Is 45 a milestone birthday? Everything to know about turning the big 4-5!

45 is a significant birthday. It’s the age when you’re considered “middle-aged.” But that doesn’t mean it’s time to start worrying about getting old!

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know to celebrate your 45th birthday. From gifts to parties to birthday activities and ideas, I’ve got you covered!

Is 45 a milestone birthday?

Unfortunately, 45 is not a milestone birthday, but turning 45 is still a notable birthday. 

But, according to lumenlearning.com, you’re five years into the middle adulthood stage.

Turning 45 is when you might start to think about your mortality a little more and reflect on your life so far. 

A 45th may not be a milestone birthday like 21 or 40. But it’s still a great time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished so far in your life. 

There are many ways to celebrate your 45th birthday, and it is up to you how you want to spend it.

If you’re looking for ideas on how to celebrate your 45th birthday, read on for some great suggestions!

Knock some things off your bucket list

One great way to celebrate your 45th birthday is to knock some things off your bucket list. If you’ve wanted to visit another place for years, your 45th birthday is the perfect time to do it.

Think positive

Reflect and focus on the positive aspects of turning 45. Turning 45 is not the end of the world and isn’t old age. It is a time to focus on the positive aspects of your life and what you have accomplished so far.

What is a 45th birthday called?

Since 45 isn’t a milestone birthday, use the traditional 45th-anniversary colors and themes.

A 45th anniversary is also called a sapphire anniversary. 

What is the color for a 45th birthday?

Because a 45th birthday isn’t a milestone birthday, there is no color for it. But if you want to use the 45th-anniversary themes to plan your birthday celebration, you can!

 The 45th-anniversary gemstones are red sapphire and cat’s eye. 

The color of the 45th anniversary is sapphire red. If you’re throwing a birthday party, you can incorporate this color into your party decor.

How to celebrate your 45th birthday 

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Here are a few ideas if you need some birthday inspiration on what to do for your 45th birthday.

45th birthday ideas

1. Celebrate your birthday month

Have a party or go on a trip during your birthday month. Make it a special event that lasts the whole month!

If you more a few tips to celebrate your birthday month, check out my blog post on birthday month ideas.

2. Give back

Celebrate your birthday by giving back to others. You can volunteer your time, donate to a worthy cause, or even start a fundraiser.

3. Throw a 45th birthday party

More often than not, adults stop having birthday parties after they reach middle adulthood. But if you love to party, there’s no need to skip out on an opportunity to throw an incredible birthday bash.

Not sure what 45th birthday party theme you should choose? Here are a few birthday themes to consider for your big day.

45th birthday party ideas

A.) Celebrate the year you were born 

Use the year you were born as inspiration for your party theme. 

For example, if you were born in 1977, you could have a disco-themed party or a ’70s-themed party.

Or you can choose your favorite movie or music band from the year you were born and make that the theme of your party.

B.) Retro-themed party 

Have a retro-themed birthday party. Play music on your record player (a 45 record player) and have your favorite childhood memories at the party.

C.) Red Sapphire-themed party: 

As said before, the 45th anniversary is also known as the Sapphire anniversary.

So, why not have a red sapphire-themed party?

You can use this color to decorate your party space and even incorporate it into the food and drinks.

D.) Cat-themed party

Use the cat’s eye gemstone as a 45th birthday inspiration to throw a cat-themed party.

For all you cat ladies put there, a cat theme will be a hit with your guests.

4. Get physical

 Use your birthday as an excuse to get in shape. Start a new workout routine, join a fitness class, or go on a wellness vacation.

5. Celebrate your special day with your family

Have a family birthday celebration. Spend the day doing things you all enjoy, like hiking, going to the beach, or visiting an amusement park.

If you’re throwing a birthday celebration for another family member, invite younger children to join the fun!

Have the younger children in the family make a homemade birthday cake or perform an original song or dance routine.

6. Spend your birthday with your long-time friends

Celebrate your birthday with friends you’ve known for years. Go to a new restaurant, go on a city tour, or plan a road trip together.

45th birthday ideas for him

7. Complete a birthday challenge 

Pick a challenge to do on your birthday. You can choose a challenge like running a marathon or hiking to the top of a mountain.

8. Enjoy a birthday experience

Book a birthday experience for the ultimate adrenaline rush.

You can choose to go bungee jumping, skydiving, white water rafting, or driving a race car.

9. Learning a new skill

You can start learning a new language Or take a photography class.

10. Attend a sporting event

Go to a sporting event like a boxing match or enjoy a baseball, basketball, or football game.

If you’re on a tight budget, you can head to your favorite local pub or sports bar and cheer for your favorite team.

45th birthday ideas for her

11. Plan a birthday weekend trip

Take a mini-vacation with your partner or best friend. Visit a new city, go camping, or take a relaxing.

12. Local birthday cruise

Enjoy the scenery and local cuisine on a birthday cruise.

13. Starting a new hobby

Start a new hobby you’ve always wanted to do, like painting, knitting, or gardening.

14. Schedule a Photoshoot

Have a professional photographer take photos of you or candid shots of you and your friends.

15. Buy yourself a birthday gift 

Splurge on a birthday gift you always wanted. Get yourself a new accessory, a designer handbag, or a high-end tech gadget.

45th birthday gift ideas

Are you looking for a 45th birthday gift that’s more interesting than a typical birthday card? 

If so, check out these awesome gift ideas below!

16. Buy a funny or gag gift

If you know the birthday boy or girl has a sense of humor, buy them a funny gift that will make them laugh. You find gag gifts for adults online or at your local party store.

17. Graphic shirt 

Is your birthday person a fan of a TV show, band, or movie? If so, get them a graphic shirt with their favorite character or quote.

18. A birthday box full of goodies 

You could buy a birthday box full of goodies with their favorite snacks and desserts.

19. Food or drink subscription

Get the birthday boy or girl a subscription to their favorite food or drink. You can get them a subscription to gourmet teas or premium selections of cheeses.

20. Birthday cake delivery

 You can find many online bakeries that will ship fresh-baked cakes and cupcakes. Have a birthday cake delivered to their doorstep on their special day. 

21. Buy Show and performance tickets

If the birthday lady or guy enjoys live entertainment, buy show tickets. You can get tickets to see their favorite music band, performance, or Broadway show.

Turning 45 may not be a milestone birthday, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be memorable.

The Middle age years are when you should start enjoying yourself and embracing what it offers.

As you can see, if you want to make your 45th birthday special, there are plenty of things you can do.

From throwing a party to taking a trip, the possibilities are endless. No matter what you choose, make sure you celebrate in style!

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and found some ideas to make your 45th birthday a day to remember. 

Do you have other ideas on how to make a 45th birthday special? Let me know in the comments below!

And as always, happy birthday.

Happy celebrating!