Recommended for 60th birthday celebrations! DIY decoration ideas
Kanreki is the 60th birthday, when the zodiac has completed one full cycle and a person is said to return to the calendar of their birth.
It was originally celebrated at the age of 60 by the traditional counting method, but nowadays it is often celebrated when a person turns 60 by modern full-age counting.
Some of you may be planning to throw a party for someone reaching kanreki, wishing them continued health and long life.
In this article, we introduce handmade decoration ideas that are perfect for a kanreki celebration party.
If your parents, grandparents, or someone close to you who has always supported you is turning 60, be sure to celebrate with wonderful decorations!
Recommended for 60th birthday (kanreki) celebrations! Handmade decoration ideas (1–10)
kusudama (decorative paper ball used for celebrations)
A handmade kusudama instantly livens up a 60th-birthday celebration.
Use two store-bought instant noodle cups, attach gold wrapping paper to the outsides so the backs face each other, and make slits around the edges.
Connect the containers, make a hole in the center of the bowl section, thread a straw and a string through, and set the wrapping paper in place.
Prepare a banner and confetti inside; when you pull at the right moment, it opens and bursts into a festive display.
Hanging the finished kusudama from the ceiling creates a powerful effect.
Its handmade warmth boosts the anticipation of everyone gathered, and it can also be used as a surprise for the guest of honor, becoming a memorable decoration that fosters unity and emotion in the room.
Origami decoration
The celebratory decoration for one’s 60th birthday made with origami is a three-dimensional piece that lets you enjoy fine creative touches.
You fold the parts separately—such as the hood, face, and clothing—around the main body and assemble them carefully.
Using patterned paper like washi gives it a festive finish, and you can express individuality by recreating the honoree’s facial expression and outfit.
Draw a gentle expression on the face with a pen, place the figure on a cushion, and it’s complete.
The piece can be displayed on a wall or used as a table accent.
It’s an origami decoration that conveys the warmth and care of handmade work.
balloon arch
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DI6Li9kzjeF/If you want to add a festive touch to a 60th birthday celebration, a balloon arch is a great choice.
Using red as the base and combining it with gold and white creates a vibrant look that’s perfect for a kanreki celebration.
With a commercially available arch kit, even first-timers can make one with ease.
Simply insert the inflated balloons into the special tape in order to create a three-dimensional, eye-catching decoration.
Varying balloon sizes and mixing in glossy materials or clear balloons will give the design more movement.
An arch is perfect for the venue entrance or as a backdrop for commemorative photos, and it will also serve as an eye-catching photo spot for your guests.
flower wreath
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8IutUlvhRo/A bright, heartwarming flower wreath that’s perfect for a 60th birthday celebration.
Fresh flowers are carefully dried into everlasting blooms and arranged in balanced layers on a ring-shaped base.
Combining roses, baby’s breath, eucalyptus, and more adds distinctive colors and fragrances, resulting in a refined, composed look.
Adding a message card like “Congratulations on your Kanreki” in the center of the wreath enhances the celebratory feel even more.
Simply hanging it on a wall brightens the space, and it also makes a photogenic backdrop for pictures.
Wreaths are well-received as gifts and can be taken home as a keepsake, making them a recommended, heartfelt touch for the occasion.
Caricature Board
https://www.instagram.com/p/CieaZ0IJa7N/A heartfelt decorative portrait board, hand-drawn based on photos of family and friends.
Prepare participants’ photos in advance, capture their features to create caricatures, and mount them on colored paper or cardstock, then assemble them into a panel.
Adding speech bubbles with messages or anecdotes brings warmth and invites smiles.
For the guest of honor, seeing portraits of their close ones gathered together becomes a moment to truly feel their connections with people.
Displaying it on a venue wall or placing it at the reception or gift area makes a strong impression.
It also sparks conversation on the day and helps build a sense of unity among participants.
Brush lettering art
https://www.instagram.com/p/C9MAcGPSAaO/Hand-lettering art is a recommended handmade decoration that warmly conveys gratitude and celebratory messages.
Draw a background—such as a rainbow or gradient—on drawing paper using crayons or spray paint, then use a brush to add words like “Thank you” or “I’m always grateful.” What matters most is writing with feeling rather than perfect penmanship.
Once the piece is finished, frame it and add a ribbon or embellishments; presenting it as a gift will make it a memorable keepsake.
If you not only display it on the venue wall but also let the guest of honor take it home, it will be cherished as a heartwarming memento even after the party.
It’s a highly satisfying gift that conveys your feelings and brings back memories each time it’s seen.
60th birthday celebration balloon art
https://www.tiktok.com/@giftshop.cestlavie/video/7475712114938662162Balloon art for a 60th birthday (kanreki) party is a popular choice for vibrant, uplifting decor.
Arrangements like bouquet-style designs centered on red and heart-shaped accents create a warm celebratory atmosphere.
Featuring large balloon numbers “60” or adding message cards such as “Congratulations on your kanreki” delivers strong visual impact.
Incorporating balloons that reflect the guest of honor’s favorite characters or hobbies adds a more personalized touch.
Since inflating the balloons can be a fun activity for the whole family, the preparation process itself fosters a sense of unity.
They also photograph beautifully, making them a great backdrop for commemorative photos.