In this post, you’ll find 34 amazing ideas to consider if you’re not sure how to spend your birthday alone. Spoiler: Most solo celebration ideas are totally budget-friendly, too!
Your birthday is coming up, and you already know you’re going to be spending it alone. And maybe you’re thinking, “Well, what’s the point if I got no one to celebrate with?” Because, well, maybe it’s your birthday?? You get the chance to experience another year, which many people don’t!
So, yes, it is important to celebrate it no matter if you’re alone or not. The only question you need to ask yourself is: how to spend your birthday alone?
But no worries, I’ve got the answers and will provide you with a list of things to do alone on your birthday, ranging from relaxing activities to really fun things, so keep on reading.
34 Fun Solo Birthday Ideas
1. Go on a Solo Trip
This is the number one thing that came to my mind. Just because you’re alone, doesn’t mean you have to sit at home all day and miss out on experiencing the world because you have no company.
Use your birthday as an excuse or reason to book your first solo trip. And I mean, it doesn’t have to be a long trip. Just a couple of days is enough, too! You’ll grow as a person, get to see places you’ve never been, and maybe even meet new people who could potentially become friends.
2. Plan an Entire Day to Your Liking
I’d definitely say take a day off from work if your birthday falls in the middle of the week—you’ll just get more time to enjoy it. Before your special day comes, think about the perfect day in your life.
What would you do? How would you spend it? Consider what makes you happiest and what really lights you up. Is it doing your nails? Working out? Reading? Watching your favorite comfort show? Staying in bed a little longer?
Then, on your birthday, go ahead and spend the day doing all those things you love.
3. Have a Spa Day
No matter if it’s going shopping, doing your nails, booking a massage, or even doing it all, your birthday is the perfect time to go all out and treat yourself.
Indulge in some wellness activities to really relax, wind down, and just enjoy some me time.
4. Rearrange Furniture
That does sound a bit weird, right? I know, but honestly, I find it’s actually a great activity to do—and it doesn’t cost anything! Plus, you’ll be spending some quality time on it, which is a plus too.
So, if you’ve been feeling like your space needs a little sprucing up but don’t want to completely redecorate, starting with rearranging your furniture is a really good place to begin.
5. Watch the Sunset
You can let your day wind down with a nice picnic while watching the sunset. Of course, that depends on the day and is more of a spontaneous idea—you can’t really plan it.
But if the weather is right and you know the sunset’s going to be amazing, definitely go find a cozy spot to enjoy your favorite food and drinks while watching the sun go down.
6. Read a Good Book
Sometimes a book is so good you could read it all in one day. And your birthday is the perfect day for that kind of activity.
Especially if you prefer to stay in the comfort of your own home, this is a great way to relax, enjoy yourself, and dive into a completely new world—just for a day.
7. Cook Your Favorite Meal
You could either just enjoy one meal you love to eat or cook up a full 3-course menu—because, well, it’s your birthday. If you enjoy cooking, then that’s a perfect way to spend your birthday alone.
Light some candles, listen to music while you cook and eat, or watch your favorite show in the background.
You can even buy some flowers to decorate your dining table and enjoy your meal(s) in peace.
8. Go on a Hike
If you love hanging out in nature, then this is the perfect activity for you. Find a great spot nearby or even plan a little getaway to escape and reconnect. Enjoy the beauty of nature, watch stunning sunsets, and embrace some peaceful time by yourself.
9. Explore Your City
Even if you’ve been living in your city for a while, you might not know every cool spot yet. So, for your birthday, make it your mission to explore new places—like cute cafes, libraries, bookstores, or anything else that catches your eye.
And if your city is on the smaller side and you’ve already checked out most of it, why not expand your adventure to a nearby city?
10. Try a New Hobby
Are there any hobbies you’ve been wanting to try but were a bit scared? Then use your birthday as the perfect excuse to explore a new hobby.
Whether it’s dancing, kickboxing, swimming, or anything else, push yourself out of your comfort zone and create new memories.
