60th birthday ideas: gifts and decorations

Practical tips and creative ideas for planning a 60th birthday celebration

A 60th birthday is an occasion like no other. At this point, you may feel like you are somewhere between young and old. Either way, at age 60 you’ll certainly be firmly rooted in your life. Your children may already have left the house, everyday life may be quieter, and you might have time to devote to new dreams. You may finally have more time for people close to your heart, for enjoying life without the hustle and bustle, and time for exploring your potential and travelling. There is no better time to celebrate your life’s journey so far.

In this article, we’ll give you ideas on how to make your 60th birthday a creative, cosy and unforgettable experience! We have compiled the best planning tips, great ideas for 60th birthday decorations and creative 60th birthday gift ideas.

How to plan a 60th birthday: ideas and tips

A 60th birthday deserves an unforgettable celebration that is intimate, cosy and well organised because get-togethers at this stage of life are usually more laid-back with a focus on quality time with your loved ones. To create a wonderful experience and special moments, you can use our guide to plan your 60th birthday:

What you need to know about planning a 60th birthday

• Plan ahead of time: send out a save-the-date 2 to 3 months in advance, especially if family and friends have to travel. Invitations with all the details should be sent out at least 4 weeks ahead of time.

• Know what you want: find out if the celebrant prefers a rambunctious bash, an intimate dinner or a laid-back brunch with loved ones?

• Choose the right venue: whether it's a favourite restaurant, garden party or hired venue, pick a place that the celebrant will like and that doesn’t break the bank. When choosing a venue, it is important that it is easily accessible, offers overnight accommodation in the vicinity and has enough seating for all the guests.

• Think about a multi-generational guest list: plan seating, shaded areas or, if necessary, quiet zones for older guests as well as a small play area for children.

• Get help: find people to help you organise and prepare decorations, music and catering ahead of time.

60th birthday ideas for a great celebration – what kind of party suits you?

1. Stylish and cosy: brunch with family and friends

• Ideal for early birds or families with small children

• In a café, restaurant with a terrace or at home in your garden

• With a tasty buffet and bar with sparkling wine and sweet treats

2. A special location: a farmhouse or barn with rustic charm

• Especially beautiful in a rural setting or the countryside

• With wooden benches, fairy lights, live music (e.g. guitar, jazz trio), fire pit

• Delicious finger foods or buffet with regional specialities

3. An evening with dinner and music

• E.g. at a hired venue, restaurant or vineyard makes for a classic and jovial location

• A meal with multiple courses or buffet

• Live music or DJ with the greatest hits from your youth

4. Spend a night away from home with your guests

• In a guesthouse, holiday home, hotel or estate

• Ideal if guests are travelling from far away

• With a laid-back party in the evening, breakfast the next morning and cosy moments together

60th birthday: creative ideas for putting together a stunning party

• Curriculum vitae in pictures: a decorative photo wall with 60 years of moments ranging from childhood and family to career and achievements

• Tip: guests can bring their own pictures and add them at the party

• A greeting video from friends: family, friends or colleagues (even those who can't be there) can each record a short video message. Make a single video out of them to create a touching little film that you can play at the party

• Guest book with Polaroids: bring an instant camera and have each guest paste a photo of themselves and add a personal message

• A wishing tree: everyone can hang a special wish or a kind sentiment on an ornamental ‘wishing tree’ (e.g. a small lemon tree in a pot)

• A (DIY) photo box with accessories: use a neutral background and add simple ornaments to make this gift extra special

• A heartfelt toast: have a close friend or family member give a loving speech about the celebrant

60th birthday: food & drink

For an elegant dinner or a stylish garden party

• A meal with multiple courses (e.g. from a catering company) such as a seasonal 3-course menu with meat, fish and vegetarian options

• A buffet or stylish finger foods: e.g. mini tartelettes, salmon rolls, pizza pockets, bruschetta, etc.

• An evening buffet: hot and cold dishes with seasonal salads, vegetarian options, meat and fish

• Italian evening: antipasti platters, pasta station, tiramisu in a glass

• Fine BBQ with a professional: good quality meat, fish, vegetarian skewers, barbequed vegetables and extravagant dips

For a laid-back gathering with your closest friends

• A buffet with the celebrant’s favourite dishes

• A soup or stew bar: ideal in autumn/winter, e.g. pumpkin soup, beef goulash or lentil stew

• Brunch with cheese platters, cold cuts, scrambled egg station, croissants, fruit salad, yoghurt with toppings

• A cake buffet with family classics, a birthday cake and/or cupcakes

Drinks for your 60th birthday

• A welcome drink with a personal touch: e.g. sparkling wine with elderflower syrup or non-alcoholic sparkling wine with rosemary

• A signature drink for the celebrant: you could even book a bartender to create a special drink with its own name and extravagant ingredients

• A wine bar or serve wine with the meal: you can add a descriptive note to the wine bottle

