College Life
60 Best 19th Birthday Ideas For a Very Special Day
Are you having trouble thinking of the best ways to spend your birthday? We’ve got you covered! Check out these best 19th birthday ideas for a special day.
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Birthdays come and go, but you’re only 19-years-old once! Let’s make it something to celebrate. However, it can be a little bit of a tricky age.
You’re still a teenager, but also an adult, and this may even be your first birthday away from home. Well, we’ve got you covered! Here are the best 19th birthday ideas to ensure you have the most amazing day ever.
In this post:
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Things To Do On Your 19th Birthday
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19th Birthday Party Ideas
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19th Birthday Party Accessories
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19th Birthday Gift Ideas
Things To Do On Your 19th Birthday
-Give Yourself A Hair Makeover
Starting another trip around the sun is the perfect excuse to switch things up with your look. Out with the old; in with the new.
Start 19 by getting that bold haircut you’ve been thinking about, or by dyeing your hair that crazy color you think would look amazing.
Go to a salon if you want to go all out, but you can totally do this at home if you’re on a budget. Either way, what better way to mark this new chapter than with a new ‘do!
-Update Your Room
Has your personal space looked the same for too long? Spend your 19th birthday working on the room of your dreams. It can be as simple as rearranging some furniture, or as elaborate as buying some new accessories.
Your room is your sanctuary, and it should reflect the authentic you as much as possible. In this case, prepare your room for all the growing you’re about to do this coming year.
-Take a Road Trip
Who doesn’t love a long, beautiful drive? You can have a set destination, or roam aimlessly. You can take a few loved ones with you, or drive alone for some self-reflection time.
Regardless, taking a memorable road trip is a great 19th birthday idea that doesn’t involve spending too much money. Just make sure you’ve got that perfect driving playlist!
-Attend a Concert
I personally believe it’s more worth it to spend money on experiences rather than things, and a good concert is always a worthy splurge!
Of course, this 19th birthday idea can’t be done last-minute, but it’s totally worth it to check who’s coming to town around your birthday.
Even if it’s just the cheap seats, seeing your favorite artist live for your birthday is unforgettable. Take lots of videos, or just live in the moment!
-Have a Special Meal
Your birthday is the perfect reason to finally eat that food you’ve been craving all week.
It can be something you make yourself if you like cooking or baking, something you order for a fun night at home, or you can do a full outing at a restaurant.
Either way, it’s never a bad time when there’s good food around. It’s your special day, so eat all the special treats you want!
-Do Some Self Care
Out of all the 19th birthday ideas, this one is truly just about y-o-u. Set up a relaxing bubble bath at home, or go to the salon to get a manicure or a massage.
Everyone gets busy and forgets to take care of themselves; your birthday is a great day to catch up on some much-needed self care. Worry about everything else on every other day of the year!
-Go To The Arcade
This is a fun 19th birthday idea for feeling like a little kid again. Revisit old favorites like pinball or Pac-Man! A visit to the arcade is usually pretty affordable, and it’s the gift that keeps on giving.
You can walk out of there with some sweet prizes! Consider them extra birthday gifts to yourself.
-Buy Some New Clothes
Give that wardrobe a 19th birthday upgrade! First, I’d recommend tossing out all the clothes you don’t wear anymore. Clear out the old you, and make way for all the cute clothes you’re about to get!
Spend a fun day at the mall trying on clothes and maybe even taking a few fashion risks. Treat yourself to a new wardrobe; it’s your birthday after all!
-Spend Time With Loved Ones
You deserve to be surrounded by as much love as possible on your 19th birthday. While all of these activities can be done alone, it goes without saying that you can invite a loved one along.
Or, if there’s someone special you don’t get to see every day, you can take this time to finally pay them a visit or set up a virtual call. You’ll appreciate it, and so will they!
-Go See A Psychic
Out of all the 19th birthday ideas, this one is probably the most out there. But hey, it’s your birthday; why not do something different? A simple tarot or palm reading doesn’t usually cost much anyway.
Seeing a psychic is something fun to do every once in a while, and it’s a unique way to celebrate your birthday.
