I’ve always believed in living life to its fullest, and I believe in honoring loved ones by hosting birthday celebrations. I also believe that it’s best to give flowers and gifts to those who are still alive instead of letting birthdays pass by and marking gravestones to remember those who have passed. If you’re thinking about hosting an 80th birthday party for someone you love, by all means have that party. A birthday party is a wonderful way to give much more than flowers to show how much you care, and I can’t think of a better way to honor someone who has lived 80 years and shared so much of their life.
Although many adults don’t celebrate birthdays, it’s important to remember the elderly and let them know how special they. I’ve attended a few 80th birthday celebrations, and the people who were honored were very appreciative of the recognition they received. You can make the 80th birthday of your friend or relative one to remember with the following 80th birthday party ideas. Hopefully these simple ideas will spark even more ideas when planning the party of a lifetime for someone you love.
Create a Slideshow of Memories
Someone who is 80 years old has a lot of wonderful memories, and what better way to celebrate than with a slideshow of photos to share past experiences and celebrations? Consider compiling slides of select photos, and rent or borrow a slideshow projector. After the meal, dim the lights and give this priceless 80th birthday surprise to your friend or relative. Sharing memories is one of the best gifts you can give, and it’s an activity that everyone will enjoy.
I had a great aunt who saved every card and letter she received in her later years, and I’m sure that during times when she was bored or lonely she pulled out those mementos and read through them again. Instead of asking party guests not to bring gifts for someone who already has all they could possibly need or want, request a greeting card from everyone invited, even those who can’t attend the party. A shower of cards is a fantastic gift for anyone celebrating their 80th birthday, and cards are items that will likely be saved and looked at many times.
Photo albums and scrapbooks hold wonderful memories, and someone with a lifetime of memories would absolutely love a memory book filled with photos, notes, and other mementos from family and friends. It’s a book that would be opened and reflected upon many times.
Ask family and friends to bring a photo of a special occasion or something else that included the person celebrating their 80th birthday to the party. They could also bring or send a handwritten note of a special memory. This is a priceless gift for someone celebrating an 80th birthday, and it’s a party gift worth far more than anything anyone could buy from a store.
Give a Gift of Eighty Items
A fun choice for an 80th birthday is a gift of 80 items. Consider giving someone celebrating their 80th birthday 80 postage stamps, 80 pieces of their favorite candy, a bouquet of 80 carnations, or anything else they would absolutely love. I gave my uncle 80 miniature Reese Peanut Butter Cups for his 80th birthday, and he was thrilled with this fun and thoughtful birthday gift. He said he expected 100 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for his 100th birthday celebration, and I would have loved to have honored his request.
We’ve all heard the saying that money doesn’t grow on trees, but when celebrating an 80th birthday anything is possible! Give your friend or loved one a money tree with 80 crisp one dollar bills. Choose an artificial tree or plant, or purchase a potted tree. Attach the money to the branches with colored paper clips, and give someone the surprise of their life for their 80th birthday!
