When you were younger, birthdays were very exciting times.  Indulgent cake, forbidden food, an exciting party and of course, the presents! While decorations, themes and dress-ups can make for a fun event, you may find that the elders in your family start to crave a more meaningful birthday celebration. If you’re hearing the phrases, “I don’t want you to go to any trouble”, or,“I don’t want a big fuss”, that’s usually your cue to ditch the party planning and start thinking about other ways to make this next birthday truly special.

The very nature of a birthday is one of celebration, so you’ll want to keep the activities light-hearted and fun. Some of these ideas will require some time and effort, but after all, isn’t that the very essence of a meaningful event or gift?

If you have an older family member who is heading toward a significant milestone birthday, read on for some ideas to make their experience less material and more meaningful.

Collating memories for someone as a gift can be time-consuming, but it is extremely rewarding and very much appreciated for its thoughtful nature. Incorporating the person’s passions, hobbies and favourite people in a thoughtful way is sure to make them smile and give them new memories to keep forever.

If you like the idea of video interviews, memory books or memoir collecting, please get in touch with us at Snapshot Storytelling. We’d be happy to help you tell your loved one’s story.

How do you create meaningful birthdays in your home?