For my husband's 30th birthday, I did 30 days until 30.  I sent out cards ahead of time to his friends, family, old friends etc. telling them to do something special for him on a certain date. That way my husband received something everyday for 30 days up until and including his birthday. It was great and he really got excited about hearing from some of his old friends.  It is a great "this is your life" kind of thing.