Is your birthday coming up, and you’re wondering how to make it a little more special this year?
Birthdays are a perfect excuse to enjoy yourself, have fun, and try activities that will bring you the happiest possible experiences. Whether you like to just chill by yourself alone or spend it with the closest people in your life, there are so many fun things you can do to make your day truly memorable.
Admit it, as we grow older, sometimes the usual party or drinking scene can feel a bit repetitive, right? (Or is it just me?) Maybe this time you’re craving something different, something more meaningful. I totally get that.
This year, consider it a time to reflect on your life, look back at all the things you’ve accomplished, and also consider the amazing things that lie ahead.
So here are few ideas to have an amazing birthday, whether you want to spend it alone or with your loved ones.
01 Schedule a facial.
When was the last time you treated yourself to a nice facial treatment? If you can’t even remember when it was, it’s a sign to call your go-to spa and book an appointment. Nothing feels like luxury more than a relaxing hour or two in a nice-smelling spa room and a hot cup of complimentary tea after.
02 Take a day off.
Maybe you’ve been working so hard the whole year that you’ve never even considered using your vacation leave. Now is the perfect time to give yourself a break and not feel guilty about it. Spend it however you want. Maybe spend it with a good book, leisurely stroll around town or a visit to a place you’ve been putting off for a long time.
03 Plan a pajama party for one.
Perhaps you want to spend your special day alone and just cozy up. Try having a pajama party just for you. Slip into a pair of flannel pajamas. Choose a great classic movie to watch. Settle into bed with a tray table full of yummy snacks while you watch a movie.
04 Give yourself a conditioning hair and scalp treatment.
Another perfect excuse to pamper yourself is to get a much-needed hair and scalp treatment. You can choose whether you want to do it on your own or use store-bought treatment products from the comfort of your own home. Sip a glass of wine while you’re waiting for it to take effect. Of course, you can also have the choice to just visit your favorite salon and let the pro do it for you.
05 Think ahead.
Prepare your favorite drink, grab a pen and paper, and write down a plan for the year ahead. Celebrating our birthdays feels like celebrating a new year. So wouldn’t it be nice to look back on the amazing year you had around the sun, look ahead to the future, and make some new goals to accomplish? Writing your dreams on a piece of paper can be a simple way to feel more hopeful and motivated to wake up each day.
READ MORE: 30 Simple Ways to Romanticize Your Everyday Life
06 Do something artistic today.
Doing something that is creative or artistic is good for the soul. So do something creative for this special day. Paint, snap a few pictures of your day, do some pottery, or write a poem. Whatever it is you want, taking time to be creative with yourself is time well spent.
07 Make a very special dinner.
Call your loved ones and host a special birthday dinner at home. Sure, it may be nice and easier to just eat dinner outside, but nothing is quite more fun and memorable than preparing and making food at home with the people you love. Let anyone join in the preparation. Plan a simple but delicious dish that everyone can make together, like a pizza margarita, a charcuterie board, or a classic barbecue.
08 Buy a bunch of your favorite flowers.
Gift yourself something nice and beautiful. Go to your local floral shop and pick your favorite flower to honor this day. Or, if you’re not sure what you want, ask for some suggestions from the florist. Put it in a pretty vase and place it in your dining room or on your bedside table.
09 Re-read your favorite book from childhood.
Embrace your inner bookworm and enjoy a quiet morning reading your favorite childhood book. See if the stories you read when you were perhaps 12 or 16 years old are still the same stories you remember them to be. I swear, reading an old book again after so many years can bring back memories from our past selves, and I think there is nostalgia in it.
10 Plan a birthday picnic
Have a picnic with your friends and loved ones in the local park or the nearby beach. Or if you don’t live near the beach, a nearby lake or river can also be a great picnic setting. Don’t forget to include all your favorite picnic meals, a pretty cake and a bottle of champagne to celebrate the day.
11 Take a mental vacation.
You don’t need a pricey plane ticket to somewhere to enjoy this day. Instead of going out into the most majestic places, perhaps you would like to spend it closer to home. Simply catch up with yourself, hit the reset button, and unwind with activities you love the most. Whether it’s a simple dinner at home, eating foods you enjoy, or having a long, warm bath, it can be enough.
12 Go for a walk.
Walking is an underrated form of meditation. It helps clear our minds and is also a good way to enjoy the weather and nature outside. Enjoy walking, even in the snow or the rain. Dress appropriately, and see the wonders a long walk can make you feel physically or mentally.
13 Quick getaway.
Embrace spontaneity and go to a place out of the top of your head. Realistically, you may want to have a quick getaway less than one or two hours drive away from your home. Prepare your bag. Pack some snacks and explore the place without an elaborate plan.
14 Take advantage of freebies.
Everyone loves some freebies. Many places offer fantastic birthday rewards and perks. Whether it’s free meals and drinks from places such as Baskin-Robbins, Chipotle, or Starbucks, or free admission to museums, as well as exclusive discounts and gifts, never overlook the fun and savings that come with them.
15 Be selfish.
When was the last time you did exactly what you wanted without any guilt? We spend so much of our time prioritizing others. It is essential to make more time for yourself, especially on your birthday. Sleep in, binge-watch your favorite show, and drive yourself to your favorite spot in town. Whatever the choice you make, be sure it aligns with your heart’s desire.