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Ten ideas for celebrating your 60th birthday
Sashaying into a new decade is a big deal and hitting 60 is certainly something to celebrate. Whether you're looking for birthday ideas for yourself or for a relative or friend we've selected our 10 favourite 60th birthday celebrations. Perhaps you fancy jetting off somewhere fancy, taking to the skies or simply enjoying some good ol’ cake and fizz? We’ll get your party planning off to the best start - and, if you're looking for something more, ahem, low-key, we’ve got you covered too.
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1. Have a barn dance or ceilidh
"I had a ceilidh for my 60th. An excellent knees up, lots of opportunity for people to meet new friends, no dancing experience needed, music not so loud you couldn't hear yourself think, just a great deal of jolly good fun." tiggypiro
Can we get a 'yee-haw'? If you've ever been to a barn dance or ceilidh, you'll know just what a laugh they can be, especially for those who love to dance their socks AND cowboy boots off - grandchildren included.
Previous dance experience certainly isn’t required though, as you’ll have a caller guiding the dances (aka telling you which foot to put in front of the other). While barn dances have more of a Wild West slant, ceilidhs have gaelic roots. Whichever you choose, it’s certainly a great way to round up the whole family, along with friends and neighbours too. You don’t need a barn - a village hall or marquee would do. You could even go the extra mile and play dress-up, asking guests to wear plaid shirts and stetsons - or kilts!
If you’re wondering what sort of food to serve at your barn dance, check out this Gransnet thread for inspo.
2. Get a tattoo
“I would like a little flower (my name) on my bottom.” BBbevan
Well, if it’s good enough for Dame Judi Dench (who had her first ever tattoo to celebrate turning 81), then why shouldn't you get inked for your 60th? Alright, so booking yourself in at a tattoo parlour to mark your big day might be a tad leftfield. But if you’ve hankered after an inking for years now, but never quite plucked up the courage, this could be the perfect opportunity.
Be sure to do your research and look at a variety of tattoo artists before you settle on your favourite. If you’re after some design inspiration, GNer Janiepops posted a pic of her beautiful floral tattoo, which she had done for a special birthday, saying “I still love it! Things to note; Skin on foot and ankle doesn’t wrinkle even when you’re very old! It hasn’t been addictive for me. I get so many compliments! People say they love it and “ohh I fancy one now!” We haven’t got enough life left for it to fade! Or get fed up with it!”
3. Get married or renew your wedding vows
If you fancy starting your new decade with a bit of romance, how about the ultimate big birthday celebration.. getting hitched! Or, if you're already married, renew your wedding vows instead.
Whether you want to relive the happy occasion all over again or reaffirm your commitment to one another, this significant milestone (perhaps coupled with an anniversary) could be the ideal opportunity. Go all out, with a huge bash, or go simple and low-key. It's entirely up to you!
Before you take the plunge, make sure you’re clued up on the legal implications of getting spliced, as Gransnetters discuss in this thread.
And if you need a new outfit, John Lewis bridal has you covered with this gorgeous selection of dresses and separates to suit every budget.
4. Book a staycation
“For my husband’s 60th birthday we went with friends to an old monastery that had cottages in the grounds. They were very comfortable with big log fire places and lovely country walks.” Cherrytree59
Along with opening gifts and cards how about expanding your horizons by visiting somewhere new. Splashing out on a fancy trip that will be remembered for years to come could be the perfect celebration.
By choosing a staycation, you can explore the wonders of the UK - just make sure you pack a trusty raincoat for good measure. Cherrytree59 says: “I know quite a few people who celebrate with family and friends by booking a house or cottage with hot tub. Usually people to bring their own choice of drink with them and then have all food delivered by a local online supermarket.”
If you’re staying in the UK, you could even invite friends and family to join you on your trip to make it really special. Gransnetter leyla says: “I plan to have lots of low key celebrations with friends over the next few months but we are in the process of booking a lovely trip with some special friends in the spring.”
Try Luxury Cottages for beautiful cottages around the UK.
5. Have a classic birthday party
“Book the village hall or church hall, invite as many as you like and do the buffet catering yourself ( or with help from friends)” lemongrove
There’s nothing wrong with sticking with tradition - cake, chat, party poppers and bubbles (loads of them, preferably). Nothing quite beats a classic birthday party, especially when you can get the creative juices flowing. You could opt for a cutesy afternoon tea or, at the other end of the scale, a chic cocktail party? Perhaps a themed affair, like fancy dress or a masquerade ball? You could even book out a private room or area in your favourite restaurant or pub to celebrate.
