Looking to throw a super fun 18th birthday? This post is all about 18th birthday Ideas.
Coming up with 18th birthday ideas can be tough. You're too young to go to bars but you're also too old for any of the other cheesy birthday celebrations in the past.
We all imagined turning 18 for years. You are finally becoming an adult! Party planning and gift ideas are all a part of the celebration, so why not make it fun?
Since 18 means starting fresh as an adult, it's important to consider birthday ideas that will truly bring out the new adult you are.18th birthday ideas can be super fun and get the individual excited for the next chapter in their life.
This post shows you the best 18th birthday ideas!
BEST 18TH BIRTHDAY DECORATIONS:
Large balloons for any occasion are ALWAYS the way to go.
When it comes to 18th birthday ideas this is one decoration idea that any girl will LOVE! I personally use large balloons for most of my parties, events, or just for fun on Instagram.
Any birthday will have a cake or dessert of some kind, which means you need candles! These candles are so cute and would make a plain looking cake look so boujee.
If you've seen any party related ideas on Pinterest you would know donuts are all the rage this year!
For real though, I went to a 21st birthday party recently and it was donut themed!
You can make it a little more special for the birthday girl by customizing it on Etsy.
4. Balloon Arch
Balloon arches are SO easy to put together and make any get-together look like a professional party planner was involved. If I ever host a celebration, birthday, etc. I always make sure to have a balloon arch. Highly recommend you do the same, you won't regret it!
Birthday banners are the "it" thing for most parties these days.
When it comes to comes to 18th birthday party decorations I feel like most people want to keep it classic and not SO over the top. This is the perfect meet in the middle adorable but a classic decor piece every 18th birthday party needs.
{RELATED POST: Best 21st Birthday Ideas}
Photo back drops are an essential for an 18th birthday party!
I love being able to go to events and take cute pictures, because I love creating memories. Photo booths are super easy to DIY for a low price and perfect for ANY party!
This is the perfect idea for any birthday girl!
Birthday sashes are so cute but inexpensive so it will not break the bank. This is an easy idea to make the birthday girl feel extra special.
This birthday sign is so pretty and perfect for an 18th birthday party! If you are planning on having a bigger birthday party, this is the perfect thing to have to welcome everyone to the party.
9. Create Birthday Mocktails
Let's be real, mock-tails are the PERFECT idea for any party. I had mock-tails at my graduation party and everyone LOVED them!
Pinterest has the best drink idea for an 18th birthday, or any occasion. This is a great way to add something extra to your parry while also feeling super boujee sipping your mock-tail.
If you do not like cake (which is crazy, but some people do!), you definitely need something to display your other dessert of choice. This acrylic stand is so cute and would match any other decor at your party.
11. "18" Garland
How cute is this garland?!
This is one of the hottest birthday decoration items at the moment. I had a similar banner for my own personal 18th birthday and got so many questions as to where I got it!
Another cute cake topper! This one from Etsy you can customize to say anythinggg you want, which is perfect for your big 18th birthday party.
13. Well Wishes Jar
I think all 18 year olds could use a well wishes jar ;).
I love this idea because it is personal, unique and adds to any birthday party as decor and an activity.
LED signs are SO cool! This would be so cute to take photos with for your 18th birthday. A lot of LED signs can be super expensive as well, but this one is a very decent price for what you're getting.
Hanging polaroid pictures are all the rage but look how fun this looks!
When it comes to 18th birthday party ideas Pinterest is flooded with SO MANY ideas just like this. I know I love my Polaroid camera so much especially for memories, so why not incorporate that into a celebration you will never forget!
THINGS TO DO ON YOUR 18TH BIRTHDAY:
16. Go On a Trip
Going on a trip with friends and family is the perfect way to make memories.
Go somewhere tropical, or maybe just take a road trip a state over!
Some popular places to travel to are Miami, LA, Nashville, and New York City.
17. Dinner and a Movie
If you are a more chill stay at home person this is for you! If you want to just kick back with friends and family going to dinner and a movie is perfect for any birthday celebration.
There are always SO many great movies out in theaters, or maybe in the warmer months go to a drive in movie.
This is the perfect way to spend time with friends and family on your big day.
18. Hotel Party
Rent a hotel room and celebrate with a girls night!
If you split the cost between all the guests it can be somewhat inexpensive and super fun!
Go in the pool, do face masks, order room service, sit and gossip and enjoy your birthday.
19. Go Camping
This is the perfect cheap idea for any birthday that will create so many memories that you will always remember.
Camping can be super fun and a way to getaway with your girls for the weekend.
20. Birthday Party
Call me an old soul, but a classic birthday party is a perfect way to celebrate your birthday!
If you are someone who just loves being around the people you love this idea is always a great option.You can easily create a party for cheap and DIY a lot of your decor.