Even if you don’t believe in this stuff, you can just take what the psychic says with a grain of salt. Or, you could gain an interesting new perspective for the year ahead.
Related: 51 Genius 21st Birthday Ideas That Will Make Your Day Unforgettable
19th Birthday Party Ideas
-Movie Night
Have some friends over and bring out the popcorn! This is a great 19th birthday idea because it involves few hosting duties on your part. Just put on the movie; everyone will be happy to spend some time with you.
I’d suggest putting on something lighthearted to keep the fun mood going.
-Beach Day
If you live near a beach, a day at the beach with friends is a fun way to spend your birthday — or you can always take a little road trip!
You can spend all day in the ocean or soaking up some sun, and there are usually other attractions nearby to make your visit worthwhile.
Who doesn’t want to end their 19th birthday with a nice tan and smelling like the beach? Just don’t forget some sunblock and water bottles!
-At-Home Spa
Get everyone in on the self-care! This is a great 19th birthday idea because this way, you can have all your guests participate in the special treatment.
Besides some fun snacks, all you need to do is get some face masks, nail polish, and other spa supplies, which usually aren’t very expensive.
Put on some fun music to create a great low-key party and the perfect atmosphere for catching up with friends!
-Birthday Dinner
A birthday dinner is great because it clears out the daytime for other stuff you may need to do, while giving you something in the evening to look forward to.
You can have a chill dinner at home with friends — and even cook it all together if that’s what you like to do — or you can meet at a nice restaurant if you’re feeling fancy.
A birthday is the ultimate excuse to gather with loved ones and bond over good food. Remember to save room for dessert!
-Photoshoot
This 19th birthday idea lets you be an influencer for a day. Gather some friends, find a good shooting location, and fill up your camera rolls!
Wear some cute outfits, and maybe even bring some fun props. You and your friends deserve to be the center of attention on your special day. You’ll have Instagram content for months to come!
-Pool Party
OK, maybe you want to rock your new bathing suit, but you don’t like getting sand everywhere. If this sounds like you, a pool party is the right option!
Bring out your cute pool floats and get the juice pouches ready for a fun day of swimming. Pool days make for some cute pictures too!
-Birthday Picnic
Find a beautiful spot out in nature and pack some of your favorite foods! Having a picnic is another great low-key 19th birthday idea for anyone who loves the outdoors.
For a lovely meal outside, you can pack anything from a charcuterie board to a birthday cake. I recommend going to a public park, because then you have the added benefit of people-watching!
-Crafting
The world would be a better place if everyone took a little more time to do some arts and crafts. This is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a creative way to spend your birthday.
You can do anything from bracelet-making to canvas painting. You and your friends can spend your 19th birthday creating something new!
-Bonfire Party
Is there a better 19th birthday idea than eating some toasted marshmallows with good friends? Get your coziest blankets and spend your birthday night with friends in front of a warm bonfire.
This is a slow-paced option for some great desserts and late-night conversations. Plus, you can spend some time outdoors without worrying about a sunburn!
-Game Night
Nothing gets the people going like a fun game of Monopoly or UNO! Bring out all your favorite games for some 19th birthday old-school fun.
You can play one game for as much time as you want, and if everyone gets tired, just move onto another one!
This is a great option if you have younger friends or siblings who want to join in on the celebration.
Related: 40 Amazing 20th Birthday Ideas For The Most Special Day
19th Birthday Party Accessories
-Speaker
Help her bring music with her wherever she goes with this top-rated Bluetooth portable speaker. She’ll be able to pump out crisp treble, detailed mids and especially enhanced bass at any volume.
Not only that, but this speaker also doubles as a wireless LED night theme light, complete with different color-changing themes.
The speaker has an incredible 30-hour playing time and provides waterproof protection against rain, dust, snow and spills.
-Letter Balloons
I think these are super fun, and letter balloons make for great Instagram pictures. Spell anything from “Happy Birthday” to your name, and hang them up for some lovely party decorations.
They also come in tons of different colors to suit your personality and the party’s vibe. You’re never too old for balloons!
