Plan An Unforgettable Celebration With Our Amazing Selection Of 60th birthday party ideas

by John Griffith
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Our society is so obsessed with the idea of staying young, that we sometimes forget all the amazing benefits that come with mature age. After all, it is not until our 50s and 60s that we get to fully enjoy life. For many of us this is the stage when we see our children grow up, leave home, and start families of their own. Consequently, we have more spare time and sufficient wisdom to use it sensibly. Therefore, turning 60 should be a big and joyous event, celebrating everything you have accomplished so far and all the exciting things that are yet to come. To help you get prepared for your special day, we have collected over 80 great 60th birthday party ideas. We have fun themes for movie-lovers, vintage glam connoisseurs and even fishing enthusiasts!

You only turn sixty once! Celebrate with our 60th birthday party ideas

60th birthday party ideas, cake topper in shimmering gold color, featuring the inscription, happy 60th on a black background

Before we get started, here is a short video with some really fun 60th birthday ideas:

Our first suggestion is perfect for fans of the 7th art. Whether you are planning a bash for yourself, or organizing a surprise party for your mom, dad or a loved one, you simply cannot go wrong with the Hollywood Movie Night theme! The idea is really simple but incredibly effective – organize a glamorous movie night for your friends, and get some appropriate snacks and decorations.

Depending on your budget, you can splurge a bit and rent a home projector for a truly authentic cinema experience, or simply pop a DVD. If the weather permits, you can set up the screen in your garden, and enjoy a lovely outdoor movie night. Choosing suitable tableware and decorations is absolutely essential for creating the right atmosphere. And, of course, getting a cake matching the theme is a nice finishing touch. Depending on your preference, the Hollywood Movie Night party can focus on the glitzy red carpet feel of the Oscars, or recreate the atmosphere of a vintage trip to the cinema, complete with popcorn and a hot dog stand.

Take a trip down memory lane, with this charming vintage picture house set up

hot dogs and popcorn, on a table, with vintage vending machines, an assortment of sweets, balloons and various film themes decorations, 60th birthday party ideas

It’s hard not to love this ingenious clapboard and popcorn cake!

cake shaped like a vintage popcorn box, in red and white, behind a black clapper board, both made from colorful fondant, 60th birthday party ideas, film-themed cakes

If you are planning a birthday party for your mom, check out this video

Ladies and gents who love a bit of razzle-dazzle in their life will undoubtedly appreciate our next idea – a Jazz Age/ Roaring 20s party, with a strong emphasis on glamour. This lavish and decadent set up is inspired by the luxurious parties described in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s beloved masterpiece The Great Gatsby. Consequently, you should opt for a black and gold color scheme with plenty of art deco motifs.

We love this theme because it is both glamorous and fun, and can be customized in many different ways. If you like, you can transform your home into a prohibition age speakeasy or a vintage gambling den, host a 1920s gangster costume party, or go all out and party like Gatsby, with a luxurious set-up, including gold lame tablecloths and a champagne fountain.

Ain’t no party like a Gatsby party!

ostrich feather centerpieces, on several tables, set for a fancy dinner, with white tablecloths, and black chairs, 60th birthday party ideas, roaring 20s inspired setup

Add some 1920s glamour into your life!

pyramid made from vintage cocktail glasses, placed on black and white tray, 60th birthday party ideas, table with a cake, and other treats, in the background

If you’ve always secretly dreamed of being a gentlemen spy (or simply love the James Bond franchise) you should consider hosting a 007-themed birthday party. This idea is one of our personal favorites, because it’s stylish, fun and incredibly cool. After all, Bond is the epitome of a suave mature man. Not to mention you can include many entertaining activities! Recreate the luxurious feel of Casino Royale, and organize an unforgettable roulette and poker night by renting some gambling equipment, or make a 007-themed photo booth with costumes, hats, and masks for your guests.

Sweet birthday party ideas for dads:

Don’t forget the 007 cake!

3 candles shaped like the numbers 007, in a sparkly gold color, on a black and white cake, 60th birthday party ideas, James Bond inspired decoration

60th birthday party ideas for classy and suave gentlemen

martini glasses and little tuxedo party favors, ostrich feather decoration, a large playing dice, and cupcakes with gambling chips, 60th birthday party ideas, inspired by agent 007

If you are among those who are turning 60 this year, you have been lucky enough to experience some of the 20th century’s most memorable decades – the swinging 60s and the groovy 70s! Why not embrace your colorful, crazy and hedonistic youth and celebrate with a retro rave or a hippie-themed costume party? You can take a walk down memory lane, swap stories, listen to old vinyl records and bust some retro moves!

