55 Amazing And Funny 20th Birthday Ideas

Turning twenty means you are a freshly minted adult but still recovering from the hangover of your teenage years. This is a precursor to the milestone birthday as it marks your shift from being a teen to a full-blown adult. Finally, you can officially say you are in your early twenties and almost two decades old! An affair like that calls for a major birthday celebration. Your carefree teenage years are full of hormones, friendships, parties, debauchery, and all your firsts and high school memories. So, as you bid adieu to your teenage years, you owe it to yourself to welcome, with open arms, the adulthood that is knocking at your door.

A celebration is essential to mark your two decades on this planet. Host a grand party, or take yourself on a getaway—there are various ways to make your twentieth birthday unforgettable. Here are 55 ideas for your twentieth birthday.

55 Amazing And Funny 20th Birthday Ideas

20th Birthday Ideas For Him

1. Bonfire

For an outdoor celebration, light a fire in your backyard, call your friends, and get ready with some bean bags and chairs. Then, gather around the bonfire and reminisce about the same stories and songs of your childhood with never-ending supplies of smores, laughter, and warmth. While outdoor parties can be a source of great fun, make sure you check for fire restrictions and any permits needed. Keep it safe with safety fire extinguishers and water available.

2. Outdoor Games

If you are a sports fan or have a team of friends who love sports too, why not arrange a tournament for them? For example, you can organize a basketball, volleyball, or even a baseball match with rewards for the winning team.

You can even make it your birthday tradition to hold games for everyone and make the best birthday memories.

Quick Tip

If you are doing outdoor party planning, make sure to keep a check on the weather, trim your overgrown bushes, and shift things around to create more moving space.

3. Camping

For the adventurous spirit, camping is the best birthday activity to ensure a relaxed yet great way to mark the beginning of the 20th year of life. Reserve the camping site, send out birthday invitations to your favorite buddies, and purchase camping permits if needed in advance. Bring your stash of books, delicious food, board games, card games, and speakers, and enjoy the birthday night with your friends.

4. Beach Party

If you love the sea, plan a quick trip and rent a beach house for the weekend for you and your friends. If you wish to hold a small party, just set up a tent in your favorite corner and bring food, speakers, games, and some fairy lights to set the mood.

5. Hiking

Hiking is the perfect activity for an outdoorsy person who loves nature—just embark on an adventure. Take friends along, enjoy deep, meaningful conversations, and revisit your teenage years as you bid them a bittersweet goodbye. Remember to bring snacks, camping supplies, and card games to make it a fun and memorable outing.

Quick Tip

Make sure to carry bug spray and sunscreen to avoid any later hassle.

6. Road Trip

What better way to be nostalgic if not on a road trip? To soothe your daredevil spirit, pack your bags and plan for an adventurous road trip with your friends. You can explore the beaches or mountains or visit old childhood haunts. Take turns to drive, make stops on the way, and relish fantastic food. Enjoy the picturesque journey and ponder the unique gift of life as you look out the window. Have a planned out journey, including the site to stop at and photos to take.

7. Garden Party

A simple garden party with an elaborate menu and guest list can be a memorable affair to mark your twentieth birthday. Deck your garden with seasonal plants, fairy lights, and a rustic decor. You can have a snack bar or even a barbeque with a juice bar and drinks.

8. Dine-in

Cook a meal for your loved ones and light some candles to make it a celebration. What better way to celebrate this significant milestone if not with your near and dear ones? You can bake a cake for yourself or let your friends and family treat you to a scrumptious meal. You can also hire a chef and have them provide instructions for cooking the fabulous meal. Perhaps have the chef provide a wait staff to assist with the clean up afterward.

9. Pool Party

If you have a pool, your twentieth birthday is the perfect occasion to finally host that poolside party. Invite your friend over, order pizzas, and arrange disposable cutlery. Of course, you must have a round of different games like beer pong, flip cups, board games, spin the bottle, and loud music to dance and get the party going.

10. Potluck party

A potluck is a perfect opportunity to have a small-scale party. You and your guests get a chance to taste eclectic food while enjoying great company. Make sure you assign your guests food categories to avoid repetition, have the necessary utensils, and have enough drinks for everyone.

