• Color can make the design of the invitation pop.ICHIRO/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  The 80th birthday is a milestone birthday, and the invitation should show this. You can make cards online, to send through e-mail, or traditional cards by using a variety of creative techniques. For an 80th birthday party, many people will keep the invitation as a memento. Use clever wording and include images, lyrics or quotations your loved one will appreciate. Several websites have help sections for wording the invite if you need it.
  
  

Photographic Invitations

• Collect photographs of your loved one and create a special birthday invitation. Use two different pictures, for example a current photo and one from when the honoree was young. Place them next to each other in a visually appealing way.
  
  Or, design a small collage of photos, but limit the number to prevent cluttering. Or create a simple and streamlined invitation by using one photo (old or new) and make a flat card (no folding) with the words across the bottom or off to one side. A nice way to jazz up an elegant invite like this is to place an eyelet in the corner and tie a small length of ribbon through it to create a small bow. Remember to include all pertinent information (where, when and what to bring) in a clear font.
  
  

Unusual Shapes

• Think beyond ordinary card formats and there is no limit to what you can do. Print the invite on handmade party hats (as easy as rolling paper and stapling it) and ask everyone to wear them to the party. Another idea is to make paper cutouts of the number 80. Decorate with paint, glitter and whatever else you have on hand. Leave room for information on the back or in a small space on the front.
  
  

Scrapbook Invitations

• Scrapbook invitations can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. Print an invite from an online template, insert all vital information and embellish it by using scrapbooking techniques. Embossing works well for lettering and numbers, allowing you to emphasize things like the birthday honoree's age or name. Use die-cast cutters to create interesting trim or cutouts. For instance, place a photo behind the cutout, creating a small window. Charms and brads, used in moderation, add whimsy to the invitation. Foam squares placed behind balloons or photographs can help create a three-dimensional feel. Know when to stop when it comes to embellishing and you will produce a spirited card for the person turning 80 in your life.