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Easy 70th birthday party ideas: Planning my Dad’s milestone birthday

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70th birthday party ideas
 
My dad just celebrated a milestone birthday: the big 7-0.  His 70th birthday party was so fun, as it was a reason for my siblings, nieces, and nephews to come from afar to celebrate together.  Great family memories were made, lots of delicious Puerto Rican food was cooked and eaten, and there were plenty of laughs.  Being the family’s resident party planner and DIYer, I happily took on the reigns for planning my dad’s 70th birthday party.  It was a fun challenge to come up with ideas for a 70th birthday party!
 
One of thing about planning a 70th birthday party was that it gave me the opportunity to plan a party that did not involve Thomas the Tank Engine, dinosaurs, or Lightning McQueen.  Don’t get me wrong, I love getting into the kids’ party themes, especially ones that involve puzzle games (like this DIY Escape Room Party we did)… but it was fun to have some different inspiration in the form of a 70th birthday party theme with all sorts of cool ideas for a 70th birthday bash!  I am pleased to report that the party was a success, and now, I am happy to share these 70th birthday party ideas with you!
 

My dad’s 70th birthday party theme ideas

I found lots of milestone birthday ideas for women on Pinterest, but not as many geared for 70th birthday ideas for dad.  I wanted something classy and timeless like my papá, with a gender-neutral theme.  The party color and pattern scheme I chose was black, white, gray, and chevron.  We also incorporated a lot of my dad’s personal history throughout the party with old photos.  Click here to see my planning inspiration board for this party on Pinterest.
 
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The party save-the-date card set the tone for the 70th birthday party theme using a baby and current photo of the birthday boy while also introducing some of the party colors.

The 70th birthday party invitation I made incorporated photos from throughout his life and introduced more of the party color and pattern schemes. As another idea, you can also make a fun digital birthday invitation.

70th birthday party décor ideas

Decor ideas for 70th birthday party: 70 photo collage

Here is one of the primary 70th birthday party décor pieces from the party. I collected photos from throughout his life and printed them all in black and white (even the newer photos) for aesthetic purposes. You can easily edit your own photos with a free online image editor. I made two large collages out of these images, both shaped like the number “70.” I hung black and white paper fans from the ceiling above them.

 

Here is the second of the two “70” photo collages, along with a chalkboard sign (close-up of the sign below).  This was such a fun and visual 70th birthday party idea that I made an extra one with some additional photos that I had.
 
70th birthday ideas: Chalkboard sign

Another 70th birthday idea: Inspired by something I saw on Pinterest and using a chalkboard from Target, I made this sign with some facts about life in 1944 – the year my dad was born. Chalkboards and white chalk tied in the party color scheme and was something I could use in varying ways throughout the party.

 

Using these budget-friendly 8.5″x11″ Nyttja frames from Ikea, I made seven signs that bulleted out some highlights of each of the seven decades of my father’s life as an idea for his 70th birthday party.
 
 

My niece found a beautiful cake for the occasion that was decorated simply with gray ombre chevron stripes.  This was a great 70th birthday idea for dad, as the simple chevron pattern and color scheme are gender-neutral. 
 
 

To carry our 70th birthday theme ideas, we used gray plates and utensils, along with chevron pattern napkins and cups.
 
 
70th birthday party ideas: Photo centerpiece

70th birthday party décor idea: photo centerpieces. The flowers were a steal from Trader Joe’s. The vases were simple cube vases from Michael’s to which I attached black and white photos. The face of the vases were 4″x6″ – a perfect size for a photo.

70th birthday party favor ideas

 
70th birthday party favors idea

For the 70th birthday party favors, I used plain white favor bags with a label I created on the front (using the party’s chevron scheme). The bags were filled with items that represent my dad (“Ray’s Favorite Things;” see below). As you can see, I used chalkboards for signs throughout the party (all purchased from Target).


Since my dad loves chocolate (who doesn’t?) I ordered these customizable Hershey Kiss labels from Etsy for another 70th birthday party favor idea that matched the party scheme.  
 

Since vintage photos became such a big part of the 70th birthday party décor, I also included them in an edible giveaway.  I found a great deal on custom photo cookies from Sweet Express Images (located in Colorado but will ship them fresh in time for your party).

