Baby boomers are people who were born between 1946 and 1964. Although their generation isn’t quite as large as the millennials, approximately 77 million Americans were born during these years. As the years pass, more and more of the boomer workforce are reaching retirement age. There’s no doubt that you have a boomer coworker or parent that’s about to retire.
We should celebrate their time and contribution by throwing them the best retirement party. Here’s a list of the best retirement party ideas for boomers to help you get started:
1. Go for Nostalgia
Retirement party themes for boomers aren’t as creative as party themes, but you don’t have to limit yourself. Most boomers love to look back on their younger years. Making nostalgia the retirement party theme for a coworker is a great way to celebrate their last days at the office. Returning to the decade of their teens and early 20s (70s and 80s) will also entertain the younger office staff members, ensuring everyone has a blast.
2. Be Silly
Don’t limit yourself when thinking of unique retirement party ideas. If the person retiring has a sense of fun and whimsy, you can throw them a children’s birthday party as the theme. You can set up retirement party decorations that are similar to a child’s birthday party. Top it off with retirement party games that are popular for birthday parties such as Pin the Tail on the Donkey or even have a pinata. A children’s party-themed retirement makes the celebration a full circle.
3. Get a Creative Cake
Knowing how to throw a retirement party means thinking outside the box. A retirement party for mom won’t be complete without a cake. This cake shouldn’t be the boring grocery-store type. Get creative by choosing a personalized cake. Mull over options such as a cake shaped like a fish (if they like fishing), a beach-themed cake, golf, or a laptop. Everything under the sun can be made into a retirement cake if you let your imagination run wild.
4. Look for Retirement Party Favors
Double-check your retirement party planning checklist to see if you’ve included party favors. Although not typically expected, it is one of the best retirement party ideas for boomers. Party favors are perfect if the retiree plans to move away or travel for some years. This way, guests will have little trinkets to remember them by. Some ideas include personalized mugs, keychains, and paperweights.
5. Setup Their “Dream Vacation”
Another one of the best options for retirement party ideas for boomers is to go with a “dream vacation” theme. Set up the venue to look like a golf course or a tropical paradise. Retirement party decorations shouldn’t be limited to just balloons and a banner. You can go all-out for the retirement party for dad or mom to let them know they deserve to enjoy their golden years in bliss.
6. Put Together a Slideshow
Of course, no retirement party planning checklist is complete without a slideshow. Boomers love to reminisce about their younger years, and a slideshow is the best way to do this. Ask people from the office, their friends, and family to share photos. This way, you can highlight all the retiree’s life as you celebrate their well-deserved departure from the workforce.
7. Do Something Adventurous
Another possible retirement party idea for boomers is to do something adventurous and unexpected. This will be a good kickoff to a list of exciting things to do in their retirement. The retirement party activities shouldn’t be limited to eating and drinking. If the retiree is active and has a bucket list they want to complete, now might be the best time to do this. Celebrate at a trampoline park, go bungee jumping, or go on a glamping trip. The best retirement part for mom or dad is doing something they’ve been wanting to do for a while.
8. Celebrate with Family
Not all celebrations have to be big and loud. Sometimes, learning how to throw a retirement party means considering what the retiree wants. If your parents prefer to stay home and have an intimate celebration with just family, do it for them. A quiet send-off can be as meaningful and special as a loud and bustling party, especially when it is celebrated with family. Instead of a big retirement party, opt for amazing retirement food ideas such as serving all their favorite meals to make the theme about them, nothing more, nothing less.
9. Have a Spa Day
Spa days are amazing retirement party ideas for boomers. Planning a retirement party for mom or a coworker who deserves to enjoy downtime finally? Booking a weekend spa treatment for her and her closest friends is the way to go. Especially if the retiree you’re celebrating is looking for a peaceful and quiet send-off, not a big bash. It is simple, relaxing, and the perfect way to start their retirement.
10. Send Them Off in Style
Are you still wondering how to throw a retirement party the retiree will never forget? End the retirement party for dad by renting their dream sports car, for the day or even for the entire week. He can drive away from the party in style and cruise around town in the car of his dreams. It’s a special way to remember a major milestone in life. As far as retirement party ideas for boomers go. Doing this will surely impress the retiree and their co-workers.
Impressive Retirement Party Ideas for Boomers
Retirement is a well-deserved milestone in a worker’s life. They can finally slow down and enjoy their life and hobbies without pressure. Make sure to give them a send-off they will never forget by choosing the best retirement party themes for boomers. The retirement party should celebrate their hard work and contributions to the business. Whether or not the party is a surprise, consider their wants and interests when planning so they can start retirement with a smile. After all, we want the retiree to know they will be missed, but they deserve this well-earned moment.