“I’m sixty years of age. That’s 16 Celsius.” George Carlin
In some Eastern cultures, such as in China and Korea, people believe the 60th birthday signifies the end of a life cycle, and the beginning of a new one. In the Western world, the 60th birthday generally marks a pivotal point in life, where many reduce their working hours in preparation for retirement and start to enjoy a more supportive role as a grandparent.
There’s no getting away from it, turning 60 is a landmark birthday. It’s a momentous occasion and marks the beginning of a golden era. It should definitely be marked with a stylish party or an exceptional gift. If your loved one, (mum, dad, sister, brother, or dearest friend), is approaching their 61st year, and you want to give them the ultimate 60th birthday surprise, read on for 5 perfect ideas for a veritable treat they’ll absolutely love.
An opulent 60th party with wow-factor
For those who love to party, a surprise 60th get together is the perfect way to celebrate. And remember, this isn’t just any old party. The swankier and more sophisticated you can make it the better. A themed party is a great idea. Guests will love the opportunity to get dressed up. How about an opulent Bombay-themed 60th birthday party? With a decadent marquee dressed up to transport guests to another world, it’s sure to be the party of a lifetime.
Whatever kind of party you have up your sleeve, be sure long lost friends and relatives are on the guest list for an extra special surprise. If you can organise relations to show up from afar, that really will be the icing on the cake at your loved one’s surprise 60th birthday celebration.
- Life story in print or photos
Getting the story of your married life together down in print or in a collection of photos is the perfect gift for any husband or wife. Snaps of treasured moments together, beautifully written tales of everything you have been through, and all you have weathered and achieved is a lovely and meaningful surprise gift.
Blurb is a great resource and publishing tool to help you turn your memories into a professional looking book. Or how about asking family members and friends to write a page each about some of their special experiences and memories? Having these published all together in a professional-quality book is a great surprise birthday gift. Or simply put together a collection of delightful family photographs.
If you want to go the whole hog, Lifebook UK can offer a full autobiography service, which includes interviews and a ghostwriter to develop your loved one’s life story into a professional manuscript.
- The trip of a lifetime
We’ve all got our bucket list of places we’d love to visit. There’s no better time than a 60th birthday to start making those travel dreams a reality. Surprise your loved one with an amazing trip to a place they’ve always longed to go to.Whether it’s a city break in Europe to take in the historical sights, a luxury beach escape to an exotic location, a Siberian train adventure or an African safari, organising a Saudi Arabia visa or a special holiday surprise is sure to tick all the boxes for the best birthday gift ever!
- An experience to remember
Turning 60 is no ordinary birthday, so why not provide a gift that is anything but ordinary. Experience days are the perfect way to try something new. Nostalgic gifts, such as flying a vintage plane, driving a steam train, or getting behind the wheel of a classic car will delight any plane, train or car enthusiast. If jumping out of planes or wing-walking are a step too far, there are plenty of other less hair-raising activities your loved one may like to try.
- Gateway to a new hobby
If you know your loved one has always dreamed of a starting a particular hobby, but has never quite got around to it, now is the time to take action. Enrollment to a course for anything from quilt-making to learning a language, is a fabulous 60th birthday gift idea. A set of golf lessons, a cooking retreat, or a wine-tasting course could be just the thing to make your loved one feel like life begins at 60.
XOXO
Debbie
This is a guest post
