(updated in 2020) Are you planning a 18th birthday party?

That’s right. We all know planning the best party requires a lot of effort and originality.

Especially if you want a fun and unique surprise birthday party.

18 year old is an important milestone for teenagers. It is during this transition where they start forgetting about young adulthood and take a turn towards adult living where new expectations are set.

Look:

Whether you are planning the event for your son, daughter or boyfriend etc, we can provide you with a complete list of suitable themes, from outdoor camping to an indoor masquerade celebration.

Just like our page on the best 16 year old birthday party ideas, each theme comes with instructions, decoration ideas, activities to play, party favors for the guests and gift ideas to get for the recipient!

Before the eighteen year old reaches adulthood, let him or her enjoy some memorable games and activities with friends and family.

Here at Birthday Dino, we have a list of cool and special birthday ideas to make this day truly unforgettable.

Are you ready?

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Outdoor Camping That Is Exciting and Close to Nature

Unique 18th Birthday Weekend Party Idea

Here’s the thing:

This is a unique 18th birthday party idea that can last for two days and one night.

Suitable for the adventurous teens who love camping and the outdoors. Ideally, the birthday planner will take the friends out and stay the night in a cabin, pretty much at a well demarcated campsite.

The group should bring their hiking gears and a lot of beer and any of their favorite drinks.

This is a great party during summer or a specific camping season, depending on the state. At night, the group can stay around a bonfire, cook their meals, and just have fun while singing to a birthday song and cutting the birthday cake.

Add DIY decorations with the number “18” around the campsite to remind everyone the significance of this occasion for the birthday boy or girl.

As the evening fades, more than half the team is probably asleep or drunk. In the morning, they can all enjoy the sun and the fresh air over a cup of coffee or juice.

If you are also planning birthday activities for other age range like 30th birthday party ideas, then this camping birthday theme is also a recommended suggestion.

Important Checklist to Note:

1) Camping Equipment
2) Camping Permit (if required by regulation)

Decorations to Buy Immediately:

Decoration is back bone of any event, even in a campsite. With this camping party decorations kit, you get the perfect backdrop and the best 18th birthday centerpiece idea at the party venue.

The camping party photo booth props provides the full feel in your pictures in the camping setting. Enjoy refreshments in a cool breeze with the party tableware that includes plates, plastic cutlery and more.

Activity Items/Games to Get Now:

It’s simple.

No party is complete without some entertaining games.

What can be more perfect fit than a UNO classic card game with fun wilderness theme. A fun idea for 18th birthday will be this rubber horseshoe set game of tossing horse shoe into the bar from a distance. Make the losers perform some forfeits like dancing around the tents.

Guests feel honored when receiving scenic campsite design favor boxes and if they are theme related they are helpful to remember the special party even after days it had happened.

Cool Chillax Water Party

Amazing Small 18th Birthday Party Idea

Many 18 year olds are full of energy, highly active and one sure way to make a them have fun is to throw a water party.

You could keep it simple and easy by hosting the birthday party during the day at a pool.

The food ideas include some pizzas, soft drink and any other fried finger food and the boys and girls will do the rest.

If you want it to take it up a notch, take them to an outdoor water park. Most of these places can arrange fast food and a birthday cake to celebrate the event formally.

The beauty of this idea lays in its simplicity as it can be DIY and is relatively inexpensive, which makes it suitable even if you are thinking of parties for other ages like 1st birthday themes.

Important Checklist To Note:

1) Accessible place with a sizeable pool
2) Planning sufficient games at the pool

Decorations to Buy Immediately:

Make a splash with these cool decorations at your next water theme party.

Paper pennant flags which spell Happy Birthday, along with an inflatable food and drink cooler holder that can keep the serving areas clean, as well as some summer splash sweet party supplies will take your gathering to the next level.

People will scream “kowabunga” when they see these radical decorations.

Activity Items/Games to Get Now:

With these kinds of parties, you need the right kind of activities to keep the excitement hight both for in and out of the pool.

Colorful tumbler drinks with lids are great to use at poolside and also as party favors.

Wait, there’s more.

Let all the friends relax on a giant fantastic floating pool mat.

Want some underwater action? Try out a unique watermelon ball for an exciting swimming pool game.

