College Life
40 Amazing 20th Birthday Ideas For The Most Special Day
Turning 20 is a special day to celebrate so here are the most wildly fun 20th birthday ideas for you.
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Welcome to your 20s! This age is a perfect in-between age to get to know who you are and who you want to be, so why not celebrate with style? Yes, we are still in the middle of a pandemic, but who says you can’t treat yourself to a safe celebration?
Here is a list of the best 20th birthday ideas to help you celebrate the beginning of your 20’s, no matter how strict your quarantine is.
In this post:
*20th Birthday Outfit Ideas*
1. Loungewear
The most important part of your birthday is definitely how you look. Loungewear is trendy at the moment, so try for something basic that also makes a statement. T-shirt dresses are really versatile and easy to pair with various accessories.
They can also be worn year-round if you wear them with a cute pair of leggings or jeans in the winter. This is great for a quarantine birthday but also for a comfortable birthday suit to party in. I mostly love loungewear for all the versatile options!
2. Headband or Crown
That is an important 20th birthday idea question and distinction. Depending on your celebration, a headband can give off a more relaxed vibe, and a crown can be a classic and fancy accessory. I suggest the crown for an elegant or formal party and the headband for any other situation.
The headband is an example of the level of sparkle it will need to highlight your big day. Take it as inspiration as you search for the level of glimmer that works for you.
3. Birthday Sash
Birthday sashes are a must when you are out in the town. They are a city party staple, and there are so many ways to personalize them!
I usually go for the ones without the birth year, but sashes are great to highlight milestone birthdays too.
There are tons of places where it can be personalized or if you want to make your sash memorable, have your family and friends decorate it for you.
My family decorated mine a couple of birthdays ago and I later wore it when out with my friends. Remember, it is your day to be extra, so your sash must stand out!
*20th Birthday Party Accessories*
4. Monochromatic Décor
If there is no overall theme for your 20th birthday celebration, try this monochromatic trend.
If you love millennial pink, then you would love this setup with a huge balloon garland. The rest of the setup is either gold or pink and ties the rest of the decorations together.
The whole set should not be too expensive to put together with purchases from large party stores.
This is honestly the best with the little details as well, like matching presents. Try this with your favorite color!
5. Balloons
Balloons are amazingly simple decoration pieces and can be the focus of your event.
Try a different kind of balloon from the norm, such as balloons filled with confetti, dipped in glitter, or adorned with LED lights inside them. You can also give balloons filled with money as a fun birthday gift.
If you want to have some nostalgia from the first 20 years of your life at your birthday, tape pictures at the ends of balloon strings so that they can roam throughout the party.
You could even make it an activity. Balloons are so versatile, there’s no way to go wrong!
6. Banners
Banners are another classic decoration that is a must-have for any birthday celebration.
You can’t go wrong when choosing a color matching your theme or décor.
Buy many to create a backdrop or a few to wrap some furniture.
If there is a lot left over, you can use these for other decorating or crafting projects in the future.
This would be great to match with monochromatic decor and they are cheap to buy lots of.
7. Fringe Curtains
Instead of banners, maybe fringes are more your style. Matching this with the décor and theme of your birthday will tie everything together. Use this for your doorway, as a backdrop, or even for decorating furniture.
I have seen various fringe curtains in my life, from tv show-related ones to beaded curtains. These are generally not expensive so check out some crystal curtains for a year-round fringe!
8. Fairy Vines
Or maybe fairy vines are what you are looking for. These lights have leaves to bring a feeling of nature into your party, but there are other styles without leaves that give a more simplistic look.
These are great because they can be for a single event or a permanent decoration for your room. There are also some with flowers that are adorable in any room.
9. Trendy Cake
Tsunami cakes. Glaze cakes. Drip cakes. Hidden compartment cakes. There are so many cake trends to choose from that your perfect cake is just a bake away.
They might be pricey, so research in your local area before settling on one. I had a cake covered in edible glitter and flowers.
It was so pretty, I didn’t want to eat it! If you have not tried any of the trendy ones, try one for your special day.
10. Cake Topper
Personalization is key, so instead of getting a regular cake topper, get one just for yourself! The prices of these definitely vary on how personal it is, but there are many DIYs. You can add cute edible toppers or a picture of yourself.
If you choose a generic one with your name, definitely take the opportunity to use it on anything that can hold the cake topper. No judgments here!
11. Birthday Candle
Or skip the topper and get this lovely flower candle. If you have not seen this already, you are in for a treat!
When lit, the candle opens and reveals a flower with multiple lit candles around it.
Some of these candles spin and others play music, but whichever you choose, it is guaranteed to make your 20th birthday cake more memorable.
I got this for my young niece and she fell in love with it!
