Whether you love celebrating your birthday every year or you dread the thought of turning another year older, birthdays are one of those rare opportunities to gather your friends and family in one place and celebrate. And let's face it, you should be doing something fun for every milestone you hit, because what better excuse is there to get all of your favorite people in one room and reminisce aboutthe past year or more you’ve spent together?
When you were a kid, it was so easy to pick a favorite theme or place to host your party, but as an adult, it can be trickier. As we got older, the themes tended to dwindle and it became “Meet me at that bar we love!” or “Let’s just all do dinner.” And even if it’s not a particularly special year—aka one of the “big ones”—there’s nothing wrong going all out for an adult birthday party.
All out of ideas? Make every year a milestone year with these 35 adult birthdayparty ideas.
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Host a Game Night
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Have everyone come in their favorite pajamas or athleisure and bring their go-to board game from way back when, like Dream Phone or Guess Who? And for an extra dose of nostalgia, have goody bags for the winners.
02of 35
Do a Spa Day
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Indulge inDIY facials(or sheet masks), massage trains, and at-home mani/pedis while watching a movie marathon. If you want to go the extra step, host the party at a spa instead, so you don't have to worry about getting anything set up.
03of 35
Have a Cake Swap
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Is it worth getting a year older without the frosting and candles? We think not. Ask each guest to forgo gifts and bring their favorite cake instead. We can't think of a better way to celebrate your day than indulging in multiple sweet treats.
04of 35
Cook the Night Away
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Let's face it: everyone loves a dinner party. If you don't want to ask everyone to bring their own food, create a menu of your favorite homemade meals, and then cook them for your big day.Whatever you do, don't forget cake!
05of 35
Have DIY Wine Tasting
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We love a glass of vino and learning a little something. Savvy wine clubs likeWincoffer a wine tasting 101 kit that is perfect for parties and digging into the nuances of your favorite bottle. Not interested in signing up for a service? Just have your friends bring their favorite bottles and go from there.
06of 35
Host a Film Screening
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Rent out a theater at your local cineplex and ask them to play your favorite movie. Hand out the popcorn, candy, slushies, etc., as snacks. (PS: You can also do something similar at your own place for way cheaper.)
To make it fit for a celebration, pick a theme and watch only movies that go along with it, likeromantic moviesor90's favorites (Clueless, anyone?).
07of 35
Host a Mixology Party
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Hire a mixologist (try a local catering company or reach out to your favorite restaurant) to craft custom drinks for your friends all night long based on their favorite ingredients. Serve up some happy hour snacks along with the drinks and create a killer playlist. It's like having your party at a bar, but way better.
08of 35
Opt for a Classy Affair
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We’re talking suits and stilettos, jazz in the background, and plenty of hors d’oeuvres. Champagne toast optional (though we think you should go for it). Host at home or at your favorite neighborhood speakeasy.
How to Open a Bottle of Champagne Like a Pro
09of 35
Have a Wine and Cheese Night
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Research the perfect pairings for wine and cheese, or wine and anything really, on a site likeWine Folly. If you want to go all out, offer wine flights to your guests. In lieu of birthday gifts, ask everyone to bring their favorite bottle instead.
When curating your cheeseboard, first mix flavors and textures (like brie, gruyere, and bleu), then add some cured meats, a touch of produce, followed by nuts, seeds, and crackers, and finish it all off with dips and fresh herbs.
10of 35
Try an Urban Winery
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Instead of staying in, head to the city for a wine tasting. Increasingly, the urban winery trend is making it more convenient for urbanites to get the vineyard experience without having to travel out of town. Plus many wineries offer great menus. Call ahead to reserve a birthday cake and plenty of seats for your party.
11of 35
Create Your Own Bar Crawl
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Choose your favorite co*cktail or craft brew, whether it be mezcal margaritas or tiki drinks. Then, decide on a fun neighborhood and map out a walkable or ride-share route to various breweries or bars that serve the best of your chosen tipple.
12of 35
Play Hostess at Your Favorite Store
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Some boutiques will actually let you throw your birthday soirée on-site (as long as some guests purchase things, of course).Do you love shoes? Ask to have your fête right in the footwear department.
13of 35
Get Dolled up at Your Place
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Tell your friends to wear their favorite party outfits, and then call an at-home beauty concierge service likeBlo,Dry Bar, or Glam Squadto come do hair and makeup. If you decide to go out, great—if not, no worries. Just make sure to snap some photos for posterity... and Instagram.
14of 35
Have a Jewelry Making Party
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Craft custom pieces together and take them home. We’re partial to Kendra Scott’s Color Bar (which has retail locations in some states). Customize everything from metal type to stone color for one-of-a-kind pieces for each of your guests.
15of 35
Spring for High Tea
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Find one at luxury hotels or your local tea room and channel the U.K. tradition, complete with cucumber sandwiches and bite-sized sweet treats. To make it feel more like a celebration, opt for champagne with your tea.