20th Birthday Ideas For Her

1. Picnic

For a cozy, laidback celebration, a picnic is the best way to commemorate your twenties. Pack a basket with mini sandwiches, macaroons, donuts, a champagne bottle, a polaroid camera, and fresh flowers. This is also the best opportunity for you and your girlfriends to flaunt your favorite sundresses.

2. Karaoke

Whether you are a bedroom singer, a crooner, or like singing your heart out, karaoke is pure enjoyment. You can hit a Korean restaurant, have delicious bibimbap and bulgogi, and wash it all down with soju to get your buzz on. To set up a karaoke party at home, you will need a stereo system, a karaoke machine, and a mic. Also ensure an unlimited supply of snacks and drinks to power all the dancing and singing.

3. DIY Party

For an artsy person who loves crafting DIY projects, a DIY party can be incredibly entertaining. Make sure to pick projects beforehand and arrange supplies for the same. A unique gift idea would be to ask your friends to paint something for your birthday.

4. Makeover Party/The Glow-up Party

As you bid adieu to your teenage years, your twenties need a new makeover. Take your friends to the salon, try a new hair color or style, and get a full face of makeup done by professionals. To arrange a glow-up party at home, get hair coloring supplies and makeup kits for all your friends. Make sure the makeup products are clearly marked for those who have allergies to some products.

5. Girls Trip

Take inspiration from our own Carrie Bradshaw and take your girl gang out for a trip to celebrate your birthday. You can plan a weekend trip or a day trip to a nearby beach or resort or book a luxury suite where you can have a small party of your own. You can take the train to a location and know the times to return with the train. It would be more fun and less stressful than driving and parking associated with road trips.

6. Shopping Spree

If you’ve been window shopping and your wishlist is overflowing, your birthday is the perfect excuse to buy the clothes you’ve been eyeing for months. Make it a fun shopping day with your besties, and enjoy a whole day of self-pampering, junk food, coffee, and desserts.

7. Spa Party

What if you could relax for a day, with no hassle or worries, and have a party at the same time? A spa party is great for everyone as it is a relaxing event and can be done with minimal planning. You can take your girls out for a spa day or organize your own spa party at home. Make sure to stock up on essential oils, bath bombs, candles, and manicure-pedicure supplies for the ultimate peaceful party.

8. Movie Night

A movie night with your girls where you order a pizza and eat popcorn sounds incredibly laid back yet fun. Pick your favorite childhood movie, rent a projector or a flat screen, and lay out your pillows and fluffy blankets for a cozy birthday movie night. You can also make it an overnight party and enjoy the movie and pizza in PJs.

9. Game Night

Organize a game night to play multiplayer games like Never Have I Ever, Liar-Liar, Most Likely To, Would You Rather, Just-A-Min, or Twenty Questions. Make sure to have snacks, drinks, and music to groove to and relish the atmosphere.

10. Pajama Party

A pajama party is a perfectly low-key option if you wish for a chilled-out birthday party. Arrange for matching PJs and sleeping masks for all your friends as well as bubble teas, face masks, and face steamers for a relaxing pampering session. You can also add a fun, chick-flick for the pajama party.

20th Birthday Decorations

1. Birthday balloons

A must-have party supply, you can never have enough balloons at a birthday party. You can pick between helium and non-helium balloons or even metallic and non-metallic ones. You can use helium balloons and let them float to the top if you wish to use birthday candles and crackers. You can stick them on walls, fill the floor with them, or let them stick to the roof. Giant paper flowers work well for a party. You can also have Chinese lanterns around the room.

2. Ribbons

Ribbons are fun and can be used to accessorize balloons as well. For example, you can tie helium balloons using ribbons and let them float so the ribbons cascade in swirly patterns for an ethereal look.

3. Crown And Sash

The twentieth birthday calls for a crowning ceremony of the birthday king or queen. A tiara or a crown and a sash are a must for the birthday star as it ensures everyone knows it’s their day and they feel recognized and special.

4. Neon Signs

Neon signs are readily available and also customizable and look brilliant in pictures. A staple party supply, you can customize these signs to say happy birthday and even include names for a personalized touch.

5. Photo Booth Props

You will take many cute pictures at the birthday party, so why not make it more fun? Use funny and cute props to make the pictures even more unforgettable. You can even use specifically themed props from your favorite movie or book for a bit of a low-key cosplay.

6. Cake Topper

A cake topper is essential for any birthday cake. You can find ones at any grocery store, but if you wish to make it fancier, you can get it embellished or even have them customized.

