These (36!) Cutesy 30th Birthday Party Ideas Are Perfect for Bringing in a New Decade
Thirty, flirty, and thriving is about to be an understatement.
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As if you didn't already know, turning 30 is a Really Big Deal. That's not to put pressure on you—we don't subscribe to those antiquated societal expectations over here!—instead, it's actually meant to be celebratory...because finally exiting the slums that are your 20s is worthy of popping several bottles.
I've been 30 for all of six months now, but I *can* vouch that it's quite similar to being in your 20s, actually—except you have more money, more sense, and less tolerance for bullsh*t. There's also a deeper sense of self-assuredness and a comfort in who you are. So, in lesser words, it's lit over here (I would, however, give my left arm to be able to drink how I did when I was 24, but that's neither here nor there!), and there's a lot to look forward to, starting with the way you're gonna celebrate.
Whether you want to ring in this milestone year with aaall the pomp and circumstance, or if you want a super low-key vibe to reflect and future-plan (I see you, Virgos), I've got a boatload of cute and fun 30th birthday party ideas for every mood. No, like, for real. Wanna get debaucherous on a yacht with expensive alcohol and all your BFFs? Duh. Opting for a no-stakes solo trip with little hassle? I'm giving you the tools on how to make it happen. Regardless of your energy, there's something here that will speak to you (or, if you're crushing the best friend game and planning a party for your bestie, we're here for you too!). Now, let's get to party planning, shall we? (Oh, but before I forget, might I suggest making an entire registry of 30th birthday gifts because You! Deserve!).
With additional reporting by Hannah Chubb.
Visit a Lipstick Lab
Start your new decade with a new signature shade after visiting a lipstick lab (most major cities have one!), where you can craft the perfect lippie for your coloring. You should also absolutely bring your friends and make it a party with pre-drinks.
Write Yourself a Letter
Party for one! Grab your cutest stationery and pen a letter to your future self, and don't be afraid to get all up in your feels about entering a new decade. You can address the letter to yourself at 35, 40, 50, or any other age—just make sure you appreciate where you are now and think about your goals down the road.
Do Something That Scares the Sh*t Out of You
Prove to yourself that you're still young, cool, and daring despite your new age group by doing something super adventurous and maybe even a little scary. Think: skydiving, rock climbing, bungee jumping, or even just going to therapy.
Buy Yourself the Bag
You know, *that* bag you've been eyeing for all of your twenties? Splurge on yourself. You deserve it. Especially if you're still obsessed with it after all these years.
Book a Cool Getaway
Get your best pals together and book a stay at a cool rental. Bonus points if it's somewhere you've always wanted to go, like maybe this Joshua Tree VRBO.
Throw a 13 Going On 30-Themed Party
If the bday babe is 30, flirty, and thriving, then you absolutely must throw a party inspired by the iconic 2004 film. We're talking glitter, Y2K fashion, and "Thriller" bumpin' on the speakers. Get a themed card. Dress in the iconic lewks. It'll be a night to remember!
Have a Slumber Party
Throw it back to the sleepover parties of yore and host a grown-up one of your own. Eat snacks, watch movies, sip on cocktails... whatever you do, just make sure you're doing it in a chic set of jammies, like this silky set.
Throw a "Dirty Thirty" Party
Ah, the power of a good rhyme (lol). Deck yourself out in punny balloons or simply pressure everyone into a few too many shots. There's no reason not to get messy one last time.
Make Trendy Jewelry
Get you and some pals a couple of jewelry-making kits so you can DIY your own beaded necklaces, bracelets, and maybe even those phone straps that are all over Instagram.
Host a '90s Throwback Party
Part of turning 30 is getting sentimental about your past, so break out your chokers, butterfly hair clips, and jelly sandals, and don't forget to feed your Tamagotchi. It's time to host the '90s throwback party of your dreams.
Take a Mixology Class
Vodka sodas may have been your jam in your twenties, but it's officially time to level up. Book a real-deal mixology class with your best girlfriends, and emerge anew with a whole roster of slinky, sexy cocktails.
Host a Film Screening
Turn your apartment into a movie theater with this under-$100 projector (I mean, you could add in a screen, too, if you wanna get fancy). Now all you'll need is to dim the lights, grab some snacks, and throw on WandaVision.
Go to Vegas
If you opted out for your 21st birthday, senior week, or any other time in your twenties, you'll want to get in on the Vegas experience now. Chances are 30-year-old you has more $$$ to gamble with, anyways.
Book a Spa Day
I don't need to tell you that you deserve it. Stack a couple of spa services, set your OOO reply, and spend an entire day pampering yourself to prepare for the next decade. Or, you know the drill, get your own spa kit.
Play Retro Board Games
For a night of good, clean fun, invite your crew over for old-school games, like Twister, Monopoly, or Chutes and Ladders. For more modern inspo, check out this full list of actually not lame adult board games.
Have a Meme-Worthy Party
If there's one thing all millennials love, it's a good meme. So make that the theme! You could even kick it up a notch and ask everyone to come dressed as their fave internet icon.
Go Abroad
Treat yourself to a dream vacay abroad! The continent is up to you. Oh, and take a seriously luxe carry-on along with ya (trust me, it'll make traveling so much easier).
Go Glamping
Book a woodsy cabin or a beach yurt and lean into your secret wanderlust vibe and get away for a restful but glam few days. Just imagine the Insta content. At-home alternative: Buy a big ol' tent.
Have a Roaring *30s* Party
Celebrate the end of your ~roaring 20s~ with a Gatsby-themed shindig. This kit of party decorations from Amazon will help you pull it off.
Book a Dreamy Staycation
Sign off without going anywhere with a hotel staycation. Cancel all your plans for a full 24 hours and settle in for a night of robes, room service, sparkling wine, and of course, a poolside photoshoot.
Christen A. Johnson is the lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan where she covers health and wellness, money, career, pets, home, food, travel and more for print and digital. She also dabbles in culture writing, and wrote Cosmo’s first-ever digital cover story. Before joining the magazine, Christen was a lifestyle features reporter at the Chicago Tribune. Several of her health and style stories made the paper's front page. When Christen isn’t digging through antique stores, she's likely drooling over home renos on HGTV, sharing her latest therapy revelation, redoing old workouts from her college basketball days, or trying to perfect her homemade buttermilk biscuit recipe. Follow her on Insta for BTS ~ editor life ~ tingz!
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