-Projector
If a movie night seemed like the perfect 19th birthday idea for you, I’d suggest buying a projector. You and your friends can comfortably sit wherever you want and stream your favorite movies.
Even if you aren’t watching a movie, you can use the projector to display photos or announcements. Just make sure it connects to your device!
-Pool Floats
If you’re leaning more toward the pool or the beach, then you absolutely need some pool floats. They’re useful for anyone who wants to spend time in the water but doesn’t necessarily want to get wet.
Plus, if you’re thinking about taking good pictures, pool floats are a must-have. I personally love this watermelon-themed float that’s perfect for summer!
-Nail Polish
Thinking about that spa party? Then you totally need nail polish! I like this set because it comes with 15 cute colors to choose from. This way, not everyone’s nails have to look the same. I’d suggest having a friend paint them for you to get them just right.
-Face Masks
Face masks are another essential for a 19th birthday spa idea. You can buy them in bulk at your local pharmacy, or just buy them on Amazon.
They come with a lot of great benefits for your skin, depending on which one you pick. Your pores will feel totally refreshed, and your skin will be glowing for pictures!
-Baking Supplies
Dig up an old favorite recipe and head into the kitchen with some friends. You’re going to need all kinds of trays and pans for your baking birthday party.
I recommend this set from Kitessensu because it comes with so many supplies, and it’s a reasonable price.
Maybe you can buy matching aprons for your friends as party favours!
-Picnic Set
If you want to have a picnic party, a picnic set greatly reduces additional packing on your part.
Since they usually come with utensils and plates (sometimes they even come with blankets), you won’t have to worry about taking more time to get everything ready, or potentially even forgetting something important.
This is especially handy to have if you’re planning a party, which can admittedly be stressful. Help yourself make your 19th birthday run as smoothly as possible!
-Tie Dye
Does the crafty 19th birthday party appeal to you, but you don’t know what to do? Get a tie-dye kit! This is easy for pretty much everyone to do, and there’s no wrong way to do it.
Plus, tie-dye supplies take up minimal storage space. Make something bright and colorful out of some plain white clothing. Just make sure you put down a lot of newspapers or plastic!
-Party Lights
![[2-Pack] Sound Activated Party Lights with Remote Control Dj Lighting, RGB Disco Ball Light, Strobe Lamp 7 Modes Stage Par Light for Home Room Dance Parties Bar Karaoke Xmas Wedding Show Club](https://blendtw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/51o7P9RwaiL._SL500_.webp)
How are you supposed to get into the birthday party spirit without some party lights? They light up your house for a nice daytime affair, and they look fantastic at night or outdoors.
I like these remote control party lights because they’re small enough to be moved from place to place, and they’re easily stored. Plus, they have seven different modes!
-Party Games
I love Cards Against Humanity! It’s easy to carry around, and it’s a quick way to break the ice with new people.
It’s also something that never gets boring, as the combinations you can come up with are endless and hilarious.
-Karaoke Machine
Nothing gets the party started like some karaoke! Singing your favorite songs at the top of your lungs is a hilarious way to break the ice, get comfortable with each other, and get in the spirit to celebrate.
Pair this with the party lights for some extra superstar pizzaz. The karaoke machine in the link even comes with its own LED lights!
-Bulks of Snacks
I don’t know about you, but when I get to a party, I’m always excited to see what kind of food the host is going to have. Get tons of snacks so none of your guests go hungry!
I personally recommend some chips, a healthier option like fruit or carrots, and, of course, some candy. Calories don’t count if it’s your birthday.
-Candles
No matter which of the 19th birthday ideas you like best, candles are always essential at a party.
Of course, you need candles for the cake, but you can always find use for some other fun scented candles!
They make for magical nighttime decorations, spa relaxation enhancers, and even cover-ups after a long day of baking or cooking. Who doesn’t want a yummy smelling house?
-LED Curtain
This would make an amazing background for pictures! An LED curtain is super easy to install, and it creates a cool ambience for a birthday party.
I especially like these because it looks like they’d blend in with any other type of decoration, and they could also work with a more minimalist theme. You can put these in your bedroom when you’re done.
