Most milestone birthdays are fun and fueled by excitement. Few are as significant, however, as turning the big 3-0 — the biggest milestone since the fabled 21st birthday. With the honoree (theoretically) having accumulated years of adult responsibility, the gifts you buy for a newly turned 30-year-old should reflect the momentousness of the occasion.
An experiential gift is always a wonderful idea. This can be a thought-provoking gift, a gift that is personal, or a gift that keeps on giving.
Valerie Ghitelman
Former vice president of product development, sourcing, and design
1-800-Flowers.com
Thirty is often viewed as a transformational stage in life, the age at which people officially arrive at adulthood. The part of a 30-year-old’s brain where decision-making and critical thinking happen is now fully developed. “It helps us cope with complex ideas and big emotions, and we see this play out in our values and life choices,” says Amanda Craig, Ph.D., licensed therapist, and founder of Manhattan Marriage and Family Therapy. And big emotions call for thoughtful gifts.
Certainly, photo albums, flowers, and birthday cakes never get old when celebrating a milestone. But to make your soon-to-be tricenarian feel extra appreciated, consider other thoughtful gifts, including “gifts that encourage relaxation and provide wellness opportunities,” says Valerie Ghitelman, former vice president of product development, sourcing, and design for 1-800-Flowers.com. Affirmation journals, calming candles, body products, and gift cards for a therapeutic massage, facial, or spa day are ideal for encouraging self-care — a necessity when it comes to managing thirtysomething life responsibilities.
For those who prefer doing things, experience-driven gifts, such as an excursion to a favorite museum or concert, help facilitate connection and keep relationships strong. Says Ghitelman, “An experiential gift is always a wonderful idea. This can be a thought-provoking gift, a gift that is personal, or a gift that keeps on giving.”
Explore our curated selects of 30th birthday gifts designed to suit all types and tastes.
12 best 30th birthday gift ideas
The classicist
Flowers
For those with traditional tastes, birthday flowers are a classic gift that will always be met with joy. (Tip: Send the delivery to their office. Coworkers will witness their happy reaction and more people will know about the birthday girl’s day.) Flowers are also a safe bet for the person who is a challenge to shop for. Take the gift a step further and get them a personalized vase in which to display their beautiful blooms.
The do-gooder
Cookies & treats
For the goodhearted humanitarian, send the Smile Farms Birthday Party in a Box. This festive gift includes a variety of yummy cookies and confections, as well as a mini birthday cake with candles. Twenty percent of the net proceeds from this purchase supports Smile Farms, which provides employment opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities.
The golfer
Golf club cover
For the golf enthusiast, the Monogram Personalized Golf Club Cover will add style to the most basic set of clubs. This durable quality club cover features a zipper closure and fits up to a 460cc driver. Personalize it with a name or monogram with a choice of thread color.
The mixologist
Smoked cocktail set
For the mixologist, snap up this Personalized Smoked Cocktail Set, which comes with a glass smoking stand, a custom-etched glass infuser carafe, a silicone stopper, and 20 smoking pellets. Then say cheers to 30 years!
The tea drinker
Tea infuser set
For the tea drinker, the Organic Numi Tea Infuser Bottle Gift Set makes for a truly thoughtful gift. This package includes a glass infusion bottle and six tea bags each of four different flavors of tea: Breakfast Blend Black, Aged Earl Grey, Moroccan Mint, and Jasmine Green. Add on a personalized mug for them to drink their favorite brews out of.
The worrywart
LED glass keepsake
For individuals worried about turning 30, give something illuminating, literally, with a personalized message written on a LED light strip. Your thoughtful message is a wonderful way to help your loved one stay optimistic and positive during this transitional time.
The optimist
Money tree
For the optimist, no gift could be better than a Money Tree bonsai plant, which is believed to bring luck and prosperity to its recipient. It also looks pretty snazzy in any setting. Bonus: It’s easy to care for!
The history buff
Birthday history canvas
For the history buff, the Day You Were Born Personalized Birthday History Canvas is. a personalized chronicle that features researched historic information from the day and year of birth, including headline news, top songs, movies, sports facts, and, gasp, cost of basic items.
The animal lover
Dog & owner snack box
For the dog person, a suite of treats for their beloved fur baby — and themselves! — will most definitely leave a warm and fuzzy impression on their animal-loving heart. And for them to put the treats in (the pooch’s, not the human’s)…a personalized treat jar, of course!
The morning person
Breakfast feast
For the morning person, a Good Morning Breakfast Meal timed to arrive a few days before your recipient’s birthday means they’ll be starting their 30s with a fabulous gourmet meal.
This breakfast feast may extend into lunch with its delish selection of cheesy bacon grits, sausage and cheese casserole, maple hickory-smoked bacon, Belgian waffles, English muffins, pear syrup, strawberry preserves, and ground coffee.
The chocoholic
Fondue set
For the chocolate lover, it doesn’t get better than the Max Brenner Fondue Tower Set with Chocolates. Make a point to be present at the gift opening of this tasty tower that comes with a three-tier ceramic fondue tower, two dipping forks, and a variety of milk, dark, and white chocolate melting thins so you can partake in this chocolate feast. There are two forks for a reason.
The health enthusiast
Fresh fruit
For the health-conscious, the Birthday Pears and Apples Gift is a thoughtful way to send birthday wishes to someone who always eats their apple, or pear, a day. This display of the best picks from the orchard also comes with one signature gold-wrapped pear, fruit’s version of couture. A personalized serving bowl is just what they need to display their impeccable produce in.
And don’t forget to include a birthday card that emphasizes their past accomplishments. “We now get to see the fruit of a 30-year-old’s labor from K through 12, college, trade school, entry-level positions, and low-paying jobs,” Craig says. “Happy birthday! You are about to embark on a great stage of adulthood.”