• A gin tasting or whiskey corner with matching glasses and information about the varieties

• Homemade lemonade, iced tea or infused water: e.g. lemon-rosemary or cucumber-mint

• A coffee and cake bar with different coffee specialities; you could also book a barista for this

Essentials for 60th birthday decorations

• A table runner and large fabric napkins in natural colours (e.g. beige, sand, linen)

• White porcelain crockery with a fine gold rim: alternatively, plain white crockery and a gold plate for the starter

• Golden cutlery for a wow-effect

• Crystal glasses or glasses with a gold rim

Natural décor for a 60th birthday

• Eucalyptus sprigs to decorate the table runner and plates

• Thistles or dried flowers complement the decorations and add a splash of colour to the table

• Small menu cards (printed on high-quality paper)

Lighting

• Small lanterns or glasses with tea lights, preferably with textured glass or in a gold finish to match the table setting

• Indirect lighting or fairy lights around the table for a warm, party atmosphere

Little extras

• Small plates with different types of bread and herb butter look inviting and are satisfying

• Personalised name tags on matching paper

• A number ‘60’ (e.g. made of wood, balloons, as an arrangement on the table or as a light effect)

Gifts for a 60th birthday: ideas for creative DIY presents

Homemade gifts for a 60th birthday are not only charming but are often appreciated more than expensive presents. Birthdays are particularly special and deserve a personalised gift. We'll give you two ideas for creative 60th birthday presents that you can easily make at home.

Materials for your 60th birthday money gift

• Paper with a pretty design

• A printer or a fine-tipped pen

• Crafting knife

• Adhesive tape

• Paper money

How to make a 60th birthday money present

1. Design your card on a computer or draw it by hand. Instead of the number ‘60’, you can also use the words ‘Happy Birthday’ or ‘60th birthday’.

2. Next, cut out the inside of the balloon design using the crafting knife.

3. Then place the money on the inside of the card so that it is clearly visible from the outside.

4. Now, attach the money with adhesive tape.

5. Finally, cut out a rectangle that generously covers the money and attach it to the back of the card to hide the money. Add a personal note on the inside and your card will be ready to go!

Materials for this 60th birthday gift

• A glass bowl

• Beach sand

• Miniature decorations or doll’s house furniture

• Paper money, if required

How to make this 60th birthday present

First, fill the glass bowl with sand and then add the doll’s house furniture. If you want to give money as a gift, you can fold it into a boat and integrate it into the scene. If you are giving this gift as a group, you can make a signpost and write the destination on it. There are no limits to your imagination when it comes to the design!

More creative 60th birthday gift ideas

• Money balloons: fill transparent helium balloons with paper money, small change and confetti

• A memory jar: 60 small pieces of paper with shared moments, sayings or congratulations

• Delicatessen basket with olive oil, cheese, wine or spices from a region that the recipient loves

• A unique experience: a voucher for a trip in a hot air balloon, a wine seminar or a candlelight dinner

• A set of fine spices in ornamental jars with matching recipe cards

• A subscription or voucher for a theatre piece, concert or museum membership

• A course or workshop: e.g. photography, pottery, cooking, golf

• High-quality accessories: a cashmere scarf, a fine watch or a beautiful piece of jewellery as a stylish gift with lasting value

Find your style: how to put together the perfect outfit for your 60th birthday

Whether you opt for a small gathering in an elegant setting or a casual garden party, your 60th birthday is the perfect occasion to show off your style. Here you'll find outfit ideas to suit every type of celebration and emphasise your personal style:

A 60th birthday outfit for women

• A flowing midi dress, e.g. in muted tones or soft colours such as rose, emerald or navy

• A two-piece suit or trouser suit with a modern cut, paired with elegant jewellery

• Chic accessories such as a silk scarf, statement earrings or a clutch as an accent

A 60th birthday outfit for men

• A light blazer with smart trousers or chinos in a monochromatic look or with a trendy pattern

• For smarter occasions, a classic suit in grey, blue or anthracite with a colour-coordinated shirt is a great option

• If you prefer a more casual look, you can opt for a high-quality linen shirt with a waistcoat.

• A leather belt, an elegant watch or a pocket square will give your look that little something extra.

Conclusion: your 60th birthday – celebrate with love

Everyone has a different way of celebrating a 60th birthday and that's what makes it so special. Whether you opt for a big party, a sophisticated dinner or a cosy get-together, your guests will remember the beautiful atmosphere you created with loving details and care for years to come. So, use our ideas, plan everything well in advance and create a 60th birthday present that comes from the heart. With our tips, your 60th birthday party project is certain to be a day to remember and cherish.

______________________________________________

The image sources in this text are in chronological order

Cover photo: Mara – stock.adobe.com
1st image in text: gladiusstock – stock.adobe.com
2nd - 3rd image in text: C&A