Your Day of Birth

100th birthday ideas

A full century, and a celebration for the history books. Traditions, party ideas, gifts, toasts and card messages for turning 100.

What turning 100 means

Turning 100 makes someone a centenarian, and it is one of the most moving birthdays a family can celebrate. A full century means living through a hundred years of change, and every guest at the party is part of that story. In Japan, the 100th is called hyakuju. In the UK, the King sends a message, and in the US the White House will send a greeting if you request it ahead of time. It is a day to honor a whole life.

Traditions and customs

White House greeting
The White House sends birthday greetings to people 80 and older, including centenarians. Request it at least six weeks ahead.
The King's message
In the UK and Commonwealth realms, the King sends a message for the 100th birthday. In the UK, the Department for Work and Pensions lets the palace know automatically.
Hyakuju in Japan
In Japan, the 100th birthday is called hyakuju, and the government has traditionally sent a commemorative gift.

Party ideas

Century open house
Invite the whole community to stop by for cake, so the guest of honor greets people at their own pace.
Decades photo walk
Line a hallway with photos from each decade, from the 1920s to today, for guests to enjoy.
Five generation portrait
Hire a photographer to capture as many generations as possible in one cherished family portrait.
Hometown newspaper notice
Share a birthday notice in the local paper or newsletter and invite neighbors to send cards.
Care community celebration
Partner with their care community to host a party where staff and fellow residents can join in.
Songs of the century singalong
Play one favorite song from each decade and invite everyone to sing along together.
Private dining splurge
Rent a private room with a catered meal, flowers, and seating designed for comfort and easy hearing.
Small quiet visit
If energy is limited, plan a short, quiet visit with close family, cake, and the stack of cards.

Color ideas

GoldWhiteRoyal blue

A suggestion, not a rule. Their favorite colors always win.

Cake ideas

  • Century gold cake. A tall white cake with gold leaf accents and a big 100 topper.
  • Then and now photo cake. Edible prints show a childhood photo right next to a recent one.
  • Family recipe cake. Bake the cake they made for everyone else for years, from their own handwritten recipe.

Planning timeline

  1. 6 weeks outRequest the presidential greeting through the White House website or your member of Congress, since it needs at least six weeks' notice.
  2. 3 weeks outSend invitations, ask friends to mail cards, and collect photos from every decade for a display.
  3. 1 week outConfirm the venue is accessible, book a photographer, and plan a rest area close to the party.
  4. The day ofKeep the celebration short and joyful, read the cards and greetings aloud, and capture a multi generation photo.

Gift ideas for a 100th

Under $25

StyleCustom birthday sashGood for: Grandparent, Mom, DadFind one →KeepsakeBirthday guest bookGood for: Grandparent, FriendFind one →BooksThe year you were born bookGood for: Grandparent, FriendFind one →HomeFlameless candle setGood for: Grandparent, MomFind one →

$25 to $100

KeepsakePersonalized photo albumGood for: Grandparent, Mom, DadFind one →JewelryEngraved gold locketGood for: Grandparent, MomFind one →ArtWatercolor home portraitGood for: Grandparent, DadFind one →TechLarge display day clockGood for: Grandparent, DadFind one →

Splurge

Birth stoneBirthstone broochGood for: Grandparent, MomFind one →BooksHardcover life story bookGood for: Grandparent, Mom, DadFind one →ExperienceVideo tribute montage serviceGood for: Grandparent, FriendFind one →StyleLuxury cashmere wrapGood for: Grandparent, Mom, PartnerFind one →
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Toasts for a 100th

One hundred years. Please raise your glasses to our centenarian, who has lived a whole century and still has the best laugh in the room!

To a hundred years of courage, love, and change. Everything this family has, it owes in some way to you.

Here's to the person who has seen a century of history and still asks how our day went. Happy 100th birthday.

Card messages

Happy 100th birthday. A whole century of love, and we are so grateful to share in it.

Welcome to the centenarian club. Your cake has so many candles, we warned the fire department ahead!

One hundred years of wisdom, kindness, and stories. Thank you for every single one of them.

Happy 100th to the oldest and coolest person we know. You make a century look easy.

Wishing you a gentle, joyful day surrounded by the people whose lives you have shaped for a hundred years.

A hundred candles could never match the light you bring to this family. Happy birthday with all our love.

More birthday wishes →

100th birthday questions

What is a 100th birthday called?

A person who turns 100 is called a centenarian. In Japan, the 100th birthday is called hyakuju.

How do you get a letter from the President for a 100th birthday?

The White House sends greetings to people 80 and older, including centenarians. Request it at least six weeks ahead through the White House website or your member of Congress.

Does the King send a card for a 100th birthday?

In the UK and Commonwealth realms, the King sends a message for the 100th and 105th birthdays and every year after. In the UK, the Department for Work and Pensions notifies the palace automatically.

What color is for a 100th birthday?

There's no official color, but gold is a popular choice for such a big milestone.

What do you do for a 100th birthday?

Many families hold a short open house, display photos from every decade, and read cards aloud. Keep it comfortable and plan around the guest of honor's energy.

Birthday wishes for the 100th →What happened in 1926 →
Birthday Planner

Planning a 100th?

Add their birthday and get a plan: what to do, trips nearby, a party kit and a countdown.

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