30+ Epic Ways to Celebrate Your Birthday & Have a Memorable Day

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Ideas & party-planning tips to help you have the best birthday ever

Co-authored by Anna Braff and Glenn Carreau

Last Updated: September 22, 2024 Fact Checked

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Birthday Celebration Ideas

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Planning a Celebration

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Throwing a Birthday Party

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Enjoying Your Birthday

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Q&A

Birthdays: we all have them, and we all want them to be special. You can’t go wrong with a classic birthday party, but if you want to spice things up a bit this year, we’ve got you covered with a list of unique and exciting ways to celebrate your big day, from going to a concert to having a picnic in the park. Keep reading for tips to make the most of your special day below!

Birthday Ideas At a Glance

See a play, concert, musical, or comedy show.
Have a picnic or make reservations at a restaurant.
Visit an escape room, hit up the arcade, or go bowling.
Go the traditional route and throw yourself a birthday party.
Get a makeover or have a relaxing spa day.

Section 1 of 4:

What to Do on Your Birthday

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1
Go to a concert or play. Live performances, be they comedy, ballet, music, or stage plays, are a great way to make an outing special! Get a gang of your best pals together, or see a show with your significant other for a romantic birthday date.
- Make the outing really special by stopping for drinks or dinner beforehand, or grabbing dessert (did someone say birthday cake?) at your favorite restaurant afterward.
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Have a picnic. A leisurely afternoon sitting on a blanket outdoors is a perfect way to enjoy your day. Take a blanket, some drinks, snacks, and pals, find a scenic spot, and celebrate your big day with a picnic. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, bring wine, cheese, and fruit.
- For a more festive feel, bring cake, balloons, and a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY banner (or not-so-subtly hint to your friends to do it) and turn your picnic into your own magical outdoor birthday party.
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3
Try a new restaurant. Make a reservation at a place you’ve been dying to try, whether that means having a delicious brunch or a fancy dinner. You could try the new sushi place that’s been taking off or an authentic Italian trattoria—whatever suits your tastes. Invite a few friends and enjoy a meal together!
- You could always make reservations for a big party if you want, but don’t worry about bringing as many people as possible! It may be easier to get a reservation for a small group of close friends.
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Take a scenic hike. Did you know spending time in nature is good for your mental health?^{[1]
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U.K.-based mental health charity focused on providing advice and resources to anyone facing mental health problems.

