College Life
10 Reasons Why Being a Working Student is Actually Good
Being a working student in college can feel like an insurmountable amount of work. Long shifts at late hours, tough customers, scrutinizing managers, and homework stress are all struggles that students face while balancing work and school.
What we need to acknowledge, however, are all the benefits that students gain from working alongside their studies. From social opportunities to higher post-college salaries, here are a few reasons why being a working student in college is actually a good thing.
1. Work experience
Whether working at a coffee shop on campus, or in an internship related to your major, you are gaining valuable work experience. Not only are you adding to your resume, but you are also gaining skills for later down the road.
Chaili Trentham, a program coordinator at Azusa Pacific University states, “a job in college provides the opportunity to put your learning from your classes into practice, or gain practical skill sets that may not be directly linked to your coursework, yet rounds out your experience.”
While it may feel like an additional burden at times to have work on top of your studies, it is important to remember that you are also learning at your job.
2. Potential friendships
Work is a great place to make friends, because you are constantly interacting with customers and colleagues, who tend to be other college students.
These friendships act in tandem to motivate working students to keep pushing, when they are struggling to manage work and school. After all, you are surrounded by people who are in the same boat as you.
3. Budgeting skills
Working students have a fairly small salary, given on a biweekly or monthly basis, which makes it essential for students to become expert budgeters.
It’s dull work, and can often mean missing out on better food or luxury sneakers, but it is an invaluable life skill. Budgeting is essential to helping young people transition into the adult world and the expenses that come with it.
4. Networking connections
If you are doing an internship as a college student, it is important to take advantage of networking opportunities. These can be more valuable than the modest salary that most college jobs offer.
If you’re working within your major and would like to make a career out of it, then be sure to leave a good impression.
It will grant you great references and potentially a job. Alternatively, if you are working in a field that doesn’t feel relevant to your future, then it’s still a good idea to show your employers that you are punctual, helpful, and reliable.
These are universal skills, and can be referenced to future employers.
5. Looks great on resume
Regardless of where you work in college, the mere fact of working during college is impressive. Employers will see that you have the ambition and responsibility to maintain good grades and work at the same time.
The real world experience and time management skills give you a leg up against other students, who may have focused solely on academics.
6. Improves time management
Every working student knows that it is nearly impossible to work a job and get homework done without superb time management skills. If you don’t have these skills, you have to learn them quickly, or your performance in school or work will be negatively affected.
While this is an unfortunate reality for working students, this pressure also teaches students to balance their responsibilities. In adult life, one has to juggle their job, friends, family, and hobbies.
That task becomes increasingly difficult with time, so learning these skills in college gives you a headstart on being prepared for life after graduation.
7. Boosts future earning potential
Being a working student increases your earning potential— not just in school, but after graduation, too. According to a 2019 Rutgers University study of 160,000 public university students, those who worked in college scored an average income $20,000 higher than students who didn’t.
This is most likely due to the experience working students have as both students and employees, which provide skills that their non-working peers miss out on.
8. Can actually make you a better student up to a point
Studies have found that working to a certain extent actually makes you a better student. According to a study published in Economics of Education Review, students who work are more likely to graduate.
Many other studies also show that students who work 10 to 20 hours per week have slightly higher grade point averages than students who don’t work.
The responsibility and motivation required as an employee carries over to being a strong student. The only catch: “All the research on this topic found a negative correlation with grades and graduation rates for students who worked more than 20 hours per week.”
This meaning students working full-time jobs during college can be held back academically, because they have to spend so much time on non-academic work.
9. Flexible hours compared to post-college job opportunities
While balancing work and school can feel like an insane task, it is important to recognize that campus jobs are still a lot more flexible than full-time jobs in the real world when it comes to hours.
Campus employers usually are willing to work with student schedules, whereas most other jobs give you a rigid schedule that you must always follow, regardless of what’s going on in your personal life.
