Pretty early on in our lives, birthdays are seen as milestones. At age 16, you are legally able to drive, and thus you might receive a car for your birthday. At 18, you are legally considered an adult and may receive your first lottery ticket. And of course, at age 21, you are finally deemed legal to consume alcohol in the United States, and thus your birthday gift may be money for a shot. However, as a parent, sibling, significant other, or friend who is searching for the perfect 21st birthday gift for someone, it can oftentimes be hard to figure out ideas that are non-alcohol related. Even when it comes to going out, most people tend to choose a bar or club to celebrate their 21st. In case that isn't the birthday person's vibe, here are some great things to do and gifts to give that are NOT alcohol related!
Non-Alcoholic 21st Birthday Gift Ideas
1. A personalized star map
This gift idea is so unique and personal! There are multiple websites online that you can find to make your poster for you. When it comes to customizing, you can choose specific locations and zodiac signs, connect the constellations or not, and so much more. Feel free to make a poster of what the sky looked like when your favorite person was born or when you two met! Then go crazy with the text and colors!
2. A birthday candle
Consider customizing a candle label! Some websites will have premade birthday dates while others will allow you to customize your own! Depending on how creative you want to get, choose a scent that sounds delicious and get to creating the label! Some websites will allow you to include zodiac signs and other fun creative aspects for someone born on the day you are looking for. If you want to find a premade label, feel free to look up the date you are looking into and find a candle you think suits the birthday girl/boy!
3. Color-themed gift baskets
What is the birthday person's favorite color? Go crazy and make an entire gift basket using just that color! Pinterest has a bunch of great ideas to get you started. This idea can be as expensive or inexpensive as you would like. Make a target run and find small items like lip balms, face masks, and bath bombs that you can throw inside of the basket. Other ideas to throw into the gift basket? Throw blankets, candy, snacks, soda, protein snacks, gum, tumbler cups, fuzzy socks, bath scrubs, lotion, and perfume.
4. A teeth whitening kit!
Who doesn't want a bright smile? A teeth whitening kit is the perfect gift for anyone! Bonus points if you need to give them an early birthday gift! A Noveshine Teeth Whitening kit is bound to give the birthday individual the brightest smile!
5. A self-care kit
21 is a pretty stressful age if you ask me! Between almost finishing college, figuring out what you want to do with your life, and making big purchases like a house or car, it can be hard to squeeze some self-care into our schedules. A self-care kit is the perfect gift to remind someone to rewind, slow down, and take some time for themselves! Here are a few ideas for what you might include in the kit: some lip balm, nose strips, a candle, bath bombs, and of course, face masks!
Non-Alcoholic 21st Birthday Party Ideas
1. Rent a party bus
Get a big group of friends together and rent out a party bus! Most buses are equipped with aux cords so you can hook up your phone and play your favorite jams! Based on what kind of bus you get, some might provide a bar for those guests who are looking into having a drink. Otherwise, grab your friends, get dressed up, dance to your favorite jams, and cruise around town!
2. Have a baking/cooking competition
Want to keep the party small but memorable? Invite your closest friends over for a night of cooking or baking! If you want to take it up a notch, make it a competition! Think you have a group of talented bakers/chefs? Create a competition show ordeal and make everyone recreate meals based on pictures or using only certain ingredients!
Source: Pixabay
3. Night out in the town
This one is always a go-to, but grab some friends, get dressed up, and head out into town for dinner! As always, make sure to find an aesthetic spot for pictures to capture the memories! Want to add a twist to the night? Have everyone pick each other's outfits for the night! Goodwill and other second-hand clothing stores are a great place to go for this idea! Whether you are going for a vintage, tacky, or prom look, you'll be able to find any type of outfit by shopping environmentally friendly!
Source: Pixabay
4. Go to a karaoke bar
Round up some friends and sing your heart out at a karaoke bar! Want to keep the party at home? Find a place that is willing to rent out karaoke machines or purchase one for a low price at your local Target, Walmart, etc!
5. Host a movie or game night
If going out isn't your thing and you like hosting, this is a great idea! Set up a cozy area, set up some candy and popcorn, and make your own indoor movie theater! This idea is so creative, and you can go as wild as you would like! Want to bring the theater to your house? Consider setting up a projector for a wider screen or buying a popcorn machine! This same idea can be done with a video game night! Hook up your favorite consoles and enjoy your night!
Source: Pixabay
Regardless of what 21 brings, it is important to be surrounded by people you love! With a little bit of research and creativity, there are endless possibilities of things to do for birthday parties and events that do not involve alcohol!