So you’ve been waiting for this moment. You will soon be 21 years old. BB, I’m really looking forward to it. But we also know that milestones can come with a lot of pressure.So you only turn 21 once, right? Between choosing the perfect birthday outfit and figuring out which cute cocktail to legally consume first, the pressure to do something memorable can be quite stressful. So if you need a little help planning something special, don’t worry, we’ve put together a handy list of 21st birthday party ideas so you can feel like absolute royalty. I can.
See, it turns out that *exactly* how it sounds on the 21st can be tricky. But I promise there is something for everyone here. Want to drink wine and flash your license with all your bartenders? Your birthday is tomorrow, but you’re stressed out and have no idea how to celebrate? Want to do something really unique that’s not boring and cliché? all right. Chew. Did I say I got
If you’re ready to do something completely and utterly spectacular (yes, we use the word ‘magnificent’ ironically as in 2012. 21 you deserve to grow up in style) 1st Birthday Ideas Because after all, we’re all just trying to get you to ask, “Who’s she?”
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1. Host a themed costume party
Who doesn’t like a good excuse to dress up? Pick a fun theme (your favorite TV show, the coolest decade, your favorite childhood book series, etc.) and follow through.
2. Plan a cute picnic
Well, this has got to be the healthiest way to turn 21. Prepare adorable picnic blankets and have your guests wear their best floral prints. For the full experience, make sure everyone has gorgeous baked goods.
3. Sing to your heart’s content at karaoke
Nothing brings people together like a good karaoke session. high school musical for further evidence.
4. Book a hotel room or two
Fun Fact: Some hotels require you to be 21 to book a room. Surrender yourself to this “novelty” and then order a boozy room service experience while surrounded by plenty of decor. downstairs bar? Take all your GFs late in the evening to make the night.
5. Host a Tarot Reading Event
Get all the crystals, bitch! You can meditate, gift each other customized gemstones, read Tarot, or combine all of the above. Make sure they speak amazing intentions to you, the birthday queen.
6. Tell the year you were born at the Y2K party
Hello early 00’s! We miss you! (Um, we missed your fashion.) Now that fashion is back for a bit, throwing a Y2K party is going to be so trendy, and you can always look and talk like Paris Hilton afterward. .
7. Splurge on concert tickets
It may be a long time since you’ve been to an event with thousands of people. Maybe your favorite artist is coming to town! Maybe you just want to drink and listen to live music (how cold!). If the timing is right, you can even bring all your best friends and spend the night there. Pass someone backstage?
8. Dress up for no reason
This can be combined with other events on this list, but transforming into each other and showing off your best evening gowns can be a great precursor to a fancy night out or at home. It will be a fun activity for you. Make cocktails for each other. Already broke the internet and want to blow all your $$$ on your birthday on a dress you’ll never wear again? (Breaking news: Both have plenty of options from the selkie…and now’s the perfect time for him to lock one.)
9. Go skydiving
Dear adrenaline lovers! Let’s be friends first. Second, find something you and your (like-minded) buddies love to do and absolutely join the experience.Like skydiving. After all, he only turns 21 once.
10. Rent a party bus
Parties are somehow 1000% more fun on wheels. Please don’t ask me why. It’s just science.
11. Go to the casino
A very classic 21st birthday party ruckus: casino night. Find a joint in your area (or head to Vegas if you’re going all out), put on a 2000s bandage girlfriend dress and try your gambling luck.
12. Host a pajama party
Granted, this depends on the size of your place (so you might have to convince a bud who has a big apartment to host this), but middle school kids (minus braces) Have a fun night painting your nails and watching roms towards -com.
13. Share a large meal
Yes, I mean this in the literal sense.
14. Pretend to be on vacation
Vacations are expensive and can be more exhausting than enjoyable. Days off from work, hotels, spas, sightseeing, and dinners in new places are common. Let’s go all in, bbs.
15. Find the scenery
Which building in your area has the tallest, most impressive roof deck or bar? Go there. In the meantime, take as many Instagram-worthy photos and videos as you can and let everyone know that it was the coolest girlfriend’s 21st birthday. Alternatives to leveling up: Go skydiving (mentioned above) or bungee jumping. A view is a view, after all.
16. Buy gifts for everyone
Ok, yes it’s all about you basically, but how fun it would be if all your friends exchanged silly gifts like white elephants! You can… you have the final say as the birthday queen. If you’re completely stumped on gift giving (for you or someone else), we have a full list of 21st birthday gift ideas!
17. Host the biggest 21 themed party ever
Yes, yes, this is clichéd, but what about custom decorations that really push it over the top? Or a silly, OTT, *Roaring 20s* theme? I still can’t forget it.
18. Ride a Horse
Horse girls, raise your hands. This may be an activity she hasn’t done since she was 10, but rocking scenic trails and relearning old skills can be a fun time (and everyone is motivated). as long as there is). Alternatives: petting zoos, volunteering at shelters, or somehow getting a cute fluffy animal.