10. Some extra spending money
While salaries in college are not always amazing, it can be very nice to have some extra spending money in your pocket at the end of a long week. Being able to buy food off-campus is always a bonus, as well as other amenities you might need for your dorm.
It’s not always ideal to juggle school and work at the same time, but if you are in this situation, you can still reap the unique benefits of being a working student.
As long as you are able to balance your mental health and keep your performance level high in your work and academics, then you will come out the other end with a leg up on your peers and valuable experience. It is a difficult ordeal, but definitely worth it.
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Turning 18 is a major milestone in everyone’s life. Excitedly marked with the newfound ability to vote, get tattoos, buy lottery tickets and convince yourself that you’re finally a “real adult,” turning 18 is an immensely transitional time for many. Such a special day should be celebrated with only the most fun, interesting and exciting gifts and activities. Continue reading below for inspiration on the best 18th birthday ideas to get you started.
IN THIS POST
18th Birthday Gift Ideas
1. Instax Share SP-2 Portable Printer
Be sure to always have your photos ready with this printer that allows users to print Polaroid photos from a phone.
This product is perfect for creating photo walls and compiling memories, especially for recent high school graduates moving to college.
I use my Instax printer regularly to print out photos of my friends and loved ones. I can hang them in my room, keep them in my wallet or use them to make gifts.
With no cord required, the printer connects to a phone through Bluetooth, allowing anyone to use it easily.
2. Bubble Cube Candles
Keep up to date with the latest home decor trends, and get the newly independent 18-year-old a handmade, multicolor candle that will add personality and light to any room, both at home and at college.
Not only are these candles affordable at around $6.99 each, but they are also personalizable. You can choose their color and scent, a feature unique to candles like this from small businesses.
This business sells a variety of decorative, handcrafted candles at affordable prices, all with great reviews.
3. Personalized Star Map
Perfect for any astrology buff in your life, this personalized star map is both perfect decor for a newly independent teen and also a heartfelt commemoration of someone’s birthday. This map highlights the date, time and location of someone’s birth.
As someone who enjoys giving and receiving sappy gifts, I’m in love with this print and the customization options that are available.
The choices are excellent for anyone’s preferred aesthetic and design. This product works for all new 18-year-olds, whether it be your sister, friend, boyfriend, child or grandchild, and reminds them of how much they’re loved.
4. “The Crossroads of Should and Must: Find and Follow Your Passion” by Elle Luna
With the arrival of the 18th birthday also comes many questions about the future. Will you go to college, and what will you study? Do you want a roommate or several roommates? How about work?
This book about mindfulness and self-help about making decisions and honoring your desires is a perfect gift for new 18-year-olds going out into the world.
Described as “an inspirational gift book for every recent graduate, every artist, every seeker and every career change,” this book is all about making decisions and moving forward when you come to a crossroad.
With raving reviews across platforms, this book is both inspiring and an easy read. It is ideal for an 18-year-old navigating graduation and transitioning into adulthood.
5. Scratch-Off Map
Everyone gets excited about their new independence when they turn 18. To jumpstart the exploration they’ll be doing in the next few years, get them a scratch-off map so they can keep track of all the places they’ve visited.
My sister and I both have scratch-off maps, and we love them. They remind us of our travels and the places we’ve visited as a family.
The top layer on this product also scratches away to reveal a beautiful watercolor design, which makes the places you’ve visited become their own little pieces of art.
6. Charger Bracelet
Never be caught without a charger again with this cool gift, perfect for a newly independent young adult who’s constantly on the go.
I try to make a habit of bringing a portable charger with me whenever I leave the house, but more often than not I forget to grab one.
When I’m running around all day going to classes, working or hanging out with friends, my battery charge plummets.
As someone who regularly wears bracelets, I would havetrouble forgetting a charger that also doubles as a piece of jewelry.
7. Self-Care Spa Box
College and applications are always stressful, but this gift provides a way to relax and unwind after writing numerous essays and cover letters.
