45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (2024)

Celebrate their major milestone with one of these thoughtful presents.

By Alesandra Dubin and Cailey Lindberg

Jump to Products

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (1)

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Turning 30 can feel like a huge deal — and it is! Once you've reached your thirties, you typically have more responsibilities and less time for socializing than in your twenties, but that doesn't mean this decade is a total no-fun zone. Remind them of all they have to look forward to by celebrating this major milestone with a unique 30th birthday gift they'll love.

But what exactly are you supposed to get someone turning the big 3-0, you ask? Our gift editors have found that the most meaningful gifts often reflect the recipient's personality and interests, as well as your relationship to them — after all, personal and thoughtful touches can make any gift special! This might mean upgrading your boyfriend's favorite tech gadgets, giving an experience gift like a spa day to your friend or sister who really needs it or going the more sentimental route for your husband or wife.

To help get your wheels turning, we've put together this guide to our favorite gift ideas for people turning 30, including a wide range of options to fit every budget, including gifts under $50 and luxury presents if you're looking to splurge on something that will make their special day, well, even more special. Just don't forget to include a cute "Happy Birthday" card while you're at it!

Interested in more age-specific gifts? Check these out:

Gifts for Women in Their 20s | Gifts for Women in Their 30s | Gifts for Women in Their 40s | Gifts for Women in Their 50s

1

Under $10

Vintage 30th Birthday Card

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (3)

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (4)

1

Under $10

Vintage 30th Birthday Card

Now 41% Off

If you just want to give them a little something, go with this cool card that highlights all the major moments and trends from the year that they were born.

2

The Bucket List: 1,000 Adventures Big & Small

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (5)

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (6)

2

The Bucket List: 1,000 Adventures Big & Small

Now 43% Off

Help them start planning their next adventure with this book that comes with 1,000 "bucket list" ideas that'll carry them through the next decade.

3

Milestone Birthday Necklace

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (7)

3

Milestone Birthday Necklace

A cool way to honor their age without it being too obvious, is with this sweet necklace. It features 30 beads, and will instantly become a treasured keepsake.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

4

The Book of Everyone 30th Birthday Edition

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (8)

4

The Book of Everyone 30th Birthday Edition

Get them hyped for the big 3-0 with this custom 44-page book that's filled with fun facts about their life and the year they were born. Upload personal photos and inside jokes, and in less than 48 hours, it'll be printed, shipped and on its way to their doorstep.

With this cool art print, they can time travel back to the year they were born and learn all about what the world was like, including popular events, movies, music and facts from that time. Although it comes unframed, it fits into any 8x10" frame easily.

6

Great Gag Gift

Happy 30th Birthday Toilet Paper

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (11)

6

Great Gag Gift

Happy 30th Birthday Toilet Paper

They will LOL as soon as they unwrap this gag gift, but in a pinch, they can actally really use it to, er, do their business.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

7

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (12)

7

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera

With a cool retro design, this gift can be put to use right away, capturing all of their 30th birthday party shenanigans.

8

Funny Birthday Card

'13 Going on 30' Birthday Card

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (13)

8

Funny Birthday Card

'13 Going on 30' Birthday Card

Is there any 30-year-old more iconic than Jenna Rink? We think not. The card is blank inside, so you can write a personalized birthday message to your friend.

RELATED: 150 Birthday Wishes to Send to Your Best Friend

9

Boarderie Customizable 30th Birthday Cheese Board

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (14)

9

Boarderie Customizable 30th Birthday Cheese Board

Make them feel extra special by sending this over-the-top ready-to-eat cheese board that includes a variety of hand-selected artisan cheeses, dried fruits, nuts, chocolates, crackers and jam — plus a set of rainbow birthday candles.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

10

For the Person Who Has Everything

Birthdate Co. Candle

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (15)

Feeling totally stumped on what to get them? This candle is personalized to their birthdate! The brand combines astrology, numerology and tarot to craft each unique formulation.

11

Super Sentimental

Heirloom Video Book

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (16)

11

Super Sentimental

Heirloom Video Book

Mark a milestone occasion in a major way by creating a custom book that plays a personalized video montage. The gift comes fully charged and the video will play automatically when they open the cover. Cue the tears!

12

Funny (and Cheap!) 30th Birthday Gift

30th Birthday Wine Bottle Labels

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (17)

12

Funny (and Cheap!) 30th Birthday Gift

30th Birthday Wine Bottle Labels

Make a gift of wine extra special — and extra Instagrammable! — by transforming ordinary bottles with custom 30th birthday labels. Just pick up a few of their favorite bottles to complete the gift.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

13

Gift Subscription

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (18)

13

Gift Subscription

There’s no more rewarding gift than the gift of new knowledge! Give a Masterclass subscription so the newly minted 30-year-old can take up a new hobby or learn a new skill. (Famous names like Mariah Carey are among the instructors.)

14

A Fun Gift for Your Co-Worker

30th Birthday Makeup Bag

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (19)

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (20)

14

A Fun Gift for Your Co-Worker

30th Birthday Makeup Bag

Now 20% Off

Because they're not a regular 30-year-old, they're a cool 30-year-old.