Quality music, outrageous costumes and a disco ball – sounds like the perfect party!

purple red and pink polka dots, on the wall near a party table, with a red white and blue striped cake, various different kinds of sweets, and two disco balls, 60th birthday party ideas, retro disco theme

60th birthday party ideas – a beautiful swinging sixties-themed psychedelic cake

60th birthday ideas, multi-colored psychedelic cake, inspired by the swinging 60s, decorated with peace signs, and the numbers 6 and 0 on top

Our next theme has been especially chosen for gentle and romantic souls, who love the stylish charm of continental Europe. The Parisian Tea Party is the perfect mix between sophistication and playfulness, and it’s a great option for those who would like celebrate their 60th birthday with a chic day time event.

The color scheme is usually either pink and black, or red white and blue, with plenty of hints to French culture and, naturally, a wide selection of classic French desserts. Needless to say, macarons, eclairs and profiteroles are an absolute must. Compliment them with champagne, a selection of fine teas, and a freshly brewed coffee.

Très chic – a Parisian-themed 60th birthday party

eiffel tower decorations, and several bouquets of red and pink roses, on a table with a pale pink tablecloth, containing macarons and various other kinds of sweets, French themed party, 60th birthday ideas

If you’d rather host an evening party, you can substitute the desserts for cheese and fruit platters, and add a choice of French wines.

flags in black white and red, hung above a table with a white red and blue tablecloth, containing various French sweets, 2 bouquets of red roses, a three layered cake, 60th birthday ideas, two cheese boards, and an eiffel tower mural

Going fishing is one of those typically American bonding experiences you have with your dad when you’re a kid –  like playing baseball or learning how to ride a bike. Many of us have fond memories of these fishing trips, and what better way to honor these memories than by organizing a fishing-themed party?

We simply love this idea because it’s thoughtful and charming, and it’s suitable for kids and adults alike. You can opt for a more playful and humorous set up, or choose a sophisticated and minimalistic nautical theme. Either way, don’t forget to order a fun and original cake!

Rustic nautical table set-up with a patriotic touch

lantern made of glass, and containing candle, and a small american flag, near near a white sailor's knot, placed on a blue nautical plate, on top of a red dish, 60th birthday ideas, sea inspired setup

fish attached to a fishing pole, decorating a rectangular birthday cake, in pale blue green and orange, 60th birthday ideas, happy birthday grandpa, written in red frosting

This charming idea is suitable for children as well as adults:

chips sandwiches and other treats, on a table containing a chocolate cake, decorated with fishing themed ornaments, 60th birthday ideas, fishing net and a sign saying gone fishing

Whichever theme you decide to choose, we hope you have lots of fun celebrating, with our 60th birthday party ideas! Bellow you can find more examples and inspirations for each of the aforementioned themes. And if you are looking for tips and tutorials about hand made gifts and decorations, check out our DIY section. Enjoy!

Vintage popcorn box centerpiece and chocolates

ornamental plate in pale turquoise, containing several chocolates, decorated with gold stars, and a red and white, vintage box of popcorn, 60th birthday ideas, movie theatre inspired decorations

The proper decoration can really make a difference!

hollywood inspired decorations, like cardboard clapperboards and movie reels, 60th birthday ideas, several vintage-style popcorn boxes, white with red stripes, containing a selection of sweets

How awesome is this realistic cinema-inspired cake?

60th birthday decorations, colorful fondant-covered cake, shaped like film reels, and a vintage box of popcorn, decorated with gold stars, and a blue admission ticket

champagne and two glass flutes, a bouquet of red roses, and a gold oscar figurine, on a black surface, near a clapperboard and other items, 60th birthday decorations

cookies shaped like oscar figurines, 60th birthday decorations, cupcakes with different labels, reading best actress, best supporting actor etc

Feel like a star with this glamorous VIP red carpet set-up

academy awards inspired 60th birthday decorations, with red carpet, and shimmering gold stars, three-layered cake in black and white, a selection of sweets

clapperboard and vintage film reels, cookies shaped like oscar statuettes, cocktails and strawberries in chocolate tuxedos, 60th birthday decorations, popcorn and cupcakes

picture house-themed party cake, white with a red carpet detail, gold buttons and a large gold star, 60th birthday decorations, clapboard and popcorn, ticket and film reels

60th birthday party ideas – an adorable popcorn bar

curtains in red and black, around a table with a sign, reading popcorn bar, 60th birthday decorations, a selection of various snack, gold lame tablecloth, and red flags garland

Party like Gatsby with this lavish suggestion…

black and gold table set up, 60th birthday decorations, two white rose bouquets, golden cutlery and art deco motifs

…and a glamorous cake to match!