As a massive proponent of self-care, I think you can almost never go wrong with a spa box. Another product by a small business, this comes with a candle and body scrub and includes add-ons such as a succulent, face masks and natural fragrances.
8. Custom Movie and TV Poster
Do you have great taste in movies? Do you want everyone to know you have good taste? Another trendy home decor option, these custom minimalist movie and TV posters turn favorite characters into aesthetically pleasing art.
The minimalist design of these prints makes them perfect for any room and personality. The bold text is complemented by the small color palettes, which are customized for a singular frame of the movie or show.
This gift is perfect for the movie buffs in your life. I’m even considering getting one for one of my best friends.
9. Custom Album Cover Wall Art
Wall art is always a good gift idea, and this album cover art is an especially trendy home decor option.
Customized album cover art lets you show off your music taste and personal style in a new apartment or dorm room.
Made by a small business with incredible reviews, this product adds personality to any room.
A feature I really enjoy with this is how the artist allows you to submit any photo to act as the centerpiece of the art, and a song–whether it’s the song you and your friends scream-sing in the car or you and your partner’s song–complements the bottom of the piece.
This gift is super personal. I’m considering getting one for my younger sister.
10. Homesick State Candle
Going off to college or just leaving home is exciting, but occasionally, the homesickness will catch up to you. This candle helps you keep part of home with you wherever you are.
Despite going to college in my home state, I still manage to get homesick every once in a while. As an upstate New Yorker, the description of “a crisp fall afternoon in the Adirondacks.
Pumpkin patches lined with hay. Nutmeg and cinnamon complement freshly picked apples” for the New York candle immediately transports me back to my hometown.
This gift is perfect to remind recent graduates and graduating seniors of their roots. I can’t recommend it enough.
11. Customized Film Keychain
A perfect personalized gift for your best friends, this keychain lets you keep photos of your loved ones with you at all times. This is a wonderful way to compile the fun photos you took at the 18th birthday party.
As someone who is constantly struggling to decide what photos should be my phone wallpaper or kept in my phone case and wallet, this would be a helpful addition to my keyring; it lets me have multiple pictures of my friends and loved ones with me at all times.
This gift is also a good present for graduating seniors so they can always have their memories of home with them.
12. Wallet
Not only will this help to keep all that birthday money in order, but it also provides a secure place for a student ID and business cards. I personally prefer a folding wallet, but I’ve found that mine is quite bulky and takes up a lot of space in my pockets and bags.
This is especially true when I’m on the go. A flat wallet like this one has ample room for credit cards, cash and identification while saving you space in pockets and bags. This wallet also comes in a variety of colors and textures and has great reviews in regards to snugness and security of cards.
13. Reusable Tote Bags
Ideal for carrying textbooks around or for carrying groceries, every young adult needs a few tote bags. I absolutely swear by tote bags; I almost never leave the house without one.
They make accessing your things easy and, in my opinion, complement outfits better than a bulky backpack might.
I use my tote bags to carry my computer and textbooks, but I also use them as shopping bags whenever I go grocery shopping or go to the store.
These bags are from a small business, and the shop owner includes a personalized note and free stickers with every purchase!
14. Adult Coloring Books
A relaxing pick-me-up on especially difficult days, this cute and funny book provides a way to unwind from stress. Studies have shown that making art helps lower stress levels, so this gift is a perfect go-to.
Adult coloring books are a good way to add new art to any room without necessarily having to be “good” at art. You don’t even have to worry about coloring in the lines! A 2020 article by the Cleveland Clinic reported that adult coloring books are especially relaxing because they give you something else to focus on and are a low-stakes activity.
15. Wireless Headphones
While on the pricier side, wireless headphones are an excellent gift that’s guaranteed to be used almost every single day. These are perfect for doing homework or working out without having to worry about wires.
I use my headphones every day without fail. Whether I’m walking around campus or working on an assignment, my wireless headphones give me full range of mobility without the worry of a cord snagging on something.
