A CD of Memories

• Some companies allow your friends and family to call a toll-free number and record stories or messages for your grandfather. You have complete access to listen to all messages and decide which ones should be included on the final CD. Gather all your cousins to recount their favorite childhood memories of fun times; small children can tell jokes or sing songs. Have his siblings and friends tell stories about his own childhood, or share ways that he encouraged and helped them.
  
  

Historic Newspaper

• Some companies specialize in selling original newspapers from the date of a person's birth. Your grandfather may get a kick out of reading of national and world events going on when he was born, as well as the old-fashioned advertisements and comic strips. A range of national and local papers are available in a variety of bindings.
  
  

Favorite Music

• Find out from your grandmother or an old friend what your grandfather's favorite music group or album was when he was young. If he doesn't already have them, purchase remastered CDs of those songs and plan a party theme around them. Ask guests to dress in decade-appropriate clothing and have everyone dance. If you can find any pictures of your grandfather when he was that age, have them blown up or display them prominently. If you are especially ambitious, organize his grandchildren to perform a choreographed danced to his favorite song.
  
  

Retro Candy

• If your grandfather has a sweet tooth, buy him a basket full of candy he will remember from his childhood. Ask him if he has any memories associated with those particular treats and encourage him to tell stories. You may also know of some other treat he especially enjoyed, such as iced pickle juice. Even if it sounds odd to you, arrange to serve it at his birthday party. You might even discover a new favorite of your own.