Fascinating Superhero Costume Party Theme

A Magnificent Surprise 18th Birthday Party Idea

Want to take Comic-Con to your house?

A great way to celebrate is to invite friends to a specific-themed superhero costume party.

If the latest fad is Game of Thrones or superhero characters, you might as well capitalize on it and use it as a theme.

Your friends can dress up, and everybody can take memorable selfies. To make it exciting, you can set up the place like a real set from the TV series for the birthday party decoration.

Important Checklist To Note:

1) Local shop that offers costume rental services
2) Decoration at party venue that matches costume theme

Decorations to Buy Immediately:

It couldn’t be easier. For a superhero party, you need super decorations.

Bring a smile to the birthday teen with this ultimate superheroes photo backdrop and birthday banner and make this a funny birthday idea as they get dressed up as heroes or villains.

Wham! Add an attention grabbing birthday party welcome yard sign to remind guests that anyone can be a hero at this amazing party.

Then tie it all together with some thematic superhero plates and cutlery party supply set to help feed the hungry super guests.

Activity Items/Games to Get Now:

Show your guests a great time with our selection of excellent party favors.

Hand everyone one of the unique Superhero Party favor bags – surprise everyone with a fun scratch off card inside. After that treat them to a rousing round of Lego Marvel superheroes two for the Xbox.

It’s sure to be a blast.

Entertaining Outdoor Movie Theatre

Suitable Idea For a 18th Birthday Party At Home

Most people love to watch movies. So why not consider having a 18th birthday party theme that is related to the movies?

This birthday idea may be a bit tricky but if you can pull it off, it is guaranteed to be a night to remember.

Let’s jump right in.

Get a projector and a big screen set up in your backyard and lay out a bunch of comfortable sheets and pillows so the teens can just spread out and be comfortable during the entertainment.

For the food ideas, order pizza, popcorn and most importantly, the birthday cake to top it off for the celebration. To make it extra fun, they can all come to their party in their pyjamas and have a sleepover.

This idea is also a good birthday party idea for 60 years old if you are planning one for your parents or other senior citizens. The advantage of this birthday concept is that the budget can be controlled easily, the cost can be cheap as the simple activities are inexpensive to plan for.

Important Checklist To Note:

1) Movie posters and related decorating items to create the birthday venue that resembles a cinema
2) Popcorn and soda drinks

Decorations to Buy Immediately:

Check this out:

For this theme decoration, the centerpiece has to be a Hollywood star themed step and repeat backdrop. Place a red carpet to give the birthday party venue a film premiere atmosphere.

Make the guests feel like a star when surrounded with Hollywood movie decorations including disco ribbon balls and many other décor items.

Brightly colored Hollywood movie night birthday party supplies with theatre theme print to hold the snacks in an outdoor cinema world.

Activity Items/Games to Get Now:

Classic favor boxes with gift tags and coordinating satin ribbon are a party must-have. These great 18th birthday party favors ideas for the movie lovers are just a right fit for it.

The best birthday party entertainment idea for this theme is actually DIY.

Get a foldable portable outdoor front movie screen and setup stand and a full HD mini projector to screen the movie of the night. Enjoy a block blaster guests attending the celebration.

Birthday Adventure Scavenger Hunt Theme

A Great Surprise 18th Birthday Party Idea

If you are seeking a cheap birthday party idea that is fun, then this is certainly should be in your consideration.

It may take a bit of planning but what is more special than turning 18?

Organizing a scavenger hunt around your house or the neighborhood is a great way to ramp up the adventure and excitement.

These youth people have a lot of energy and want to go to a party that’s fun and requires their involvement. Try to come out with a list of 18 items to hunt for the activities as this is the symbolic number for the event.

For an extra touch of this unusual birthday party idea, you could even have a theme for the party like come dressed as a Harry Potter character.

Important Checklist To Note:

1) A list of items to hunt for that is challenging but not overly difficult
2) Recce the scavenger hunt area first to ensure that place is safe e.g. adequate lighting, not too deserted
3) Wet weather program

Decorations to Buy Immediately:

Decorating the party space is important.

Use vibrant decorations at the party venue before the guests embark on the scavenger hunt. The colorful happy birthday party set is the perfect start to liven up the area.

As for the centrepiece idea, consider this multi-color foil spray table decoration.