Go to source} Enjoy a peaceful stroll through nature and breathe in the fresh air. Plus, you can always bring a picnic and find a spot with a view to stop and eat. Invite friends to take in the sights with you or take a quiet hike by yourself if you prefer.
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Go swimming. Whether you dive into your local lake or you suit up at the Y, swimming is a fun and refreshing birthday activity. If you want to make it a really special day, gather a gang of besties and go to your fave water park for a day of games, cotton candy, and water slides!
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Check out an escape room. See how much smarter you’ve gotten in the last year by going to an escape room! To “win,” you and your team must find clues, solve puzzles, and complete tasks in the escape room within a certain amount of time. So gather up your most Sherlock Holmes-y pals for a birthday you’ll never forget.^{[2]
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- There are escape rooms centered on all kinds of themes, from ancient Egypt to Harry Potter. See what cool escape rooms there are in your area, or make an adventure of it and road trip to your room of choice!
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Have a game day (or night). Pick some of your favorite board games, card games, or multiplayer video games and invite some friends over for a gaming marathon! You could also make the event more collaborative by asking guests to bring one of their favorite games, too—or have a gaming tournament and see which of you is the greatest gamer of them all.^{[3]
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- Make sure you set out some snacks and drinks if you plan to play games for a while!
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Go bar-hopping. If you’re a fan of fancy cocktails or craft beers, why not take your friend group out on an all-night adventure to the best bars your city has to offer? You can test out that cool new tiki bar you’ve been meaning to try, or visit your favorite cozy pub.
- Some places may even give you free shots if you tell them it’s your birthday. Picklebacks all around!
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Have a spa day. Your birthday is the perfect day for a mental detox! Make an appointment at a spa in your town and prepare to be pampered. Go with a bestie or have a solo relaxation day. You deserve it!^{[4]
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- From facials to cucumber water to mud baths to much-needed massages, a spa day is a great way to show yourself some self-love!
- Going to a spa can be pricey, but you can have your own special spa day at home. Buy a few face masks for everyone, light your most fragrant candles, pour everyone a glass of champagne or hot tea, and you're guaranteed a fun, relaxing birthday.
  - Buying spa products can get expensive quickly, but asking everyone to bring their favorite lotions, masks, and nail polishes is a great way to save money and make your guests feel more involved.
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Get lost in a bookstore. Are you a total bookworm? If so, there’s no better place to spend your special day than a bookstore. Hit up a local bookstore or check out a bigger chain bookstore, and find a few new reads for yourself! Plus, you can always bring a couple of friends, grab some coffee or tea, and chat about the books you find.
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Play games at an arcade. Arcades aren’t just for kids! It’s never too late to head over to your local arcade with some friends and spend a few hours playing games—and winning prizes, of course. So, go ahead and indulge your inner child with everything from Pinball to Mario Kart!
Round up a group of friends and head over to a bowling alley for a few games and see who can knock down the most pins! Bowling is super chill and easy to do, yet lots of fun—and since most bowling alleys have food and snacks, you can also grab a bite to eat there.
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Visit an amusement park. There’s no shortage of things to do at an amusement park, from thrilling rides to games, treats, and gift shops. You could easily spend your entire day getting lost there with a couple of besties, and you never know—you might even get special treatment there if it’s your birthday!
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See a comedy show. Check to see if there’s an improv or comedy show in your area and snag tickets. There’s nothing like a healthy dose of laughter to make a birthday feel extra joyful, after all. You could even join an open mic night and try a comedy routine of your own!
If you’re a lover of the great outdoors, why not plan a camping trip? Find a local campground where you can lay out a few tents, light a campfire, make s’mores, and tell some stories with a group of friends. Try bringing some games to play, too, to add in some extra fun.
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Go thrifting (or shopping). If you have some extra funds to spare, check out a few thrift shops in the area; the beauty of them is that you never know what you’ll find! You might find anything from some amazing (and inexpensive) clothes or a cool new piece of furniture for your home.
- If thrifting isn’t for you, you could also go on a regular old shopping spree with a few friends and hit up your favorite stores.
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Have an ice cream social. Get a whole bunch of ice cream flavors (including a couple of your absolute favorites) and some toppings—like sprinkles, chocolate syrup, cookies, marshmallows, cherries, or whipped cream. Then throw a party where you and your guests make your dream sundaes together!
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Visit a cat or puppy cafe. How about a dose of cuteness on your birthday? Find a puppy or cat cafe in your area and make an appointment so you (and some pals) can spend a couple of hours drinking coffee, eating pastries, and best of all, cuddling with animals!
- This is especially great if you’re already planning on adopting a pet. You might just meet your new best friend at a cafe with adoptable dogs or cats!
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Take a class and learn something new. Is there a new skill you’ve always wanted to learn or get better at? Maybe you want to master the art of cooking, learn to speak a new language, or take guitar lessons! Whatever the skill you’re hoping to learn, your birthday is the perfect time to take that leap and sign up for a class.
- Rope a friend or your significant other into taking the class with you! That way, you’ll have an activity to share—and something special to do with one another regularly.
20
Get a makeover. It’s a new year for you, so try a new look! Treat yourself to a new hairdo, a wardrobe update, some new makeup—or all of the above. Visit a salon or beauty counter for hair and makeup, and find a few pieces of clothing to add to your wardrobe at either your favorite store or one you’ve been wanting to check out.
Who says pajama parties are for kids alone? You can do this with friends, a partner, or even your whole family if you have a partner and kids! Hang out in your favorite comfy pair of pajamas, eat snacks, and binge-watch your favorite TV shows to make your birthday chill and tons of fun.
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Do some karaoke. Rent a private room at a karaoke place for you and your friends, or head over to a karaoke bar where you can mingle and sing along with total strangers—whatever makes you more comfortable! Belt out your favorite songs, have a few drinks, and stay out a little too late to celebrate your special day.
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Host a private movie screening. Have people over to watch your favorite movie with you—and have some popcorn while you watch, of course. You could rent the movie of your choice, stream it on your TV, or even get a projector and create a DIY big screen in your home.^{[5]
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- If you have the funds, you could even rent out a movie theater for your birthday and have your party there!
Give yourself the gift of quality time with someone you really love, whether that’s a close friend who lives farther away or a family member. Make plans to take a road trip, train ride, or plane and go see them for a few days. It’s a surefire way to make your birthday super memorable!
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Book a room at a hotel. You don’t have to go far; staycations can be tons of fun because they feel like vacations without you actually having to travel! Rent a hotel room for your birthday and spend the night enjoying the hotel amenities and ordering room service. Try bringing someone with you, too, whether you end up sharing a room with your partner or bestie.^{[6]
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Collect birthday freebies. There are a ton of different restaurants and stores that offer free stuff on your birthday—so why not spend the day getting as many freebies as possible? Recruit some friends and enjoy anything from a meal or snack to a movie at a discounted price. Places with free birthday rewards include:
- AMC will give you a large popcorn when you buy a movie ticket on your birthday if you’re an AMC stubs member.
- Baskin Robbins offers a free scoop of ice cream when you join their Birthday Club.
- BJ’s Brewhouse will give you a free pizookie for your birthday if you’re a Rewards Member.
- Cheesecake Factory will give you a free slice of cheesecake if you’re a member of Cheesecake Rewards.
- Coldstone Creamery offers a buy one, get one creation free for Club members.
- Olive Garden offers a free dessert so long as you get a meal there for your birthday, no signup required!
- Starbucks will give you a free drink or food item if you’re a Starbucks Rewards member.
You’re a savvy spender and you diligently tuck away money with every paycheck, right? Well, your birthday is your time to splurge on yourself and buy that special thing you’ve been wanting, whether it’s a divine-smelling perfume, a first edition of your favorite novel, or a new video game.
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Throw yourself a birthday bash. Take matters into your own hands and plan a spectacular birthday party so you can host your friends, put out food, play some music, catch up with everyone, and above all, have a very happy birthday. For advice on planning and throwing your birthday party, check out our guide below!
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Write a letter to your future self. Try starting a simple tradition of writing a letter to yourself reflecting on the past year and your goals for the year ahead. It doesn’t have to be perfect or super deep; just share your thoughts as best you can and give yourself something special to look back on when you reopen it on your next birthday.
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Do nothing. Who says birthdays have to be filled with activity? Many of us want to have a birthday that’s filled to the brim with adventures, but there’s nothing wrong with just relaxing and taking it easy on your birthday.^{[7]
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- Sleep in. Have a big breakfast and relax.
- Cook a favorite meal, or watch those rental movies you haven’t had the time for.
- Invite friends or family over for a casual hang, or enjoy the alone time!