7. Number Balloons

To mark the beginning of your twenties, a numbered balloon will be an essential part of the decor. Use bright metallic balloons so they pop in birthday pictures, and use a fringe foil curtain as a backdrop for the numbers to add that necessary bling.

8. Candles

Candles instantly lend all the celebration vibes and are perfect for birthday surprises and dimly-lit rooms. Use fragrant candles for a sweet-smelling room or thick pillar candles in the corners to light up the celebration with a warm romantic glow.

9. Decorative Cups And Plates

Your birthday is too special to use the boring old paper cups and plates. So instead, get cute birthday cups and plates that match your party decor, or you can customize them according to your color palette or even get funny memes printed on them.

10. Confetti Poppers And Canons

Begin your birthday with a bang and pop a confetti canon at the stroke of midnight. The confetti looks adorable as it rains and adds a burst of color to the whole decor. Take a step further and ensure it is biodegradable to avoid polluting the environment with plastic.

20th Birthday Theme Ideas

1. Hollywood

If you love Hollywood glam, you should host your version of the Oscars or Met Gala. You and your friends can dress up as your favorite celebrities and walk down the red carpet and get your pictures clicked. Make it a lavish affair with glamorous decor and glitzy outfits, and include sophisticated snacks and movie trivia to make it memorable.

2. Disney Characters

We all have our Disney comfort shows and favorite characters. So, host a Disney-themed party where everyone can dress up as their favorite Disney villains, princesses, and animal characters. Enact the scenes and dialogues from the movies and top it all off with a Disney-themed backdrop, cupcakes, and photo booth.

3. Movie Characters

For all cinephiles, nothing could be better than indulging in recreating a scene from their favorite movie or dressing up like their favorite movie characters. You can pick iconic characters from famous franchises like the Avengers, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and Game of Thrones. You could also go “Old School” dressing as famous actors/actresses – Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, or more current, Johnny Depp, Channing Tatum, Jennifer Lopez, etc.

Quick Tip

Make sure to inform guests at least two weeks in advance so they have time to arrange for costumes. Keep tabs so that costumes aren’t being repeated, and if so, inform the guests as early as possible.

4. Roaring Twenties

Time to ring up the old ‘20s pizazz and reenact the most iconic decades in history. For your themed soiree, you can arrange for live jazz music and don flapper-style shimmery gowns, jewelry, long coats, cloche hats, and studded headbands.

5. Scavenger Hunt

If you are planning for a tremendously adventurous birthday, why not go all the way out? Plan a scavenger hunt across the city with fun and unique tasks. Organize a scavenger hunt with clues leading to more mysterious clues to finally lead to the big prize.

Things To Do On Your 20th Birthday 

1. Get A Tattoo

If you are a fan of piercings and tattoos, getting inked could be a great way to honor your twentieth birthday. You can get matching minimalist tattoos with your friends as well for a shared memory.

Quick Tip

If you are unsure or hesitant about getting a tattoo, better go for temporary tattoos.

2. Adopt A Pet

If you love animals or want a pet, you can visit an animal shelter and adopt a pet who will be your ride-or-die friend and offer unconditional love.

3. Arcade Game Party

If you love games but haven’t been to an arcade yet, this is the opportunity to do so. Take your friends out for a vintage game night with an unlimited round of ice cream. Revel in childhood games like Pacman, Donkey Kong, Mario, Pinball, and dance-offs for an extravagant birthday party.

4. Murder Mystery Dinner

For all the mystery and crime thriller fans, nothing could be better than a murder mystery dinner. You can buy a full game or get printables and assign each invitee a character and let the fun unfold!

5. Race Go-karts

For those who have “go-karting” on their bucket lists, a go-karting tournament with your friends would be the ultimate dream come true. You can pick between pro, beginner, and professional tracks and lap timings and usher in your birthday with one off the bucket list.

6. Sky Diving

Your birthday is also a perfect opportunity to tick this one off your bucket list. It can be a life-changing experience and will make your twentieth birthday unforgettable. You can pick between sunset skydives, nighttime skydives, or beach skydives. Moreover, remember to record the whole experience so you can revisit it years later.

7. Scuba Diving

If it is on your bucket list to see the undersea world, you can plan a visit to the sea to explore marine life and also make it a trip with your best buds. Make sure to prepare everything in advance and record the whole experience.

