Happy 80th birthday: 80 wishes, 8 longer messages and 5 gifts for celebrating the big 8-0
Frauke Geuking
(Senior Editor)
We’ve put together some quotes and birthday wishes for you to wish any kind of birthday boy or girl a happy 80th birthday. Use them for inspiration or write them out word for word in a birthday card. We also have some nice gift ideas for celebrating 80 too.
Everyone celebrates their 80th birthday differently. Some 80-year-olds organize a big celebration with a whole host of guests, whilst others love to spend it in a close circle with coffee and cake and let it pass by rather quietly. In any case, here you’ll find a suitable way of saying happy birthday, whatever the birthday boy or girl likes to do.
The best ways of saying happy 80th birthday
The best ways of saying happy 80th birthday
80 years old – an impressive age that not everyone has the privilege of seeing, so it is quite normal that not every 80-year-old is still fit and healthy.
Some are vibrant and some are taking life a little more easily, which is why you should always adapt your birthday wishes to the recipient.
Lots of our messages rhyme because this generation grew up with rhymes and sayings and had to learn well-known poems by heart at school.
Heart-warming 80th birthday wishes
80th birthdays are particularly joyous occasions, and a heart-warming way of saying happy birthday should not go amiss, whether for a relative, friend or acquaintance.
These wishes are suitable for everyone, appropriate to the occasion and honor the achievement of having reached an impressive 80 years of age. However, you should always make sure that your message also suits the recipient.
- I wish you health, happiness and no tears,
And you should continue to look forwards even after 80 years.
Forget about your worries and all the rest today.
Seize the occasion and enjoy your birthday.
(Unknown) - It’s your 80th birthday – congratulations!
I wish you only good things and good vibrations.
Young at heart, you are for sure,
But in some respects, also very mature.
Let yourself enjoy and honor the occasion,
Raise your glass to the celebration.
(Unknown) - Happy birthday for the 80th time,
The clock ticks forwards, you’re still in your prime!
Only good things are coming your way:
Health, joy and serenity, and they’re here to stay!
(Unknown) - Recipe for a happy life:
Take some happiness,
Add a dash of love,
Some patience and a little time,
Then sprinkle over some success and contentment.
Give the whole thing a good stir,
And serve up a long and happy life.
(Unknown) - Enjoy celebrating your 80th year.
I’m sure it will be full of cheer!
Celebrate and enjoy the day,
Keep your good spirits, don’t lose your way.
Let health always be on your side,
And don’t get down, take life in your stride.
(Unknown) - Instead of complaining about getting older, rather be proud of the fact that you have already overcome a whole lot of decades in this world! I’m proud of you and wish you a little more serenity, joy and lots of laughter for your 80th birthday!
(Unknown) - He who thinks to realize when he is older the hopes and desires of youth is always deceiving himself, for every decade of a man’s life possesses its own kind of happiness, its own hopes and prospects.
(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe) - Remember not only what has been done, but still what will be done. Happy birthday!
(Unknown) - You have no more responsibilities now you’ve turned 80! Your kids have grown up and work is over – now you have time to do what you’ve always wanted to do.
(Unknown) - Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you’ve got to start young.
(Theodore Roosevelt) - I wish you health and good luck on your 80th birthday. You have always been a great joy to me, and I look back on our time together with pleasure. But today, let’s look forwards and be of good cheer. Happy birthday!
(Unknown) - I hope, on this joyous day,
That whatever comes your way,
You have the most beautiful celebration,
And raise a glass in honor of the occasion!
(Unknown) - Eighty years ago, you saw the light of day. I hope you look back on all that time with a smile.
(Unknown) - Today you celebrate your 80th birthday and there are so many people that appreciate you. Over all the years, you have always given and also received love. For your family and numerous other friends, you are like a strong, beautiful tree. A place where one likes to linger because it gives you strength and offers protection. We thank you for this and wish you continued energy, a zest for life and good health.
(Unknown) - At 80, you have achieved many goals,
Certainly things were not always easy.
