10 Last-Minute Things To Do On Your Birthday That Don't Feel Last-Minute At All (2024)

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10 Last-Minute Things To Do On Your Birthday That Don't Feel Last-Minute At All (1)

10 Last-Minute Things To Do On Your Birthday That Don't Feel Last-Minute At All

by Rachel Chapman

Your birthday is a truly glorious day. It's a time when everything revolves around you; you're able to celebrate another year of being your fabulous self, put on something sparkly if that's your thing, and enjoy all the confetti cake. My birthday is coming up soon (Please take note.), and I cannot wait to party all day long. Though, when you're adulting, life tends to get busy, and your birthday may arrive within the blink of an eye. No worries if you totally forgot to plan a big shindig this year, because there are plenty of last-minute things to do on your birthday that are so much fun.

Maybe you've had your hands full with a big project at work, or maybe you've been procrastinating coming up with a solid birthday plan. You don't want to just have a "me-party" of going home after work, but you also might not want to put in the effort of planning something major, either.

That's where I come in as your glamorous party planner. (FYI — I'm adding it to my resume now.) My go-to tradition is to grab a simple dinner with friends on my actual birthday, and that's a fine idea. But, I've also come up with these 10 unique ideas for you to choose from that'll make this birthday one for the books. So, let's celebrate, because it's your birthday and you're going to party like it's your birthday — last-minute or not.

01

Pick A Theme, And Get Dressed Up For Dinner

This idea gives the traditional birthday dinner a major upgrade. As someone who played dress-up all the time as a kid, I love any excuse to wear a costume.

That's why it's fun to choose a theme and have all of your friends dress up to go out for dinner. You can dress in your best flapper-style #lewks, and meet up at a speakeasy-type spot in the city. Birthday selfies? Required.

02

Host A Nostalgic Game Night

Take a trip down Memory Lane for a nostalgia-filled game night. Invite everyone over to play new versions of the games you used to love when you were kids, like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Super Mario Party if you have a Nintendo Switch. You could even put up a bracket for Mario Kart to see who's the ultimate driver. Of course, be sure to rock your Super Mario Bros. onesies to complete the birthday festivities.

03

Have A Cake Decorating Party

It wouldn't be a birthday without the cake! Host a baking party with your friends to make your very own dream dessert. It can be as simple as a box cake you grab from the store, but the real fun comes from decorating it together with colorful frosting, candy, and sprinkles.

04

Embark On A Dessert Crawl Around The City

A bar crawl is a fun idea if you're 21 or up, but for your birthday, you might want something a little sweeter. Go on a dessert crawl with your besties. Map out a fun night of stopping at different ice cream parlors, cupcake shops, and bakeries to test out all the different tasty sweets.

05

Have A Movie-Montage-Worthy Shopping Spree

It's your birthday, so it's prime time to treat yourself. Head to your favorite stores to pick out a fire birthday outfit, but have fun with it by treating it like a shopping movie montage. Your friends can pick out different outfits they want to see you in, and have a little fashion show in the dressing room as you take videos for your Insta story.

06

Hit Up The Bowling Alley

Don't forget, there's always fun to be had at a bowling alley. Rent out two lanes for your entire crew, order up pizza and wings, and go for a strike. You might even want to split up into teams for some friendly competition, and come up with punny team names that are right up your alley. (See what I did there?)

07

Take A Swing Dancing Class

Dancing is always a great idea for a last-minute birthday plan, but instead of heading to your usual club or bar scene, round up your besties and sign up for a swing dancing lesson. I actually did this last year for my birthday, and had the best time ever. If you're not into swing dancing, there are so many other classes to choose from, including hip hop, Zumba, and ballroom, to name a few.

08

Snuggle Up For A Cozy Movie Night With Your Fave Flicks

Pop some corn for a chill movie night at home with your favorite crew. It'll be like a birthday girl film festival as you only show your favorite movies. Treat yourself to a new pair of PJs, get those Insta-worthy co*cktails going, and don't forget to add string lights and glittery balloons to your space to set the birthday mood.

09

Host A Make-Your-Own Pizza Party

Sure, a pizza party is a simple last-minute go-to plan, but it doesn't have to be just delivery and done. Change it up by making your own pizza at home.

Get a bunch of delicious toppings at the store, and have your friends design their own pies. You could even make it a contest to see whose pizza is the best, or shall I say, steals a pizza your heart. Be sure to snap a ton of pictures, and if you're feeling extra crafty, decorate aprons and chef hats beforehand for the ultimate birthday 'Grams.

10

Have An Instagram Scavenger Hunt

Do it for the 'Gram for your birthday. Set up a super fun scavenger hunt for you and your friends to complete around town. Make sure it's things that are totally Instagram-worthy, like snapping a cute mural wall pic or drink selfie as you toast to your birthday. Don't forget to come up with a cute hashtag to document it all!

10 Last-Minute Things To Do On Your Birthday That Don't Feel Last-Minute At All (2024)

FAQs

10 Last-Minute Things To Do On Your Birthday That Don't Feel Last-Minute At All? ›

“For some, it could be tied to previous negative experiences with birthdays. Others may reflect on their lives and may not feel they are where they wanted to be by that specific age,” says Dr. Lira de la Rosa. “For others, birthdays can come during times when they are going through something difficult.”

