Let’s face it – the biggest thing about being 21 is that now you get to legally drink. Many people drink before the age of 21, but now they can do it legally. Therefore, when you look for 21st birthday ideas, you are going to find tons of things geared to alcohol consumption. However, turning 21 isn’t just about being able to drink. It’s also about finally being recognized as an adult. True, adulthood supposedly starts at 18, but many people between 18 and 21 still don’t feel like they are treated as an adult.
Presents
Gag gifts – these are the most prevalent for those turning 21. Below are the best ones – partly gag gift, but also useful down the line.
 |
Legally 21 Shot Glass Set – set of 2 shot glasses that can be used for the party as well as later. Guys tend to go more for shot glasses than the girls, but girls may enjoy them as well. |
 |
Hand Painted Wine Glass – Painted with festive female partiers, this one is for the girls. |
Serious gifts
 |
21st Birthday Gift Frame – Personalized photo frame that commemorates the birthday |
 |
Gift baskets – There are dozens of gift basket ideas out there for everything, including birthdays. Choose a basket that includes the birthday girl or boy’s favorite snacks or go for a gourmet selection (chocolates and coffee work well). Gift baskets can be silly or serious and make a great gift. |
Parties
 |
Party Planner – Parties are difficult to plan and the bigger the event, the more details there are. This book gets high reviews for helping to plan parties and keep track of the details. There are others that will help with menus if you need them, but this one helps you keep an eye on the bigger picture. |
Party Ideas
It’s tough to plan parties, especially ones to mark milestone birthdays. The hardest part may be that you want to make it special, but you can no longer have a “kiddie” party. Sure, at 21, alcohol may be involved, but everyone wants to have fun, not just get drunk.
So, with the need for adult parties, keep the following in mind:
A meal should be provided. Whether the party is a summer cook-out or a fancy catered affair, adult parties definitely serve a meal.
 |
Party games, if any, should be sophisticated. No pin the tail on the donkey for an adult party. Trivia games are a good idea. One of my favorite adult games (that I’m told is even more fun if you’ve had something to drink) is called “Say Anything.” This is a quick game that anyone can pick up. It’s easy to play and is great for laughs, while not being childish, although children can play as well, if need be. |
Any theme that the party has should be one that the birthday boy or girl will like. This probably goes without saying, but don’t go all out if they would rather have a small party.
Smaller parties could be an intimate dinner at an expensive restaurant. Throw in a limo ride to the restaurant and that makes a great birthday.
A larger party could be an outing at a club that the partier has wanted to visit. A limo ride here could be great as well.
A fancy party isn’t required, but dressing up definitely adds the adult touch. Dressing up for dinner, for seeing a show, or for a dinner and dance can all be good birthday parties for the right person.
Alternatively, you may decide to go completely the opposite way. Perhaps a trip to an amusement park is in order. Make it one that you can get to in a day, or do a blow out at a Disney Park. Either way, if the birthday partier likes amusement parks, this can be a great birthday as well.
(Spiked!) Punch
In addition to the many gift packages available for various drinks – hint, if you know a 21st birthday is coming up, Christmas is a great time to get a gift package at your liquor store – there are numerous bartender recipe books and kits available.
 |
The Bartender’s Bible – this is probably the most well known of the bar recipe books. Includes recipes for mixed drinks, as well as tips on stocking your bar, and even non-alcoholic drink mixes. |
 |
Bartender’s Black Book – My husband has both of these books and likes them both. This one is great because it folds flat. He even loaned it to a friend and almost didn’t get it back, his friend liked it so much! |
 |
Mad Science Bartending Set – Like other bartending sets, this one includes a shaker. However, unlike other bartending sets, this one has a beaker and test tube shot glasses. Cool and unique, this would make a great gift. |