We wish you now and for years to come,
Lots of love and happiness.
(Unknown)
Choose one to make the birthday boy or girl smile. For example, if you know that rhymes are popular with the newly-turned 80-year-old or they like poetry, you should definitely choose a rhyming message.
The same goes when it comes to personal references, like children, grandchildren or even toasting with alcohol. For example, if the person does not drink or does not have any children or grandchildren, it does not make sense to choose a message with these kinds of references. So read your birthday wishes carefully beforehand and make sure they’re suitable
Quotes about ageing for seniors who are taking it easy
Quotes about ageing for seniors who are taking it easy
At 80, you’ve really earned your rest. Many 80-year-olds enjoy their lives free from stress and time pressure and take things at a more leisurely pace, and some may even have some physical afflictions.
We have picked out some appropriate ways of saying happy birthday for these kinds of seniors, including some pearls of wisdom and wise quotes.
- The beauty of age is that even though your horizons broaden, you become increasingly short-sighted.
(Unknown) - "Carpe diem!" – seize the day! This saying from the Roman Horace should apply to every one of us at any age. Let it continue to guide you, too, through a life filled with joy, initiative and relaxation.
- We are all getting calmer and older, but your youthful charisma remains.
(Unknown) - And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.
(Abraham Lincoln) - So at eighty, one has
settled in, most certainly.
Things are now quieter and more comfortable,
But also quite pleasant.
(Unknown) - At 80, life certainly hasn’t always been a breeze,
but you’ve accomplished all your personal goals, now you can do as you please!
(Unknown) - Youth is happy because it has the ability to see beauty. Anyone who keeps the ability to see beauty never grows old.
(Franz Kafka) - Reaching 80 years takes a lot of strength and nerves of steel. You have lived through these years very well and earned some time to relax.
(Unknown) - It’s clear that you have not always experienced the sunny side of life in your 80 long years. But you have persevered and we are proud of you. Enjoy the quiet times, you are a wonderful person and have earned it!
(Unknown) - 80 is a milestone,
All these years, one day I would also like to have known.
I hope then I will also have achieved as much as you
And that I can enjoy time through and through,
As it passes by at a slower pace,
Oh what a grace!
Warm wishes from me on reaching this impressive age.
(Unknown) - He who does not understand the meaning of his age has all the misfortunes of his age.
(Voltaire) - The age is after all just a number.
(Unknown) - In youth we learn, in age we understand.
(Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach) - Like a fine wine or a vintage car, your value only increases over the years.
(Unknown) - Staying young means not letting your memories age with you.
(Peter Sirius)
At the impressive age of 80, you have already experienced and seen a lot. Most 80-year-olds probably have children or grandchildren and a spouse.
Most importantly, they have lived through social change and witnessed firsthand what we now call history. They are witnesses of their time and should be given the chance to share what they have experienced, even in their old age.
It is worth paying close attention to their stories and being patient, for they carry a wisdom that only their years can bring. You can also show your appreciation of this wisdom through your birthday wishes and encourage the birthday boy or girl to share something from their youth.
Cheeky ways of saying happy birthday for fit 80-year-olds
Cheeky ways of saying happy birthday for fit 80-year-olds
Fitness is relative at that age, of course. Only very few people are really fit and athletic anymore, but there are numerous 80-year-olds who are still quite energetic for their age. Many still ride a bicycle or even go walking.
Here we have some messages for you that are suitable for fit 80-year-olds who are still sparkling with life and show that life is not over at 80.
Seniors who live by the motto that there is always something to do and that they should still live life to the fullest will love these birthday wishes.
- Congratulations on your 80th birthday. I am impressed and proud of you. You make good use of your time, keep your body and mind fit and take care of those around you – you are truly a role model for all 80-year-olds!
(Unknown) - Your body is healthy and fit, your mind is wise.
Isn’t this the perfect time to reach for the skies?