Personally, I prefer wireless headphones that have an ear loop for added support and security, but it’s dependent on your preferences.
16. “Today I Affirm: A Journal That Nurtures Self Care” by Alexandra Elle
A highly reviewed book focused on self-care and introspection, this gift is perfect to remind loved ones to slow down and take care of themselves.
For recent or upcoming graduates, this book can act as a way to decompress after a long day of work or classes.
The benefits of meditation and personal introspection cannot be overstated. A 2014 report by Harvard Medical School found that meditation can reduce anxiety, pain and depression while helping you with “your creativity, your intuition [and] your connection with your inner self.”
As a massive proponent of positive self-talk and journaling, I highly recommend this book, especially to young adults.
17. Birthday money tissue box
Students will always appreciate some funding on their 18th birthday. This cute and clever gift can be made by taping dollars together in a line and placing them in a tissue box with a single dollar poking out the top. It will be a cute way to give your friend an extra bit of cash and it is fun for them to open!
This is an example of what you could do:
Best 18th Birthday Decorations
18. 18th Birthday Balloons
Come on, everyone has thought about wanting big birthday balloons at least once in their life. And for the big day, you might as well go all out to celebrate 18 years with these fun number balloons, which provide a perfect photo opportunity.
19. Personalized 18th Birthday Poster
The 18th birthday is such a monumental day, so your birthday star deserves to be the center of it all. To pull out all the stops, check out this personalized poster that compiles memories from the year they were born.
I got one of these for my mom’s birthday a few years back, and everyone at the party was obsessed with it.
People took time to discuss their memories of the events and products that shared my mom’s birth year.
This gift would be especially fun at an 18th birthday party to see what figures and events are still relevant almost two decades later.
20. LED Hanging Curtain Lights
These lights create a warm, cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for an 18th birthday party and for room decor when the party is over.
I have had LED lights hanging in my room since I was around 15, and they’re still one of my favorite ways to add personality and light to a space.
If given the choice, I will always opt for LED lights over bright overhead lights, and many of my friends feel the same.
LED lights are also good to have around for parties and get-togethers down the line to create a fun, laid-back ambience.
21. Personalized Custom Banner
Make sure the new 18-year-old is the center of attention with this personalized birthday banner, which acts as a perfect backdrop for tons of pictures with friends and family.
Again, your 18th birthday is a big deal, so it should be celebrated! And sometimes, that means getting to be the center of attention with your name on a big, shiny banner.
This product, which has overwhelmingly good reviews, comes in a variety of colors and textures, making it adjustable to any theme or preference.
22. 18th Birthday Cake Topper
You only turn 18 once, so you might as well go all out for it and have a fun cake topper. This cake topper is a good option for those who can’t spell out names and phrases with icing–which isn’t a bad thing! (I can’t spell with icing for the life of me, either.)
Not only does this product have good reviews, but its neutral design makes it a nice decorative touch that will fit with any cake design.
Things To Do On Your 18th Birthday
23. Spend time with friends
There are few ways better to celebrate a birthday than by spending time with the people you love. When the weather is nice, go for a picnic or make marshmallows over a fire. In the colder seasons, make dinner together and watch a favorite movie.
24. Finally do “adult things”
Now, this isn’t encouraging you to buy a pack of cigarettes and hit the clubs, but it’s still funny and exciting to buy your first lotto scratcher or get your first tattoo.
25. Have a costume party
Who says that costumes have to be reserved for Halloween? Make sure your 18th birthday party is unforgettable by having guests dress up as their favorite characters or as a certain theme.
26. We’re Not Really Strangers
A perfect party game, We’re Not Really Strangers allows players to make new connections and strengthen the ones they already have. Warning: this game may cause players–especially those nearing graduation–to get immensely sappy.