11. Buy Yourself a Special Gift
Have you ever thought about buying yourself a gift? I never really did, to be honest, and I’ve been asking myself why. Because honestly, why wouldn’t you give yourself a gift to appreciate yourself? Especially if no one else is thinking of you, at least you should be!
Whether it’s flowers, a perfume you’ve always wanted, or anything else, go ahead and treat yourself. And if it’s something physical, don’t forget to let that gift get nicely wrapped for the best effect 😉
12. Create a Cozy Spot
Just thinking about having a cozy spot in your home gives me absolutely chills. If you don’t have one yet, for your birthday, why not create the perfect space to relax, unwind, and just feel at peace, wrapped up in your favorite novel and a cup of tea?
I think it’s a great idea that can last a long time…at least until you move out.
13. Do Something That Scares You
Doing something alone is scary enough, I know, but never doing anything because you have no one to come with you is even scarier. And the more you push yourself out of your comfort zone, the easier it gets. So, if going solo has been holding you back, use your birthday as a reason to push past that fear.
No one really cares if you’re going somewhere alone or not, so why miss out on life just because you have no one to go with?
Whether it’s taking a dance class, joining a book club, taking a hot air balloon ride alone, or trying anything else you’ve been postponing, sign up, you won’t regret it.
14. Book a Photographer
Well, we just talked about doing things that scare you, and this might just be one of them. I think it deserves its own spot on the list. It’s on my bucket list too, actually. Imagine the confidence boost you’ll get from it, and we all need that every now and then, right?
So, go ahead and book a photographer for yourself, dress up, and slay! I’m sure it’ll be a lot of fun and totally worth it.
15. Create a Vision Board
Even if your birthday falls in the middle of the year, creating a vision board still makes so much sense. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to do, even on your own.
You can search for images that reflect your future lifestyle, find quotes that resonate with you, and assemble the most aesthetic vision board to inspire and motivate you every day.
Light some candles, turn on good music, and maybe prepare a little charcuterie board to nibble on. Just such a positive way to spend a cozy night by yourself.
16. Take Yourself Out for Dinner
If cooking and baking aren’t your thing, then why not book a table for one in your favorite restaurant? Put on a cute outfit, do your makeup and manicure, and have a lovely, solo dinner where you can relax and enjoy your own company.
17. Record a Podcast of Your Life
This might just be my favorite idea. You don’t need any fancy microphones—just use your phone! I think it’s a great way to reflect on your life, appreciate every chapter, and find joy in your journey moving forward.
You could start with childhood or wherever you feel most comfortable, and then go from there. One day, you can listen to it again and really immerse yourself in those memories.
18. Go for A Scenic Drive
Is it just me, or does driving also give you a sense of inner peace and freedom? Like, rolling with the windows down, watching the trees, the sky, and everything happening around you… ahh, just thinking about it gives me chills.
You could take some snacks and drinks, drive until you find a nice spot to watch the sunset, and embrace nature.
19. Watch a Documentary
If you’re obsessed with a specific topic, then looking up a documentary about it, making yourself cozy and comfy, and watching it is a fantastic way to spend your alone time on your solo birthday.
20. Sit in a Park & People Watch
Honestly, I could do this all day long. And if you’re like me, then this is definitely a great way for you to spend your birthday alone.
I find it so relaxing and interesting to watch people (obviously, not in the Joe Goldberg kind of way, lol) and it gives a real sense of peace while helping you stay in the present moment. I hope you know what I mean haha.
21. Make a Time Capsule
Use the time spent alone on your birthday to connect with yourself. Making a time capsule is one memorable way to do that. It’s a chance to reflect on your current life, dreams, achievements, and memories, and to save little mementos that you can look back on in the future.
Doing it solo allows you to really focus on your journey, and when you open it years later, you’ll get to see just how much you’ve grown and changed.
22. Go Thrift Shopping
Thrift shopping is like a mini adventure, isn’t it? I mean, you never know what gems you’re going to find. And who knows what unique treasures you’ll end up adding to your home or wardrobe…
23. Visit the Zoo
People-watching is cool, but animal-watching is even better. If you’re an animal lover, a trip to the zoo is like the perfect birthday gift for yourself. And if you’ve got a petting zoo nearby, even better because that’s just way more fun.