(Unknown) - Of slowing down, there’s no sign
Taking a trip, now doesn’t that sound fine?
Think about it, where have you never been?
Use your imagination, where would the grass be green?
I’d love to go there with you,
To have some fun and enjoy the view.
(Unknown) - The harvest of old age is the recollection and abundance of blessing previously secured.
(Marcus Tullius Cicero) - Congratulations from the bottom of my heart.
At 80, you must be really smart.
You’re still agile and super fit,
Bouncing around like karate kid.
(Unknown) - You’re 80 years old? We’re sorry, but we had to ask the question as no one can believe it. Are you sure it’s right? Can it really be? People can’t believe it by looking at you! You look tremendous and you’re still far from belonging to the "old folks".
(Unknown) - The paint is far from peeling off, your life still keeps you well on your toes. Even at your eighty years of age, you are constantly testing your limits. Keep it up, there’ll be no stopping you.
(Unknown) - Every minute you laugh will extend your life by an hour.
(Chinese saying) - At eighty years of age, you are still fit and whole!
Let’s have lots of champagne to celebrate reaching this goal.
Stay as you are and enjoy your life,
Because not laughing means living in strife!
(Unknown) - Even at 80, life is still pulsing through your veins and today you are surrounded by your loved ones – let’s celebrate.
(Unknown) - At 80 you can finally do all those great wild things.
(Unknown) - For 80 you’re doing really well, it’s true,
And for that we take our hats off to you.
Stay healthy and sometimes remember to take a break,
Then making it to 90 will be a piece of cake.
(Unknown) - You are still so full of verve,
So I think I’ll have the nerve
To go ahead and invite you
To dance class, so we can dance in two.
Please let me know, please do tell,
If you would like to join as well?
(Unknown) - You’re 80 now, I can hardly believe my eyes,
It’s like you’re wearing some kind of disguise.
You’re still so active, you could climb a mountain or two,
What an achievement, I take my hat off to you.
(Unknown) - It is so unfair that you manage to wear
Eighty years in a youthful way!
For your healthy glow and the spring in your step
Take many of those years away!
You age almost not with hardly a spot
I can scarcely believe my eyes
Please share how you manage, if only with me,
How you stay both good-looking and wise.
(Unknown)
People make it fit and healthy to 80 either because of a healthy lifestyle or really good genes. Fit 80-year-olds are still active and like to use their remaining time to try new hobbies, do some more work or take care of their grandchildren.
Find more birthday wishes here.
Short 80th birthday wishes
Short 80th birthday wishes
Use our short sayings and quotes to fill your card, recite them as a toast or write them on a gift tag. You should make your choice depending on how well you know the birthday boy or girl.
If you’re wishing an acquaintance happy birthday, a short phrase can stand on its own. If you’re congratulating a relative or good friend, however, you should always write a message of your own in their birthday card too.
- 80 years have passed, a lot has been achieved. I wish you good luck on every path you take, good health, a long life and plenty of cake.
(Unknown) - One never notices what has been done, one can only see what remains to be done.
(Marie Curie) - The longer a good violin is played, the more beautiful is its tone.
(German proverb) - The secret of happiness is to count the highlights of life instead of birthdays.
(Mark Twain) - 80, my goodness, congratulations on such an impressive age! There are so many people who love you.
(Unknown) - You have been here on earth for 80 long years, and believe me, everyone wants to reach this age – cheers!
(Unknown) - Eighty is a very impressive age. Happy birthday – I wish you health, happiness and good humor!
(Unknown) - I hope that you radiate as much zest for life over the next 10 years as you do today.
(Unknown) - I have such great admiration for you and wish you only the best – a long life with joy, happiness, good health and good cheer.
(Unknown) - You still have a lot of momentum at 80 years of age – you are definitely still young at heart.
(Unknown) - 80 steps on the ladder of life. I hope you continue to climb them free from strife.
(Unknown) - 80 years young – you are full of life, full of oomph!
(Unknown) - Health and happiness are your constant companions,
Helping you overcome life’s largest canyons!
