Turning thirty — this momentous occasion only happens once. Going out of one decade and into another, you may recall the same mixed emotions you experienced as you transitioned from 19 to 20. Whether this milestone is filled with new hope or responsibilities, don’t let this birthday pass you by. Throw yourself or a loved one a celebration to remember with some help from our list of 30th birthday ideas.
10 Fun 30th Birthday Ideas
Whether you are brainstorming your bash, unsure how to celebrate solo, or are planning on behalf of a loved one, we’ve compiled the ultimate birthday guide to strike the tone you want. Here are 10 30th birthday ideas to mark the occasion with the gusto and recognition it deserves.
Elevate co*cktail Hour with Mixology Classes
Cheers to being thirty, flirty, and thriving. Mastering the art of the co*cktail is a sign of maturity; it’s a skill sure to impress friends, family, coworkers, and dates. While wine, beer, and spiked seltzers can get the party going, they sometimes lack craftsmanship. Mix it up by learning how to properly create the co*cktail of your dreams.
And when it comes to mixing drinks, it’s more fun to learn together! So grab some friends and book your reservation for a mixology class. When you take an online course, you must prepare your kitchen space, supplies, and ingredients. However, no preparation is needed when you attend in person at one of our many beautiful locations! Allow about two hours to learn a variety of co*cktail recipes.
Raise a glass to your next thirty years. Toast your 20s goodbye, and look forward to the future!
Explore Your Favorite Cuisine with Cooking Classes
Those of us solidly into adulthood know how easy it is to get stuck in a cooking rut. To celebrate your 30th, why not take a cooking class from the best? When it comes to unique 30th birthday party ideas, a cooking class combines dinner and entertainment.
CoCuSocial cooking classes are hands-on. You’ll learn by doing and enjoy your creation at the end! When CoCuSocial hosts, there’s no prep or cleanup — just a good time and delicious food. Choose a class online or in person in New York City or a city near you.
Learn how to hand-roll sushi or make empanadas from scratch. Always wanted to learn how to make gnocchi? Wonder no more. Our professional chefs love to teach their individual specialties. Plan the cooking class as the main event, then get drinks afterward to keep the party going.
Splurge on a Big Purchase
Whatever big purchase you want to splurge on, let your thirtieth be your excuse to do it. And remember, “big” is relative. Maybe it’s a car, a house, or a new phone. Perhaps it’s a piece of art to hang in your home or a new subscription you’ve had your eye on forever. Whatever your heart desires, you should celebrate this momentous occasion.
Instead of throwing yourself a traditional party with gifts, consider asking loved ones to contribute towards your significant purchase. However, if you are coordinating on behalf of the 30-year-old to-be and brainstorming surprise 30th birthday ideas for her or him, keep the budget limited. Unless they are returnable, ensure you have the birthday person’s permission before making a big purchase.
Do Something That Scares You
Still trying to figure out how to celebrate a 30th birthday? Do something that scares you! Like indoor skydiving. Or actual skydiving! Conquer a fear — big or small. Stepping out of your comfort zone, even if it’s just a few inches, helps us grow in confidence and wisdom.
Whether it’s a physical feat like taking a ski lesson or a career obstacle like going for that promotion, see what happens when you believe in yourself. Consult that vision board of things you want to manifest in this new decade.
Of course, all feats are easier with support. Don’t go it alone! Tell loved ones about your unique 30th birthday idea and invite them to join you if possible. After tackling the challenge, celebrate with cake whether the outcome turned out as you hoped. The reward is laughing in the face of fear and doing it, regardless of the results. Celebrate your bravery!
Book a Getaway
Whether you’re going local, nationwide, or international, a getaway is a great way to ring in thirty. Learn more about yourself and flex that independence by solo traveling.
By thirty, you’ll have the street smarts that perhaps you lacked during a college study abroad trip, which makes solo traveling a less daunting venture. Plus, solo traveling means you can create your itinerary with ultimate flexibility. Enjoy staying with different friends in various cities and exploring the sites!
Is “the more, the merrier” more your style? Invite your friends and family and have a beach weekend. If you are brainstorming 30th birthday celebration ideas for a loved one, offer to help plan a trip! Long and faraway adventures require careful planning. But choosing a nearby destination can be quick, spontaneous, easy, and affordable— and more doable if you need to coordinate with others.
Getting out of your routine is good for the soul every once in a while. Choose somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit or a perennial favorite. Adventure is calling! What’s on your bucket list?
Throw a Themed Party
At its worst, turning thirty could feel like youth has passed you by. But imagine if Beyoncé had that attitude! Some of your most fun memories and most significant accomplishments are ahead. One way to bring forth the flirty thirties is to throw a themed party!