What can I do last minute for my birthday? ›

Now, let's get back to our favorite last-minute birthday party ideas!
  • Rent an incredible birthday party venue instantly on Peerspace. ...
  • Throw together a fun and thoughtful movie night. ...
  • Surprise them with an old-school sleepover. ...
  • Bake them a personalized birthday cake. ...
  • Host a glam birthday photoshoot.
Jan 22, 2024

What to do on your birthday when you don t feel like celebrating? ›

25 Fun Grown-Up Things to Do on Your Birthday
  • Get Silly and Sing Karaoke.
  • Relax and Unwind with a Spa Day.
  • Face Your Fears and Go Skydiving.
  • Take a Leap of Faith with Bungee Jumping.
  • Play It Up with a Trip to an Amusem*nt Park.
  • Plan a Game Night.
  • Go to the Beach.
  • Feel Fancy with Wine Tasting.
Oct 11, 2023

What can I do for a quiet birthday? ›

Birthday Ideas for Introverts
  1. Host A small Gathering. ...
  2. Make It A movie Night. ...
  3. Skip The Surprise. ...
  4. Let The Introvert Help You plan. ...
  5. Consider Arranging a Weekend Getaway. ...
  6. Celebrate Without A Party. ...
  7. Put Party Money Into A Gift. ...
  8. Reconfigure The gift Table.

How can I celebrate my birthday uniquely? ›

50 Things To Do on Your Birthday When You're Out of Ideas
  1. 01 of 50. Plan a Spa Day. ...
  2. 02 of 50. Make Prime Dinner Reservations. ...
  3. 03 of 50. Buy Yourself a Gift. ...
  4. 04 of 50. Book a Luxurious Stay at a Boutique Hotel. ...
  5. 05 of 50. Go on a Vineyard Getaway. ...
  6. 06 of 50. Plan a Trip to See a Friend. ...
  7. 07 of 50. Escape to the Beach. ...
  8. 08 of 50.
Jun 19, 2023

Why am I not excited for my birthday anymore? ›

“For some, it could be tied to previous negative experiences with birthdays. Others may reflect on their lives and may not feel they are where they wanted to be by that specific age,” says Dr. Lira de la Rosa. “For others, birthdays can come during times when they are going through something difficult.”

Is it OK if I don't celebrate my birthday? ›

The fact that it's YOUR birthday means that you get to do whatever YOU want to do with it, even if it means no celebrations. And there's NO excuse for someone to force you to do something you don't want on your birthday, even if it's a birthday party they want to throw for you.

Why do I feel uncomfortable celebrating my birthday? ›

Your birthday brings up tough memories.

A lot of times, birthdays can be associated with sad memories, like a loved one who isn't there to celebrate, Dr. Zuckerman says. Birthdays might also remind people of estranged family members, memories, or past trauma experienced around that time of year.

How do you spoil someone on their birthday? ›

Treat Them

Whether you live near or far, find the birthday person's favorite coffee spot or watering hole and buy them a gift card. If you really want to pamper them, gift them the spa treatment they'd never give themselves. That's the gift that keeps on giving!

How to make someone feel special on their birthday without money? ›

Whatever it is—that vase your friend always ogles or the book you just finished that's right up your sister's alley—share generously.
  1. Set a Date. ...
  2. Write "Just in Case" Letters. ...
  3. Share Mementos. ...
  4. Divulge Secret Recipes. ...
  5. Make DIY Art Supplies. ...
  6. Be a Sitter. ...
  7. Chart the Family Tree.
Nov 10, 2023

What is the best line for birthday? ›

Short & Sweet Birthday Messages
  • “Hope all your birthday wishes come true!”
  • “It's your special day — get out there and celebrate!”
  • “Wishing you the biggest slice of happy today.”
  • “I hope your celebration gives you many happy memories!”
  • “Our age is merely the number of years the world has been enjoying us!”
Mar 21, 2024

Why do I get shy on my birthday? ›

Being the center of attention on your birthday can be overwhelming and cause anxiety. It may also be due to the expectations associated with birthdays, such as feeling like you should be doing something special or being surrounded by people.

How can I spoil myself on my birthday? ›

Give yourself a gift.

flowers, treat yourself to a physical item. Maybe it's something small like a book, something practical like a fancy razor kit or stand mixer, or something more “big ticket” like a new game console or office chair.

Where can I take myself for my birthday? ›

A spa day can be a great way to unwind and de-stress from your daily routine, and give yourself some much-needed self-care. You can also enjoy the amenities of the spa, such as the sauna, the steam room, the jacuzzi, or the pool. A spa day can be a perfect gift for yourself on your birthday.

How do I make up for forgetting my birthday? ›

How to make it up to someone for a missed birthday
  1. Facebook DM or Text: The “happy day after your birthday” message.
  2. Sending a card or giving them a call.
  3. thoughtful gifts for your closest people.

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