8. Water Rafting

Alt Text: A Group River Rafting

Another growing popular water sport is white water rafting, which is thrilling and is sure to pump you with adrenaline. You navigate rough waters in an inflatable raft and are splashed around in the river riding the untamed waters with the help of your friends for the ultimate bonding experience.

9. Paintball Game

Alt Text: A Paintball Team Waitin For Their Target

Paintball battles are fun and challenging, as they include strategy, shooting, planning targets, and plenty of running around. You can team up and indulge in fierce battles armed with your paint gun and armor for a highly competitive game that’s sure to be super enjoyable.

10. Visit A Homeless Shelter

One of the best ways to celebrate your birthday is to share it with the less fortunate. You can distribute cake, blankets, and food and indulge in their stories as you step into the circus of life. You can also visit senior homes and food banks. Any day, helping others is a good day for everyone.

Quick Tip

You can ask the shelter for the most requested items, which generally include toiletries, socks and hats, detergents, baby supplies, and feminine hygiene products.

20th Birthday Instagram Caption Ideas

It is essential to mark your 20th birthday milestone on your social media to celebrate with all your online friends and followers. Use a creative Instagram caption along with your amazing pictures.

1. Welcome to my roaring 20s!
2. Cheers to the teenage years and adios! Hello twenties!
3. Turned 20, here’s to stepping into the rest of my life.
4. Took me 20 years to become this cool
5. Just signed my retirement form for my teenage years
6. Here’s to turning the big 2-0!
7. Time flies when you are having fun—celebrating my twentieth with my fam.
8. Time to thank my mom for the twentieth time!
9. I make the number 20 look good.
10. Season 20, Chapter 1

These two decades have been a hell of a ride, huh? But the fun doesn’t end here; it is just the beginning of something new and better coming your way. Make sure to document your growing years to have memories to ponder over when you hit the next decade. Whether you host a small gathering or a large one, make sure to enjoy your day and treat yourself and your loved ones to amazing food, music, and pampering. Make sure to let them know how thankful you are to them for making your teenage years fantastic and for the lovely birthday wishes. The upcoming adulthood is another fun decade where you get to enjoy your youth while figuring out what you want from life and exploring who you are.

Infographic: 5 Best Things To Do For Your 20th Birthday

Picking a birthday theme can be challenging, especially for an event as grand as your 20th birthday. To make this day unforgettable, there has to be a grand gesture that you remember throughout your life. To commemorate the event, you can pick things from your bucket list or do something entirely out of the box. Since it’s hard to pick what to do to avoid feelings of regret later, let us help you out! Scroll down below to find out the best things you can do for your 20th birthday.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to turn 20?

Turning twenty is a milestone that should be celebrated. It puts you at the cusp of adulthood and teenage and you find yourself in a transitioning phase of your life.

What is a useful present for a 20-year-old?

While purchasing a present, keep in mind the birthday person’s interests. You can always go for perfumes, handbags and wallets, and cute handmade cards.

Is 20 your golden birthday?

It is indeed a golden birthday that comes once in a lifetime, marking your entrance into the adult world.

Is your 20th birthday special?

The twenty is definitely a special birthday, as it marks the end of your memorable teenage years and welcomes you to new beginnings.

What color is your 20th birthday?

You can pick whatever color you like as the theme for your birthday. However, champagne gold and golden never go out of style and forever are the birthday colors.

Get creative and make your loved one’s birthday special with these top 20 surprise birthday ideas and gifts. Check out this video!

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JoAnn MooreMaster Wedding Planner

   

JoAnn is a Master Wedding Planner, a Certified Professional Wedding Consultant, a Certified Green Wedding Planner, and a Certified Sandals Specialist. She has 25 years of experience and has also authored a book titled “Laughing All the Way to the Altar.” Many of her weddings have been featured in Bride’s Magazine, Premier Bride Magazine, The Knot Wedding Magazine, and The...more

Shivani ChandelBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Shivani Chandel is a postgraduate in English literature from Panjab University, Chandigarh and a certified relationship coach. She has four years of experience in copy editing and writing about entertainment, health, lifestyle, and beauty. She is a self-professed foodie and dog lover and also enjoys dancing and traveling. Environmental activism, human psychology, and music manage to capture her fancy when...more