30 Fantastic 30th Birthday Ideas You’ll ACTUALLY Want To Copy
If you’re looking for a list of 30th birthday ideas you’ll actually want to do, you’re in the right place. Turning 30 can feel a little bittersweet as you say goodbye to your 20s. Or, it might make you feel excited as you step into your third decade of life. Either way, your birthday should be celebrated in a way that makes you happy, comfortable, and matches your vibe.
So whether you’re planning to celebrate solo, searching for 30th birthday party ideas, or looking for ways to celebrate with friends and family; I’ve put together a list of ideas to help inspire your 30th birthday celebration.
30th Birthday Ideas
1. Go on a 30th Birthday Vacation
First up on the list of 30th birthday ideas is taking a birthday vacation. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week long trip; this is your chance to visit a place you’ve always wanted to see and explore new sights.
2. Have a 30th Birthday Photoshoot
Document your 30th birthday with a cute photoshoot. You can book a photographer or visit a photo studio. But either way, it’s a great way to capture memories you’ll love looking back on, months and hopefully years from now.
Just like how our parents and older generations have printed photos from their younger days, make sure you print some of your pictures too. Physical photos are a great tangible keepsake that you and your family can cherish for years to come.
3. Go on a Cruise
If you’re craving a vacation without having to plan every second of it, consider booking a cruise. Not only do you get endless access to delicious food and desserts, but you also get the chance to visit different countries. Plus, in between destinations, you can enjoy themed parties, shows, entertainment, and games.
There are so many cruise lines out there. So choose one that fits your vibe and what you’re looking for in terms of entertainment, destination, and budget.
CHECK OUT: What To Wear On A Cruise: Cruise Outfits For A Cute & Comfy Look
4. Book a Fancy Airbnb With Friends
If you want more of a chill and cozy getaway rather than an adventurous trip, consider booking a fancy Airbnb with your friends.
It could be a cabin in the mountains, a lakeside home, or a cute house with a stunning view. Instead of running around doing activities; you can relax indoors, unwind, cook together, watch movies, and enjoy being in a beautiful space surrounded by nature and good company.
5. Book a Solo Hotel Room
Another option for a vacation, or even a staycation in your own city, is to book a hotel room.
You can book it just for yourself if you’re looking to unwind and enjoy your birthday solo. Or, you can book a room with friends for a girls night, slumber party type of vibe.
30th Birthday Party Ideas
6. 13 Going on 30 Party
A 13 Going on 30 party theme is a super popular idea for 30th birthdays. And it’s inspired by the iconic movie “13 Going on 30”.
This theme blends all the colorful, girly, and fun vibes of your childhood dreams with the glam and “grownup” energy of turning 30. So decorate with bright colors and cute decorations. And don’t forget to wear a Jenna inspired striped dress to complete the look and bring the theme together. (You can find the dress on Amazon).
7. Golden Birthday Party
If your birthday is on the 30th and you’re turning 30 years old, then ding ding ding. You’re celebrating your Golden Birthday! That means the date you were born on matches the age you’re turning, which definitely calls for something extra special.
A fun way to celebrate a golden birthday is with a gold themed party. Think gold decorations, sparkly accents, glittery balloons, and even a gold outfit to match the theme.
If you want more inspo on how to celebrate your golden birthday, check out the detailed article linked below.
CHECK OUT: What Is A Golden Birthday (22 Golden Birthday Ideas)
8. 90s Theme Birthday Party
Hey 1996 babies! Pay homage to your decade with a 90s themed party. Although you were a toddler for most of the 90s, you can still take full advantage of this nostalgic theme.
Decorate your space with 90s inspired party decorations, play a 90s playlist, and have your guests dress in 90s outfits to really bring the theme to life.
9. Aged to Perfection Party Theme
For an Aged to Perfection party, take inspo from wine and cheese and base your celebration around it.
Decorate with deep red colors, serve wine, and set up a charcuterie board, or even a full grazing table for your guests to snack on.
10. Roaring 30s Party
Extend the Roaring 20s vibe into your new decade with a Roaring 30s party theme. Let’s be honest, your 30s are when you probably have a little more money; a bit more stability; and a better sense of who you are thanks to the lessons and experiences from your 20s. So you can really take advantage of this era and celebrate in style.
For the party theme, take inspo from “The Great Gatsby” and the flapper era to bring this glam and glitzy celebration to life. Think sparkly dresses, pearls, black and silver decorations, and jazz music.
11. Pajama Party
Who says pajama parties are only for kids and teens? If you’re looking for a cute and casual girls night as your 30th birthday theme; consider throwing a pajama party with your friends.
You can take advantage of classic pajama party activities. Like doing face masks, painting your nails, baking cookies, eating pizza, watching movies, and letting your inner child unwind and have fun.
CHECK OUT: 19 Epic Birthday Party Ideas For Adults Beyond A Dinner Party
12. Fancy 30th Birthday Party
Another great theme is hosting a fancy 30th birthday party. Book a party venue, decorate with beautiful decor, and enjoy being the center of attention as the birthday girl.
Dress up, take pictures, and celebrate with your friends and family as you dance the night away and welcome your 30s in style.
