Fabulous 45th Birthday Ideas, From Trips to Gifts
While turning 40 and 50 are considered milestone birthdays, there’s no reason you can’t go big when turning the big 4-5! To help you celebrate, we’re sharing 45th birthday ideas that are sure to make this moment unforgettable.
From road trips and unique gifts to party themes, decor, and birthday party invitations, it’s time to start planning the big day whether it’s for yourself or someone else.
45th Birthday Ideas: 14 Ways to Celebrate This Special Moment
You don’t have to wait until your 50th birthday to have an epic celebration. Kick things off a few years early with a big bash for your 45th birthday. Here are 14 top ways to mark this milestone year — from birthday party decorations and birthday party themes to activities you won’t want to miss.
1. Get a Custom Birthday Cake
Every 45-year-old has to have a unique birthday cake! Make this year’s birthday celebration extra-special by ordering a custom cake or cupcakes. Match the cake to your party theme or choose metallic hues for a glamorous touch.
Consider ordering a cake that looks like one of your favorite things — like an aquarium, geode, or movie set.
2. Choose a Retro Theme
Design: Becky Nimoy Stationery
Throw it back with a retro-themed bash to honor one of your favorite decades — even if you weren’t even born yet! Glam up with a 1920s Great Gatsby-themed party or funky 70s theme party. Or break out the hairspray and neon leggings for a totally awesome 80s party or 90s theme party.
Other retro birthday party ideas include the 50s where guests can don iconic poodle skirts or the 2000s for some early aughts fun. Whatever decade you pick, be sure to include the dress code in your invite. Choose a design like the Party Pattern Invitation to celebrate your big day and party like it’s 1999!
3. Book a Celebrity to Say “Happy Birthday!”
If you’re planning the festivities for your bestie’s b-day, one of the best 45th birthday gift ideas is to hire their favorite celebrity for a personalized message. Sites like Cameo let you choose from a variety of athletes, actors, musicians, comedians, reality stars, and others to offer personal video messages and even phone calls.
4. Decorate the Venue
No milestone b-day bash is complete without decor. Whether you’re hosting the event at a private event space or in your own home, choose 45th birthday decorations to set the scene. Greet guests with a birthday banner and add a touch of pizazz by sprinkling tables with colorful (and biodegradable) confetti.
For more formal events, decorate the tables with centerpieces and use metallic serveware for a touch of elegance. Cloth napkins and tablecloths elevate the scene while disposable plates make for easy cleanup at more casual events.
Pro tip: Opt for eco-friendly party decorations that’ll give everyone (including Mother Nature) a whole lot more to celebrate.
5. Visit a Brewery or Winery
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Speaking of 45th birthday presents, what better way to celebrate yourself or a best friend‘s big day than with a trip to a brewery or winery? Make it a weekend trip to spend more time together or plan an evening of beer or wine tasting.
If you don’t live near a suitable venue, host the tasting at your place. Pick up a few fancy bottles of wine or some unique craft beers for everyone to try. Let guests know what to expect by sending out a fabulous invitation like the Wine Country Invitation.
Pro tip: Use our guide to host the perfect wine tasting party.
6. Go Skydiving
You don’t live to be 45 years old without taking some risks in life. So if you want to celebrate this moment doing something you’ve (probably) never done before, go skydiving! The adrenaline rush will make you feel so alive. If that’s taking it a little too far, not to worry. Try a different adventure sport like skiing, kayaking, or bungee jumping.
7. Take a Road Trip
Celebrate 45 years of awesomeness with an epic road trip. Hit the road on your own, bring the family in tow, or plan a special trip with lifelong friends. Decide if you want to pre-plan the trip with scheduled stops or if you feel like winging it on the open road.
Don’t feel limited to just taking a road trip. Plan an international adventure like a European eco-tourism trip or a relaxing Caribbean vacay. Show friends your appreciation by ordering custom stainless steel flasks, personalized leather luggage tags, or matching birthday T-shirts they can use on the trip.
8. Get Outdoors
Design: Sandra Picco Design, LLC
Get back to nature and celebrate the little things in life with a jaunt in the great outdoors. Pack up the car and go camping in a National Park or visit your favorite stream for a fishing trip. Get guests excited for the adventure with a creative invite like this Fishing Trip Invitation.
9. Buy a Special Gift for Yourself
Celebrating your birthday doesn’t always mean planning an elaborate party. Instead, give yourself a special gift to celebrate 45. Order a limited-edition pair of shoes you’ve been eyeing, a piece of fine jewelry, or a high-quality bottle of wine. Another great 45th birthday present: tickets to a special performance you’ll never forget.
10. Have a Living Room Dance Party
If there’s one thing you’ve learned by the time your 45th birthday arrives, it’s that the best things in life don’t cost a dime. All you need are good friends and good tunes to have a great time! Grab a few party supplies like a Bluetooth speaker and blue lights to turn your living room into a dance party. Put out a few snacks and ask guests to BYOB for fantastic, fuss-free festivities.
11. Set Sail on a Boat
Design: Claudia Owen
If you love being out on the open water, plan a boating adventure for your birthday. Cruise on a stable catamaran (ideal if you tend to get seasick), book a mega yacht for a fancy affair, or keep it simple with a sailboat.
Book a boat captain to do the work for you or head out on your own boat for a relaxing day. Invite all your friends to attend with a design like the Golden Anchor Invitation. Add music to the invite for a touch of fun or dress it up with a wax seal.
12. Plan a Pro Photo Shoot
Whether you need gift ideas for yourself, a family member, or a friend, you can’t go wrong with a special photo shoot. Hire a professional photographer — maybe even a makeup artist and hair stylist — for a truly VIP affair. Make it a funny 45th birthday photo shoot with silly props and costumes, keep it chic with elegant staged scenes, or do a combination of both. Either way, you’ll have images (and memories) to cherish forever.
13. Say Thanks With Party Favors
Even if you’re having a casual birthday get-together, show your loved ones how much you appreciate them there by giving them party favors. Make your own gift bags with little trinkets or snacks as a thank you for celebrating your special day.
14. Go to a Sporting Event
Design: Signature Greenvelope
Take the birthday guy or gal out to a ball game or other sporting event. Head to the local diamond and invite guests to watch the game with you. This Baseball Stitch Invitation is ideal for spreading the word. Alternatively, you could go to a soccer game, basketball game, or tennis match. You can also tee off with a round of golf or play the latest trendy game: pickleball.
45 and Fabulous: It’s Time to Celebrate!
With these exciting ways to celebrate a 45th birthday, you’re sure to plan a memorable event. Choose a party theme for added fun or plan a special outing you’ll remember for years to come.
Get guests geared up for the big event by choosing digital invitations from Greenvelope. Pick a design that matches your event and customize it by changing the color scheme and typography. Add design elements and send it off in seconds via email or text.
Need more party ideas? Our Stationers blog is packed with party themes, decor ideas, and games that keep the fun going. Plus, you’ll find dozens of unique ways to make each celebration your own.