While I don’t own this game, several of my friends do; they say it’s an absolute hit, especially when getting to know people. I’m constantly being recommended We’re Not Really Strangers and am currently considering buying a pack myself to play with my roommates.
27. Create a well wishes jar
Growing up isn’t always easy, and things can get overwhelming quickly. This gift lets the 18-year-old in your life hear how proud the people who love them are of them and gives the new adult the encouragement they need to keep moving forward.
28. Birthday Bingo
Don’t be afraid of your guests getting bored at your party. A few close rounds of bingo are sure to bring out your friends’ competitive sides. Make the squares relate to the birthday star to make it even more fun.
29. Jackbox Party Games
Games such as “Quiplash” are perfect for groups and always manage to get a crowd laughing. These games are also perfect in-person activities as well as virtual ones.
I’ve played “Quiplash” during game night at my friends’ houses, and each time we play I end up tired from laughing so hard.
Jackbox games are also good because they have an audience option that allows for lots of people to play at one time. That way, more people can be included in the fun.
30. Make a s’mores bar
Set up the s’mores equipment so it’s all ready to go, using painted reused cans to hold sticks and candy. If you don’t have a fire, make a s’mores dish in the oven by layering graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows.
31. Disposable cameras
Encourage guests to get off their phones by having them take photos of the party with disposable cameras. Giving a disposable camera to the birthday person can help them remember this important birthday for years. Not only will you receive digital copies when the film is developed, but the printed photos can be used as decor afterwards.
32. Party Jenga
Have guests and friends write challenges, dares and questions on Jenga pieces. When you play, each person must do whatever the block says before placing it back on the tower.
33. Marimo Moss Ball Kit
An aquarium kit is a great gift for a newly independent young adult. This gift is perfect for anyone–even for those who tend to kill plants–looking to become more responsible.
I’ve been considering getting marimo moss balls for a few months now; as with any plant–or pet?–I’ve done my research to see how much effort they require and how difficult it is to mess up taking care of them. And in truth, it’s actually really difficult to mess up taking care of them! They require minimal effort but still help you to be responsible and maintain a schedule. They also function as super cute room decor.
34. Movie Marathon Night
An ideal party idea for homebodies, a movie marathon is a great way to spend time with friends while also staying low-key and affordable. Set up some ambient lighting and a pillow fort, and you’re
35. Mocktail bar
For some people, 18th birthdays aren’t as exciting as the big 2-1. Having mocktails helps make a party atmosphere fun and more adult while still being safe and legal.
36. Dinner Party
For smaller get-togethers, pick a fun, new recipe to try out and center the party around making and eating dinner with your friends. Wait for food to cook by playing games and making memories.
37. Paint and Sip Night
Another more laid-back option, this idea is perfect for those who want to celebrate without having a huge party. A paint and sip lets guests paint their own party gift while having fun drinks and snacks. This event leaves everyone with a souvenir to remind them of time spent with friends.
38. Time capsules
On your 18th birthday, make a gift for your future self to open. Let your future self know what you did, how you’re feeling, and what you’re looking forward to in the future!
Places To Go On Your 18th Birthday
39. Go on a trip
Pick your closest friends and take a day trip somewhere, whether it be the next town over or the new coffee place you’ve been dying to try. Half the fun of going on a trip is the memories you make on the way there.
40. Go camping
Getting away and spending time with yourself and your buddies is one of the best ways to celebrate being 18. Even if you have to set up a campsite in your yard or living room, spending the night in a tent and laughing with your friends is always fun.
Turning 18 is a huge milestone and something that so many people look forward to. Stepping into adulthood for the first time is something that should be celebrated, and these gift and celebration ideas are sure to kick off your 18th year on a good note.
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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.
*Birthday Suit*
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!
*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. Streamers
Streamers 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 a monochromatic decor and they are really cheap to buy lots of.
7. Fringe Curtains
Instead of streamers, 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 lotus 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 hate 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.
