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

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

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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

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Under $10

Vintage 30th Birthday Card

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

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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

Funny Birthday Card

'13 Going on 30' Birthday Card

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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

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The Bucket List: 1,000 Adventures Big & Small

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

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The Bucket List: 1,000 Adventures Big & Small

Now 52% 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.

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The Book of Everyone 30th Birthday Edition

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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.

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.

6

Great Gag Gift

Happy 30th Birthday Toilet Paper

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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.

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Birthday Print

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

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Birthday Print

Now 23% Off

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.

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Boarderie Customizable 30th Birthday Cheese Board

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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.

9

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera

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

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Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera

Now 10% Off

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

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Funny (and Cheap!) 30th Birthday Gift

30th Birthday Wine Bottle Labels

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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.

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For the Person Who Has Everything

Birthdate Co. Candle

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For the Person Who Has Everything

Birthdate Co. Candle

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.

12

Cool Gift for Him

12’’ Screen Magnifier

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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.

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13

Super Sentimental

Heirloom Video Book

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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!

14

Personalized Gift

Custom Map Poster

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Personalized Gift

Custom Map Poster

Artwork is one of the best gifts you can give, especially when it has a custom touch to it. Here, you can pick any city — where they were born, where you two meet, etc. — and a get a cool map poster created.

15

Bathtub Tray

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

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Bathtub Tray

Now 42% 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.

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JOYGLOWLAB Ice Globes

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JOYGLOWLAB Ice Globes

For your burnt-out (or just skincare-obsessed) friend, gift a set of the buzzy beauty tools known as ice globes. Filled with an anti-freeze liquid, these beauty tools can be popped in the freezer and used whenever they need a little bit cooling and de-puffing.

17

A Fun Gift for Your Co-Worker

30th Birthday Makeup Bag

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A Fun Gift for Your Co-Worker

30th Birthday Makeup Bag

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

18

Cozyberry Querencia Candle Warmer

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

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Cozyberry Querencia Candle Warmer

Now 37% 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.

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Ekouaer Sleepwear Set

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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

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The Five Minute Journal

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45 Unique Birthday Gift Ideas for People Turning the Big 3-0 (30)

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The Five Minute Journal

Now 32% Off

They might have less time to focus on themselves the older they get, but with this journal, all it takes is five minutes to practice a bit of mindfulness.

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

FAQs

How do you make someone's 30th special? ›

All we're saying is, there are 31 flavors of Baskin-Robbins ice cream (meaning there's one left over for good luck).
  1. Rock climbing. ...
  2. Horseback riding. ...
  3. Trampoline park. ...
  4. Put together a “Turning 30” playlist. ...
  5. Shopping spree. ...
  6. Dine at an expensive restaurant. ...
  7. Participate in a race. ...
  8. Go bungee jumping.

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 does it mean when someone turns 30? ›

It's an age that society designates as the change from impetuous youth to more responsible adulthood. But let me tell you Maina, this 30 feels like much more than just a shift in numbers. It's like reaching the peak of a mountain and taking a moment to catch my breath before moving on to the next section of the trek.

What is the saying when someone turns 30? ›

"Welcome to the dirty 30 club!" "You're officially a grown-ass man/woman now!" "30 looks good on you!" "One more year closer to perfection!"

Why is 30 a special age? ›

The third decade of life brings a degree of self-awareness and understanding that is difficult to capture in previous years. Armed with a deeper knowledge of who you are and what you like, you start interrogating the choices you never even thought to question before.

How do I find the perfect gift? ›

5 Simple Steps To Finding The Perfect Gift
  1. What's your budget? An expensive gift doesn't always mean a good gift. ...
  2. What is this person interested in? Make a list. ...
  3. Personalize your gift. ...
  4. Make the gift itself an event. ...
  5. Make it taste good.

How do I choose a thoughtful gift? ›

7 Tips for Choosing a Thoughtful Gift
  1. Shop for the recipient and not yourself. ...
  2. It's not just about the item you select – think about your approach. ...
  3. Find great packaging – you want to make an impression when giving a gift. ...
  4. Plan your gift-giving in advance. ...
  5. Be unique with your gift. ...
  6. Give delightful treats.

What is the most memorable gift you've ever received? ›

The best gift I have ever received is my little brother. On my 10th birthday, my mum suddenly told me that “you will get a little brother soon!” I was shocked because I wanted to have an older brother to take care of me. Now, my brother is four years old and he is so cute.

How do you make a gift unique? ›

Start creating your perfect DIY project now:
  1. Photo Book. A photo book is the ultimate DIY gift. ...
  2. Photo Mugs. Pack a double pick me up with a personalized mug. ...
  3. Custom Cheese Board. Have a friend who loves to host dinner parties? ...
  4. Photo Puzzles. ...
  5. DIY Tote Bags. ...
  6. Playing Cards. ...
  7. DIY Birthstone Bracelet. ...
  8. Photo Blanket.
Oct 4, 2023

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.

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