Happy 80th Birthday!
(Unknown) - Here you sit now at 80 years of age, hair turned gray but ready to turn another page.
For your children and grandchildren you have always been there, so thank you, for all your love and care.
(Unknown) - Happy 80th birthday! Here’s to many more birthdays to come.
(Unknown)
Even if your recipient uses a cell phone or has WhatsApp, you’re still better off congratulating them in person or by mail. The older generation simply appreciates it much more and will value it highly.
Funny 80th birthday wishes
Funny 80th birthday wishes
Jokes and funny phrases should be used with care, especially when wishing someone a happy 80th birthday, as at this age, making a joke about someone’s age can really rub them up the wrong way. Senses of humor can also differ greatly from generation to generation.
Of course, there are many people in this generation who have a modern sense of humor and cheerful disposition, so any of the following birthday wishes will be well-suited. Before picking one of them, weigh up whether the birthday boy or girl understands your sense of humor and think about whether or not they’d be miffed about receiving a funny message on their 80th birthday.
- The best part about being eighty is that you did all your stupid stuff before the internet.
(Unknown) - At 80 years old, you’re like a classic car. Rich in miles, slight signs of use, but still in good shape.
(Unknown) - You’re like a fine wine,
You get better with age.
Life experience makes for a good aroma,
Strong in taste and young in finish.
You pack a punch,
And go well with many things.
Such a fine wine must be stored well.
Here’s to many more years of you on this earth!
(Unknown) - To be young is beautiful; to be old is comfortable.
(Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach) - Hey, you’re now 29,200 days old. That’s quite an accomplishment!
(Unknown) - A few words of wisdom on the secret of eternal youth: lie about your true age.
(Unknown) - According to statistics, you’ve had well over 80,000 kisses in your life so far, and I’m sure you’ll add a few thousand more today!
(Unknown) - Finally 80 – now you have the right to hit those who annoy you with your walking stick!
(Unknown) - You’ve turned 80? Great, the perfect age for cruises – let’s go!
(Unknown) - Congratulations, you’ve finally reached the wonder years… wonder where your car is parked? Wonder where you left your phone? Wonder where your glasses are? Wonder what day it is?
(Unknown) - The years have passed by without a trace. It must have been the weekends that made their mark.
(Unknown) - You didn’t turn 80 today, but 60 with 20 years of experience.
(Unknown) - Here’s to a happy 80 years,
And cheers to many more.
Who cares that you are greying?
We love you to the core!
(Unknown) - You know you’re 80 when someone offers you a seat on the bus. And you don’t refuse.
(Unknown) - If someone calls you old, how dare they! Hit them with your walking stick and throw your dentures at them!
Humor nowadays is often in the gray area, sarcastic and rather borderline. This can tend to be seen as bad manners to the older generation.
The society in which today’s 80-year-olds grew up was driven by rules and abiding by the norm. It wasn’t seen as proper to openly address uncomfortable topics like ageing – let alone make fun of them.
Please remember that you should always write your own little message to wish someone a happy birthday in earnest, in addition to a funny phrase or quote.
If you use funny phrases properly, they can lift the mood and make both the guests and birthday boy or girl laugh. Use them as part of a toast or to round off a birthday speech.
Especially for a speech that was a bit more serious or even emotional, it pays to end it with a funny phrase to get everyone back into a good mood in a flash.
Short poems for wishing someone a happy 80th birthday
Short poems for wishing someone a happy 80th birthday
The following short poems refer to some personal qualities that the birthday boy or girl might have. They differ in their choice of words and theme to make it easier for you to choose which poem fits best.
Some are about getting older, some are more about the fun they’ve had and is still to come in their life. They have a title, so you can quickly see whether or not they’re suitable for the recipient.