Section 2 of 4:

How to Plan a Birthday Celebration

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1
Look at your bucket list for inspiration. Most of us have specific activities we want to do in our lives. Things on your bucket list likely range from the large to the small, from traveling to a particular place in the world to eating at a particular restaurant. Your birthday is the perfect opportunity to do some of the things you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t gotten around to.
- Not only will picking something from your bucket list guarantee the day will be memorable, but checking an item off your list will also help you feel successful and more accomplished! And why shouldn’t it? You’re getting things done!
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Set a birthday budget for yourself. While your bucket list no doubt has a plethora of awesome activities to choose from, realistically, some of those ideas won’t be in your budget right now. Think about what you can do for your birthday that won’t break the bank.
- Consider activities you can do without leaving your hometown or spending less than $100. ^{[8]
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- Create a total budget for everything—and we mean everything. For instance, if you’re planning a party, you’ll need to make a list of all the different vendors that you're going to need to hire: venue, caterer, florist, musicians, etc., and then make a budget for each particular category.
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If it’s a big year, consider planning your celebration around it. Is it your 21st? Your 40th? 50th? Doing something really special on particular milestones is especially memorable (and no one will begrudge you the expense!). Consider checking off a big bucket list item for these special years; major milestones are good years to do the skydiving, or the trip to Paris, or the kayaking down the Grand Canyon.
- Give yourself permission to go all out if it’s a big year, but still keep to a budget.
- There are lots of helpful resources out there to make it easier (and cheaper) to take that trip around the world you’ve always dreamed of—for instance, if you want to travel on a budget, consider going out of season for cheaper flights and lodging (even if it means putting off your trip until your birthday is over).

