Family milestones by age

Families all mark roughly the same set of moments, but nobody writes the list down, so it is easy to miss one. This is that list, in order, with a note on how big a deal each one usually is.

Use it to plan ahead - most of these need a card at minimum and about half want a gathering.

The early years

• New baby - cards, visits, a gift from close family.
• Naming ceremony or christening - usually a keepsake gift and a small gathering.
• First birthday - a short party, mostly for the adults.
• First day at school - a card and a photo at the front door.

Growing up

• 10th birthday - first double digits, often the first proper friend party.
• Exam results at 16 and 18 - a card and something small, whatever the result.
• Driving test pass - a card, usually a laugh about the parallel park.
• 16th birthday - a party or a day out with friends.

Adulthood

• 18th - the big one. Party, cards from everyone, a keepsake gift.
• 21st - still marked in most families, often smaller than the 18th.
• Graduation - ceremony, photos, a meal and a gift.
• First home - a housewarming and a practical present.
• Engagement and wedding - the full works.

Later milestones

• Big birthdays at 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 - parties get bigger again from 60.
• Retirement - a card from everyone at work and usually a family meal.
• Silver wedding at 25, ruby at 40, golden at 50, diamond at 60.
• 90th and 100th birthdays - a gathering, and a card from the King at 100.

Shop all cards

How to write it so it lands

• Put the recurring ones in a shared family calendar - anniversaries are the ones most often missed.
• Buy milestone cards a week ahead; the specific age cards sell out first.

Where to shop next

• Upcoming dates
• All guides
• First birthday party ideas
• First birthday card messages
• Wedding anniversary years and gifts
• Silver wedding anniversary ideas
• Planning the party? Birthday party ideas
• Birthday badges & party pins
• How to make a balloon arch
• Photo booth prop ideas
• Party bag ideas for adults
• How much helium do you need for balloons?

Frequently asked questions

Do you get a card from the King at 100 in the UK?

Yes. You can request a message from the monarch for a 100th birthday, and again at 105 and every year after, through the Anniversaries Office at gov.uk.

Which family milestones need a party?

First birthday, 18th, graduation, wedding and the big anniversaries usually get a gathering. The rest are fine with a card and a meal.