-
A Birthday
My heart is like a singing bird
Whose nest is in a water’d shoot;
My heart is like an apple-tree
Whose boughs are bent with thickset fruit;
My heart is like a rainbow shell
That paddles in a halcyon sea;
My heart is gladder than all these
Because my love is come to me.Raise me a dais of silk and down;
Hang it with vair and purple dyes;
Carve it in doves and pomegranates,
And peacocks with a hundred eyes;
Work it in gold and silver grapes,
In leaves and silver fleurs-de-lys;
Because the birthday of my life
Is come, my love is come to me.(Christina Rossetti)
-
Lifetimes
All our lifetimes,
Have very special sides,
Whether happy, sad or cheerful,
It’s you that decides.
We all grow older,
But one thing is true in every case:
Who lives meaningfully with a zest for life,
Will live their life with grace!(Unknown)
-
A bit of fun is essential
"A little fun" must be included in life everyday,
Ignore the people that stand in your way.
Now let’s celebrate that you’re here with us,
Pop the champagne, there’s nothing to discuss!(Unknown)
-
Always in a good mood
You’re always in a good mood,
Even at 80, you have never been rude.
Always infect us with your cheerfulness.
Always appeared to have fearlessness.
Today we celebrate you.
Because in our point of view
You are the sunshine of us all,
That’s why we never let you fall.(Unknown)
-
Growing older
The ageing you would like to postpone,
But today you sit upon a throne.
We know you would rather run,
But do not worry, even at 80 you’ll still have a lot of fun!(Unknown)
-
Birthday pride
With pride you can look back on your life today,
And enjoy the happiness it has brought into play.
You have accomplished so much and worked so hard,
And rejoiced at the successes in which you have starred.
If you look back today on all that has passed,
The sun shines on the memories you have amassed,
Enjoy this time, with a glass of wine.
For it shall not be your last!(Unknown)
-
The clock of life
The clock of life counts down the days,
The difficult moments and cheerful displays.
And the clock hand keeps tick-ticking round,
Sometimes it’s loud, sometimes you can’t hear a sound.
And today is the day it shows 80 long years,
So here’s a toast to you and all you’ve accomplished – cheers!
May your clock hand keep ticking for many birthdays to come,
And with that thought, there’s no reason to be glum!(Unknown)
-
You are my friend
Happy birthday, my dear friend
I’ll be there for you, till the end
Your love and kindness shine right through
Our midnight talks are never few.(Unknown)
-
Happy Birthday
Even if you don’t like to celebrate your birthday, we want you to know how much we love you. You have already achieved a lot in your 80 years and you can be proud of yourself. May you live many more years and stay healthy and lively. Happy birthday!
(Unknown)
-
Young at heart
"Youth is beautiful" says the folk song. But age also has its beauty. Serenely one looks forward to the future, rich in experience, prepared for the storms to come. Dear friend, stay young at heart, as happy and healthy as you are today!
(Unknown)
Happy 80th birthday wishes
Happy 80th birthday wishes
Modern medicine makes it possible for many people to reach the age of 80 nowadays. Nevertheless, it’s not the same for everyone. Some may be experiencing physical afflictions and enjoying life at a more laidback pace, whilst others may still be young at heart and full of zest for action.
But we can say one thing for certain: at 80, very few people are still working and their days can be used to the fullest. The most beautiful thing about this age is the peace and quiet. There is no longer any time pressure that could hinder the enjoyment of life.
Many people have children and grandchildren at this age. What’s more, their life experience has given them a kind of wisdom only time can bring. All of this deserves to be celebrated and appreciated.
Longer messages for wishing someone a happy 80th birthday
Longer messages for wishing someone a happy 80th birthday
The following messages are templates for something a bit more personal. Many of them contain a saying or quote, which is then referred to in the message below.
Even if you choose a nice saying or small poem for someone’s birthday card, remember to write your own short message in the card as well.
Sayings and poems are meaningful, but a few personal words mean even more to most people. The combination of both makes for the perfect way of saying happy birthday.
Let these longer messages inspire you. Maybe you’ll even get lucky and one of them will be a perfect match for the birthday boy or girl you want to congratulate.