The premier blue and gold party tableware provides the ultimate décor for the table.

Activity Items/Games to Get Now:

For a scavenger hunt theme party which is a good birthday surprise idea for best friend, you need the relevant party favors that fit the occasion.

Use camouflage tote pouch bags that can double up as the activities bag containing the clue and items to hunt for.

Can’t think of a suitable game play, get this outdoor nature scavenger hunt card game or a set of party card games to ease your effort.

People will rave about your party when they use these party favors and play these games at the teenager’s celebration event.

Exciting and Competitive Go-Cart Party

Excellent 18th Birthday Party Idea For Guys

Yes, you are absolutely right.

This idea is based on the premise that many guys love driving.

With a Go Kart Party, if budget is less of an issue, one can try to book the entire operation of the Go Kart company to ensure exclusivity.

Depending on your budget, you can have the place for only a few hours or an entire day. To make things exciting, set up programs like racing.

Make sure food and beverages are readily available in buffet style. Amplify the noise through music, and surely, everyone will have a blast.

In addition, ensure that safety precautions are observed. Individuals who have had too much alcohol should not drive. There should also be a barrier between the race track and where the people are. This ensures no one hangs around in the racetrack while the others are driving.

Go karting is also a fun birthday idea that we have for 16 years old!

Important Checklist To Note:

1) Karting reservation
2) Food and beverage availability at karting arena

Decorations to Buy Immediately:

Speed your way into the best Go Kart theme birthday party with these unique decorations.

If you are planning this 18th birthday party for your boyfriend, take the lead with this set of race car pennant banners, detailed racetrack floor decorations with white lane strips and checkered flag race car party packs.

You’ll be impressed how well it all comes together once you have set up all these recommended decor for the party.

Activity Items/Games to Get Now:

Professionally designed race-car party bags won’t be enough to put your party favors into overdrive.

You need something fast, filled with adrenaline and fun alike.

Let the guests play with these remote control high speed bumper cars and this fast paced Formula D board game.

Trust us when we say this is the right choice for your party.

Luxurious and Splendid Limousine Theme

Suitable 18th Birthday Party Ideas For Daughter

This idea is suitable if you are seeking birthday idea for your daughter who is turning 18. If you are willing to spend more for your beloved daughter on this milestone birthday, consider creating an opulent night for her to remember!

Girls grow up so quick and they are eager to become adults.

Rent a limousine for a glamorous night out so they can feel like a star. The birthday girl and her closest friends will have a night of extravagance.

Send them to a nice salon to get all prettied up with nail and make-up, then out to a fancy dinner.

They will love taking photos of each other all dressed up like princesses on their adventurous night.
For a really special night, consider getting them a night at a nice hotel with a pool.

Important Checklist To Note:

1) Limousine rental company that offers attractive rates
2) Salon and dinner reservation

Decorations to Buy Immediately:

No doubt about it.

Decorating for a grand, extravagant and formal 18th birthday party is definitely exciting (if budget is not an issue!)

Get a high quality happy birthday backdrop with golden balloons design to set the right atmosphere at the party venue. This is one of the best 18th birthday photoshoot ideas.

Add more expensive looking black and gold paper pom poms, balloons, table covers, paper supplies.

To up the level of magnificence, instead of using the usual inexpensive disposable plates, consider buying these beautiful and elegant, sleek plastic disposable plates.

Activity Items/Games to Get Now:

Elegant gold colored favor boxes suits this classy birthday theme.

Limousine are usually associated with casino and late night outing that stylish. For a family friendly party, buy this fun game night in a can which you can find various different games split between creative challenges and games of skill.

Or a What’s Your Number? card game that promises endless hours on entertainment.

Wild And Enjoyable Foam Party

Special 18th Birthday Party Idea

Just imagine this.

Having a foam party as the party theme is a unique way to celebrate one’s 18th birthday!

If he or she loves to dance, then a foam party is a very good birthday idea, especially if there are many friends who love going to clubs.

To add an element of excitement and entertainment, think of dance floor, complete with DJs, surround-sound system, strobe lights, and cocktails. Now add waist-deep foam all over the place.

Can you imagine how fun it is to dance in a place like this? It is wild!

Make sure you note the number of guests coming and make reservations beforehand.