Also, there are just so many awesome activities with animals, like spending time cuddling cows, going for a horse ride, or even taking a walk with alpacas… you name it. That’s time well spent if you ask me.
24. Attend an Event
No matter if it’s virtual or in person, attending an event on a topic you love learning about is a great way to spend your birthday alone. Plus, you might even meet like-minded people, which is a win-win situation.
25. Send Yourself Flowers
Yeah, I already mentioned you could gift yourself flowers, but having them sent straight to your door takes it to a whole new level. It’s like a romantic act just for you, surprising yourself and making you feel extra special.
26. Create a Gratitude List
If you get sad on your birthday, know that it’s okay to feel that way. But it’s also just as important not to dwell on it for too long, so you can actually enjoy your special day.
One helpful way to shift your mood is to create a gratitude list—write down everything you’re grateful for. Focusing on the positive can help you find things that bring you joy and remind you of all the good in your life.
27. Go Stargazing
This is like the perfect activity to end your special day, right? The key is to find a peaceful spot away from city lights to get the best view of the stars. And it’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast ahead of time to ensure a clear night.
Tip: head out a little after sunset so the stars have time to appear and shine brightly. And don’t forget to bring a cozy blanket, a comfy chair, and a thermos of hot drink if it’s chilly.
28. Vist a Botanical Garden
Visiting a botanical garden is such a peaceful and beautiful way to spend your birthday alone. Walking through all the flowers and greenery just feels calming and so refreshing. It’s a perfect spot to relax, reflect, and enjoy some quiet time all by yourself.
29. Write a Letter to Your Future Self
I love this activity! It’s the ultimate way to connect with yourself. Tell your future self all about your life right now: what you’ve been up to, what you’re trying to achieve, and how you’re feeling.
When you read it years later, you’ll be amazed at how far you’ve come and how much you’ve grown. It’s also a great way to document memories that you can look back on when you’re older, so you never forget them.
30. Try New Styles
If you’re into everything beauty, then this is the perfect idea for you.
You could try and learn new hairstyles, do your makeup differently in ways you never have before, step out of your comfort zone and try on a new outfit you wouldn’t normally wear, or do your nails in a whole new style.
It’s all about exploring and discovering more about yourself and what you like, even if you never thought you would.
31. Book a Retreat or Surfcamp
Both are just examples, but I had to mention both even though they’re completely different from each other.
The retreat is perfect if you love peace and quiet, a true chance to unwind and reflect. On the other hand, a surf camp is the way to go if you’re all about adrenaline and adventure.
Either way, both are great options. And who knows, you might even meet new friends along the way.
32. Start Your Passion Project
Have you been dreaming about starting something on the side? Like content creation, writing, filming, photography, painting—the list goes on. If so, don’t postpone it anymore. I love saying this today, but honestly, use your birthday as a reason or excuse to just go for it.
You don’t have to jump in all at once; maybe start with some brainstorming and then take it little by little, step by step. Your dreams can’t wait any longer and this is the perfect opportunity to start making them happen.
33. Make Yourself Some Cocktails
I find making cocktails so fun—you could try out new recipes and really experiment or even create your own signature drink.
After that, you can settle in for a movie or series marathon on the couch or in the cozy corner you set up, and just enjoy yourself and your (hopefully) delicious cocktail.
34. Download an App to Meet People
This might sound a little contradictory because, technically, you’re spending time on your own on your birthday.
But if deep down you crave friendships and feel a bit anxious about meeting people in the “real world,” using an app like Bumble for friends could be a great way to connect.
Of course, you don’t have to spend your whole day on the app, but you never know. Some amazing people might be just a message away if you’re willing to try.
If you weren’t sure how to spend your birthday alone, I hope you now have a good idea of what to do and how to enjoy your special day, even if no one is around. Remember, even alone, you can have the best birthday if you just allow yourself to. It’s all about celebrating YOU and making your birthday special in your own way.
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