Ultimate 30th Birthday Guide: 10 Ideas For an Unforgettable Day

When you turn thirty, it feels like a big moment. Your wild twenties are gone, and it's time to really step into adulthood. Don't be sad about saying goodbye to those early adult years. It's time to really thrive and find your groove as you step into your powerful thirties, take life by the collar, and make your mark. The next decade is about becoming who you were meant to be, embracing life, and learning how to be the best version of yourself. Turning thirty is a huge milestone, and you should celebrate. Of course, you know you should celebrate, but maybe you don't know the best way to celebrate; well, we've got you covered; we have created the ultimate 30th birthday guide to help you celebrate this big birthday.

1. See Live Music and Dance

Music makes everything better, so plan a night out to see some live music and get your groove on. Invite your favorite people to share a live show. Check out which live bands or singers will be in your area on your birthday. If seeing Beyonce or Taylor Swift is outside your budget, then think local and find a fun local band to see. If you are in a small town, you might consider a local cover band. Whoever you decide to see, make sure you actually get up and dance. Don't just sit in your seat and sway. Celebrate turning thirty by moving your body and dancing with friends; we guarantee it will improve your mood and make you feel good about being thirty.

2. Plan a Theme Party

Say goodbye to your twenties dressed in costume. Throwing yourself a theme party is a fun way to celebrate your thirtieth birthday. Choose an elegant theme like 1920s, '30s, or black tie. Or take it in a silly direction with a superhero or favorite character theme. There really are no rules when you throw a theme party. Plus, everyone loves a reason to dress up and be silly.

3. Explore Nature

If parties aren't your thing, maybe spend some time outside and plan an outdoor adventure to celebrate this new chapter of life. Plan a day hike with friends or an overnight camping trip. Or plan a visit to hot springs where you can soak up the sensation and feel connected. If you are a person who feels recharged after spending time in nature, get out and celebrate under the stars. Or step it up and plan a glamping trip where you can enjoy nature but in a luxurious style. 

4. Go On a Road Trip

Nothing says freedom is like a road trip. Get some friends together and go explore. Plan a road trip to someplace you have always wanted to visit, rev that engine, and go. Road trips are a great time to connect. All that time on the road gives you plenty of opportunities to talk and share with your favorite people. Play games and swap stories while careening down the road. You don’t have to go far if you don't want to; plan a road trip an hour away. Or, if you have the time, spend your thirtieth birthday hitting the road from coast to coast. At thirty, you are still young enough to enjoy the endless possibilities that a road trip brings, but now you are old enough to be responsible on a road trip and keep the gas tank full. 

5. Push Out of Your Comfort Zone

When you hit thirty, you may feel like it's all downhill from there, but that’s not the case. You are getting better and better. And what better way to prove that than doing something that pushes you out of your comfort zone?

Take a risk; we aren't suggesting anything dangerous like riding a motorcycle, bungee jumping, or skydiving, that is, unless you want to. You can push yourself to do something that scares you but isn’t actually life-threatening. Think singing karaoke or asking your crush on a date. Doing something new that pushes you is a great way to learn what you are capable of doing. Plus, there are actually some benefits of being scared and challenging yourself to do something that you thought you couldn't do. It builds self-esteem and resilience. And of course, you don't have to do it alone; bring your best buds with you so you can be scared together.

6. Do a Birthday Photo Shoot

You may feel old because you are turning thirty, but you are just starting your journey into life and becoming your true self. A photoshoot will help you remember this important time in your life. You can choose a photo shoot theme and find the right outfit. Some people like to push boundaries and do a boudoir photo shoot to remember what it felt like to be and look young; yes, thirty is still young and sexy. Imagine being sixty and having these beautiful professional photos of yourself at thirty. Trust us, your future self will thank you for capturing that moment in your life.

7. Have a Sleepover

Unlike the sleepovers you had as a kid, no one will tell you to keep it down or control which movies and snacks you can have. So invite your favorite people over and celebrate your thirtieth birthday like you are thirteen. Watch the film 13 Going on Thirty or your other favorite teen movies and stock up on your favorite indulgent snacks for a super fun thirtieth birthday sleepover. Play games like Truth or Dare, do each other's hair and makeup, or any other fun thing you remember doing at your slumber parties when you were young. This is a fun way to connect with friends and celebrate stepping into your thirties by revisiting your past.

8. Learn Something New

As you head into your thirties, why not learn something new? They say that when we stop learning and changing when life is over. So keep learning and changing into the best version of yourself by learning something new. You can learn something new in a traditional sense by taking a class. If you want to pursue academics, sign up for classes at your local community college or university. Or if learning a skill like cooking or baking is your thing, seek out places that offer cooking classes. If you want to learn a dance or a musical instrument, check out the local music store. Or if you want to learn something like gardening, there may not be a class for that, but you can seek out people to learn from. Whatever way you want to improve yourself for the future, there is always a way to learn more and be better, and what better time to start than when you are on the precipice of your thirties?

9. Buy Yourself Something You Have Always Wanted

In your twenties, you are finishing college and just starting your career; most people don't have a lot of extra money for fun things. But as you move into your thirties, maybe your career is going well, and things are bright in your financial future, so why not buy yourself something you have always wanted? Think a cool handbag, a new car, or a proper mattress and bed frame. Whatever big-ticket item you have been putting off, consider gifting that to yourself as you embark on a new chapter into adulthood.

10. Pamper Yourself

Taking care of yourself is essential. Setting these self-care habits early in life ensures you always make self-care a necessity, even when you have kids, work, and family obligations. Self-care looks different for everyone. For some people, self-care is getting a massage or getting your nails done, but for others, self-care is about making time to connect with friends and family; for others, self-care may be making time in your day for exercise and time outside. The root of self-care is finding something that makes you feel good. It can be taking care of yourself physically or doing something that feeds your mental and emotional well-being.

If you haven't figured out the best self-care for you, take time to think about it. You may have to try a few things to find what works for you, and don’t be surprised if that changes. After kids and family take priority, self-care may look a lot different than it did in your early thirties. On this thirtieth birthday, make a promise to yourself to never neglect your self-care and celebrate yourself and your three decades on this planet by taking care of yourself. You don’t have to celebrate alone, make a spa day for friends, make reservations for a romantic dinner, a couples massage, or plan a wine-tasting day; just because you are taking care of yourself doesn’t mean you have to do it alone pamper yourself and your favorite people with you on your birthday.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©NSC Photography/Shutterstock.com.