Wishing Grandma a happy 80th birthday
Well, did I really turn eighty so that I should always think the same? I strive, rather, to think something different, new, every day in order not to become boring. One must continually change, renew, rejuvenate, so as not to become stubborn.
(Johann Wolfgang von Goethe)
Dear Grandma,
You are always cheerful, always fashionably dressed, you enjoy life as it comes and do not close yourself off to new things. You don’t find a grandma who is so open-minded and so spiritually young at heart everyday!
I am proud to have such a cool grandma and wish you good health and lots of zest for life for the years to come.
Happy 80th birthday. I love you very much.
Wishing Grandpa a happy 80th birthday
Birthday wishes for Grandpa
'Nature' is what we see—
The Hill—the Afternoon—
Squirrel—Eclipse—the Bumble bee—
Nay—Nature is Heaven—
Nature is what we hear—
The Bobolink—the Sea—
Thunder—the Cricket—
Nay—Nature is Harmony—
Nature is what we know—
Yet have no art to say—
So impotent Our Wisdom is
To her Simplicity.(Emily Dickinson)
Dear Grandpa,
I admire your closeness to nature and am grateful that you showed me how important it is to appreciate and love your environment. In the end, nature has returned the favor and you are still fit at 80 years of age! For this, I congratulate you warmly and wish you continued health and all the best for the future.
A poem for Mom
Like my mother’s face,
like a ship
that carried me along
through the deadliest storm.(Rainer Maria Rilke)
Dear Mom,
All this I’ve told you before but I have to tell you again. You are the most wonderful mom in the world, because you are not only my best friend, but also my rock. You can be proud of yourself. I certainly am. Happy 80th birthday! I love you to no end.
Birthday wishes for Dad
Birthday wishes for Dad
Here we are at your 80th birthday,
You’ve been our rock when skies turned gray,
For us you’ve cared and with us you’ve laughed,
You’ve enriched our lives with your hard graft!
So all the more reason for us to say,
Happy birthday Dad, hip hip hooray!(Unknown)
Thank you for everything, Dad! Happy 80th birthday to you, and on that note, I want to tell you what a great person you are. Keep up the good work, I love you.
Happy birthday to your Aunt or Uncle
80 years old – how wonderful,.
It’s not every year life’s this beautiful!
80 years old – what a long time,
You’ve experienced love, sorrow, and you’re still in your prime!
80 years old – you’ve seen a lot,
And just look at how far you’ve got!
80 years old – what a full life,
You’ve taken little and your generosity is rife!
80 years old – congratulations,.
Here’s to you on this occasion!(Unknown)
I wish you a day full of joy surrounded by your nearest and dearest. I hope you enjoy good health and happiness on your special day. Happy 80th birthday!
Birthday wishes for your brother
Dear David,
The secret of happiness is to count the highlights of life instead of birthdays.
(Mark Twain)
Even your 80th year of life will still hold some secrets for you and since there’s always more memories to be made, I hope you make some great ones and enjoy your time until the 9-0. Congratulations on your birthday!
Birthday wishes for your sister
Birthday wishes for your sister
On this occasion my pleasure it would be,
To tell you how much you mean to me.
About your wonderful laugh
I could write an entire paragraph.
Seeing you take great pleasure in life,
Makes me forget all my strife.
Your entire persona is warm and kind,
Over your eighty years, the more you have refined.
And so I wish you continued joy and also peace,
And days spent together that never cease!(Unknown)
Dear sis,
I am happy that we are celebrating together today and that we can look back on our time together with a smile. My life would have been much emptier without you and I am grateful that you have always been there for me.
I wish you only the best for the future. Happy 80th birthday!
Birthday wishes for a friend
Life would be infinitely happier if we could only be born at the age of eighty and gradually approach eighteen.
(Mark Twain)
Ah, if only we had always been as wise as we are now, we would have spared ourselves many a foolishness. But I’m glad you were by my side through every foolishness and every worry, and I wouldn’t want to undo anything. You can be proud of who you will become, who you are and who you have been throughout all your years.