30th birthday party ideas for her should have an uplifting theme — like celebrating admirable women, from world-changing scientists to acclaimed chefs. From Frida Kahlo to Taylor Swift, there are countless influential women throughout history and the modern-day as a source of inspiration. Feature their accomplishments at the party, celebrating remarkable women by playing their music, cooking their famous dishes, or hosting an art night in honor of your favorite woman role model.
Of course, there are plenty of other birthday party themes to consider — a 2000s throwback slumber party theme, a spooky Halloween theme, or taking inspiration from a local event.
Treat Yourself to a Spa Day
Whether it’s a group event at a favorite spa or a solo trip for indulgence, a spa day is a restorative way to ring in your thirtieth year. New beauty and relaxation practices are trending constantly; now’s your chance to try one. Test out that new bath bomb, salt scrub, or skincare routine. Or go all out with a massage, facial, hair mask, manicure, and pedicure.
If you choose a DIY spa day at home, set the tone with soothing music, like an instrumental track or beach waves. Make sure your bathroom is clear of clutter. Light your favorite candles and break out the bathrobe and cozy slippers. Have your favorite beverage and snacks ready, like cucumber water, a mimosa, or chocolate-covered cashews.
If you prefer to leave your spa day to the pros, don’t forget to make your reservation for you and your party. If you plan a spa day birthday for a loved one, run the logistics by them first — unless they love surprises!
Run a Marathon
If you’re feeling bummed out about turning 30, prove that you still got it by running a marathon. While exercise requires energy, it also reminds you of your power and strength.
Whether you end up running, jogging, or even walking, training for and completing a marathon is a rewarding and energizing process. Search your area to see what’s on the calendar around your birthday. Whether you’re an avid runner or have never attempted a marathon, it’s a worthy goal, especially if it benefits a charity.
There’s no need to have any goal other than to finish it. Let go of any self-imposed pressure to lose weight or make a specific time. It’s your birthday, after all. Just have fun and get outdoors!
Gather supportive friends to train and run with you. After all, life is a marathon, not a sprint — embrace it in the most literal way. Running a marathon will give you a leg up going into this new decade with vitality and motivation.
Indulge in a Luxurious Staycation
If running a marathon doesn’t appeal to you, take the opportunity to deeply relax. On the other side of the recreation spectrum is a luxurious staycation! If possible, take a leave from work on your birthday and a few days after. Be intentional about your rest. Don’t use this time for chores, errands, or tasks that bog you down. But if some housework brings joy, like decorating, gardening, or baking, go for it!
Make your staycation work for you. Invite a pal over or have a staycation at another person’s home. To go above and beyond, rent a hotel room in your town. You could pretend you’re a tourist in your own town — sleep in, go out to brunch, and sightsee without a strict agenda.
You’ll see the little things you might otherwise miss in your daily life. This simple, inexpensive way to spend your thirtieth birthday is easy to do solo or with a group.
A staycation can also be an opportunity to spend quality time with yourself. Use it as a reset. The best way to intentionally enter a new decade and bid adieu to the previous one is by taking the time to appreciate the little things. Sometimes, the most fun things to do for a 30th birthday are the simplest.
Write Yourself a Heartfelt Letter
Our final suggestion for What to Do on Your 30th Birthday for Women is unabashedly sentimental. Because it’s normal if turning thirty brings on the feelings! You’ve survived the tumult of your twenties. You may feel like you’ve just gotten off a roller coaster — perhaps with a bit of whiplash but wiser. It’s the perfect time to write a heartfelt letter about all you’ve learned and hope for going forward.
Reflect upon the past, set intentions for the future, and maybe even make a rough outline of how to get there. But most importantly, stay in the present. One of the best ways to do that is to include a gratitude list in your letter.
That keeps you in a positive mindset. This letter can be something you reference daily. Address it to your past, present, or future self to help conquer challenges or adversities.
It’s a wonderful solo activity to do by candlelight. Break out your fanciest quill and favorite glitter gel pens, and make it a group activity with friends. When you do soul-searching like this in a group, you can keep one another accountable for any goals you set for yourselves. Treat yourself to a co*cktail or enticing treat to celebrate your journey.
Celebrate Your 30th Birthday with CocuSocial
Whether your 30th birthday ideas have a girls’ night vibe, date night, or family affair, choose an activity that makes you truly happy. Join one of the many who have chosen CoCuSocial to lend a hosting hand at your birthday or next event.
Our mixology and cooking classes in NYC and nationwide invite groups big and small to learn, bond, and indulge in fine food. Learn culinary techniques taught by the pros for the perfect 30th celebration. Bon appétit!
