young woman with party hat

What to do instead of having a Birthday Party? 21 Creative Birthday Party Alternatives to do this year!

Throwing a birthday party is great and all, but it is not the only way to make your birthday special.

If you’ve wondered about what to do instead of having a birthday, then look no further. 

Keep reading to find out other birthday party alternatives for your next birthday.

Contrary to popular belief, You can still have a fun birthday without having to throw a party. There a plenty of fun birthday activities to consider to celebrate your big day.

Birthday Parties for Adults are Expensive

Birthday parties are the go-to thing when celebrating turning another year, but does it have to be. 

The truth is that Birthday parties get pretty expensive throughout the year. Birthday venues tend to make you have a certain amount of people ( guest min.) to rent out their spaces.

The more people you invite to your birthday more money it will cost you. 

If you plan on serving alcohol at your birthday party, expect to spend $25 and up per guest. This price does not cover food costs, party supplies, or entertainment.

Renting out a banquet hall wouldn’t be a good idea if you want an intimate birthday celebration.

According to the New York Post, The average American party host will spend $1,422.65 a year on party planning.  

But, Let’s be honest. 

Not everyone has $1400 a year to spend on throwing their dream birthday bash. 

Plus, scheduling time to set up, prepare, and clean up after your party guest is time-consuming.

Not to mention all the other little tasks associated with party planning too!

Planning a birthday party can be pretty stressful. It defeats the purpose of celebrating your birthday in the first place.

The good news is that there are lots of ways you can still have a fun birthday without having a birthday party. Especially your milestone birthdays!

Birthday activities make good birthday party alternatives to celebrate your special day. 

Birthday activities tend to be cheaper because you pay for the experience. Birthday parties force you to create a birthday experience from start to finish.

For example, say you want to decide to do an escape room activity to celebrate your birthday. All you would have to do is book an appointment, pay for it, and complete it. 

With birthday activities, there’s no set-up or cleaning-up birthday decorations. No party supplies to worry about, no rental fees either.

It’s that simple.

Adult Birthday parties are not for everyone

Another thing to keep in mind about birthday parties is that not everyone enjoys them. 

Some people want to have a low-key celebration or try something new. 

Many of us have had birthday parties in our childhoods, so if you don’t throw a party for your next birthday, it’s okay. 

There’s nothing wrong with changing things up a bit for future birthdays.

For someone who doesn’t like to be in the spotlight, it can be a very overwhelming experience. Birthday party alternatives if you are not a fan of social gatherings.

If you are an introvert, you should consider doing a birthday activity instead.

 Invite a few of your friends or loved ones to take part in your birthday activity. You’ll have fun and enjoy your birthday without any added pressure. 

What to do instead of having a birthday party?

As an adult, there are so many options to consider. If you unforgettable non-birthday party celebration, then check out these ideas below:

Non-party birthday ideas for adults

1. Have a birthday adventure

Taking a birthday adventure is a great way to celebrate a birthday! Book a trip to go zip-lining. Ride the waves and go sailing, or enjoy a ride on jet skis.

couple on jetski

2. Hotel Staycation

Escape from your daily routine by booking a taking a hotel staycation. Push snooze on the alarm clock as many times as you want and enjoy your special day!

3. Spend your birthday with family 

Grab your partner and kids and spend the day at an amusement park. It can count as both a family vacation and a birthday celebration also.

4. Have a birthday dinner

Are you a hardcore food-lover? If so, enjoy a birthday dinner at a new restaurant in your city or town. 

Do you want to save a little money for your birthday? Then opt to make birthday dinner at home or go out for a birthday breakfast instead. 

Going out to eat at a restaurant is never a bad option to celebrate your birthday. Who can say no to tasty food? I’m I, right? 

Speaking of meals, did you know that some restaurants will gift you a free meal on your birthday? Yep. Grab your closest friends and family and head to the restaurant of your choice to get your birthday grub on!

5. Set up an outdoor birthday photoshoot 

Outdoor birthday photoshoots are great to do on your birthday. You can hire a professional photographer to take pictures or do amateur ones instead.

Explore different parts of your hometown or city. Check out some gorgeous art at a local museum or visit a famous landmark or two. 

6. Go shopping for a new birthday Outfit

You’re turning another year older, and your closet can enjoy a little TLC. Why not update your wardrobe by buying a new birthday outfit? 

If you want to save some money, you can buy a new bag, a pair of shoes or a jacket. 

Shopping for new clothes or accessories is a great way to spoil yourself on your special day. 

7. Take some lessons

Learn how to cook a new dish or play an instrument such as guitar. Take some dance lessons or a creative writing class to celebrate your special day. 

8. Spa Day

If you are the type who likes to celebrate your birthday with R&R, consider taking a spa day. Get a massage, facial, or give yourself a manicure at home. 

2 friends enjoying a spa day

9. Get an astrology reading 

For all you true believers of the stars, celebrate your birthday get an astrology reading. 

10. Have a birthday weekend getaway 

Pack your bags and go on an escape on a getaway birthday weekend.

11. Watch a live performance

Buy tickets to see a watch an acrobatics show like Circus Soleli. Live performances are a good option for family birthday celebrations. They also make for a great birthday bucket list idea!

12. Food and Drink Tours

If trying new foods or drinks is your idea of a good time, then booking a food or drink tour for your birthday is for you.

13. Hire professional entertainment

Bring the entertainment to you and book an entertainer for your birthday celebration. Hire a fire performer. Book local African drummers to put on a spectacular performance for your birthday.

14. Attend a Sporting event

Go to a sporting event and route your favorite sports team to celebrate your birthday!

15. Head to the Movie Theater

Take a break from Netflix and buy tickets to see the latest movie release at your local theater. 

Going to the movies can be expensive, but you have a reason to spend a little bit more cash, right? After all, it’s your birthday.

If you want to spend less money on your birthday, 

Check out this blog post called “12 fun and creative ways to celebrate your birthday on a budget“. 

16. Get an Adrenaline Rush

Do you enjoy activities that give you an adrenaline rush? 

Book a drive to a NASCAR car or sky diving. 

These experiences are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to do. Be spontaneous and book an adrenaline experience birthday. It will be a birthday experience that will be hard to forget. 

driver on a racercar on track

17. Enjoy a romantic birthday with your partner

Spend quality time with your significant other and plan a birthday date night or spend the day at the beach.

18. Celebrate your birthday with friends

Spend your birthday with friends this year by enjoying a night in the town. Plan a birthday activity together like playing pool (billiards) or playing miniature golf. 

19. Have a birthday celebration at home

Choose to have breakfast in bed or an at-home-cooked meal prepared by your significant other or a loved one

.

20. Birthday cruise

Head to the pier and book a local cruise for your birthday. Spend a few hours catching scenic views and enjoying a delicious birthday dinner. 

21. Create a Birthday Bucket List

If there are some birthday activities that you’ve been looking forward to doing, jot them down. 

Once you have a list of birthday activities written down, pick one, and let the birthday fun begin!

Don’t worry about how you should celebrate your birthday. There are hundreds of birthday party alternatives to do. 

Now that you know birthday celebration ideas, what birthday party alternatives have you done, If any? 

Which birthday activities do you plan to do for your birthday?

Leave your comments below!

Happy celebrating!

Related Blogpost: How to celebrate a 50th birthday without a party and have an amazing day!

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