Congratulations on your 80th birthday!
80th birthday gift ideas
80th birthday gift ideas
Birthdays come around every year, and every year we want to be more creative than the last. Especially for a milestone birthday like this, you’ll certainly want to give something special.
This is why we have come up with five different gift ideas for you, all perfect for an 80th birthday.
A historical newspaper
What actually happened at the time the birthday boy or girl was born? Newspapers published in the recipient’s birth year, or even on their actual birthday, are becoming increasingly popular as gifts for the older generation and you can simply order them online.
People over 80, in particular, spend a lot of time thinking about the past, because that’s when they still had adventures, were sprightly and fit, and they often long to go back to 'the good old days'. A historical newspaper can bring this feeling even closer and this special gift is sure put a big smile on the recipient’s face.
Engraving and printing
Not only is having things engraved or printed easy, but it also makes for a beautiful, personal gift. Think about whether the birthday boy or girl still drinks alcohol or would rather have a coffee or tea, for example, then depending on the answer, you can have a whiskey or wine glass engraved, or have something printed on a mug.
Anything made of glass is suitable for having engraved: choose one of our short 80th birthday wishes or think about a short phrase, such as "For my dearest grandma on her 80th, from your granddaughter Klara".
You could even have a photo of the whole family or just the two of you printed on a mug as a personalized gift.
If the birthday boy or girl loves to cook, an engraved chopping board also makes for a great gift. You can order something like this online or have it made at most Christmas markets.
A memory book
A memory book for celebrating an 80th birthday
A memory book is always a good idea and you can either make one yourself, buy one in a bookstore or order one online! It’s a great way for grandma and grandpa to pass their amazing stories on to their grandchildren, or for mom and dad to pass their stories on to their kids.
A memory book should make the recipient really think about the important moments in their life. Not only can it put them in a good mood and encourage them to think positively about the past, but it may also bring back memories that had long been forgotten.
If you want to build a memory scrapbook yourself, you could write out some questions and leave enough space for the recipient to answer, for example:
- Who do you remember most from your days in elementary school?
- How did you actually meet grandpa/dad?
- What is your fondest childhood memory?
The more specific the questions, the better the chance you have of learning as much as you can. It could also be a great experience to flick through the memory book together at some point.
Framing a saying or poem
Did you find a phrase or message you really liked in our list of ways to say happy 80th birthday? Why not write it down, embroider or sew it on fabric, print it out and frame it? This way, not only do your words look much nicer, but they can also be hung on the wall and cherished for much longer.
Life mottos or general sayings work well here – no one would want to hang "Happy 80th Birthday" on their wall.
Get creative and decorate your chosen phrase with stickers, stones or dried flowers or paint something around it. There are also frames that leave space for you to sprinkle decorative sand or glitter.
A love box
A love box as a gift idea
A great gift idea for an 80th birthday is making what is known as a love box. All you need is a sealable container, such as a jar with a screw top or small cardboard box – and some strips of paper.
On each strip, write down what you like or appreciate about the birthday girl or boy. In principle, you can write down anything you’ve always wanted to say.
Put as many strips of paper in the box as you’d like. For inspiration, we have a few sample phrases for you below.
- I like your calming manner.
- I don’t know anyone who cooks as well as you.
- You have the best fashion sense!
- I love that I can tell you anything.
- I have one of the prettiest grandmas I know.
- You really are in great shape for your age.
- I love the stories you tell.
- I like it when you play the accordion.
- Thank you for teaching me so much.
- I love that you’re the only person I know who gets up so cheerfully at 6am.
- I love your patience.
- Your hairstyle is elegant and timeless.
- Thank you for always being there for me.
This kind of gift shouldn’t just be reserved for couples – it’s not often enough that you can tell your parents and grandparents what you love about them.
(10 votes, average: 4.50 out of 5)You need to be a registered member to rate this.
Loading...