There are some that 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*
20. Paint & Sip
Because this is a 20th birthday ideas list, a paint and sip does not have to involve alcoholic beverages. Those with winter birthdays can do hot cocoa and paint cookies. This is also something that can be done over Zoom.
My nieces and I were able to have a Paint & Snack party, where the focus was on our favorite snack foods and painting with watercolor. It was successful over video chat. Safely invite as many people as you wish!
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
Having a movie night is a classic party gathering, only made better with a birthday celebration. With the many projector options, there are, it won’t be hard to gather many friends and watch various videos, movies, or clips together.
Weather permitting, it will be one of your most memorable birthdays. Don’t forget to set up a food and snack table for enjoyable watching!
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!
*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, nicest shoes and cutest bag.
Do your hair and makeup as though you’re getting ready for a runway show. Make it a photoshoot on the sunniest day, and save up glam shots 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
If you are more into photo opportunities, have a birthday outdoors. Forget all of the extra decorations, and grab a picnic blanket and some easy-to-eat foods. Get to the beach, a park or even the woods and spend the day surrounded by nature.
All of the summer birthdays in my family are done outside and we try to go somewhere farther than the backyard. If you have been mostly isolated recently, you will feel liberated.
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 bomb 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 definitely 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!
That’s a wrap. This post was all about 20th birthday ideas. Did you find the article helpful? Share the love on social media!
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Planners are essential for college success. Whether you are a more focused planner or just need something to remind you when your midterm is, a college planner will help ease the overwhelming feeling of having too much to do.
Before you buy one, take a minute to think about what you are looking for in a planner. Do you want a detailed path to achieve your goals, a better way to stay productive, or do you just need a calendar that is not on your phone? Below are several options that may resonate with you and put some perspective on your future endeavors.
In this post:
1. Bloom Daily Planner
Best Layout
Length: One Year
Date: January 2021 – December 2021
Size: 6” x 8”
Best Feature: Vision board
Extras: Magnetic bookmark, a sheet of stickers, monthly tabs and pockets, a Life Planner
Bloom produces daily planners of all varieties, suited to your specific liking and purpose. Some of their planners are more basic, such as the ones for simple trackers and other ones like this one that tracks so much more. There are whole sections devoted to goal setting, purposes and values.
There is a goal tracker and a habit tracker for those that need a little more guidance, and a money spending tracker as well.
And throughout the planner, there are goal reminders every few weeks so that you can stay on top of your personal promises (think of the New Year’s resolutions that you’ve already forgotten about!)
With the many varieties of planners available, there are other basic planners that are just for tracking dates, and even ones without dates.
They have academic calendars for the school year, which are great for teachers.
Personally, I love the inclusion of a vision board to help you really set your goal for the year and create an additional use for a planner.
Their goal tracker is great as well, as the reminders help you stay on track. Bloom has made this a planner you cannot go without! Buy it here.
2. Blue Sky Planners
Simplest and Spacious
Length: One Year
Date: January 2021 – December 2021
Size: 5” x 8” or 8.5” x 11”
Best Feature: Space for notes
Extras: Can match style with other items like desk or wall calendar
Blue Sky Planners are great if you want a simple college planner with a lot of space. Even their smallest size is enough to list assignments and personal goals.
Simple monthly and weekly tracking is easy with this planner, and it has extra space for every week and a dedicated page for notes.
Their monthly calendar section is also spacious, which is sometimes hard to find in some planners. This planner is great if you just need reminders of college classes, or if you want to show your books off with a little personality, as they have a wide range of covers.
This is also a great planner for those that have their own stationery set. There are many pages to get creative in this one!
Blue Sky does have a more organized one with various habits and goal tracking as well, but this one is only six months.
If you have a short-term project that requires a lot of work to track, I definitely recommend it! Buy it here.
3. Erin Condren Academic Planner
Most Popular Student Planner
Length: One year
Date: January 2021 – December 2021
Size: 7” x 9”
Best Feature: Many extras
Extras: Changeable covers, inspirational quotes, stickers, and a lot more.
