planning, don’t worry. We’ve collected a few birthday party ideas and themes, tailored just for you.

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60th Birthday Themes

The best birthday themes are those that capture the spirit of the honoree. When picking out a theme for their birthday party, ask yourself what the birthday guest of honor would want. Are they more formal or casual? Do they prefer outdoor or indoor settings? Some guests of honor prefer to have a hand in the party planning. Make sure that whatever you choose to do, it’s in line with the birthday guest’s personality. Here’s a few ideas for themes for any birthday if you want some inspiration.

Then and Now Theme

Use childhood and old photos of the guest of honor. Pair them with current photos to show how far they’ve come. Match first day of school photos with first day of work, and so on. You can also incorporate family pictures to show the legacy they’ve created. Colors that work great with this theme include black, gold, and silver. Include a timeline in which guests can add some of their favorite memories with the birthday person.

vintage photos

Surprise Party Theme

Surprise parties can be tons of fun. Just focus on the unexpected care shown instead of a jump scare. Decorate the venue in their favorite colors, include their favorite foods, and invite all their friends and family. Just make sure to tell the guests from the beginning out the surprise. Add a scavenger hunt at the beginning with the party destination as the last clue for a fun twist.

60 Messages from Friends and Family

Take the opportunity of a 60th to shower the birthday guest with love. Have friends and family write 60 handwritten messages. You can either store these messages in a large glass jar, turn them into a photobook, or create a video. This theme is carried out well with plenty of family and friends photos hung up and includes a toast to the guest of honor.

60th Birthday Party Ideas For Mom

Your Mom deserves the best party you can throw, so where to start? Begin by finding the perfect theme that celebrates who she is and how much she’s loved. The following 60th birthday party ideas for women are great ways to have fun and show your Mom you care.

60’s Decade Party

Hoop skirt dresses, plenty of plaid, and lots of dancing: what better way celebrate a birthday? This theme is extra fun because it takes the honoree back to their childhood decade. Include punch and other 60’s favorites like deviled eggs and fondue to carry out a totally groovy theme.

Kisses and Hugs Party

This is an extra sweet birthday theme. Fill glass jars or other decorative containers with 60 chocolate kisses for decorations. Also feel free to sprinkle the Hershey’s kisses on table runners or around the appetizer/dessert table.

Cheers to 60 Years (with Wine)

This theme is geared towards the wine-lover in your family. Feature the honoree’s favorite labels and encourage guests to bring their own. Then feature a blind wine tasting as the main event. This is a perfect way to incorporate the honoree’s favorite hobby as well as kick off the party. For more tips on how to pull off a successful wine tasting, check out these wine tasting party ideas. Then, once the party is over, send guests home with their own personalized wine glass as the perfect party favor.

60th Birthday Party Ideas For Dad

Your Dad’s been there with you every step of the way. You’re dying to throw him the perfect party, but struggling to pick the right theme. Check out these tried and true 60th birthday party themes for men.

Cheers to 60 Years (with Beer)

Everyone knows he’s the ultimate brewmaster, so celebrate his birthday with beers and cheers. Bring in his favorite brew and consider renting a bartender for some local brews on tap. This is a perfect theme for an outdoors party and pairs great with barbeque. And once the day’s over, you can send guests home with their own personalized pint glass.

Vintage Themed Party

He’s old school, and his party should match. Create a vintage themed birthday event with lots of old photos of the honoree. Also decorate with sepia colored decor and old-fashioned food and drinks. Plus, you can let guests know from the beginning what to expect with vintage birthday invitations.

vintage themed party table

Masculine Birthday

This is an extra fun theme when it comes to decorations. Think of wooden crates, metal accents, and lots of burlap. An outdoors venue is non-negotiable, but will help you pull off the ultimate party. Include whiskeys and bourbons and his favorite meat-based food for food and drink. Ask all guests to come dressed in flannel for fun forever photos.

Ideas for 60th Birthday Party Entertainment

Entertainment brings a party to life. Make sure that your party has something guests can enjoy and talk about in the years to come. Here’s a few of our favorite ideas:

  • Live Band. Bring in a live band to play all the honoree’s favorite hits. This will get everyone in your party dancing the night away.
  • Party Games. Party games are a great way to include all ages in one activity. For more inspiration, check out our resource on entertaining party games ideas.
  • Toast. Toast the honoree and all the amazing things they’ve done.
  • Movie night. Make the party into a relaxing movie night by setting up a large outdoor screen and playing the honoree’s favorite classic.
  • Slide Show. Include a slide show of the honoree, their friends, and family. This makes a fun and memorable highlight to a great party.

60th Birthday Party Decoration Ideas

Decor makes all the difference in whether a party looks put together. Make sure that with whatever decor you choose, it’s high quality. Common decorations include balloons, banners, streamers, signs, and more. Plus the more creative you are, the more options you have when creating your party decorations. Consider including a timeline of the great achievements so far of the honoree’s life. You can also use kind messages from loved ones in the decorations. Just make sure that whatever you use, it’s with the guest of honor in mind.

Ideas for 60th Birthday Party Favors

Send your guests home with something special. These 60th birthday party favor ideas are sure to keep your guests talking about the celebration for years to come. Check out the ideas below:

a dancing couple at a 60th birthday party

Invitation Ideas for a 60th Birthday Party

Once you have your party theme picked out, you can start sending out invites. Let your guests know at least three to five weeks in advance. Try to use invitations that match the party’s theme. For example, use then and now birthday invites for a photo-centered theme. Or if you’re throwing a surprise birthday, let your guests know ASAP with a surprise party invitation.

Also, make sure to include all the important information on the invites. This includes the who, what, when, where, and why of the party. For more details, check out our resource on what to include in party invitations or our guide on party invitation wording.

Other Resources for a 60th Birthday Party

Here are three additional guides you may find helpful when birthday party planning:

Once you have all the party details planned, sit back and enjoy the day. Make sure to take time to celebrate the person who you planned the party for. With all your amazing party planning, they’ll be sure to thank you.