Memories

• Seventy is a dignified age. Let your gift of a lifetime of memories reflect dignity, respect and gentle humor. Give Mom, Grandmother or dear friend a book of memories. You can design it to meet the items you gather. Ideas for a memory book include a photo album, a scrap book or a DVD. Give yourself at least three months to bring it all together. Collect photographs and any memorabilia from family members. Try to gather pictures of the celebrant's life as a child and forward. Include pictures of fun times and milestones, such as her graduation, wedding, and anniversaries. Include pictures of family and friends. Search the Internet for pictures of places where your friend or relative has lived. Find a classic photo album, nothing garish, or use pictures and other items (perhaps you have newspaper clippings) to create a scrapbook. Brainstorm for scrapbook pages at a scrapbook store. You can find ribbons and borders using the birthday woman's favorite colors and themes. Bring friends and family together for scrapbooking days. Clear schedules in advance. If you are able and have the knowledge, make a DVD video of the items you collect. You can add quotes from family members and friends. Use a basic program such as Windows Movie Maker, available with Windows Vista. You may find as you go along, creative opportunities to bring your unique flair to this birthday project. Enlist help.
  
  

Keepsakes

• Find a gift that reflects the birthday woman's tastes or hobbies. If Mom has been a lifelong equestrian, give her a framed photograph of her first horse or of her first show. If Grandmother supported environmental causes, make a donation to an appropriate environmental organization, such as the Natural Resource Defense Council or the Union of Concerned Scientists. (See References 1 & 2)) Give your special celebrant a framed certificate of membership. You may want to name a star after your friend. (See References 3)
  
  

Events

• People come to view birthdays differently as they age. What people longed for in younger years transforms to a desire for memorable moments. Women who celebrate their 70th birthdays will appreciate a formal tea with a few beloved family members and friends. Send tasteful invitations. Find a friend or family member who has a delicate tea service. Serve Mom's favorite tea with finger sandwiches and tea cakes. Play chamber music in the background. Create a room with tables adorned with crisp tablecloths and napkins. Set the tables with fine silver and china. As guests enjoy a refined experience, prepare in advance for each guest to speak to the birthday woman. Give short speeches expressing appreciation for the life of the celebrant. Purchase a leather-bound guest book to present at the end of the tea. Digitally record the event and make a CD for your guest of honor. The tea should last no longer than two hours.