If you know anything about planners, you’ve probably already heard of the popular Erin Condren planner. This planner packs everything into one, without being overwhelming.
They also each have a specific purpose, like this academic planner that has a focus on college projects and exam dates, and pages to track their progress or to study.
This planner is designed for students, as it has a section for your class schedule, and includes extra notes pages after every month.
With various sticker sheets and inspirational quotes throughout, this academic planner will help you keep track of everything you need to succeed in school.
Erin Condren planners are very layered with many different styles and purposes. Their Life Planner may be better if you need one to focus more on goals than school.
I recommend getting that one if you are not too focused on tracking your academic work, but still need a college planner to track everything at once. Buy it here.
4. Katie Daisy On-the-Go Planner
Most Compact and Best to Carry
Length: 17 months
Date: August 2021 – December 2022
Size: 5” x 7”
Best Feature: Size
Extras: Every page is decorated and still spacious
Katie Daisy’s planners are always beautifully laid out. This small planner is very simple and is eco-friendly. They are printed on recycled paper, and the business plants trees to offset their carbon footprint with each purchase.
It is no surprise that each page is decorated with wildflowers, butterflies, and other aspects of nature, as well as many inspirational quotes.
There is a pocket inside to store loose papers, and an elastic band outside to keep everything in place.
This planner is somewhat basic with its monthly and weekly spread, but it has to be since it is in a smaller size. Still, there is plenty of room to plan out personal or college events.
This planner is for the simple college student, who does not need rigorous planning and wants something to spark their creativity instead.
I have purchased this planner various times, especially for my busiest semesters, and it was great to carry around for reminders.
This planner unfortunately is not out until May, because the dates in the planner start in August, but check the Katie Daisy website for creative inspiration! You can also preorder it here.
5. Clever Fox Planner
Best for Productivity
Length: One year
Date: Undated
Size: 5” x 8”
Best Feature: Vision board
Extras: Awareness and self-discovery questions, focus and mind map, 50+ dot grid pages
If you are more goal-oriented than reminder-focused, Clever Fox may be the planner for you. This undated planner is great for those with huge goals and an inability to start.
Whether there is a process to get started on your goal or you have no idea how to start, Clever Fox is determined to boost productivity and focus.
They promise this by including heavy tracking and accountability goals with many steps.
They include a questionnaire to get you to understand your goals and get realistic about achieving them.
There is also a focus and mind map page to narrow down your goals and estimate the effort and process in achieving them.
Clever Fox claims their planners are less for people that have many appointments and more for those that are more focused on achieving short and long-term goals.
It does still have monthly and weekly tracking as a regular planner, so there is overlap.
The focus with Clever Fox is to achieve goals, so if that resonates with you, this is your best option!
The vision board is my favorite part of this planner, because it channels the long-term idea of a board into something that can be achieved in a year. You can buy it here.
6. Passion Planner
Most Challenging
Length: One year
Date: August 2020 – July 2021 (more options on their website)
Size: 5” x 8” or 6” x 9”
Best Feature: So much tracking!
Extras: Check-ins, passion roadmap, goal tracking, weekly focus
If you liked the goal tracking with Clever Fox, you might enjoy the overworking Passion Planner. With this one, you can track everything right down to the hour.
There are various pages dedicated to passion planning through short- and long-term goals and breaking them down into steps, a yearly overview to list an important event for each month, a daily layout that tracks goals and personal events of the day, and monthly self-check-ins to update your progress.
Their passion roadmap is a great way to brainstorm your true goals, and their huge section of dotted grid pages can also be used for anything from doodles to more goals.
There is even a mood tracker and a “Not To Do” list, for those that have to be reminded to stop a bad habit.
This may seem overly complicated for a college planner, but it is ideal for people who need to be extra-organized, or who need detailed plans and goals to get motivated. You can buy it here.
