There's no denying that turning 30 is a big freaking deal. I mean, it's up there with other important milestones like graduating, buying your first house, and landing your dream job. So, if you're looking to celebrate this special birthday with a little more ~pizzazz~ than your previous ones, I don't blame you. In fact, I encourage it. Because, well, you only turn 30 once (sorry). Better make the most of your youth!!!
Whether you're mourning your twenties or welcoming the next decade with open arms (and co*cktails), I'm here to help you save the planning headache for your hangover. I'm coming through with some v creative and fun 30th birthday party ideas worth considering—from a roaring 30s-themed shindig for the flashy bunch to some more low-key get-togethers perfect for homebodies. No matter your style, I'm sure you'll find something here that speaks to your festive soul for your big 3-0. Or, if you're the best friend ever and are planning a party for your bestie, we've got you covered. Let's! Start! Scrolling!
(Oh, and if you feel like making a registry of 30th birthday gifts because you're on top of it, then I've got you covered there, too.)
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
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4
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.
5
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.
6
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!
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7
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 co*cktails... whatever you do, just make sure you're doing it in a chic set of jammies, like this silky set.
8
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.
9
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.
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10
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.
11
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 co*cktails.
12
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.
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13
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.
14
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.
15
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.
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16
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.
17
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).
18
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.
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19
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.
20
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.
Kim Duong
Senior Shopping Editor
Kim Duong is the senior shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, overseeing shopping coverage online for all things fashion, lifestyle, beauty, and sex. When she's not musing about which products are actually worth your hard-earned cash, she's also writing (sometimes slightly unhinged) fashion content in print. You can find her previous writing in Refinery29, InStyle, Travel + Leisure, and StyleCaster. Follow her on Instagram for bottomless cute dog content and did-that-really-happen-to-me story times in her highlights.
Hannah Chubb
Lifestyle Editor
Hannah Chubb is the lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things home, travel, food, health, career, and more. She spends pretty much every hour of every day curating the internet for the best new products, trends, and travel destinations. You can typically find her looking for houses she can’t afford on Zillow or Airbnb, planning her next meal before she gets to the restaurant, or taking all of the Justin Bieber classes over and over and over again on Peloton. Follow her on Instagram.