The party favor bags (“Ray’s Favorite Things”) included a mini bottle of Bacardi Puerto Rican Rum (see below for the customized label I made), some of my dad’s signature Magic Mix seasoning, a United States Air Force decal purchased from this eBay seller, an Oregon Ducks sticker, a New York Yankees pen purchased from this eBay seller, and an individual serving of Café Bustelo.

70th birthday ideas: Give everyone a sample of dad’s favorite drink! I made these mini bottles of Bacardi myself using these empty bottles purchased from Amazon.  I created a custom Bacardi label using my dad’s name and age and printed them on 2″x4″ Avery printable labels.  This size label fit the bottle perfectly and were a cute DIY touch for the party favors (for the adults only, obviously). 

70th birthday party activity ideas


Another piece of our 70th birthday party décor was also a great interactive party activity.  I created a large poster mounted on foam core with 70 empty speech bubbles.  Guests had to add things they love about my dad so that he had this great party keepsake with lots of sweet sentiments from the party guests.
 
Overall my dad had a great 70th birthday party!  Though a party’s success is really due to the company… the different 70th birthday party ideas and décor scheme may have been icing on the cake (pun intended), but the memories came from all of the love from the people in the room celebrating with him. 
 
Don’t forget to follow @fabeveryday on Pinterest, and share and pin these ideas if you are inspired for a milestone birthday party you are planning!
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Comments

  1. Papi Cruz says

    It was a most wonderful and joyous party. I can not express how happy that made me. I thank my daughter Ramona Ruby for the planning and execution of this event. Many thanks to all who helped or contributed to make my birthday celebration, a most happy day.
    I am a very proud father.

    Reply

  3. Nancy Conway says

    What terrific ideas! I'm planning a 60th birthday party for my husband, and really want to do the speech bubble poster. So I'm also wanting to know where to get the empty speech bubble stickers! Thanks for these lovely ideas!

    Reply

  5. Nancy Conway says

    RamonaRuby, thank you so much for sharing the vector clipart! I bought the foamboard. What I don't know is how you got the clipart on to the foamboard – they aren't stencils, are they? Did you print them onto a large poster and affix that to the foamboard? Thanks again!

    Reply

  6. ramonaruby says

    Nancy, I printed them onto a large poster at FedEx Office from a PDF file (I created a PDF with the clipart by repeating the bubbles over and over until I had 70).

    Reply

  7. Jaisy Bonie says

    This event planner really appears to love her job. I didn't care for some details such as linens, flowers, or lighting, so I trusted the planner to make those decisions. So she did – and made everything look classy and cohesive. Without breaking my bank.

    Reply

  10. Jami West says

    Hi, thank you so much for the great ideas! Could you help me by telling me some of the bullets you used for the 10 years framed posters? Thank you sooo much!

    Reply

  11. Unknown says

    Hi. I am planning a 50th Anniversary party for my parents. In love the picture collage in the shape of the number. What material did you use as a sturdy backing for the collage? And also, what did you use to attach the pictures? Thank you!!

    Reply

  12. ramonaruby says

    @Jami, thank you! The bullets included highlights from that decade in my dad's life, for example: if he was stationed somewhere memorable while in the Air Force; years kids were born or marriages happened; when he moved somewhere new; when he started an important job, etc.

    @Unknown – I first cut the shapes of the numbers out of pieces of posterboard, then added a few strips of cardboard to the back to make them a little more firm. I secured the photos with photo-safe double-sided tape from a tape-runner (the kind you would use for scrapbooking).

    Reply

  15. Suburban Epicurean says

    RamnonaRuby – you mentioned above that you "created a PDF with the clipart by repeating the bubbles over and over until I had 70" – do you still have that PDF file and if so could you send it or post it? I need it for a party we are planning. PLEASE PLEASE? 😉

    Reply

  16. Wenni Donna says

    These are so terrific 70th birthday party ideas!! I can’t believe you did everything in a budget. I also need to host a grand party on my dad’s birthday. I would like to stay within my budget so please suggest some affordable Chicago venues for this party!!

    Reply

  17. Kate Schippers says

    Where did you find that awesome invitation? Best one I have seen, but haven't come across that one on any websites. Planning my father-in-law's party right now! Thank you for the ideas!

    Reply

  25. Gladys says

    This is amazing! thank you for posting this. I am planing a party for my mom that turn 70 in a month.
    What do you wrote for each decade in the frames? accomplishment/or family changes?

