Milestone birthdays are some of the most important/monumental events we experience. They can mark the passing of a decade and are the perfect opportunity to both reminisce and celebrate a life well lived.
21st, 30th and 40th birthdays are all big milestones, but it’s the 50th that truly deserves a special celebration. With half a century of living under the belt, we just know some stories need to be told!
We’ve collected 21 unique birthday party ideas to help you celebrate your or a loved one’s big day. From party themes to unusual experiences, you’ll find everything you need to throw the dream birthday bash.
21 unique 50th birthday party ideas
1. A funeral for your 40’s
Your loved one is leaving their 40s behind, so take the time to grieve their youth. Dress in black, hang photos of them from throughout their 40s and get everyone to say a goodbye speech. The comedian in your life will love this funny 50th birthday party idea!
12. The 50s for your 50th!
The 1950s is a fantastic party theme for 50th birthdays. James Dean, A Streetcar Named Desire, pineapple upside down cake – it was a time of recovery and joy after the war. Ask your guests to grease their hair back, put on their denim and tell them to bring an iconic 50s dessert.
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3. Films by decade
Movie buffs will love this 50th birthday party idea. Give each of your guests a year between the time your loved one was born and their 50th birthday. Then ask them to dress as characters from the top-performing film of that year!
This could be a big event with dancing and music or a more laidback affair with cake and a projector screening films throughout the decades.
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4. Music through the ages
Celebrate your loved one’s life through music! This unique 50th birthday party idea can take many forms. For example, you could choose to decorate your party space and dress up by taking inspiration from popular music from the year they were born.
Alternatively, you could ask each guest to dress as a different musician throughout your loved one's lifetime. Pick musicians who topped the charts or were personal favourites.
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5. A classy affair
Put together an event that’s as classy as your loved one. Think black tie, suave table settings and gold decorations. Get family members to toast to their lives and put the record player on for a sophisticated feeling.
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6. Go gold
The traditional birthday present for a 50th is gold, making it a brilliant 50th party idea. Opt for glittering decorations, a gold cake topper, sparklers and sequined outfits.
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7. Afternoon tea party
Swap the alcohol for tea and throw your loved one a lovely afternoon tea party. Bake their favourite cakes and savoury treats, then set it out beautifully amongst fresh flowers and pretty crockery. Of course, the bubbles can come out if they’re wanted!
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8. Year of birth theme
This 50th birthday party idea is all based on the year they were born. Research food, dress, decor and party ideas that were popular the year they were born and use this to theme your party. Baby photos are a must!
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9. A lowkey gathering
If your loved one doesn’t like a lot of fuss then this is the 50th birthday party idea for them. Invite a few close friends and family over, cook a homely meal and reminisce on the past.
Lowkey events can still have fun features too, like these cool drink and cigar party favours. You could make handmade place holders or unique table decorations too.
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10. Fifty and fabulous theme
There’s no one as fabulous as your loved one, so throw them a bash that celebrates their incredible personality. Go all out by hiring a venue, filling it with balloons and hiring a light-up 50th sign. Make them the centre of attention and give them all the lavish gifts!
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11. 50th birthday garden party
Monika Hibbs threw a beautiful 60th birthday garden party for her mum and we think it’s a wonderful theme for any age.
Set up your garden or any outdoor space with long tables, pastel bunting and picnic-style food. It’s a gorgeous way of celebrating your loved one, the great outdoors and the amazing weather.
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Party on with these fun ideas
Explore our 25 DIY party decoration ideas and add a touch of handmade to your 50th birthday party decor.
12. Casino-inspired 50th birthday
The theme of this 50th birthday party idea is slots and shots! Turn your house or venue into a casino with game tables, champagne and classy outfits. This idea is perfect for the risk-taker in your family and is a great, interactive theme.
You could even go full Bugsy Malone style with the kids dressed as mini waiters, croupiers and chip dealers.
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13. All around the world
Image credit: Save On Crafts
If your loved one is or was an avid traveller then throw them an around-the-world party. Decorate different rooms based on their most travelled locations and incorporate global foods into the celebrations.
You can have loads of fun with this 50th birthday party idea. For example, you can make passport-style invitations, suitcase place cards and use globes or postcards for decor.
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14. 50th birthday sports party
From football to baseball, golf to F1, there are endless sports with dedicated fan bases. If this reminds you of a person in your life, then why not base their party on their sport of choice?
Go specific with their favourite team or create decor around the sport itself. You could even throw the party on the same day as a major match (think the Superbowl or The World Cup), using the game as the main form of entertainment.
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15. Alcohol tasting
Celebrate 50 years on the planet by indulging in their favourite tipple of choice! Wine, beer or even scotch tastings are a wonderful party idea and can be made to suit most budgets.
For an affordable option, pick up a few bottles, do some research then host the event yourself. Ashley Brooke talks you through how to host a wine-tasting event on her blog.
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16. Hire a private chef
Hiring a private chef to come to your home or an event space is a delicious way of celebrating a 50th birthday. Ask everyone to chip in and choose a chef they admire or one who specialises in their favourite cuisine.
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17. A camping-inspired 50th birthday party
Image credit: Twink & Sis
Outdoor enthusiasts and Scout leaders will adore this camping-inspired 50th birthday party idea.
For a truly authentic party, take your decor, food and tents out into the wilderness or campground and host the celebrations there. Toast smores, go on walks and tell stories of their youth around the campfire.
This party theme can also be set up at home with tents in the backyard, a fire pit and some camping gear as crockery.
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18. European-themed 50th birthday party
If your loved one has a specific country or cuisine they enjoy, why not base a party around it? Italy, Greece, Spain and France are all gorgeous countries with rich culture and history.
We love Aratari At Home’s Italian-themed birthday party. Pick up some Italian wine and pair it with handmade pasta and pizza. Enjoy some classical music and celebrate the European way.
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Hosting a Christmas get-together?
Browse our 12 Christmas party themes and plan yourself a festive soiree.
19. Host a murder mystery party
Murder mystery parties are fun for all age groups and make a fantastic 50th birthday party theme. You can buy at-home murder mystery sets that talk you through all the instructions and set-up.
There are also lots of murder mystery kits available, all featuring different themes. We’ve seen Wild West, Sherlock Holmes, James Bond and even Bridgerton-themed kits! Assign your loved ones their characters then decorate the venue to suit the theme.
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20. Seasonal party
mage credit: Party Games Idea
Throw a seasonal birthday party based on your loved ones' birthday month. Winter, spring, summer and autumn are all easy themes and will celebrate the season they were born into. You can always take a more Zodiac-themed approach too, using their star sign to decorate.
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21. Sushi and sake 50th birthday party theme
Image credit: The Twisted Cake
Take your 50th birthday party celebrations to the streets of Tokyo with a sushi and sake theme. Order or make some fresh sushi, get the sake flowing and enjoy dining together.
After a couple of glasses of sake, you may all want to partake in the popular Japanese pastime of karaoke.
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Make their 50th birthday party the most special one yet
Milestone birthdays are arguably the most important birthdays of our lifetime. Show your loved one how much you adore them by throwing them a birthday party to remember.
Use our 50th birthday party ideas to find a theme that suits their style and personality. Don’t forget to personalise the party with photos, inside jokes and sweet memories.
Keep partying with these spooky celebration ideas
Now you’ve nailed the 50th birthday party, everyone will want you to host them for the scary season too! Explore our Halloween party ideas and create an event to remember.
