Your 21st birthday is one of the most memorable birthdays you’ll ever have. Out of all the birthdays, THIS is the birthday worth throwing a party for!
Whether you are going big, or want to throw something small for your closest friends, you’ll find some of the BEST 21st birthday ideas and activities in this post that you and your friends are going to LOVE!
If you want to know how to celebrate your 21st birthday, you will also find 21st birthday ideas without alcohol, as well as 21st birthday ideas with alcohol!
I also want to point out that there is no rule book that says you have to celebrate your 21st with friends. Most of these ideas can be used if you want to go solo and celebrate your 21st birthday without friends!
Let’s hop right in!
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Best 21st Birthday Ideas
1. Set up a photo booth
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Photo booths are a must at any birthday party, especially your 21st birthday! Photo booths are super cheap and easy to set up so that you are able to capture the best moments with your friends.
2. Make pudding shots
If you want to take things up a notch from the classic jello shot, try making this strawberry cheesecake pudding shot!
3. Bedazzled/glitter liquor bottles
How cute are these bottles?! You can easily DIY old/new bottles on your own, or you can even buy them pre-made on Etsy! Bedazzling and glittering your bottles is a cute way to add a nice personalized touch to them.
4. Bubbly Bar
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This bubbly/mimosa bar idea is nothing short of AMAZING. I mean can it get any better than this?! Your friends are going to LOVE.
5. DIY Lip Gloss Bar
Making your lip gloss is such a fun activity you can do at your 21st birthday party. You and all of your friends will be able to get creative to make your lip gloss perfect for your needs!
6. DIY Nail Polish Bar
For this idea, make sure your girlfriends come without a fresh manicure so they can participate. You can grab all of your favorite nail polishes and even purchase a gel nail kit or two for your friends to try!
7. Charcuterie Table
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If you are having a larger 21st birthday party, this charcuterie table idea is PERFECT and so aesthetically pleasing. If your party is smaller, a simple charcuterie board will do just the trick.
Related: 19 Easy Charcuterie Board Ideas For Every Occasion
8. Tacos and Tequila
This is such a fun 21st birthday party theme idea! Complete this party theme with a taco bar, margaritas, and more! Your friends are going to obsess over this party idea.
9. Have fun with flowers
Get in touch with your local flower shop to create these beautiful flower numbers! They are seriously EVERYTHING.
10. Cake Table
Having a separate table for your cake and any other deserts that you may be having is a great way to place these pieces on display at your party.
11. Fun Birthday Cake
It’s your 21st! There are no rules when it comes to deciding what kind of cake to have at your party. Of course, you can stick to the basics, but if you want to take things up a notch, getting creative with your cake would be so much fun!
12. Balloon Arch
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Balloon arches are one of my favorite birthday party decorations ever. They are just so pretty, and can really transform your space.
13. Have Disposable Cameras
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No matter how photo savvy you are, you are bound to miss capturing some of the best moments at your party. You can give all of your guests a disposable camera to keep with them so they can take pictures throughout the party.
21st Birthday Activities
14. Have a birthday Brunch
Birthday brunches are honestly one of my favorite types of parties. You can cater in some of your favorite breakfast food from your favorite local breakfast spot. Or you can cook all of the food yourself!
You can even top off your birthday brunch with a bubbly bar that we talked about earlier (only if all of your friends are already 21 of course!)
15. Have a backyard picnic
How cute is this?! I’ve been seeing these backyard picnics everywhere lately and I think they are amazing! You obviously put all of this together yourself, but if you want it done for you, here are a few companies in major cities that offer this service!
LA Area: The Picnic Collective
Dallas Area: Uptown Picnic Co. & Rosedale Picnic Co.
Houston Area: Picnics in the City
NYC Area: Perfect Picnic NYC
16. Girls night sleepover
No matter how old we get, a girls night sleepover will always be fun! Planning fun activities like the DIY lipstick station and DIY nail bar to keep your guests entertained throughout the night!
17. co*cktail Making Contest
This party activity only works if all of your friends are 21 already, but it can be so much fun! Basically, everyone brings or comes up with a drink to see who made the best drink!
Related: How to Host a co*cktail Making Contest
18. Throw a House Party
House parties are always a classic party idea! Obviously, this year may look a little different, but having a close group of friends over is a great 21st birthday idea that you’ll cherish forever.
19. Have a Hotel Party
Some of my friends have thrown hotel parties in the past and they have always been so much fun! Hotels are great because you get to hang out with your friends all night long! Most hotels have indoor pools, so if you have a birthday party in winter, you still will get to experience a swimming party.
20. Go Bar Hopping
Now that you are 21, you can finally get into the bars! This idea works best if all of your other friends are 21 because you don’t want anyone feeling left out.
21. Host a Paint and Sip
A paint and sip is a relaxing 21st birthday idea that will allow you and your party guests to unwind and get your creative juices flowing. Grab a few bottles of wine, some paint, some canvases, and paint the night away!
Related: How to Host a Paint and Sip Party