    Thank you

    Reply

  26. ramonaruby says

    Gladys – thank you! I did misc. highlights from the decade (year he got married, joined the Air Force, had his kids or grandkids, started big jobs, moved to a new city, etc.).

    Reply

  33. ramonaruby says

    @Jill Kramer and others – I made the speech bubbles sign in Adobe Illustrator, so the template is only editable in Illustrator. If you don't have Illustrator, I may be able to edit the sign for you and send you the PDF, but it depends on the amount of editing needed and the turnaround time for your party. Please email me at [email protected] to inquire.

    Reply

  34. Reata Williams says

    Hello! I love all of your party details and creativity. I'm celebrating my dads 80th birthday on Saturday and would love to the do "Speech Bubble" activity during the entrance of the party. If you would, can you please send a template in PDF form to [email protected]. Thank You do much!!

    Reply

  35. Katherine Martin says

    I am throwing my dad a 70th birthday party and really want to use your idea with the pictures on the wall in the 70 shape. Did you have a stencil to go by to shape the '7' and the '0'? What size pictures did you use? Would like to put pictures on a poster and then just hang the poster rather than each individual picture but I am having a hard time making the numbers look like yours. Please help!

    Reply

  43. Anna Fox says

    I'm planning my first milestone birthday party. It's a 50th for my boyfriend. Also must it is a nice break from the sparkles, pink & princess theme I am used to planning for our girl parties.
    I have searched Pinterest long and hard to get ideas for a surprise 50th. I came across the party you planned for your Father. You and your family did such a beautiful job planning each detail. I never leave comments but would like to thank you for sharing all these wonderful ideas with everyone.
    I had no idea Target had so many chalkboards, plan to incorporate them as you did throughout. I also loved the picture collage of 70 and the bubble poster. The vases with the picture is a great center piece. I take alot of pictures and these are great ideas to incorporate them into the theme.

    My questions you used so many pictures. How did you save on printing them? Did you use a desktop printer or printing service?

    Also you said for the bubbles you created an Adobe template then had FedEx print a poster. Did you order the poster online through their site? I did not realize they printed posters.

    Thank you again so much for sharing your father's beautiful party and answering so many of our questions.

    Reply

  44. ramonaruby says

    Hi @Anna Fox! I just replied to your email, but so that others can see the response to your questions, here is some of the info again. Thank you for the kind words about the party!

    For the pictures (for the vases and the large 70 collage), I printed the pictures myself onto cardstock. Since they were all black and white, and since I needed so many, it was more cost-effective to just print them myself. As you can see, they still looked good, even though they were printed on cardstock (and not glossy photo paper). I just cut the pictures out myself from the cardstock (since it was just regular 8.5×11 cardstock). I secured the photos to the vases with double-sided tape.

    I printed the "70 things…" sign at FedEx Office, and I actually took the PDF file to them in store with a USB flash drive. I tend to always go in so I can explain what I am trying to do. When you respond to my email with your boyfriend's name, I will send you the PDF print-ready template and some printing instructions for you to take to FedEx.

    Hope this helps!

    Reply

  45. Marlyn says

    Wow, absolutely love all of your ideas!

    I'm holding a surprise 70th party for my father, but on a tight budget. Could you possibly send me some of your templates.

    Thank you so much x

    Reply

  46. largalas says

    I am having a 70th party for my husband and would love to use some of your ideas. Could you send me the PDF of the 70 Things…. speech bubbles?

    Reply

  47. jen rodriguez says

    Wow!! Everything you've done is awesome! Hoe long did it take you to put all this together? Months? Its my parents 70th this year and planning something but feel time constrained. Thanks

    Reply

  54. Unknown says

    I want to use the Bacardi favors for my father's 70th party as well in a few weeks. I'm technologically challenged. How can I get the labels to say "Steve"? Do you have a template you can email to me at [email protected]. Thank you.

    Reply

  55. LuckyPogo says

    Wow! I am blown away by your party planning skills. Beautiful details! I'm last minute party planning and would love to use the speech bubbles and bacardi labels, if you would be able to share my email is [email protected] This might just save the day 😎

    Reply

  56. stevenjared0853 says

    Loved the superb celebrations of your dad’s birthday. My brother has planned a large exhibition of all his paintings at one of marvelous venues in Chicago next month. Hope he gets good response from all his clients and public. Helping him in doing arrangements!

