Your Day of Birth

60th birthday ideas

Sixty years of life, love and wisdom worth celebrating. Traditions, party ideas, gifts, toasts and card messages for turning 60.

What turning 60 means

Sixty is a milestone honored around the world. In Japan it's called kanreki, a symbolic return to the start of the 60-year zodiac cycle, and in Korea families gather for hwangap, a big 60th celebration. Some people call it a diamond jubilee. Many people at 60 are thinking about retirement, grandkids or new hobbies. It's a birthday about gratitude, family and a fresh start, and it deserves a celebration that honors a lifetime of experience.

Traditions and customs

Kanreki red vest
In Japan, the 60th birthday is kanreki. The guest of honor often wears a red vest called a chanchanko, and red is the color of the day.
Hwangap celebration
In Korea, hwangap is a big family party for the 60th birthday that honors a full life so far.
Diamond jubilee theme
Because 60 is often called a diamond jubilee, some parties use sparkle, crystal and silver touches.

What changes at 60

Social Security is close
Social Security retirement benefits can start as early as 62 at a reduced amount, not at 60. Full retirement age is 67 for people born in 1960 or later.
Medicare on the horizon
Medicare eligibility starts at 65, so 60 is a good time to start learning about the options.

General information for the US, not legal or financial advice. Rules can change and some vary by state.

Party ideas

Red themed family dinner
Host a family dinner with red decor and a red vest or scarf for the guest of honor.
Garden tea party
Serve tea, finger sandwiches and small cakes outdoors for a calm, elegant afternoon.
Grandkids talent show
Let the grandkids put on songs, skits or magic tricks as a birthday performance.
Wine and paint night
Book a group painting class where everyone creates and takes home their own canvas.
60 years timeline wall
Line a hallway with photos from each decade so guests can walk through their life.
Scenic train ride
Book a scenic railway trip for a relaxed day of views, snacks and conversation.
Surprise friend reunion
Track down old friends and classmates and surprise them with a casual get-together.
Cooking class party
Learn a new cuisine together with a private chef or local cooking class.

Color ideas

RedSilverWhite

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

Cake ideas

  • Red velvet celebration cake. A red velvet layer cake with cream cheese frosting, a nod to the red of kanreki.
  • Diamond sparkle cake. A white cake covered in edible glitter and sugar 'diamonds' for a diamond jubilee look.
  • Family recipe cake. Bake their mother's or grandmother's favorite cake recipe to honor the family's history.

Planning timeline

  1. 6 weeks outPick a date that works for kids and grandkids, set a budget and send invitations. Ask family to dig out photos from each decade.
  2. 3 weeks outBook the venue or caterer, order red or silver decor, and consider a red vest or scarf as a nod to kanreki.
  3. 1 week outConfirm guests, order the cake, and print photos for a timeline wall or memory book.
  4. The day ofSet up early, seat older guests comfortably, and save time for family members to share a few words.

Gift ideas for a 60th

Under $25

KeepsakeGrandkids handprint keepsakeGood for: GrandparentFind one →BooksLarge print crossword bookGood for: Friend, CoworkerFind one →Birth stoneBirthstone charm braceletGood for: Mom, GrandparentFind one →HomeRetirement countdown calendarGood for: Coworker, FriendFind one →

$25 to $100

StyleRed silk scarfGood for: Mom, Grandparent, PartnerFind one →ArtFamily tree wall artGood for: Grandparent, Mom, DadFind one →HobbyRaised garden bed kitGood for: Grandparent, Dad, MomFind one →KitchenPersonalized recipe cutting boardGood for: Mom, GrandparentFind one →HobbyFishing tackle setGood for: Dad, PartnerFind one →HobbyBinoculars for birdingGood for: Dad, PartnerFind one →

Splurge

JewelryDiamond stud earringsGood for: Mom, PartnerFind one →TravelRiver cruise gift cardGood for: Partner, GrandparentFind one →WellnessMassage chair padGood for: Dad, PartnerFind one →HobbyDNA heritage test kitGood for: Dad, Mom, GrandparentFind one →
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Toasts for a 60th

Sixty years of wisdom, kindness and great advice, most of which we actually took. Here's to you and to many more years together.

In Japan, 60 marks a fresh start. So here's to your second beginning, and to everyone in this room who gets to share it.

To the heart of our family: thank you for sixty years of love, patience and showing us how it's done. Cheers!

Card messages

Happy 60th birthday! Here's to a new cycle full of adventure, rest and all the things you love most.

Sixty years of being amazing. Thank you for the love, the lessons and the laughs.

You're not 60, you're 18 with 42 years of experience. Happy birthday.

Wishing you a diamond of a 60th birthday, as bright and lasting as the joy you bring to everyone around you.

Happy 60th to the best grandparent, parent and friend we could ask for. We love you more every year.

Sixty looks fantastic on you. May this be the year you finally take that trip.

More birthday wishes →

60th birthday questions

What is a 60th birthday called?

Sixty is often called a diamond jubilee. In Japan it's called kanreki, and in Korea the big 60th celebration is called hwangap.

What color is for a 60th birthday?

There's no official US color, but red is a popular choice because it's the color of kanreki, the Japanese 60th birthday.

Can you collect Social Security at 60?

No. Social Security retirement benefits can start as early as 62 at a reduced amount, and full retirement age is 67 for people born in 1960 or later.

How do you celebrate a 60th birthday?

Many families host a dinner or party that brings together kids, grandkids and old friends. A photo timeline, a trip or a family recipe cake makes it personal.

What is a good gift for a 60th birthday?

Family keepsakes, diamond or birthstone jewelry, a trip, or a gift tied to a new hobby like gardening all work well for 60.

Birthday wishes for the 60th →What happened in 1966 →
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