Golden Birthday Party Ideas

Have you heard of a Golden Birthday? Not to be confused with an individual’s 50^th birthday, a Golden Birthday is a once-in-a-lifetime event that happens when you turn the age that matches your birthdate. Depending on what date you were born, you only have until the age of 31 to celebrate this special birthday.

An American midwestern author, Joan Bramsch, is attributed with creating the concept of Golden Birthdays. She apparently got the idea in 1955 and it spread from her family, to her community, and then beyond. Today, this idea of a Golden Birthday has spread worldwide. Some people have this birthday before they learn this is a thing. However, if you realize you, or someone you know, are going to have a Golden Birthday, why not make it extra special? 

How to Celebrate a Golden Birthday

The first thing that probably comes to mind when planning a Golden Birthday party, is the color GOLD and using this color as much as possible in the food, decorations, and other details. Gold-colored paper products, gold wrapping paper, gold balloons, gold wrapped candy – you get the idea. Take the items you would normally have at a birthday party and see if you can easily swap for gold-themed items.

Food Ideas 

What’s a party without food? Incorporating gold food into your party plans is a great place to start.

Candy: Create a Candy Bar with mini Reese’s cups, Rolo, chocolate gold coins, fun-size Twix, Werther’s Original Caramels, Ferrero Rocher, or any other candy wrapped in gold.

Cookies & Ice Cream Cones: Create your own gold-colored food with Wilton Gold Color Mist (shimmering food color spray). This works on cookies, like Oreos or fortune cookies, and ice cream cups or cones. 

Cake or Cupcakes: Gold accents on a cake or cupcakes is a simple way to add some glittery details to the party food. Whether you choose gold sanding sugar, gold sugar pearl sprinkles, or metallic gold royal icing, there are easy ways to have a gold-themed cake or cupcakes.

Savory Snacks: Goldfish crackers, tortilla chips and cheese sauce, mozzarella cheese sticks, or wontons are all savory foods that would be a great addition to a Golden Birthday party.

Decoration Ideas

After you have planned out your menu, it is time to think about gold-themed decorations. The party’s decor can range from simple to extravagant. Most party supply stores have gold balloons – both small and large – and gold streamers. Also consider gold paper products and table decorations. Gold stars, gold streamer curtain, confetti, party bead necklaces – you get the idea. 

If the Golden Birthday is for a child, the decorations may be simpler and could also include a gold-themed piñata. If the party is for an adult, the decorations may include gold wine glasses. Many of the ideas I got for a Golden Birthday came from Pinterest. When searching, also check Pinterest for pins with New Year’s Eve party décor ideas. You may also want to consider getting large gold numbered balloons to show the age of the person celebrating the Golden Birthday. 

Activities & Other Ideas

A Golden Birthday celebration may include a party, or you may decide to add an outing or some other activities. You could watch Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and incorporate some golden tickets into the party. For adults, you could host a Casino Night. Or create a treasure or scavenger hunt for party goers. 

For a teenager, especially a girl, you may want to splurge on gold manicures or pedicures. If you live near somewhere that does gold panning, part of the festivities could include trying to strike it rich. 

Whatever you decide to do, celebrating a Golden Birthday is unique and only happens once in your lifetime. Even the simplest enhancements will make this lucky birthday memorable and extra special.

When was your Golden Birthday? Did you do anything special for this once-in-a-lifetime birthday? Looking forward to hearing from you in the comments!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”