21. Amusement Park
Amusement parks are a favorite when it comes to my group of friends.
We all love getting out going on some fun rides, as well as spending time all together. This is a perfect way to celebrate any 18th birthday! You can wait for special offers or deals when going in a large group to save money.
22. Do "Adult Things"
Okay so lets be real, there are a lot of things you CAN'T do while being 17!
This is a fun idea that maybe you didn't think of. Now that your 18 you can donate blood, get a tattoo, go clubbing, buy lottery tickets, go to a strip club (hehe kidding ;), or change your name!
23. Go to a Concert
This has been a go to birthday idea since I was about 12, this is a perfect 18th birthday idea for anyone because tailgating before a concert can be super fun , and this is the perfect way to create memories with friends.
Some upcoming performers are Ariana Grande and Travis Scott.
24. Shopping Spree
During the year I am constantly looking at items I love, so I feel like splurging on your birthday is the best time to do it!
If you have been really wanting a luxury item or maybe some nice perfume, your birthday is the perfect excuse to splurge.
On my 18th birthday I did just this. I purchased items I wouldn't usually purchase and spoiled myself.
Some examples of popular items you can purchase are air pods, a gucci belt, college apparel, etc.
25. Spa Day
This is my personal favorite 18th birthday party idea!
I love my pamper days, it is so important to prioritize your self care. For any girl this is an amazing option can be done at a spa, or at home with your gal pals.
It is super easy to purchase some masks from target, give mani pedis and grab some pizza or sushi and enjoy your night.
26. Take Professional Photos
Okay, I am OBSESSED with cute Instagram photos as most of us are and this is a cute idea to do professionally or even with a few friends.
Take some cool photos with friends, and have fun while doing it. Travel to some cool destinations or even dress up and use props.
You van easily do this with friends for cheap or maybe take some professionally with a friend who is into photography. This makes for great memories and cute Insta worthy pics!
{RELATED POST: Birthday Gifts for Her | 50+ Unique Gift Ideas}
18TH BIRTHDAY GIFT IDEAS:
27. Workout Clothes
Workout clothes are ALWAYS a great gift idea. If the 18 year old loves fitness, or just likes to be comfy this is right up their alley.
Amazon sells such cute and affordable workout items that I personally LOVE! I cannot even begin to tell you how many days of the week I live in my workout attire.
If you need a 18th birthday gift idea this is for you!
28. Dainty Jewelry
Girls love jewelry and any 18 year old would LOVE this because maybe they are trying to dress up their style, or get nicer pieces of jewelry.
This is my personal favorite gift I received for my 18th birthday because dainty jewelry is so classy and timeless. I wear a similar piece everyday and always remember my 18th birthday every time I look at my ring!
PS- any personalized item will forever be in the birthday girls heart regardless if you are a friend, a mom, a boyfriend, etc the birthday girl will LOVE IT!
29. Airpods
If you're looking for useful 18th birthday gift this is the one for you!
AirPods are seriously so USEFUL. Mine basically never leave my ears. This is a more pricey gift option but something anyone would love.
AirPods were one of the most sold technology items this year, if that doesn't show you they are so useful then I don't know what will.
30. Wallet
Having a nice wallet is probably not something that the birthday girl will want to fork out money for, which makes it the perfect 18th birthday gift ideas.
These are two of the most popular wallets for girls and guys today.
31. Amazon Echo Dot
This device is SO cool and useful!
Not only does the echo dot respond to questions, but it also can turn off your lights!
If you are laying in bed you can simply say, "Alexa, turn off my lights" and with this kit, all the lights will go out.
This is a perfect gift idea for an tech lover or simply someone who forgets their lights! You can easily turn off the lights from your phone while you are out or simply ask Alexa to turn them off.
32. Perfume
Every girl needs a signature scent!
Perfume is the perfect 18th birthday gift idea for any girl. Perfume is one of my all time favorite gifts to receive for any occasion.
Some of the most popular perfumes for 2022 are Gucci guilty, You by Glossier, and Daisy So Fresh by Marc Jacobs.
33. Makeup Palette
If you want to give a really cute gift AND make it extremely easy on yourself, then a makeup palette is the perfect idea for you.
This is a gift that any girl would LOVE! This palette is super neutral but glam for any makeup lover, or anyone just getting into makeup!
34. Manicure and Pedicure Gift Card
A gift mani pedi gift card is always a good gift idea!
This is perfect especially when it comes to an 18 year old. One of my favorite things to do is get my nails, and toes done. Pampering yourself is ALWAYS a good idea.
35. Get A Tattoo
Okay, so now that you are18 you can get a tattoo!
The perfect18th birthday gift idea is to get a tattoo. Maybe give the birthday girl money, or a gift card so they can go get a tattoo.
This post was all about 18th birthday ideas.
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