7. Moleskine
For the Minimalist
Length: 12 months
Date: Jan – Dec 2021 (18 month available)
Size: 5” x 8”
Best Feature: Thick pages
Extras: Various tracking pages, pocket, variety with others
Or if that seems too overwhelming, Moleskine is a much better option. They are a popular planner and notebook choice for college students, for there is not too much to worry about.
They have a standard calendar layout, monthly to daily, and some extra pages that include daily diary, sketching pages, and project planning.
Their best feature is their paper thickness because many planners are sometimes too thin to really mark up.
The great thing about Moleskine is that they have layout variations. They have horizontal layouts that help you see your schedule in a better format and various sizes for your convenience.
This planner is best for tracking simple events and minimal life planning, but perfect for academic planning. Aesthetically speaking, it is the best overall. You can purchase it here.
8. Smart Planner Pro
Best Fresh Start Planning
Length: 12 months
Date: Undated, but includes calendar page for 2021-2023
Size: 8” x 5”
Best Feature: Grade Tracker
Extras: Daily gratitude, time blocking, weekly review
Ideal for the college student who fell behind and needs to start organizing. Smart Planner is pretty simple with loads of extras like mini note sections, monthly affirmations corner, and three bookmarks that sound excessive, but are pretty useful.
They have thick paper for heavy writing and planning, so bring out those gel pens!
This is mostly an academic planner and should be used as such. If you have extracurricular activities, this can definitely still be useful.
It’s undated, so it can be started at any point when some organization is mostly needed. You can purchase it here.
9. Rocketbook Panda Planner
For the Hybrid Organizer
Length: One year
Date: 2021
Size: 6 x 8”
Best Feature: Reusability
Extras: Cloud usage, multi organization pages, can be used for years
This Panda Planner collaboration with Rocketbook may be the best thing for those who depend on technology, but like the physical planner.
This planner lets you write on the pages like any planner, whether weekly or monthly, for a goal tracker or regular notes. And when you’re ready, just scan, upload, and erase and start new.
They include their own towel and pen to make sure that the content is eligible and can be properly wiped clean to start new.
This includes a year review page and three months to plan at one time, but it can technically be used for years.
I think this is a great choice for those who need to plan ahead, but don’t want to overwhelm themselves with having to keep up with a physical planner.
Their app is helpful and there are many ways to share your work to your preferred cloud service.
This is definitely for the simple planner, unless you want to plan out a short term goal, in which the original Panda Planner may be better. That one is an undated 90-day planner, so choose wisely! You can purchase it here.
10. (Bonus) GoodNotes Digital Planner App
For Those Who Love Modern Technology
Length: Any
Date: Any
Size: Depends on the device
Best Feature: Sync between devices and searching within notes
Extras: Presentation mode, multi-window use
If you are like me and like the new and modern way of things, this GoodNotes digital planner may be the one you purchase from this list. Besides its digital content, it is a planner that can continuously have pages and trackers added to it from various places.
There are many personalized pages you can buy on Etsy, for example, and the Passion Planner above has their own section for digital planner pages. Some examples of extra pages are calorie trackers, coloring pages, finance trackers, and even trackers in other languages.
The limiting factors are its compatibility with Apple devices only, and the need to constantly purchase some pages, though there are plenty of free ones. If that does not bother you, GoodNotes also lets you search your handwriting, annotate PDFs, and take your notes anywhere.
It also highlights its sharing capability, to show that it is not completely limited to its app. If you are less of a physical planner person, this is the best multi-productive alternative for you! You can purchase it here
There are so many different variations of planners that it can be hard to choose the right one for your goals, whether these are to succeed in college or simply to fulfil your New Year’s resolutions. Hopefully, this list will help you decide which planner works best for you and your lifestyle. You will never feel unprepared with one of these planners in your life!
That’s a wrap! This post was all about best college planners. Do you have any other college planners you want us to include in the list? Let us know in the comments. Also, share the love on social media.
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