A 21st birthday is a big deal for a lot of people. Not only on this day do you become officially legal, but it marks your entry into adulthood. So whether you're celebrating your own 21st birthday or planning for someone else's 21st birthday, there is a lot of pressure to get it just right.
We've come up with this handy post to help you get inspiration for 21st birthday ideas and gifts to get someone turning 21. In this post, we'll show you the best 21st birthday ideas and gifts for a night you'll never forget.
Oh, and you'll want to read to the end to see a little bit extra 21st birthday ideas we have for you.
Top 21st Birthday Ideas
Nightclub, Lounge, or Bar
This one is a little obvious for a 21st birthday idea, but it's time to get that ID out! You're finally 21, and it's not time to hit up that club, lounge, or pub. Whatever your mood is telling you.
You can reserve a table with your friends or hit the dance floor all night long. The night is yours!
21st Birthday Brunch
Perfect 21st birthday idea to start the day of your birthday or to end the night of your 21st birthday. It's time to try mimosas for the first time! So, reserve a table at the best brunch place in town for a bit of daytime celebration. Whether you're with family or friends, enjoying some brunch food with some champagne-inspired drinks will make a fabulous daytime party.
Take a Day Cruise
Celebrate your 21st birthday party at sea or on a lake by joining a day cruise. There are many places that you can rent out entire boats just for your party. So invite everyone you know, from your best friend to your friend's girlfriend/boyfriend, to join in on the fun! You'll be able to enjoy drinks and good weather with your favorite people. Some boats even make stops where you can get off the ship and explore, or you can stay on the ship and enjoy the party surrounded by all your friends.
Throw a Themed Party
Throw your favorite themed party that you had a kid! Whether that's princess-themed, dinosaur-themed, or SpongeBob square pants. Since you're going to be 21 and an adult, let's remember back on the good ol' times of being a kid without any cares in the world. So head over to your local party store and stock up on fun-themed plates, hats, party poppers, and more.
Throw in some jello shots, pizza, candy, a piñata, and you're ready to go! Plus, you can play some kid games but with a little bit of booze. So have a blast at your 21st birthday party!
Battle it Out on the Microphone
There is nothing else like belting out your favorite song surrounded by all the people you love. If you're a little more mic shy, there are private karaoke rooms that you can rent out, or if you're feeling a little more adventurous, you can head to your local bar that has a karaoke night.
So start finding those songs that you want to sing and get ready to have a wild birthday party filled with music and laughter! It's a 21st birthday idea that everyone will love.
Top 21st Birthday Gifts for 2023
Surprise 21st Birthday Video
Create a surprise birthday video that they’ll cherish forever. Whether it’s for your friends, your son, daughter, or anyone else, creating a beautiful birthday video with VidDay will be a memory that’ll last a lifetime. You can easily invite everyone the birthday person loves to join in on the birthday video.
Once you’ve received all the video clips and photos, you can arrange it however you want, add some music and choose from a wide variety of themes. This birthday video will make that 21 birthday unforgettable.
When the 21st birthday video gift is complete, you have the option to order a custom-made DVD or USB to give as a keepsake.
The cover is automatically personalized with the recipient's photo, name, and occasion. All you need to do is place an order.
Our personalized photo DVDs and USBs make great gifts for a 21st milestone birthday.
Need a little more inspiration on what to say in your birthday video? Check out this birthday wish idea generator.
Survival Kit
Now that they are legal, they might make some not-so-smart decisions when it comes to drinking. So let’s prepare them for the day after with a little hangover survival kit! This kit is easy to assemble, one trip to the pharmacy, and you’ll have everything you need! Here’s what you need:
Tylenol
Gum
Coffee
Vitamin C
Chocolate bars
Refillable water bottle
Gift card for pizza
There you have it! A survival kit for that oh-so-no good morning after their 21st birthday.
Instax Camera
Allow them to capture the night with the new Instax SQUARE SQ1 instant camera. It’s great to take photos and then share them on social media for that vintage kind of look. Don’t forget the film — they come in various colors from pink to black to sky blue! Or keep it neutral with white. It’s a great 21st birthday gift!
Hydro Flask
Stay hydrated and stay refreshed. Any water vessel is a good choice as long as we stay away from harmful chemicals and plastics. The Hydro Flask comes in an array of colors, shapes, and sizes! So it’s easy for you to find that perfect 21st birthday gift that will match their personality and style. Plus, they offer a service where you can get your bottle custom-designed so that you can tailor the bottle to the special birthday person.
Sootheez Sandals
Move over Crocs, and it’s time to say hello to Sootheez! Wow, these sliders look like you’re walking on a cloud of goodness. Plus, they are a little kinder on the eyes than crocs are. (Not that we are hating on crocs, we love crocs!). Perfect for foot pain relief, bad joints, hip & back support, not that many 21-year-olds have these issues (it’s just a great excuse to get a pair for yourself). They come in various colors and honestly look like you’re walking on a pillow and who doesn’t want that for a perfect 21st birthday gift?
More 21st Birthday Ideas
The birthday ideas above didn’t get you excited? Need a little more 21st birthday idea? Here are some ideas to help spice up your birthday. We know that choosing an activity or unique venue like one of these will create a wonderful birthday filled with memories that will last you a lifetime.
Hire a party bus
Plan a weekend away with your best friends
Paintballing
Rock climbing
Take part in an escape room
Take a road trip with some friends
Go to a winery or brewery (perfect for a daytime adventure)
Take a class with your friends (cooking, dance, art — anything at all!)
Go rock climbing
Relax with friends at a day spa
Have a slumber party
Throw a barbecue in a park or backyard
Have an opulent high tea
Rent out a hotel pool for a pool party
Volunteer with friends during the day for a cause that’s close to your heart
Go to a show (a movie, music, comedy, theatre)
Go to your favorite sporting event
These 21st birthday ideas are truly unique, and you can personalize them to match your tastes and likes.
Create a Memorable 21st Birthday Gift
Birthdays are always a time for celebration! Especially when it’s your 21st birthday. A 21st birthday is a time to get together with friends and family to celebrate. It's a time to get together and enjoy some birthday cake, good food, and of course, a group birthday video gift.
Bring some joy and perhaps a few tears of happiness to the 21st birthday party with a meaningful video gift. The best way to say Happy 21st Birthday! With sincere birthday wishes from your friends and family in a group video gift. Need a little help with 21st birthday wishes — check out our birthday wishes generator for some inspiration. Why are group birthday videos such a great 21st birthday gift?
“Made a surprise birthday video with many loved ones for my daughter’s birthday. Everyone loved it that it brought tears to their eyes, mine included. Very easy to use and put together… I will be using it again to make many more video messages for family & friends.” — Gina Ferrante
Great question! With our birthday video maker, you can collect messages from loved ones, friends, family, colleagues all in one surprise 21st birthday video, which means that everyone can join in on the 21st birthday celebration, whether celebrating from a distance or nearby. Learn more about creating your birthday video with our handy birthday video guide.
Celebrate better together by saying Happy 21st Birthday with a group VidDay video gift. Start one today.