There are tons of party ideas out there that are fun and unique ways to celebrate a birthday, but it’s harder to find a theme that truly celebrates the life of the honored guest.

So today I’m passing along a great idea for an adult birthday party! It’s called the “This is Your Life” party and I have stretcher.com to thank!

This Is Your Life
Instead of having an “over the hill” party, I suggest having a “this is your life party.”

Along with the invitation ask your guests to return a questionnaire in which you have asked some variation of the following:

1.     My favorite thing about Fred (use guest of honors name) is ______________.
2.     The funniest thing I ever saw Fred do was when he _________________.
3.     The happiest I ever saw Fred was when he____________________.
4.     The dumbest thing I ever saw Fred do was____________________.
5.     Fred drives me crazy when he _______________.
6.     My most memorable moment with Fred was ____________________.
7.     List five words that describe Fred.

You may to make up your own questions or add to these. You may also want to ask the party guests to share a favorite photo of or story about the guest of honor. The hardest part is deciding how to share this information with guests. You may want to have them put these answers on video, have a slide show, have the party guests read the stories or quips out loud, or invite several special people to tell their stories. If you feel awkward acting as an MC, then ask a good friend or minister to do it for you. Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time for planning.

The best part of a party like this is that everyone can participate – children, grandchildren, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, old friends, new friends and spouses. You can also put the answers, stories, and photos in a scrapbook for the guest of honor to keep.

You will have some laughs and you may even shed a tear or two, because memories are a truly special gift which make getting older worth it.