19. Go on an Expedition
Got a landmark, restaurant, or hotspot you’re dying to visit? Grab a car (or RV if you’re feeling sick) with your friends and just drive! please don’t
20. Do a scavenger hunt
I can see it now: a roaring “you-themed” scavenger hunt at home. Challenge your friends to find specific items in your location, such as your favorite snack or your go-to comfy outfit. The winner gets the last slice of pizza.
21. Be Thrifty
Shopping is cool, but have you found of Found the most gorgeous handbag at your local thrift store and hooked it up for (relative) stealing? Or the chicest jacket you’ll definitely wear for your next night out?
22. …or design your own clothes
If you want to tie-dye, do it with a sewing machine Also Just chop jeans into shorts, this is the moment. Oh! or! You can also do a clothing change where you and your buddies exchange items you no longer need in your wardrobe. Please.Is this just for your birthday?)
23. Just have a girls’ night out
Wait, did you really think this wasn’t on the list? I’m never on classic, bbs. But you can always spice things up with themed outfits, drinking games, or special dinner and dessert options.
24. Spa day in a nutshell
If you’re looking for pampering in the name of self-care, a spa day is ideal. Line up all the services you’ve been craving: facials, steam rooms, mud baths and more.
25. Have a drawing party
Drawing and drinking classes are an easy way to spend under the guise of art and friendship. So let’s get the quintessential Wine Down Monday crew together and head to the studio.
26. Take a pole dancing class
So I was really inspired by Lil Nas X’s skills in the “MONTERO” music video (same). Would you like to participate in a pole dance class for beginners? Bring your friends and get ready to test your core strength.
27. Go to the escape room
Everyone who supports banning escape room events in business combinations says yes. Everyone who advocates reusing an escape room event for a fun 21st birthday party says yes!
28. Go to a burlesque show
If you’re here for the dramatic and glamorous atmosphere, check out the burlesque show. more familiar than strip clubs, way More engaging than most acts on stage.
29. Party at the hotel pool
Book a cabana by the pool at your favorite hotel and enjoy all the amazing views, beautiful people and delicious little cocktails. In a nutshell, lux-ur-y.
30. Book a bottomless brunch
ok i couldn’t No Include boozy brunches on this list. Frankly, it’s a rite of passage. Shop around for the best deals, book them, and stay hydrated.
31. Go on a booze cruise
Have a friend pre-book your ticket and spend the afternoon watching the sunset, watching the waves, and sipping a cute cocktail while looking even cuter.
32. Make every jello shot
Not the whole party, but a start. And they’re super easy and always a crowd pleaser. Please follow the instructions.
33. Take lots of Polaroid pictures
Because, same as above, nothing says “I’m young and fun!” It’s like taking lots of pictures with a real camera that inspires nostalgia. Place all the shots on a cute surface so you can share them on the gram the next morning.
34. Visit Wine Country
Grab your crew and plan your visit to the vineyards. Who wouldn’t want to play in the vineyard?
35. Get fancy wine pairings
When you book a table at a fine dining restaurant you’re dying to go to and are asked if you’d like the chef’s wine pairing, say: yeah yeahbecause you’re 21 and that’s what adults do.
36. Go on a brewery tour
If you haven’t had a booze before tonight, why not make your first booze at a brewery with a friend? Many locations offer small group tours, so your party is a learning opportunity. also works as The more you know, right?
37. Take a mixology class
Think of it as a debutante ball for yourself of legal drinking age.
38. Go to a roller disco
In recent years, it has returned to the public consciousness.Think about it: Beyoncé’s “Blow” music video and Maddie’s backstory montage Euphoria. Why not make it real?
39. Host an adult tea party
Whether you are a die-hard fan crownMeghan Markle obsessed, or just love tea, this might be the cute birthday outing you’ve been looking for. can be staged.
40. Make a to-do list for your 21st birthday
Ask your friends to give you a geeky challenge, put it on your poster, and BAM! I set up an activity list for the whole damn night. (Make sure one of them says “hit the buffet.”)
Emma Baker is a freelance writer and graduate of NYU’s Cultural Reporting and Criticism program. She writes about her feminism, consumer culture, and self image of the market.
Annabel Iwegbue is an editorial assistant covering entertainment, beauty, fashion and astrology. When she’s not writing, she’s either obsessed with TikTok FYPs or harassing people about her natal chart information.Follow Annabelle on Instagram. Her account is mostly devoted to Britney posting her Spears songs on her stories.
Associate Lifestyle Editor
Hannah Chubb is an Associate Editor at Lifestyle. cosmopolitan, home, travel, food, health, career and more. She spends nearly every hour of her day curating the internet for the best new products, trends and travel destinations. Usually, she finds out-of-reach homes on her Zillow or her Airbnb, plans her next meal before going to a restaurant, or spends time at Peloton justin’ her Bieber’s all class again and again. I am taking classes. Follow her on her Instagram.