12. Sparklers
If you are looking to make the cake the centerpiece, definitely get some sparklers. This candle will make everyone excited about the cake if they weren’t already.
These are great for any special occasion as well. I had these at my graduation party and they were great. T Have your camera ready for this one!
13. Cake Pop Box
Maybe cake is not your thing, but cake pops can be. If you have been on social media at any point in the past few months, you may have seen these viral cake popsicles and chocolate strawberries.
Treat yourself to these instead of a whole cake, and don’t forget to personalize them. The prices may vary, depending on if there is someone in your area who is already making them, but some are available by online order.
Shop in your local area or look online for vendors who can sell and customize these cake pops for your birthday!
14. Flowers
For my lovely Earth signs, you may appreciate more of the outside in your event if your gathering is not already in a park. Treat yourself with a bouquet of flowers in various designs and colors.
As an Earth sign myself, for one birthday, I asked my family and friends to send me my favorite flowers instead of a gift. The flowers all lasted at least a whole week. Get artificial ones if you want them to last forever!
15. Confetti
You would think confetti is a simple item to have, but there are so many options to relate to your theme. There are confetti poppers, ones with “Happy Birthday” foils, others with glitter, specific ones that are best for falling slowly… there are just so many options, and you can’t go wrong with any of them!
Even the ones that don’t match the décor will be fun for everyone, and an amazing addition to your birthday. And they are pretty inexpensive, so definitely get some!
16. Birthday in a Bag
Now, maybe your birthday is just a personal celebration, something you like to do alone. In this case, Birthday in a Bag comes in handy.
Whether for yourself or for someone else throwing a mini celebration, this bag includes a foil birthday banner, six balloons, a serpentine role, a small packet of confetti, and a foil balloon cutout. Bring this with you or mail it to the birthday babe!
17. Flower Ice
Purely for aesthetic reasons, edible flowers in ice will be a cute way to commemorate the evening. There are also plastic flowers or plastic ice cubes with flowers already in them.
You can also make ice cubes with little fruit or some herbs. I have done this for summer barbeques but they are great for summer or spring events. Definitely do this if your birthday is a nature theme!
18. Charcuterie
Charcuterie boards seem to be a love-it-or-despise-it trend, but they are almost always a hit at birthday parties.
It all depends on what you put on one, especially if you are not into deli meats and crackers.
Some seem like a taco bar, others that have been more sweet-focused, with s’mores and chocolate-only spreads.
I made various ones with fruits and everyone enjoyed it. Try one with your favorite snack foods!
19. 20th Birthday Collage
Collages are perfect 20th birthday ideas because they can be created in various ways. You can either buy one or create your own. You can cut out the numbers of your age on a poster board or cardboard and paste pictures there, or you can simply collage photos together.
This is an opportunity to be creative and reflect on memories with loved ones. This can also be a family bonding activity if you haven’t seen them in a while.
*Things To Do On Your 20th Birthday*
20. Paint & Sip
21. Board Game/Trivia Night
Board game and trivia nights are synonymous with family time, but it can also be an amazing birthday activity.
Whether over Zoom or in person, there are so many games that can be played, and there are even games and websites that were designed to be played over Zoom. My family and I have made this a monthly event that we use to catch up.
22. Backyard Movie
23. Series Binging
If you can’t have an in-person movie night, take it virtually and binge-watch a short series or season of a series. If you don’t want to watch anything new, go through your favorite shows and only watch the best episodes.
My siblings and I constantly watched shows together, but being separated made it difficult. For my brother’s birthday, we were able to watch his favorite movies and it was almost like nothing changed. Brainstorm some quick shows or movie trilogies and comment on them the entire time.
24. Zoom Party
As mentioned before, Zoom can be used for various games and events. Opt for this if your friends have left the state or country, and try virtual group activities like charades. There are also some that have an online version, like Codenames.
This has yet to fail for me and my friends, especially when we have a game ready to play. A zoom party is a time to get creative, so definitely ask for ideas and try them all!
25. Photo Booth Props
Photo booth props, such as exaggerated glasses or thought bubbles, are always a cute birthday idea.
They have been used more in weddings lately, but there are so many to choose from now that you can personalize them for your birthday, or even create your own. These are not expensive to purchase, so there are many options. If you have a theme and can’t find any to buy, make it an activity!
26. Scrapbooking
Like the collage activity, scrapbooking can be a fun solo or group event. This could even be made early to gift to the birthday person. Polaroids and mini photo printers would come in handy, but research before, for they can get pricey (but the go on sale often!).
This can be done in two ways: you can either create your own journal from scratch and decorate it, or you can plan an event to scrapbook. The latter would be a two-part birthday celebration and all the better!
*20th Birthday Party Themes*
27. Gaming Tournament
If you’re against making a personalized party, why not go for a specific theme? A gaming tournament will work in person or online and can be as official or laidback as you want it to be.