60th birthday party ideas for mom, black and white cake, decorated with gold details, pearls and feathers, inspired by the great gatsby

Attention to detail and then some! We love these gorgeous art deco party invitations

art deco invitation, in black and gold, for a roaring 20s themed party, placed on a white surface, near black and white images and leaflets

roses made from white fondant, and fluffy white feathers, topping an art deco-style cake, with a pink fondant high heeled shoe, pearls and lace motifs, 60th birthday party ideas for mom

box containing vintage cigars, cigarettes and other items, placed near a clear vase, containing ostrich feathers, next image shows a roulette

Create a speakeasy bar in your home or garden

fold-up garden chairs in white, near several round tables, with green tablecloths, next image is black and white, and shows ostrich feather decorations, and a small sign

prohibition ends here, have a drink, written in gold letters, on a black art deco sign, with two drawings, of cocktail glasses

60th birthday color, round black table, with black chairs, decorated with a white ostrich feather center piece, and gold details, art deco motifs, jazz age birthday party

Bond. James Bond. As far as birthday parties go, you can’t get any classier than this 

photo of piers brosnan, holding a martini glass, in a silver frame, next to a large decorative glass, containing a toy gun in gold, gambling chips and dices, and faux money, 60th birthday party ideas for men, 007 themed celebration

gambling table with chips, gold coins and three yellow champagne flutes, metallic balloons shaped like the number 007, 60th birthday party ideas for men, james bond theme

Shaken, not stirred – martini glasses are a must at any 007-themed party. Whether you choose to fill them with candy or cocktails is up to you!

martini glass made from clear plastic, filled with round candies, in gold and silver wrappers, 60th birthday party ideas for men, james bond casino royale theme

vanilla and chocolate cupcakes, in black and white wrappers, with cream and beige frosting, and white and dark chocolate toppers, shaped like the number 007

It’s all in the details!

four vanilla cupcakes, with white frosting, topped with small, sparkling gold gun figurines, placed on a black dish, 60th birthday party ideas for men, golden gun themed bond party

napkins in black and white, folded to look like tuxedos, on a long black table, set for dinner, 60th birthday color, white and black theme, decorated with red flowers, and a photo of sean connery

playing cards and cocktail glass, gold bra and images from the bond movies, topping a set of six cupcakes

table cloth in black, with white zig-zag details, on a table set for a fancy dinner, gold cutlery and candles in tall glasses

A 007 photo booth is a great party idea

masks with feathers, sunglasses and hats, toy guns and cigars, cocktail glasses and other items, on a 1920s gangster-themed photo booth

grey and teal snacks table, with a selection of vintage sweets in jars, and two bouquets of white roses, 60th birthday color

A colorful Beatles-themed birthday bash

bright and colorful birthday set up, decorated with a customized beatles poster, and paper garlands, 60th birthday color, cupcakes and various other snacks

the beatles crossing abbey road, painted in black on a white cake, topped with a vinyl record, with the drawing of a green apple

Anyone who grew up in the 60s and 70s will appreciate this Boston-inspired party!

dried plants arranged in two sparkling vases, placed on either side of a white cake, with gold details, vinyl records and two boston albums, 60th birthday color, on a table decorated with black and white photos

A very special 60th birthday cake, for the flower child in your life

hearts and flowers, peace signs and multicolored details, decorating a two-layered cake, happy 60th birthday, hippie inspired party

psychedelic birthday cake, multicolored and decorated with neon pink peace signs, 60th birthday color, hand holding a tie-dye patterned paper plate, with one cut slice

cardboard cutout of a hippie van, decorated with multicolored flowers, peace signs and graffiti, tie-dye effect birthday banner

The 60s didn’t only give us the hippie movement – they also gave us rock stars!

party cake shaped like a vintage record player, with a black and red vinyl record, all made from colorful fondant, happy 60th birthday paul, written In black on top

musical note in black, miniature vinyl record, and a treble clef, all made from fondant, topping three cupcakes, with white frosting

seven vinyl records, in black and red, each decorated with a letter, spelling happy 65th, placed on a table, near an inflatable guitar

confetti and paper garlands in different colors, decorating a table, covered with multicolored cupcakes 60th birthday color, brown tablecloths and potted succulents

The beautiful and chic Parisian Tea Party theme is an excellent choice for adults and kids’ birthdays, as well as for baby showers and other events

pink and black table setup, decorated with eiffel tower figurines, and two bouquets of pale pink flowers, 60th birthday color, parisian party theme

high tea table set up, with finger foods, macarons and various other desserts, 60th birthday party ideas for mom, pink and white theme, with flowers and candles

jars and other glass dishes, containing candies in pink, cream and silver, on a parisian-themed party table, 60th birthday party ideas for mom, little eiffel tower decoration

