Celebrate You: 3 Nostalgic Party Themes for Women Turning 30
I'll be honest: I dreaded my 30th birthday at first, until I realized it was my party and I could do whatever the heck I wanted.
“Your 30th birthday party should look like your kind of fun, not anyone else’s.”
So if you're like me, let go of the expectations of what this night is "supposed" to look like and embrace who you are right now in this moment. Nothing is better than celebrating with your favorite people and doing what you love.
So if you're not up for - or can't - get wild this 30th, here's some birthday party theme ideas that may be a bit silly, but will definitely be a ton of fun.
🧘♀️ Spa Day Party Theme
💵 Budget: Medium | 🛠️ DIY Level: Easy | 👯Girls Night
Ring in your next decade with a relaxing spa party! This theme throws it back to sleepovers with your girlfriends, think very 13 going on 30 vibes. This 30th birthday party theme is perfect for groups of all ages, because who doesn’t love a little pampering? Treat yourself and your guests to trendy face masks, refreshing spa water, and dedicated time to unwind.
Think of this party as a way to manifest an easy, stress-free year ahead.
You can host this celebration right from the comfort of your living room by elevating the space with calming music, soft lighting, and cozy throw blankets to help everyone tap into their zen.
Light refreshments are perfect for snacking between face serums and cuticle oils. Plate your hors d’oeuvres on stylish serveware or pour champagne into adorable flutes for an extra-special touch.
If heading into your 30s has you craving rest and rejuvenation, keep reading for all the spa party details below.
Spa Party Activities
Skincare - Face masks are one of the easiest (and most low key) skincare activities for a group. They’re also budget-friendly, leaving room to offer a few different options so guests can choose what works best for their skin type.
Nail Care - This can be as simple as nourishing cuticle oil or as elevated as a full gel polish station. Gel kits with polish and a UV light are surprisingly affordable online. To speed up drying time, set out portable hand fans for guests to use.
Nail Decorating - A second nail station, but make it fancy. Think nail stickers, gems, or press-on nail kits for a little extra glamour that makes everyone feel luxurious.
Massage - While hiring a professional masseuse may not be in the budget, you can still help guests release tension with neck or foot massagers. You’ve probably seen a few viral TikTok neck massagers, but there are plenty of affordable machines for feet, hands, necks, and backs as well online.
Spa Party Favors
Go the extra mile and spoil your guests with these affordable spa-themed party favors. Each item links to my favorite Amazon picks to make party planning even easier!
🍸 Dirty 30 Birthday Theme
💵 Budget: Medium | 🛠️ DIY Level: Easy | 👯Girls Night
This theme is my personal favorite for a 30th birthday because of how versatile it is. You can go all out on the town or keep things cozy at home with your closest friends. As a self-proclaimed homebody, I’ll always gravitate toward a night in with my girlfriends, but staying home doesn’t mean taking the dirty out of Dirty 30.
A party at home can be just as fun (and honestly, way more comfortable), especially if recreating The Hangover isn’t your thing.
From shaking up your own cocktails to getting matching tattoos, this is guaranteed to be a night you’ll remember… or maybe not—who knows.
Dirty 30 Activities for Fun at Home
Semi-Permanent Tattoos - The ultimate souvenir to memorialize a wild night—at least for 2–3 weeks before it fades. Order a semi-permanent tattoo kit or tattoo pens online and let everyone create custom designs. This one is always a crowd favorite.
Make-Your-Own Cocktails - Elevate the experience with fun glassware or a new cocktail shaker. Pick one (or a few) signature drinks and turn it into a mini mixology night. Some fun options:
Creamy Espresso Martinis
Tropical Vodka Punch
Whiskey Sours
Drinking Games - Get the party started with a classic drinking game or switch things up with something new. Some of my fave drinking games are Ride the Bus or Rage Cage.
Card Games - Bring Vegas to your living room with old-school card games like Texas Hold ’Em or Blackjack. Lean into the theme by ordering custom playing cards or pink poker chips—everyone loves the extra flair and elevated aesthetic.
🩸Twilight Birthday Party Theme
💵 Budget: Low | 🛠️ DIY Level: Easy | 👯Girls Night
A Twilight birthday party theme might seem nerdy, but when I threw this party myself, all of the guests had a blast. I mean what's better than a yummy dinner and watching a childhood fave movie?
In my experience, this party is definitely for the girls. For your 30th birthday, have a night-in with your friends, maybe all dressed in your cutest pjs, and reminisce on the good times when your biggest decision was Edward or Jacob.
If you have kids or young friends, this party is great for them too. My 13 year old niece attended our Twilight party and she had never seen the movie. Everyone had a blast watching her reaction to all the cheesy scenes.
So if you're looking for something low-key this year, play it safe with this easy throwback theme and have a super fun, chill night.
Twilight Birthday Party Decorations
Order online - There's tons of fun decorations kits available on Amazon, but if you're looking for something more DIY then check out the next ideas.
Old Twilight posters - I'm a nut job and had some of my old Twilight memorabilia in a box of childhood memories, so I dug them out of storage to display on the wall. It was a hit! If you're not a hoarder like me, you can order original posters from back in the day for really cheap on eBay.
Candles - Get a moody vibe going with some taper candles. You could keep them a classic ivory, or get into the "blood" theme with red candlesticks. There's also candlesticks that look white, but drip red as they melt which would perfectly nail the vampire aesthetic.
Red & Black - Keep the decor simple with a red and black color scheme. From red roses on the tables to a black balloon arch, it'll tie in nicely with the Twilight Birthday Theme. For my party, I used black dinner plates and red roses for our tablescape.
Twilight Birthday Food Ideas
Mushroom Ravioli - Play off the silliness of the movie and serve an Italian dinner. Not only is pasta an easy meal to make for a crowd, but in the movie Bella orders Mushroom Ravioli at dinner. This makes it the perfect dish for your Twilight Birthday Party.
Vampire Cocktails - Keep the theme going, even with your drinks! Play a game with your guests where they each bring a Twilight themed cocktail for the group. Or just add edible glitter to your signature house cocktail (or mocktail) as a nod to the sparkly vampires of the film.
Decorate Focaccia - I used focaccia decorating as an activity for my guests at our last Twilight party and everyone loved it! Focaccia is super easy to make. You can leave the dough in the fridge until an hour before the party starts. Let the dough rise in the pan while your guests arrive and it'll be ready to decorate when the time comes. Have toppings ready for your guests, from grape tomatoes, sliced onions, herbs, edible flowers, or whatever you'd like. My guests loved doing this and the bread was delicious too!
However you choose to celebrate, I hope your 30th feels fun, easy, and very you.
Birthdays don’t have to be over-the-top to be meaningful. Sometimes the best moments are the simplest ones with the people you love. Thanks so much for reading and I hope this gave you a little inspiration for your own celebration.
Cheers to 30 🤍
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