16of 35
Host a DIY Night
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You could choose any theme, but we personally love those home décor DIYs that aren't too challenging to make and everyone goes home with something for their space—like IKEA hacks.You'll have fun and get something new for your home in the process. We'll call that a win-win.
17of 35
Take Over the Local Rollerskating Rink
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Take a cue from the 70's and host a disco party at the local roller rink, even if you've never roller skated before. You can wear chic retro gear and knee socks while rolling away to the fun and funky tunes.
Take a trip with your friends to your favorite vintage or thrift store before the party to pick out your perfect outfit.
18of 35
Throw a Great Gatsby Party
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Celebrate your love of The Great Gatsby and get out those flapper dresses orold-school suits, and learn how to do the Charleston together during a Roaring Twenties-themed celebration. Or pick your favorite decade as a theme. Personally, we're partial to a '80s or '90s theme.
19of 35
Throw a Margarita/Margherita Party
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Most parties are all about the food, and this one is no exception. Make homemade margherita pizzas together and blend margaritas (alcoholic or not). Your guests will love the laidback vibe.
20of 35
Host a Murder Mystery Soirée
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Assign each guest a character to dress up as ahead of time; we’re partial to those pre-planned byNight of Mystery because they do all of the work for you. Simply download everything you need in advance and you're ready to host an unforgettable night.
21of 35
Plan an Active Day
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Choose your favorite way to move and round up your guests. Whether it's the bowling alley, swimming, rock climbing, or a group dance or trapeze class, there is a recreational activity out there for everyone.
22of 35
Create a Destination Celebration
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Pick your favorite travel experience and recreate it at home. For example, reimagine your vacation in Capri by playing Italian music, eating Italian food, and sipping on classic Italian drinks like Negronis.La vita è bella!
23of 35
Use a Letter as Your Theme
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We recommend using the letter of your first name and have everyone come dressed up as something that begins with that.To really commit to the theme, only serve food that begins with that letter as well. M is for milkshakes and marshmallows!
24of 35
Throw a Coachella-Themed Bash
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We’re thinking a flower crown–making station, flash tats, and inflatable floats for days. A killer dance playlist won’t hurt, either. Bonus points if you only play music from past and present Coachella headliners.
25of 35
Host a Barbecue
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Go casual with a grill and refreshing beverages while your best pals lounge in the backyard, the beach, or your favorite park. Don't forget s'mores and plenty of outdoor pillows and blankets for a comfy setup.
26of 35
Have a Luau
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This one's for our summer birthdays! Greet guests with homemade flower leis, whip up some co*cktails in pineapples, and set up your own tiki bar. Bonus points if you throw this one on the beach.
15 Summer Birthday Party Ideas for the Best Celebration Ever
27of 35
Do a Tarot Reading
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With the universe as guide, hire a tarot reader to guide your group through a collective reading and pay special attention to what the reading invites you to consider. Or, host your owntarot reading.
28of 35
Take a Trip
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Really feeling adventurous? Gather a few of your pals and take a road trip to a new locale. Whether it's a destination nearby that you've never gotten a chance to visit or a more luxurious trip, everyone loves an excuse for a vacation.
29of 35
Throw a Massive Picnic
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All you need is a bunch of blankets and your favorite people. Head to the park and ask everyone to pack their own lunch and snacks beforehand. Don't forget the portable Bluetooth speaker and sunscreen.
30of 35
Give Back
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If there's a cause you're passionate about, ask your inner circle to spend the afternoon volunteering for your favorite organization. You can also request that any funds intended for your birthday present instead be donated to the organization.
31of 35
Have a Self Care Day
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Treat yourself and your friends to a full day of wellness. Whether that means getting in touch with your spiritualityvia a psychic, trying crystal healing, or DIYing sugar scrubs, it's totally up to you.
32of 35
Belt It Out at a Karaoke Night
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This is fun at home or at a local karaoke bar, and nothing beats belting out your favorite tunes with friends. To bring out everyone's competitive side, have a prize for the winner. You can also give out awards for "Best Cover" and "Best Britney Spears Impersonator."
33of 35
Throw a Sleepover
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You probably haven't had one since high school, so take it way back with a classic slumber party. Do face masks, eat junk food, catch up on celebrity gossip, and watch your favorite films from your youth.
31 Fun Things to Do at a Sleepover for an Unforgettable Night
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Host a Dinner Party
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If you aren't one to make a big deal about your birthday, we get it, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't celebrate at all. Instead, throw a simple dinner party with a few of your closest friends. If you don't feel like cooking, order in from your favorite takeout spot.
35of 35
Get Artsy
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Grab the glue guns, craft paper, rhinestones, and scissors. Have a craft night with your best friends and make homemade paintings, origami, or even bedazzle your clothing and accessories, just like you did in the '90s.
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