    Reply

  62. Expressa says

    Hello,

    This is fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing. I am throwing my father a 70th birthday party next Saturday and I would like to use your ideas. The party is in Dallas (I'm in Phoenix) so it will help me to plan and be able to ship stuff there. As most people asked, can I please also have the PDF or adobe illustrator- whatever it is- for the thought bubbles. I will PAY! =)

    God bless you for being so kind and sharing your creativity (and just plain party planning brilliance. =)

    My email address is [email protected]

    Best, Adrian Strong.

    Reply

  65. Ramona | Fab Everyday says

    Hi everyone – I don't check comments on old posts like this frequently. If you have requests for printables or PDFs, please email me directly at [email protected] to ensure I see it. For the 70 things poster, the file was made in Adobe Illustrator, so unless you have that program, I will need to customize your file for you and send you the print-ready PDF. In that case, I will need the name of your loved one as you like it listed on the sign, the age (70, etc.) for the number of bubbles, and the date of your party. I do my best to get it to you quickly, but can't guarantee I have time to or access to my laptop and software to create custom files if the turnaround time is limited.

    Reply

  69. Eliana Jimenez says

    Hello Ramona Ruby, I LOVE the 70 collage of pictures and I am going to make one for my husband’s 70th next month. My question is how tall were the numbers? Did you have to put several poster boards together to make each number? Thank you! You did a phenomenal job with his party planning! I hope I can pull the surprise party for him (just a few family members but I want to make it very special).
    Thanks!
    Eliana

    Reply

    • Ramona Cruz-Peters says

      The party will be so special! Each number was just a little larger than a piece of standard poster board. I used as much as I could of the board to create the number shape, then with the images layered on it ended up being a little bigger on all sides. I hope this helps! Best of luck with your husband’s special day.

      Reply

  70. Dee says

    Hi There,
    I came across your page while searching for ideas for my father’s 70th bday. You did an awesome job and have such great ideas. I know this is several years later but do you still have a template for the 70 years of ray and the 70 things we love about you? My email address is [email protected]

    Thanks!

    Reply

  71. Nina says

    Great ideas! I’m throwing my moms 70th. I was wondering how many and what size photos you used for the “70” photo collages. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Ramona Cruz-Peters says

      Thank you, and happy early birthday to your mom! I used 3.5″x5″ pictures. I don’t remember exactly how many I used, but I remember that I printed so many that I had to make 2 “70” collages with them. It worked so that I had a slightly smaller one to place in another spot at the party.

      Reply

  72. Rhonda Castaneda says

    Hi There!

    It’s 2021 and these ideas are still going into my dad’s 70th birthday party (his name is Ray too!). I would so appreciate it if you could please forward me the PDF for the 70 things we love about you, it’s still super neat!

    Thanks so much,

    Rhonda ([email protected])

    Reply

  73. Deb Fox says

    My husband’s 70th birthday is next month and you’ve given me great inspiration. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Ramona Cruz-Peters says

      I am so happy to hear that! Happy birthday to him, and best of luck with your party!

      Reply

  74. Katherine says

    My Dad’s surprise 70th birthday party is in a couple weeks and I would love to make the speech bubble poster. What size poster did you use and do you happen to have a template you could email me?

    Love all your ideas!

    Thank you,

    Katherine ([email protected])

    Reply

    • Ramona Cruz-Peters says

      Hi Katherine! Thank you for the kind words! I printed the speech bubble sign at 24″x36″. I made the poster in Adobe Illustrator, so unless you have that program and the fonts I used, I don’t really have a template. However, if you send me an email with your dad’s name as you’d like it listed on the poster I can see about editing it for you. My email is [email protected].

      Reply

  75. Patrice Argel says

    Hi Ramona 🙂 Just want to say THANK YOU for your creative and budget friendly ideas! I’m planning my husband’s 70th birthday and these are sooo helpful 🙂 May I ask what type of food fare did you go with? I’m in the decision process of heavy appetizers with dessert or serving lunch/dinner. What worked for you?

    Thank you again and happy to have found your ideas in 2022!

    Reply

    • Ramona Cruz-Peters says

      Hi Ellen! Thank you! The PDF isn’t in an editable template (I made it in Adobe Illustrator). But depending on the timing of your party, if you email me your loved one’s name I can see about editing the file for you and sending it to you as a print-ready PDF. Please email me at [email protected] with the name of your loved one as you’d like it listed on the sign. Good luck with your party!

      Reply

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