Section 3 of 4:

How to Throw a Birthday Party

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1
Plan your party. There are so many unique ways to celebrate your birthday, but sometimes you just want to go the classic route and have a party. Make sure you have the necessary items, the right venue, and all the guests you want to invite.
- It might be fun to choose a theme for your party, whether that theme is 70s glam, the nifty 50s, English high tea, or based on pop culture—like one of your favorite movies or TV shows.
- Decide what you’ll serve. Are you having a full dinner or just drinks and appetizers? Think of who’s coming and consider what they might like. Are your guests more carnivores? Vegetarians? If you know your guests’ preferences, use that knowledge.
- Consider the climate when planning your party. If it’s cold, warm dips and hot bread can be a relatively simple path. If your birthday falls in the warmer months (or if you live in a hotter region) cool drinks, fruits, and cold dips are great.
- Consider your guests’ enjoyment, but don’t overthink it: just plan a party that you would want to attend, and good times will be had by all.
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Get close friends and family involved. If you’re hosting a house party or a shindig where you’ll be doing some of the legwork, enlist family and friends to come early to help with the preparations. This way, some of the party-planning burden will be lifted from your shoulders, and you can focus more on having fun.
- If you want to lift even more of the burden, don’t have the party at your house: have it at someone else’s house, an event space, or even a hotel room or Airbnb.
3
Ask guests to contribute to the party. In lieu of gifts, ask guests to provide drinks, snacks, particular dishes, plates, or even music or games. This will lessen the economic burden on yourself as well as help guests feel involved, which can really create a sense of camaraderie.
- Potlucks are a great way to make your friends a part of the cooking. Ask everyone to bring a dish, or create a signup sheet with an online invite service for coordination of dishes.
- Know anyone who is known amongst friends for a special dish or dessert they make? Ask them if they would like to make it for your birthday: they’ll feel appreciated, and so will you!

Section 4 of 4:

Enjoying Your Birthday

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1
Be flexible. As with any event planning, don’t expect every bit of minutiae to happen exactly as you envisioned it down to each minute or birthday candle. Remember: it’s about having a good time and celebrating, not about accomplishing a task.
- When things don’t go exactly as you planned, go with it—it’s your birthday, and, well, you can cry if you want to, but there’s really no need. Everyone will have a good time if the host or guest of honor is relaxed and enjoying themselves, so that’s all you need to worry about.
- Things not going according to plan often makes for a great story. So if the dog gets in your cake or your BFF gets drunk and dances on the table singing “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” roll with it (and take pics).
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Let yourself be pampered. If you have family or friends around that express a desire to help make your birthday memorable, let them! Trust that the people who care the most about you will make sure your day is special.
- Pamper yourself also: sleep late, wear your favorite outfit, get some quality spa or massage time, or have a luxurious bath followed by chocolates.
3
Put aside your responsibilities for a day. If possible, allow yourself to “check out” on your birthday. Don’t let that big deal at the office go awry, of course, and make sure your kids have a ride home from school, but your birthday can be an annual guilt-free opportunity to not worry about the dishes or that wall that needs painting or other minor tasks that you have on your plate.
- If possible, get your birthday (or the day after if you’re planning on being up late) off from work. Take the day and enjoy it.

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What should I do if my birthday comes the day before an exam?

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You can decide to celebrate your birthday after the exam is over, when you will be more relaxed.

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What if my sister is mean to me again? She is mean to me on every single one of my birthdays.

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Try talking to her beforehand, and just calmly asking her she can please treat you a little better on your birthday. If she refuses, or if you don't trust her to actually follow through and do it, ask your parents to talk to her.

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How do I decide where to have my party?

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Some people like to have parties at their houses, but you could also use a restaurant, a park, or a bowling rink. You should pick a place that you think is fun!

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