50 Best 50th Birthday Party Ideas to Celebrate Their Special Day

Celebrate your 5oth birthday with a retro, flower-power themed party that would have been very on-trend when you were born in the early '70s. This daisy tablescape is the perfect inspiration!

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SHOP DAISY DECORATIONS

Make this colorful cactus cake the focal point of a Southwestern soirée. It's actually made up of 23 cupcakes so your guests can pull it apart—there's no need for cutting!

See more at Studio DIY!

Spend your 50th birthday relaxing on a spa retreat with your closest friends or family members. You can stay close to home or visit a destination on your bucket list.

Calling all beach lovers! Make a splash with a beach (or beach-themed) bash featuring this stunning sandcastle cake (the "sand" is actually crushed vanilla wafers!).

Get the recipe from A Beautiful Mess.

SHOP UNDER THE SEA COOKIE CUTTERS

Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or just love a good outdoor adventure, a horseback ride with your friends would be such a special way to mark your big day.

SHOP COWBOY HATS

Who needs a birthday cake when you can have these swoon-worthy red velvet cookies? The cream cheese filling will keep your guests coming back for more.

Get Ree's Red Velvet Sandwich Cookies recipe.

Have you always wanted to try skydiving? Take the plunge to ring in your 50th birthday in true thrill-seeking style.

Get back to nature by planning a birthday camping trip with your closest friends. You can have a cookout, toast s'mores, and spend the night sharing stories and laughs under the stars.

If camping sounds appealing to you but you're not thrilled about the idea of spending the night in a sleeping bag, consider going glamping instead. Many offerings come with beds, electricity, and access to indoor plumbing.

SHOP GLAMPING CUPCAKE WRAPPERS

Boogie the night away with your BFFs at a disco party complete with a lit-up disco ball and all of your favorite '70s dance hits.

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A dinner party under the stars (or string lights) is the perfect way to celebrate your special day with your closest friends and family. It's equal parts festive and laid-back.

Craving a little pampering for your 5oth? Invite your friends to a mani-pedi party at your place. This adorable nail polish cake will make the perfect centerpiece.

Get the recipe from Studio DIY!.

If you don't want to host a full-blown dinner party, stick to drinks and small bites like homemade jalapeño poppers and these roasted grape crostini with honey goat cheese. Your guests won't miss the main course one bit!

Get recipes from A Beautiful Mess.

Celebrate your '90s glory days with a nostalgia-fueled birthday bash. Party time, excellent!

SHOP '90S DECORATIONS

Throw it back even further to your teen years in the '80s with a Pretty in Pink party. This classic flick will have you and your guests feeling nostalgic in no time. Plus, there are plenty of fun ways to incorporate pink foods.

Get the recipe from Studio DIY!.

Turning 50 means you likely have a lot of stories to tell. Why not cozy up around a backyard bonfire and share them with loved ones while toasting to the next 50 years?

See more ideas on A Beautiful Mess.

Another outdoorsy option is to throw on your favorite hiking boots and head out on a hike with your friends and family. Whether you want to walk a mile or trek 14, there's no denying the satisfaction that comes from summiting.

Baked potatoes are back and better than ever. So much so, that there are actually restaurants whose entire menus are devoted to the one-time side dish. A baked potato bar is a superb birthday party idea for spud lovers everywhere.

Find potato recipes here.

Truly, how cute is this Jell-O cake? The recipe is from a 1978 magazine, so it's totally possible you enjoyed this exact treat, or one like it, as a child. All of its retro glory is enough to make us want to throw our very own vintage-themed 50th birthday party!

Get the recipe from Aww Sam.

SHOP VINTAGE-INSPIRED CAKE STANDS

Bring the bar to your backyard by hosting a craft beer party with your favorite brew on tap. Don't forget to stock up on salty snacks like mixed nuts and pretzels, which provide the perfect contrast to the hoppiness and maltiness of beer.

Whether your birthday falls in the fall, or you just love pumpkin treats, we're here to make one thing clear: You can host a pumpkin-themed party anytime of year. In fact, these pumpkin Rice Krispie treats are reason enough for us.

Get pumpkin dessert recipes here.

Sure, frosé might be a millennial creation, but no one ever said a 50-year-old can't enjoy the frothy pink drink just as much. Don't believe us? Whip some up for your birthday bash. Your friends will thank you.

Get the recipe from Studio DIY!

Craving something a bit more refined? Consider a citrus-themed brunch, lunch, or dinner. Whichever you choose, this delicious citrus cocktail deserves to be on the menu.

Get the recipe from A Beautiful Mess.

Pizza parties never go out of style. And since it's a special occasion, go beyond your usual pizza delivery and bake this pizza cake, too. Despite its appearance, it's sweet as can be!

Get the recipe from Studio DIY!.

SHOP CAKE KNIFE AND SERVER SETS

We're firm believers in the more color, the better. If you feel the same, a casual, rainbow-hued bash might be just what you're looking for to celebrate the big 5-0.

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Whether it's Taco Tuesday or any other day of the week, having a fun fiesta with a taco bar is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. And just wait until you see their faces when this taco cake rolls out!

Get the recipe from Studio DIY!

Did you know that fancy grilled cheeses are now a thing? Instead of ordering catering, set up your own swanky sandwich bar. Your guests will love it.

See more on A Beautiful Mess.

SHOP CHEESE BOARDS