15

Cozyberry Querencia Candle Warmer

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (21)

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (22)

15

Cozyberry Querencia Candle Warmer

Now 12% Off

Going out every night is for your twenties — your thirties is all about staying in! Help them cozy up their pad with a candle warmer. The lamp heats up the candle's wick so it can emit those fragrant aromas sans flame. This popular pick from Cozyberry comes in pink, black and white.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

16

Cool Gift for Him

12’’ Screen Magnifier

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (23)

16

Cool Gift for Him

12’’ Screen Magnifier

We're sure he has a ton of techy gadgets he loves, but we bet this one made his list yet. To use, all he has to do is place his phone in the right spot, and it will be protected onto a bigger screen for easier watching.

17

Viral on TikTok

Stanley Quencher

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (24)

17

Viral on TikTok

Stanley Quencher

It seems like everyone wants a Stanley Quencher these days. That's because it fits perfectly into almost any car's cupholder and has an easy-to-use handle and straw. Plus, it comes in tons of fun colors! If they already have one of these popular cups, check out these Stanley cup accessories for more gift ideas.

18

Bathtub Tray

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (25)

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (26)

18

Bathtub Tray

Now 56% Off

Their thirties will come with extra stressors, so give them a way to relax and unwind at home. This bathtub tray can hold everything from their iPad to a much-needed glass of wine.

Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below

19

Ekouaer Sleepwear Set

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (27)

19

Ekouaer Sleepwear Set

Matching jammies: cozy, comfy and so grown-up. Welcome to a new decade of put-together, confident style (even while you sleep). This set has thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon, and there are over 30 different color options to choose from.

RELATED: The Best Pajamas for Women, According to Experts

20

Special Gift for Your Wife

Classic Tennis Bracelet

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (28)

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (29)

20

Special Gift for Your Wife

Classic Tennis Bracelet

You don't have to spend a lot of money to get her a stunning piece of jewelry. Featuring sparkling cubic zirconias, the tennis bracelet comes in silver, gold or rose gold finishes.

45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (2024)

FAQs

What is the golden birthday for a girl? ›

Your golden birthday is the year you turn the same age as your birthday – for example, turning 25 on the 25th, or 31 on the 31st. If you've ever wondered where the tradition comes from, you're not alone. Joan Bramsch, a midwestern author, started celebrating her five children's golden birthdays in the 1950s.

What is a thoughtful gift? ›

The most thoughtful gifts are ones that have, well, thought behind them. Thoughts about what brings joy to the recipient, what they want, need, and what they didn't know they couldn't live without until it arrived at their doorstep.

What age is diamond birthday? ›

A diamond birthday is when the last 2 digits of your birth year are your age. So, let's say you were born in 1989. Your diamond birthday would be on the day you turn 89. People often use #diamondbirthday or #diamond #birthday to share what they're doing for their diamond birthday on TikTok and Instagram.

What is it called when your birthday falls on the day you were born? ›

A “golden birthday” refers to that one birthday — the once-in-a-lifetime event — where the age of your birth year matches the day you were born (e.g., turning 18 on April 18th).

What is 40th birthday called? ›

What makes a 40th birthday special? A quote from W. B. Pitkin states: “Life Begins at Forty.” The literal term for a 40th birthday is called a “Ruby Jubilee.” Forty is spiritually significant since it marks the middle of your life.

Is 30 classed as a big birthday? ›

As mentioned above 16,17, 18 and 21 are often considered milestone birthdays. After that, 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th birthdays are significant. Some people may celebrate 65th 66th or 67th birthdays as milestone birthdays, due to this being associated with 'official' retirement ages.

How to make a 30th birthday special on a budget? ›

Budget-friendly birthday party ideas

Invite your friends over and ask everyone to bring their favourite dish. This way, you won't have to worry about catering costs, and everyone will get to enjoy a variety of delicious food. Another budget-friendly idea is to have a picnic in the park.

Is 30 a big birthday? ›

They say life begins at 30, and for good reason. Reaching this birthday milestone can feel like you're bidding farewell to a more carefree phase of your life and stepping into true adulthood…which sounds like a cause for celebration! Past milestone birthdays, such as your 21st, were probably thrown for you.

How can I make my gift special? ›

Memories say it all—There are so many ways to gather good memories and turn them into something cherished. Make a personalized crossword puzzle, curate a new photo album, fill a jar with collected memorabilia—these are just a few options. You can even get an art piece that reflects a special song (think wedding song).

How do I make my gift stand out? ›

Quality materials, bold colors, and adding extra elements can make your gifts stand out. This article is part of the "How to Holiday" series, which highlights the best ways to embrace and prepare for the festive season.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edmund Hettinger DC

Last Updated:

Views: 5794

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edmund Hettinger DC

Birthday: 1994-08-17

Address: 2033 Gerhold Pine, Port Jocelyn, VA 12101-5654

Phone: +8524399971620

Job: Central Manufacturing Supervisor

Hobby: Jogging, Metalworking, Tai chi, Shopping, Puzzles, Rock climbing, Crocheting

Introduction: My name is Edmund Hettinger DC, I am a adventurous, colorful, gifted, determined, precious, open, colorful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.