Indulge your guests even further by adding an authentic crepe-making station. YUM!

woman dressed in red, standing near two tables, with white and pale pink tablecloths, 60th birthday party ideas for mom, cupcakes and a crepe station

close up of a dish on two levels, with several cupcakes, and pink gem decorations, 60th birthday party ideas for mom, next image shows a lamp, with a pink lampshade, with feathers and pink roses

square cookies with black, pink and white frosting, depicting the words paris and ooh la la, and an image of a woman's silhouette, 60th birthday party ideas for mom, box with lace, containing three pink roses

Stripes will never go out of style!

tartlets and cake pops, and various other sweets, near a striped black and white cake, topped with a pink flower, 60th birthday party ideas for mom, black white and gold poster, with a festive message

french-themed birthday party, in black and pale pink, table with candies and cupcakes, decorated with an eiffel tower ornament, and other items

Relieve precious childhood memories with a fishing-inspired birthday party!

gummy bears and cupcakes, and various other sweets, on a table with a blue tablecloth, 60th birthday party ideas for men, fishing inspired table setup

If you are organizing a surprise party for your dad, don’t forget to include some thoughtful or humorous gifts…

silhouettes of a man and a little girl, both holding fishing rods, decorating a pale beige cushion, with the inscription, happiness is...fishing with my dad

dark blue plain t-shirt, with a white print, depicting a hand holding a fishing rod, with a caught fish, with the words the rod father

… or a fun fishing-themed cake!

man with a fishing rod, and a small dog in a boat, decoration made from colourful fondant, on top of a pale blue cake, with grass and fondant reads, happy 60th birthday ray, written in white

teal round cake, decorated with a fishing rod, several small fish shapes, green grass and a brown sign, with the inscription gone fishing, all made from colorful fondant, happy 60th birthday, cake ideas for grandpa

Add a hearty dose of humor…

sweets in white, red and blue wrappers, each decorated with a small black flag, bearing a pirate's logo

…or keep it simple and stylish with this subtle nautical theme

nautical table set up, in navy blue and white, 60th birthday party ideas for men, two white plates, containing a small place holder, shaped like sailing boat

And here are some more awesome 60th birthday party ideas:

large balloons in gold, shaped like the numbers 6 and 0, near a mantelpiece, decorated with streamers in pink, red and violet

collage with four images, a cake in white and gold, a bar with bottles and glasses, a bouquet of white roses, and a wall decoration with black and white photos, forming the number 60

brooch made from purple, pink and gold mesh ribbons, with a badge reading 60 and fabulous

What do you think about these jaw-dropping birthday cakes?

round cake made to look like a suitcase, in white and beige, with golden buckle details, topped with fresh flowers, a passport and small suitcases, made of fondant, happy 60th birthday, written in red frosting

two piece cake, shaped like a 6 and a 0, covered in light green fondant, and decorated with 3 small shapes, happy 60th birthday, fishing man and footballer, tiny cream and black scooter

leaves made from gold fondant, and pink fondant roses, on a white cake, with a melting-effect pink frosting, and a sparkly silver topper, reading 60 never looked so good

Cute (and scrumptious) party favors

yellow ribbons decorating several clear packages, containing two milk chocolate cupcakes each, decorated with the numbers 6 and 0, made from white chocolate

glittering gold toppers, shaped like the number 60, decorating four plain vanilla cupcakes, placed on a white background

fresh pink flowers, on a creamy pale pink cake, decorated with a gold topper, bearing the inscription, 60 and fabulous

Although this brilliant cake was intended for a 70th birthday, it will work just as well for someone turning 60!

i'm not old i'm classic, written in red and black icing, on the side of a white rectangular cake, topped with a green vintage car, 60th birthday party ideas for men

 

rectangular party cake, covered in smooth black fondant, and decorated with white frosting, made to look like a whiskey label, with the inscription happy 60th birthday

60th birthday party ideas for men, fondant figurine of a smiling man, sitting in a blue armchair, over a red sox logo carpet, surrounded by a vintage record player, and ice skates

60th birthday party inspired by the show Mad Men

hands in white gloves, holding a cocktail glass, with sugar coated rim, filled with pink liquid, vintage camera and more cocktail glasses, pink and gold party setup, and matching invitations, mad men theme

wine bottle-shaped cake in black, with a white label, placed on a basket made from fondant, unusual birthday cake ideas

garlands in two shades of pink, decorated with the inscription happy 60th birthday, hung on a wooden counter, with a pink birthday cake, gold cutlery and pink napkins

John Griffith

John Griffith is a young, passionate journalist. Writing has been John’s hobby ever since he was a boy. He has worked in some of the UK’s most successful news portals over the course of his professional career but found his forever home at Archzine.