13. “Me Turning 30… That’s Wild” Party Theme
If you want a funny and bold take on your 30th birthday, this party theme is perfect. It’s based on the idea of “Me turning 30… that’s wild,” so go all in with animal print decor (think cheetah, zebra, or leopard), greenery, and jungle inspired accents.
Encourage your guests to wear animal print outfits to match the theme. And turn your birthday into a wild, fun, and unforgettable celebration.
14. Blooming Into 30 Themed Party
Bloom into your 30th birthday with a flower-themed party. Decorate your space with lots of fresh or faux flowers. And set up a bouquet making station so guests can create their own flower bouquet.
CHECK OUT: How To Celebrate A Birthday On A Budget (Without Sacrificing Fun)
15. Chapter 30 Birthday Party Theme
If you love books or just want a unique 30th birthday theme, consider a Chapter 30 book themed party.
This idea plays on the concept of starting a new chapter in your life. Decorate with stacks of books, use them as table centerpieces, and even create DIY bookmarks as a fun party activity.
30th Birthday Ideas for Her
16. Jam-Packed Day of Doing Your Favorite Things
When it comes to birthday ideas, especially for your 30th birthday, remember that this day is all about celebrating you. So take advantage of it and plan a jam-packed day full of your favorite things.
Whether it’s shopping, grabbing coffee, going to the gym, getting a spa treatment, or even binge watching a show; create an epic one-day itinerary and spend your birthday doing everything you love.
17. Self Care Day
Celebrate your birthday on a pampered note with a self care day. Treat yourself to a massage, get your nails done, get your eyebrows shaped, or visit a hair salon.
You can even have a DIY self care day at home with skincare, a long bath, and cozy relaxation.
18. Go on a Nature Walk
Whether it’s a walk in the park or a hike in the mountains; if you love being outdoors and staying active, celebrate your birthday with a nature walk.
19. Journal
Birthdays are a great time to sit down and reflect on the past year (or even the past few years) while also looking forward to the year ahead.
Journaling lets you see how much you’ve grown and how you’re continuing to grow. Take some time to write down your thoughts, dreams, goals, and anything else you want to remember for your next chapter.
20. Celebrate Your Inner Child
Even though turning 30 may feel like stepping into your “grown-up era,” you can still celebrate your inner child and do something that brings out that playful side of you.
Whether it’s going to a theme park like Disney; going bowling; roller skating; or doing something that makes you feel nostalgic and excited; there’s no age limit to childlike wonder, joy, and having fun.
CHECK OUT: Best Snacks At Magic Kingdom You Can’t Leave Without Eating
21. Go Out to Dinner
Going out to dinner is a timeless birthday idea. And it’s perfect if you’re not looking to do too much but still want something that feels special and a little pampered.
You can visit your favorite restaurant or try a new spot you’ve been wanting to check out.
22. Go Out for Brunch
Eggs, bacon, pancakes, mimosas… do I need to say more? If you want an early start to your celebration, go out for brunch.
23. Visit an Attraction
Check out the local attractions in your city or town and visit one for your birthday. It could be anything from a museum, park, zoo, botanical garden, aquarium, or any popular spot you’ve been meaning to explore.
24. Have a Picnic at the Park
Pack your favorite foods, bring a comfy blanket, and soak in the peaceful vibe of having a picnic outdoors.
CHECK OUT: What To Bring To A Picnic (Food Ideas + Essentials)
25. Eat Your Favorite Dessert
Whether it’s your favorite donut shop, cookies, or ice cream, celebrate your birthday by treating yourself to your favorite dessert.
30th Birthday Gift Ideas
If you’re looking for 30th birthday gift ideas to add to your wishlist to send to loved ones so they know what to get you; or if you’re someone searching for gift ideas for a friend turning 30, then consider the following ideas below:
26. Luxury Perfume
I love a good and affordable perfume from places like Bath & Body Works, but for a 30th birthday, a luxury perfume just hits different.
Turning 30 feels like stepping into a more “grown” and elevated era, and what better way to embrace that than with a high end fragrance.
From Marc Jacobs to Carolina Herrera, there are so many brands and scent notes to choose from. And if you’re not sure which one to get someone, you can always go with a mini or travel-size version so they can test it out and see if they love it.
27. Kitchenware
Sometimes being an adult simply means getting way too excited about kitchen tools, appliances, and home decor. So if that sounds like you or the person you’re gifting, consider giving them some cute and practical kitchenware.
There are so many great options to choose from, like utensil sets, cooking spoons, new pots and pans, or even a KitchenAid mixer.
28. Beauty and Personal Care Items
From skincare and moisturizers to cleansers, makeup, and body creams, there are so many beauty options to choose from.
Add some of your favorite beauty products to your own wishlist, or simply ask the person you’re gifting what types of beauty items they love.
29. Gift an Experience
Experience based gifts are amazing, especially for people who prefer minimalistic gifts or something more memory focused.
There are so many fun experiences you can give. Like a gift card for a massage, booking a session at a pottery class, buying concert tickets, or even getting tickets to a theater show.
30. Gift Card to Their Favorite Place
Gift cards are another fantastic 30th birthday gift idea because the birthday person can use them anytime they want.
It’s a great way to gift “cash” while still personalizing the gift to something they’ll love. From their favorite restaurant to their go-to clothing store, there are a lot of gift card options to choose from.