The great thing about a party is that it can take any shape or size. This means that, while it might not be the cheapest way to celebrate a 60th birthday (and will, admittedly, take some organising), it can be as elaborate as you like.
Need a birthday cake? Waitrose has you covered with a wide selection of delicious cakes ready to buy or made to order for something personalised.
6. Jet off abroad
“We went to Switzerland for my 60th. My birthday is in January and snow was thick on the ground the day I was born. So we decided to embrace the snow. Rather than seek out warmer climes. It was beautiful.” ninathenana
f you fancy even more of an adventure, how about heading abroad to experience new sights, culture and cuisine? Well travelled Gransnetter Ginny has the perfect recommendation for your big birthday voyage: “How about Italy? Maybe Tuscany or Puglia. Sunshine, scenery and wonderful food.”
Alternatively, you might fancy toasting your birthday with a tapas and sangria? FoxyLoxy says: “My go to place to celebrate special birthdays is Seville. You can rent something nice. See TripAdvisor or Airbnb. You have the best of everything then, chilled out or wander around. We often get a train to Cordoba or Jerez, lots of interesting sights, culture, and food, also go to the flamenco.” We’re in - bagsy us a window seat on the plane. Take a look at TUI for the latest package holiday deals.
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7. Have a small but sweet birthday gathering
“Invite your nearest family over for a party or a special meal at your home?” lemongrove
Want a party without all the fuss? Go low key and low maintenance and only invite your very nearest and dearest. If the thought of catering for even a few is overwhelming, suggest a ‘pot luck’ party with everyone bringing a dish to share.
If the weather’s good - string some bunting up in the garden and get everyone outside to chat and enjoy nibbles.
Gransnetter shysal has the key for a no stress celebration: “Hold an open house on the day of your choice, inviting family and friends to drop in between certain times. You would only need nibbles or buffet food, with close family possibly providing some plus a cake.”
Check out Marks & Spencer's range of made to order sandwich platters and their full range of party food.
8. Go on a cruise
“We love the Danube, the Rhine and the Seine : for scenery most of the time the first two are great with lovely castles popping up…We liked the stops on the Seine like Monet's garden.” Floradora9
Always fancied sailing the seas? Celebrate your 60th aboard a luxurious cruise ship liner. Whether you choose an ocean or river cruise, you’ll get to see amazing sights and enjoy downtime on the ship, plus delicious dinners. Cruise holidays can be great for solo travellers; ideal if you’re an independent woman and want to treat yourself for your milestone birthday.
Gransnetter B9exchange says: “If you can run to a foreign holiday, why not consider a cruise? They are full of single people, and if you choose one where you sit at the same table each evening, and go a few days before the birthday, you will know people and the cruise staff will give you a wonderful celebration cake you can all share. We have stayed in touch with people we have met that way many years ago. Who knows, if the cruise company know it is a significant birthday, you might even get an upgrade!”
Take a look at Fred Olsen Cruise Lines to find your perfect getaway.
9. Have a pamper party
“I would treat myself to a pamper day at a very nice hotel not far from me. Facial, massage along with lunch and fizz.” GrannyGravy13
There’s no time like a special birthday for indulging in a bit of ‘me time’ and, if you’re in need of some R&R, a spa day or two could hit the spot for you. Either go alone or invite friends or family. Regardless, after a succession of luxurious treatments from massages to pedicures and facials, you’ll feel a decade younger and might need to knock a few of those candles off your cake…
Gransnetter silverlining48 is clearly a fan of a mani pedi: “Champneys Spa resorts are a wonderful way,and a real treat, to spend a few days in a glorious hotel with beautiful grounds, with great food and spa treatments. Choice of dining alone or at a special table of single guests, if you want company. I always go alone, mostly female clientele with the occasional couple. As friendly as you wish it to be.”
Check out Red Letter Days for a variety of pampering experiences.
10. Go in a hot air balloon ride
“For my 60th birthday I did a Hot Air Balloon ride. It was an amazing experience.” SueH49
Gliding through the skies, gazing at green fields, miniscule trees and meandering rivers below…sounds lovely, doesn’t it? If a hot air balloon ride has always been on your bucket list but you’ve never got round to actually doing it, there’s no better time than a milestone birthday to take to the skies.
You wouldn’t be the only one to wish for a serene journey in the clouds. Gransnetter Nanette1955 says her unrealised dreams are: “Fly in a glider, and a trip in a hot air balloon.”
See it as a treat to yourself - or you could ask friends or family to band together to pay for your trip. You could even invite some of your loved ones up there with you, so long as they’re not afraid of heights, that is. Don’t forget to take a bottle of champagne on board.
Check out Virgin Balloon Flights for nationwide booking info.
Images: Shutterstock