-Floating Tray
A floating tray is a game changer for a pool or a beach party. Instead of constantly having to get out of the water, you can keep your food or drink on a floating tray for your convenience!
With this rainbow tray, you get a pit (for ice or unopened drinks) as well as five cup holders. It’s also just a super cute accessory!
-Drink Markers
Invest in drink markers if you know you’ll be hosting a lot of guests. Drink markers help to differentiate which drink belongs to which person, so there’s no germ sharing, and everyone has peace of mind.
For example, you just wrap these bands around your drink; obviously everyone has a different number. Just make sure you remember yours!
-Glow Sticks
Glow sticks are a classic party accessory. They’re fun to play with and to shape, they make great lights, and you can even wear them as jewelry.
If you’re a fan of neon colors, getting a few of these sounds like a good 19th birthday idea. Plus, they’re so satisfying to bend!
-Canvases and Paint
Never underestimate the power of a good painting session. Tie-dye is super fun, but painting with canvases can be a little more of a relaxing option if you’re up for crafts but don’t want a big event.
It’s interesting to watch your guests’ paintings progress as they create something that’s entirely their own. And you’ll all have a unique party favor to remember your 19th!
-Cooler
Every one of the aforementioned 19th birthday ideas needs a cooler.
It’s absolutely essential for any kind of outdoor gathering, and they’re useful indoors when you just want to keep all the cold beverages in one place.
Plus, a cooler is a useful long-term investment for any type of gathering you may have in the future. It’s a gift that keeps on giving!
Related: 50 Wonderful 18th Birthday Ideas For The Most Special day Ever- The Complete 2021 Guide
19th Birthday Gift Ideas
-Polaroid
All of these 19th birthday ideas sound like so much fun, you’re going to need ways to capture the moment. Help the host do so with a Polaroid!
Polaroids are such a quirky gift that make picture-taking all the more special, and I absolutely love their color options. Plus, all the pictures you take make for some awesome room or dorm decorations.
-Record Player
This is another one of my favorite retro-inspired 19th birthday gifts! It’s so nice to take a break from YouTube and streaming services and listen to music the old-fashioned way.
A music lover will definitely appreciate this gift. Record players also look really striking as decoration; they make good conversation pieces.
And for the future, you’ll know you can always gift this person records for their collection!
-Notebook
A nice notebook is a fantastic 19th birthday gift because there are so many ways to use one.
A notebook works for class notes, as a planner, or even just as a daily journal. It’s a simultaneously useful and personal gift. I know I would appreciate it!
-Portable Charger
This is more than a gift — it’s essential. The fact of the matter is that in this busy world, we can’t afford to be without an electronic for too long.
A portable charger ensures that no matter where you are, you’ll never run out of fuel. No more rushing home at 1%!
-Oil Diffuser
My mom recently bought this essential oil diffuser for my dad, and he absolutely loves it.
Every night he turns it on, and the calming scent of lavender fills their house.
This gift is perfect to pair with the essential oils above, but this diffuser also includes ten essential oils already.
-Skylight Projector
Create your own galaxy from right inside your room! With the skylight projector, you get to sleep under the stars without even having to leave your bed.
This makes for a beautiful bedroom display as well as a discrete nightlight if you don’t like sleeping in the dark. This gift is out of this world!
-Lavender Spa Set
Spoil your loved one on their 19th birthday with this delicious-smelling lavender spa set! It comes with lavender shower gel, bath salts, bath bombs, bubble bath mixer, and body lotion.
Lavender smells amazing, and I think this a great gift to help encourage your loved one to include some self care into their daily routine. I also happen to really like the way the purple and silver packaging looks.
-Bucket Hat
Here’s a 19th birthday gift idea for the loved one you know who likes to follow the latest fashion trends.
Bucket hats have been everywhere the last few years, so they’ll appreciate getting a cute new accessory as a present!
They also come in a bunch of cute colors to suit your loved one’s personality. Have fun looking like a little Easter egg!
-Nike Backpack
Everyone always needs a good backpack! And if your loved one is in college, this makes for an even better 19th birthday gift idea.
