25 unique 70th birthday party ideas

If you have a 70th birthday coming around the corner, congratulations—we hope this remarkable milestone reminds you of every precious moment that has led you here. Or maybe you have a loved one who’s ringing in the big 7-0 and deserves to be honored for another marvelous trip around the sun.

Either way, you’ve come to the right place. Planning a milestone birthday can feel overwhelming, but with the right inspiration, it can be as fun as the party itself. From intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, and from clever themes to custom invitations, these 70th birthday party ideas will help you throw a bash worthy of the big day.

Unique 70th birthday party ideas

The best 70th birthday ideas are personal, thoughtful, and reflective of the guest of honor’s personality. Whether you’re planning for your mom, dad, spouse, or a dear friend, these unique ideas will help spark a celebration they’ll never forget.

1. Celebrate their hobbies

 

Do you find them knee-deep in knitting projects, on the golf course every morning, or fly fishing in a mountain stream? Rejoice in your guest of honor’s post-retirement passions and hobbies with a themed celebration. For example, if they’ve become a master birdwatcher, serve drinks with bird-inspired pitchers. If they love baseball, fill the room with baseball balloons and bowls of peanuts.

2. Go with a golden years theme

 

This theme honors their milestone with a touch of glam. Dazzling golden party decorations, gold tableware, and shimmering garlands create an opulent backdrop. For the menu, try roast chicken baked to golden perfection and Yukon gold mashed potatoes. Top it all off with edible gold flakes on their birthday cake.

3. Party like it’s the 1950s

 

Throw it back to their birth decade with a retro ‘50s bash. Think checkered napkins, Prosecco pong in coupe glasses, and a jukebox playlist. Serve pigs in a blanket, deviled eggs, pineapple upside-down cake, and old-school cocktails like martinis and Manhattans.

4. Throw a surprise party

 

Few things bring as much joy as walking into a room full of loved ones yelling, “Surprise!” Plan a surprise party gathering that secretly invites friends and family from near and far. Choose a theme your guest of honor will love, then capture the moment their face lights up when they arrive.

5. Host a day of lawn games

 

Perfect for spring or summer, set up a day of bocce, cornhole, or croquet. Ask guests to bring dishes for a potluck, and keep the atmosphere lighthearted and playful. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate outdoors with multigenerational fun.

6. Take a trip together

Instead of a single party, why not a vacation? A beach weekend, mountain getaway, or city trip can be the perfect 70th birthday idea for someone who values experiences over things. Invite close family or friends to make the journey even more memorable.

7. Make it a family reunion

Turning 70 is the perfect excuse to gather the entire family. Organize a reunion-style event where generations come together for games, storytelling, and a big family meal. This not only honors the birthday but also strengthens family bonds.

8. Host a backyard movie night

Transform your backyard with a projector, cozy seating, and string lights. Play one of their all-time favorite films or a nostalgic classic from their youth. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, rent a local theater and bring the cinematic experience indoors.

9. Create a playlist from the year they were born

 

Curate a playlist of hits from the year they were born and let it soundtrack the celebration. Encourage dancing, reminiscing, and even a little karaoke for an evening filled with joy and nostalgia.

10. Make invitations easy with Paperless Post

Paperless Post makes it effortless to keep all your 70th birthday party ideas organized with customizable invitations and easy-to-use planning tools. Customize the wording and design so every detail fits your exact vision for the party. Send the invites via email, text, or shareable link, track RSVPs, send party updates to guests, and so much more! 

70th birthday party ideas for mom

The best 70th birthday party ideas for a woman combine elegance, joy, and the little touches she loves most. Whether she prefers sipping wine in good company, gathering outdoors in a garden, or enjoying a lively cocktail soirée, these party ideas will help her milestone shine as brightly as she does.

11. Host a wine and cheese tasting

For the woman who enjoys the finer things, a wine and cheese tasting is the perfect way to celebrate. Hire a sommelier or wine expert to guide guests through a curated selection, or take the whole group to a local winery or vineyard. Pair wines with artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh fruit for a delicious spread.

