In the United States, the 21st birthday is a milestone birthday because it's the age when you can legally drink. In other countries, the 21st birthday isn't as exciting because you might have a legal drinking age of 16 or 18, depending on where you're from. The 21st birthday is cause for a birthday celebration in the U.S. You can go to local bars, wineries, breweries, make drinks at home, or purchase your first drink at the liquor store. There are heaps of options. 

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When I turned 21 I took my ID to the bar at midnight and got a drink before they closed at 2 a.m. It's a rite of passage. I didn't party all night since it was a school night and I had class the next morning, but I went out with a close friend and my roommate. They were already 21, so it was good to go out with people who already knew what they were doing. This can be a pickle if your friends aren't 21 yet and you want to go out but they are not able to. 

Whether you want to have a pool party, scavenger hunt, spa day, or take a pole dancing class, I've included a bunch of ideas on this list so that you can have a fun time no matter what age everyone else is.

21st Birthday Ideas for guys girls daughter son boyfriend girlfriend

21st Birthday Ideas

  1. Have a pool party with your friends. 
  2. Wear a birthday sash! There's a variety of birthday sash options on Amazon.
  3. Make a scavenger hunt using your favorite photos, memories, etc.
  4. Go on a booze cruise.
  5. Host a theme party. It can be a fun theme from a movie, book, genre, or colors, you can really get creative here.
  6. Host a casino night party.
  7. Get holy shit you're 21st toilet paper! Shop birthday toilet paper.
  8. Find something on Yelp, Groupon, referral, etc.
  9. Try your best at an escape room.
  10. Book yourself a spa day because you deserve pampering.
  11. Get 21st birthday party temporary tattoos! These super cute tattoos include Finally 21, RIP Fake ID, HBD, Disco Cowgirl Party, Twenty One Tiara. Shop it on Amazon!
  12. Spend some time in a sauna or steam room.
  13. Play drinking games with your friends. Beer pong. Kings cup. Flip cup. Then of course there are drinking games like These Cards Will Get You Drunk - Fun Adult Drinking Game for Parties or Last Call.
  14. Have a slumber 21st birthday party with your closest friends, bestie, sibling, dog.
  15. Host a small gathering with only the people you care about most. Watch movies, order take out, and have fun with the people who love you.
  16. Book a hotel room and have a staycation in your city or someplace within a few-hour driving distance.
  17. Attend a wine tasting or book a virtual wine tasting.
  18. Get a painted 21st birthday wine glass. Find it on Amazon. You can also find shot glasses, beer glasses, etc.
  19. Have a boozy brunch with your besties. 
  20. Go to a strip club. 
  21. Go bar hopping at your local bars. 
  22. Play beer pong.
  23. Create your own cocktail for your birthday so you have signature drinks to remember each year. 
  24. Go on a road trip.
  25. Go on a camping trip. 
  26. Go on a trip. It can be somewhere close or far. Whatever makes sense for you.
  27. Read 21st Birthday (A Women's Murder Club Thriller, 21) by James Patterson. Find it on Amazon.
  28. Make a reservation at a fancy restaurant and enjoy every bite. 
  29. Take a cooking class and learn how to make a fancy dinner.
  30. Book a food tour or create one yourself by going to a few top-rated spots in town for different courses.
  31. Spend the day eating delicious food you love. 
  32. Take a mixology class.
  33. Take yourself out on a date for a fancy dinner treat.
  34. Do a DIY spa day.
  35. Book a private karaoke room and sing your hearts out.
  36. Take photos at a photo booth. Try to find one, they aren't as easy to locate as they once were. 
  37. Buy your first wine glasses to celebrate turning 21. There are tons of 21st-birthday wine glasses on Amazon depending on what colors you like.
  38. Go to an amusement park or theme park and spend your birthday riding roller coasters.
  39. Go to the store to buy your favorite snacks. 
  40. Film a music video for your favorite song with your friends.
  41. Invite a friend or two over for a slumber party. 
  42. Host a house party. You could do a themed party or just keep it casual.
  43. Do an outdoor movie night with cozy blankets, pillows, and a projector. This is a nice way to get outside without having to rent an event space. If there are only a couple of people, you can also gather around and use a laptop or a mini projector.
  44. Look up the newspaper, hospital, or town that you were born in to learn the local history of the day you were born.
  45. Host a sleepover or even a slumber party with a couple friends or family members. Click here if you need some ideas on things to do.
21st Birthday Ideas for guys girls daughter son boyfriend girlfriend

21st Birthday Decorations - (76 pack) Black Gold Party Banner, Pennant, Hanging Swirl, Birthday Balloons, Tablecloths, Cupcake Topper, Crown, Plates, Photo Props, Birthday Sash. Shop it here.

There is so much pressure to have a big 21st birthday party with all your friends but you don't have to do anything at all. It can be a small gathering with your parents, siblings, bestie, roommate, or whatever works.



If you turn 21 this year, don't feel pressured to do anything you don't want to. You don't have to do a huge party. Deciding what to do on your 21st birthday can be an overwhelming task. Pick a few things from this list that call to you and make the most of your happy birthday. If you need even more ideas, check out 100+ things to do on your birthday.

This list of 21st birthday party ideas should give you a few ways to spend the whole night having fun. It's your 21st birthday! What are you going to do?