Foam parties are exciting because they take to back to the days when you can play with bubbles in your bath. In a foam party, everybody gets wet since the foam, which falls from above and accumulates from the floor up to your waist – while singing the happy birthday song!

Important Checklist To Note:

1) Local club that offers foam party at competitive rates
2) Budget management

Decorations to Buy Immediately:

To begin with a great party, you need the proper decorations.

First purchase this bright and vibrant gold toned inflatable birthday banner to frame the entire occasion.

Next for drinks, use a beautiful and durable inflatable palm tree cooler to chill the beverages – a real classic and great birthday party centrepiece idea.

To top it off, use these unique glow in the dark neon party supplies for people to eat happily with.

Activity Items/Games to Get Now:

Don’t let the birthday party go on without great favors.

If you’re gonna have a cool 18th birthday idea, you need some big time fun.

Whether it’s a high pressure water gun, the one of a kind inflatable drink holders or the fantastic action of an amazing DIY foam machine kit to create the fun party atmosphere, the guests are guaranteed a good time.

Thrilling Amazing Race Party

Unique Teen Birthday Party Idea

A cool and unique 18th birthday party idea. Especially if the birthday boy or girl is a fan of the reality TV show from the US.

Send birthday invitations to friends and assign them into groups of 2.

The letter will contain the first clue, which they have to solve. The solution will take them to one checkpoint, and they have to solve another clue.

Here’s how to make it extremely memorable:

The basics of this birthday game is that they will keep on solving hints and clues until they find out where the birthday party venue is, which is a kept secret right from the start.

If they fail, just call them and tell them where you the party venue is. If manpower planning is an issue, you can keep the size of the participants small.

Important Checklist To Note:

1) Thorough recce of the various checkpoints beforehand
2) Contact numbers of all the participants
3) Wet weather program

Decorations to Buy Immediately:

An Amazing Race party needs truly amazing decorations to make it work.

Purchase spectacular items such as a spectacular blue and gold birthday party decorations to liven up the birthday party venue.

Get a matching disposable two tone dinnerware set and tablecloths and the distinctive Amazing Race Party strip envelops for the conversational starter décor.

Activity Items/Games to Get Now:

Entertaining the guests is an amazing challenge all on its own.

For on the go fun you need sturdy polyester tote bags with handles on them.

Go the extra mile with these fun games, such as the Amazing Race DVD board game or the exciting Amazing Race for the Wii.

Exhilarating Paintball Party Theme

Wonderful 18th Birthday Idea

That’s right.

This birthday idea is suitable for the 18 year old boys and even older guys as we recommend this activity in our best bachelor party idea article here.

Many boys around this age like to compete physically and there is nothing more fun for a guy than to run around an open field with his friends shooting paintball.

There are several companies that offer paintball facilities at a competitive price. This birthday idea is relatively easy to plan as most of the activities are pre-planned by the paintball company.

But one thing’s for sure.

The key to throwing a great birthday party for these youthful boys is to keep them physically active with enjoyment. After the paintball is over you can organize a pizza party and birthday cake at the house.

Important Checklist To Note:

1) Paintball company that offers attractive rates
2) Food and beverage availability at paintball arena

Decorations to Buy Immediately:

Paintball parties are some of the most fun you’ll ever have. Whether this birthday idea is for son or male friends, these decoration ideas will set it over the top.

Start with vibrant easy to hang paintball designed banners, fun Paintball table covers for a splash of color, and creative looking colorful cups for all your guests.

Set these items in your sights so that the birthday guy can have a great time.

Activity Items/Games to Get Now:

Any old party favors just won’t do for a Paintball birthday party idea.

Blast your party into the fun zone with commemorative treat bags and stickers, cases of quality refurbished paintballs and heavy duty paintball haulers to carry them.

Good times will be had by all when they come to this enjoyable non-alcoholic party.

Relaxing And Rejuvenating Spa Party

Great 18th Birthday Party Ideas For Girls

If you are planning a celebration for a female, the soon to be 18 year old girl will love this special birthday idea!

A suitable indoor birthday party idea, you can set up a salon type of party where girls can get services like spa, massage, foot spa, nail polish or nail spa, eyelash extension and eyebrow shaving, make-up, and hair treatment.

Though it can get costly, the number of guests is within your control and you keep it small. You can also set it up with several booths where the girls have to pay for the services.