This Nike backpack — which comes in many colors — is big enough to hold textbooks, notebooks, and probably even a laptop.
It can also serve as a workout bag. Whatever it is they need to do with their backpack, hopefully the Nike logo will encourage them to “just do it.”
-Air Jordan Tote
Maybe messenger bags are more their thing. In that case, try this Air Jordan tote.
The red color makes any outfit pop, and it’s just as roomy as a backpack — it stores electronics up to 15 inches. It also comes with an adjustable strap and buckle so you don’t hurt your shoulders.
-Nike Skater Shoe
Know a skater? Get them some new shoes for their 19th birthday! I like how the shoes have a classic and more minimal look.
The flexible midsole also makes it easier to grip onto the skateboard.
I should also add that going to the skatepark counts as a 19th birthday idea. Just give them a new pair of shoes as the icing on the cake!
-Color Pen Set
Start your loved one’s 19th birthday off with some color! For starters, pens and supplies are always useful, particularly as a student.
And I’m sure if your loved one is crafty, they’ll like this gift even more. I’d have the nicest notes ever with 36 colors to choose from!
-Rose Gold Fountain Pen
I know I’d feel super fancy writing with this pen. A nice expensive pen as a 19th birthday gift will definitely make your loved one feel grown-up!
The black and rose gold design makes the pen look super sleek, and I bet writing with it feels even nicer. Just keep it on your desk for any kind of signing you need to do.
-Coffee Maker
This 19th birthday gift is especially recommended if you know your loved one lives in a dorm. Make sure they can always make a perfect cup of coffee in the morning or during a late night of studying.
The filter holds up to 12 cups of coffee, so they won’t constantly have to get up for water. Maybe buy some coffee pods for them to try too!
-Fanny Pack
If your loved one likes to exercise frequently, consider buying them a fanny pack as a 19th birthday gift. This model from Lululemon is designed for being on the move, and the fabric is waterproof.
Keep your phone, wallet, and other valuables safely in one place around your waist. And there are so many great colors to choose from! Plus, fanny packs are super cute and make a fun accessory.
-Yoga Kit
As far as 19th birthday ideas and resolutions go, I’d say it’s always a good idea to try and incorporate more mindfulness into your routine. Help your loved one start 19 out right with a yoga kit.
It comes with a yoga mat, yoga block for support, and a microfiber towel.
Not only does practicing yoga contribute to physical exercise, but it also incorporates a lot of relaxation and meditation. This is a gift for the mind and the body!
-Back Rollers
Sitting at a desk in a car all day can have consequences on your back and posture. This two-in-one Lululemon roller can hopefully provide some relief!
The exterior roller is meant to massage the arms and legs (presumably after the gym), and the interior roller is meant to release any tension in the back.
I can totally see myself using a roller during study breaks or after working out!
-LuluLemon Crossbody
This crossbody is another adorable and practical 19th birthday gift! Just like the fanny pack, it’s waterproof and designed for being on the move.
It comes with the “belt bag” option if that’s what you prefer, but there’s also a different kind of relief to tugging the strap at your shoulder and being reassured you have all your stuff with you.
Never forget your phone at home again!
-Joggers
Maybe you know that your loved one is going to ditch all these 19th birthday ideas for a day of just chilling at home. Well, make sure they’re comfy with a new pair of joggers!
And while they’re perfect for a day lounging at home, they also work for warming up or cooling down after a workout. I think their slim fit is super flattering!
-Sweatshirt
A sweatshirt is another classic cozy gift! The fleece material feels great on the skin and keeps you warm during the colder months.
The classic oversized sweatshirt looks great on everyone, but, of course, you can adjust the fit if needed.
There are also tons of colors to fit any kind of style or personality. Your loved one will practically live in this sweatshirt!
At the end of the day, there’s no wrong way to spend your day. These 19th birthday ideas are a blast, but trying to impress your guests with the most outlandish party or activity isn’t the right way to celebrate your birthday.
Just pick something to do that makes you comfortable and happy, and your guests will be happy to be there. All you need to do is make sure you’re surrounded by as much love as possible!
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