I’m a horrible gamer, but my family still gets together to play the old-school games. If you are faced with bad gamers, invest in one that isn’t hard and can be fun for every age. Gather your gaming friends for a true test of their abilities!
28. Zodiac/Astrology
If you are more spiritual, you would love this zodiac and astrology theme. I love a coordinated astrology theme! Highlight your sign or constellation with a theme focused on what makes you the person you are.
If you have a guest list, definitely try to incorporate everyone’s sign in your decor or activity as well. My Cancers or Capricorns may even make individual cupcakes for everyone. How sweet!
29. Ice Cream Party
Flash back to your childhood parties with ice cream, cake and cookies.
Make this an overall theme with various ice cream decorations, or go scientific and make your own ice cream with crazy flavors.
Too much ice cream is never a bad thing and this theme is even better for summer birthdays!
30. Breakfast Food
Have a breakfast food theme! We all know it is the most important meal of the day, so why not make it a 20th birthday event? This may be intriguing to the early birds or those who usually don’t have time for breakfast.
Birthdays are a full-day event at my house, but taking the time to appreciate the morning is a great way to start the day. If this theme is too broad for you, you can take the day to highlight whichever food is your favorite.
31. Backyard Brunch
Or make it a brunch day in your backyard! This will leave the menu open for various food options, and the brunch atmosphere can help remind you of a weekend outing.
Invite your close friends only and catch up on various life events. Brunch dates are my favorite part of the weekend, so celebrating them on my birthday is special.
32. Dessert Party
A dessert theme can also be eventful. Turn the party into either a dessert-tasting or dessert-making day. Have everyone bring their favorite desserts, organize to make sure each one is different, and make it a classy event.
My family has started doing this, since the old and young members have different tastes in sweets. If you have no baking skills, have every person bring a different dessert and enjoy!
33. Elegant Party
If you miss dressing over the top for no reason, take this birthday as an excuse to have an elegant party.
Bring your best dress, the nicest shoes and the cutest bag.
Do your hair and makeup as though you’re getting ready for a runway show.
Make it a photo shoot on the sunniest day, and save up glam images for future posts.
I usually save the elegance for the holidays, to show off of course, but it was fun to make it a birthday theme as well.
Also inexpensive with cheap decorations, but remember, it’s all about confidence!
34. Location
35. DIY Party
Since we’re in a time where a lot of products can be DIY-ed, why not make a party out of these projects?
Try making candles or self-care products. Gardening kits, bath fizzler kits, embroidery kits, or food-related kits can also be great DIY 20th-party projects.
My best friend and I have crafted some of the kid kits, like the science experiments and bracelet making.
It’s more fun when you can understand the entire process as an adult. Introduce yourself or your friends to an old or new hobby!
36. Glow-In-The-Dark
Remember when glow-in-the-dark parties were cool? Let’s bring that back as the “adult” years start to kick in. Definitely look for all sorts of glowing products, even down to the glowing ice cubes and temporary tattoos.
My niece loves this because of the glowing items that last more than a day. If you’re looking for nostalgia, this is a great option!
37. Throwback
Or if you feel that is too cheesy, have a general Throwback Thursday theme. This can mean either a party based on the early 2000s or, if you want to be more specific, pick a decade and invest in the period.
We usually have this theme for the older people, so that they can dress up in a decade they did or didn’t participate in. Take it an extra step and research various popular foods of the time. Rock those platform shoes from the ’70s!
38. The 1920s
But since we are in the 2020s now, a Roaring ’20s party sounds like a perfect way to kick-start the year, and is also in keeping with the 20th birthday theme! Like the elegant party, this is your moment to show off how fancy you can get.
Make sure you take lots of pictures and edit them with a 1920s look. This is a common decade-based party theme so it should not be hard to get everything in order for it. You have plenty of years to have this theme!
39. Self-Care Day
Maybe you’re a busy college student and just need some rest. Have your family or friends fix you a self-care day. Everyone needs at least one a week, but for your birthday, it should be extra special. Any requests should be completed on your day!
This is also a great day to try out natural skin and hair care products with your loved ones to make a more interactive self-care day. We usually have this as a pre-Mother’s Day activity so that the next day we have a…
40. Pampering Party
We always try to make the day extra special, so we extend it into a two part appreciation day. For a birthday, you and your friends can create looks with makeup and hair and can also make time for some manicures and pedicures.
Whether you do it yourself or go to a salon, there’s no disappointment in this theme. If this is your version of a self-care day, don’t forget to take many pictures of your multiple looks.
This list has compiled ideas for a lot of different parts of a typical birthday celebration, and hopefully, you have found some inspiration from these ideas. It may only be one day, but you have that day once every year, so make the most of it! Enjoy your celebrations!
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