A spa party is always an awesome experience for ladies, you can consider it as one of the things to do for a bachelorette party if you are planning one in future.

Important Checklist To Note:

1) Manpower at spa booths

Decorations to Buy Immediately:

Here’s the thing:

Many young adult ladies are excited over spa and maintaining their perfect looks. A spa party supplies decorations bundle includes the most relevant décor for a girl’s glamorous birthday party.

Add a cute spa salon photo booth props kit with miniature spa items fully assembled.

Complete the decorative settings with matching girls spa party tableware kit for the food and refreshment.

Activity Items/Games to Get Now:

Attractive spa party mini tote bags are the best favor bags for this party – the pride for every guest to carry home and bring along even after the party.

Games while pretending to be at spa can be a bit messy. Hence a fun washable makeup set to play with it as much as she likes with her friends and wash it away without ruining anything.

An innovative spa and perfume kit offer a “spa-mazing” and indulgent at-home spa experience

Glamorous Masquerade Party

Excellent 18th Birthday Idea For Girls

A masquerade is a good birthday party idea for young ladies as many 18 year old girls love to dazzle and shine and there’s nothing more glowing than a masquerade party.

This indoor birthday idea will give the girls a chance to dress up and feel like a woman with some added elegance and mystery.

Most importantly, all the guests should bring their own costume masks which will spice up the party as they will be planning ahead for days! Be creative with the accessories like making wands with the number “18” that everyone has to carry around.

Done!

To add to the excitement to the activities, you could create a little competition by rewarding the girl with the night’s best mask.

Important Checklist To Note:

1) Local shop that offers costume rental services
2) Decoration at party venue that matches costume theme

Decorations to Buy Immediately:

Having the right decorations for a masquerade party is essential, and we have exactly what you need.

A stunning masquerade backdrop glossy golden frame here, plus small masquerade ball standees that include two unique looking masquerade masks, and most importantly, golden party supplies with shiny finish for elegance.

Elevate the female 18 year old’s birthday party into a ball with these beautiful decoration.

Activity Items/Games to Get Now:

What’s a party without a few 18th birthday party favors or souvenir ideas?

Amaze your guests with these masquerade themed party favor boxes that comes with matching satin ribbon, which will hold both a game of fun filled masquerade bingo and some entertaining scratch off dare cards.

These items will put the celebration party right where it belongs, on the list of most memorable events.

What are the things to do on a 18th year old party?

Consider the general idea first

First of all, there are several things to consider and they largely depends on the guests invited and the season which the birthday party is held (summer, winter).

For a start, it’s very important to ask the birthday teen on his or her preference for the party.

Some questions to ask include (If the party is going to be a surprise, ask close friends or family members for their opinion):

1. The setting of the party – a large celebration including friends since childhood or a small 18th birthday party?

2. Any venue preferred – at home or outside?

3. Duration of party – half day or whole day; day or night?

Decide on Theme and Guest List

Here comes the critical part after you know the preferences.

– Decide on the theme (scroll below for our theme ideas) – the theme is important as the planning of the subsequent things will revolve round the birthday theme.

– Decide on the guests list – this also helps you to determine the size venue to accommodate the number of guests and amount of food and drinks to cater for.

– Send out invites to the guests list – find an invitation card that matches the theme. Send out the invites way in advance. Confirm on the RSVP list.

Organizing the Party

– Prepare party favors to match the theme and place at the entrance.

– Setup a photo booth at the entrance – provide the guests with theme matching photo booth props

– Play the 18 year old’s favourite music at the background

– Organize a few engaging games – as guests have varied characters, it is recommended that you have several varied.

– Ensure that the party is replenished with food, snacks and drinks.

– End the sweet 18 birthday party with goody bags and an ending thank you speech by the birthday teen. Share on the feelings about going to adulthood soon.

Now that you know the things to do for the eighteen birthday party, it’s time to get to work now start planning!

The Bottom Line

The 18th birthday is the most important date in a teenager’s life. It is the precursor to adulthood which means the pressure is on to make this celebratory event a night to remember.

We hope our numerous eighteenth birthday party ideas will help you create a day to remember. Whether it’s for a birthday boy or girl, these ideas will get your party planning juices flowing! Check out our related article on teens birthday party ideas here!

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