The golden birthday is a fun celebration for a birthday that corresponds with the date of a birthday to the age a person is turning. For example, if your birthday is March 10th, your golden birthday is at 10 years old. A birthday on the 25th? Your golden birthday would be when you turn 25. Today we’ll chat a bit about where the tradition of golden birthdays comes from, some ideas for a fun and thematic golden-themed celebration, as well as some gift ideas for milestone birthdays. Ready? Set? Celebrate!
Where did golden birthdays come from?
The origin of the golden birthday is up for debate, but it’s believed that American author Joan Bramsch is the originator of the concept when she publicly celebrated her children’s golden birthdays in the 1950s. The idea caught on and became popular.
Additionally, the golden birthday is considered especially lucky and special since it only occurs once in a lifetime.
If you’re over the age of 31 and are feeling sad you may have missed your golden birthday, have no fear! Turning the age of your birth year is considered a platinum birthday. So if you’re born in 1980, get ready to party it up on your 80th birthday! Plus, the traditional theme of a 50th birthday is gold, so you'll get a glittering celebration either way, with or without a party.
Golden birthdays are meant to be celebrated!
So now we’re clear on what a golden birthday is, how can we celebrate this momentous event? With a golden birthday party, of course! Here are some tips and birthday party ideas to make your birthday bash the once-in-a-lifetime event it really is.
- A gold-embellished Kudoboard: Admittedly we’re biased around here, but Kudoboard features tons of outlines, designs, and backgrounds for the perfect golden birthday card.
- All-gold outfits: Request guests wear as much gold as they can. Bling it on, baby! I am loving this wide variety of gold-themed party invitations.
- Golden decor: Check out this fun cake topper, personalized gold balloons, and decorative banner. And of course, it wouldn’t really be a true golden birthday party without some gold glitter confetti. Just stop by the closest party or dollar store for golden party supplies and decorations and VOILA. It says "Happy Golden Birthday" in a flash.
- Golden-hued eats and treats: How about caramel popcorn, gold foil chocolates (Godiva, anyone?), Goldfish crackers, Twinkies, or Golden Grahams Bars?
- A gold medal gathering: Plan an Olympics-themed bash complete with obstacle courses, games and fun, and of course some gold medals! Here are some great Olympic-themed party games.
- A Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fete: Don’t forget about the classic Golden Ticket! Include a chocolate fountain, chocolate making, and of course, pop some golden popcorn and watch the movie (I’m partial to the 1971 version).
- Pop some bottles! Champagne is, of course, a golden color, and the bubbly deliciousness is the perfect beverage for celebrating. This post about putting together the ultimate champagne bar definitely got my wheels turning!
The possibilities for a gleaming golden birthday party are limitless.
Golden birthday gift ideas
A golden birthday is a perfect occasion for some themed birthday gifts! Check out these ideas.
- Some (actual) gold: A golden birthday is a perfect occasion to gift some gold jewelry. Check out this Alex and Ani Birthday Bangle, this dainty gold initial necklace, or this monstera leaf necklace for the plant lover in your life - all perfect gifts for this sparkly occasion.
- Gold Perfume by Commodity: This perfume has great reviews and fits right along with the theme! If this particular perfume isn’t your jam, there are plenty of beautiful gold bottles of perfume for a scent-sational golden birthday gift.
- Gold Wireless PS4 Controller: I cannot think of a better golden birthday gift for the gamer in your life than this stylish controller. This is a practical gift, but it features that thematic golden flair we’re going for. Perfect!
- Golden Girls goodies: This classic show makes a great gift theme for a golden birthday, like with these shot glasses, ankle socks, Golden Girls Clue, and this hilarious Sophia planter. Be warned that your gift-giving prowess might result in a spontaneous rendition of “Thank You For Being a Friend.”
- Edible Glitter Dust: This pretty beverage accent comes in three varieties: raspberry rose gold, blood orange gold, and classic gold, so this is sure to delight anyone looking to add some pizazz to their Instagram-worthy cocktails.
- Gold Roses: If you're looking for something decadent, you can make your recipient feel extra special with these luxurious flowers.
Milestone birthday celebration ideas
Now, what if your golden birthday also happens to be a milestone birthday year as well? That means the celebration must be extra glittering golden and special! Here are some awesome gift ideas for those big birthday years.
One
Ten
Sixteen
Eighteen
Twenty One
Thirty
All that glitters is gold
Whether you’re planning a golden birthday bash for your kiddo, looking for a gift for a milestone birthday, or are patiently waiting for your platinum birthday, Kudoboard is here to help you make every day memorable. Creating a Kudoboard for a loved one is the icing on the sparkly shiny golden birthday cake! Cheers to a once-in-a-lifetime golden birthday celebration, and happy birthday from Kudoboard!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's a golden birthday?
The Golden Birthday is when the date of your birthday corresponds with the age you're turning (i.e. for someone with a May 12 birthday, their Golden Birthday would be when they turn 12.)
What if I missed my golden birthday?
Never fear! A Platinum Birthday is when your birth year corresponds with the age you're turning (i.e. for someone born in 1970, their Platinum Birthday comes when they turn 70.)
How can I celebrate a golden birthday?
Any way you'd like! But a party with gold-hued decor and themes is a great place to start. If you want to make someone feel extra special on their special day, get them a golden gift that's perfect for the occasion. (See above for ideas.) Or put together a birthday-themed Kudoboard for an extra personalized celebration.