12. Throw a garden party

 

Garden parties are timeless—and for a milestone as meaningful as turning 70, they’re an especially fitting choice. Host the gathering outdoors among blooming flowers and greenery, or recreate the vibe inside with abundant floral arrangements. Offer finger sandwiches, light salads, and botanical-inspired cocktails alongside a punch bowl for the kids.

13. Cue the confetti and cocktails

If your honoree loves a good party, keep it lively with a confetti and cocktails theme. Set a playful tone with colorful decorations, shimmering garlands, and—of course—plenty of confetti. Serve a variety of cocktails (plus mocktails) so everyone has something to enjoy, and pair them with fun small bites or tapas. You can even create a signature birthday drink named after her for an extra-personal touch.

70th birthday party ideas for dad

Dads deserve a celebration that’s full of laughter, camaraderie, and a few surprises along the way. Whether he’s a jokester, a sports fan, or someone who appreciates a laid-back evening with friends, these 70th birthday party ideas for a man will bring personality and fun to his milestone year.

14. Host a roast

If your guest of honor loves to laugh, invite a few close friends and family to “roast” him with funny stories and good-natured jokes. Follow up with a heartfelt toast to balance the humor with love.

15. Take him out to the ballgame

 

Gather friends, family, and grandkids to cheer on your guest of honor’s favorite team—whether it’s baseball, football, basketball, soccer, or tennis. Order a block of seats so everyone is together, and consider making matching T-shirts, hats, or jerseys to mark the occasion. You can even set up a tailgate before the game with snacks and drinks.

16. Spread the news

Create a party straight from the headlines. Decorate in black and white with newspaper-inspired accents and highlight milestones from his life in a “birthday edition.” It’s a clever way to celebrate 70 years of stories.

17. Brew up some fun

 

For beer-loving dads, host the party at a local brewery or organize a craft beer tasting at home. Pair with pub-style snacks like pretzels, sliders, and wings for a laid-back celebration.

18. Throw a western “Most Wanted” bash

Saddle up for a Western-themed bash. Think cowboy hats, rustic decor, and a “Most Wanted” poster featuring the birthday honoree. It’s playful, memorable, and perfect for a dad with a sense of humor.

70th birthday gift ideas

Finding the right present can feel just as important as planning the party. These thoughtful 70th birthday gift ideas go beyond the usual, offering keepsakes and experiences they’ll treasure.

19. A special recorded video

Ask friends and family to record short birthday messages and compile them into a video. This heartfelt gift lets the honoree hear kind words and memories from loved ones, creating a keepsake they’ll revisit often.

20. Memory book

Put together a scrapbook filled with photos, notes, and mementos from across their life. If DIY isn’t your style, consider gifting a digital frame preloaded with family photos so memories are always close by.

21. Bucket list trip

Help make their travel dreams a reality. Whether it’s visiting a national park, exploring Europe, or finally seeing the Grand Canyon, go in together with family or friends to give them the trip of a lifetime—and maybe even join them, too.

22. An heirloom-worthy gift

Consider jewelry, a watch, or a designer item they’ve always admired. Something timeless will become a treasured piece—and may even be passed down through generations.

23. Framed map of a favorite place

Celebrate their roots or passions with a framed map of their hometown, college town, or favorite vacation spot. It’s a meaningful way to honor the places that shaped them.

24. Gift card collection

Organize a “gift card bouquet” by asking guests to bring cards from the honoree’s favorite restaurants and shops. Present them in an album alongside personal notes for a thoughtful yet practical gift.

25. Concert or theater

Give the gift of entertainment. Whether it’s tickets to see a favorite musician, the orchestra, or a Broadway show, live experiences create memories that last long after the final curtain call.

Pull off your 70th birthday party ideas with Paperless Post

At Paperless Post, we make it simple to bring your best 70th birthday party ideas to life. With hundreds of beautiful, customizable birthday invitations and Flyers, you’ll find designs that perfectly match your theme.

Paperless Post also helps you streamline the planning process—track RSVPs, share updates instantly, and keep everything organized in one place. That way, you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time celebrating what really matters: making memories to last a lifetime.