It's official!! I have one week until I turn 21 and can't even express how excited I am for that.
For many, 21 means going out drinking for the first time, but for others, they may not necessarily have that option (whether its for medical, religious, personal, or other reasons). It is absolutely possible to celebrate your 21st birthday without a single drop of alcohol and still have a blast.
So, in honor of me turning 21 (and for 21-year-olds everywhere that can't (or choose not to) participate), here are a few things that you can do to celebrate your 21st that don't involve drinking till you blackout.
1. Birthday dinner
Pick a restaurant (or stay in the comfort of your home), and gather your friends and family for a nice dinner.
2. Take a trip with friends
Make it spontaneous or plan it, by car or plane, short or long. Either way, a trip with your friends is always fun.
3. 21 Selfies challenge
Create a list, take some friends and complete your 21 selfies.
4. Go shopping
I mean why not. Maybe even make a game out of it and try to buy 21 things from one store (as long as it's not too expensive) or try to get your total to $21.
5. Get a piercing/tattoo
If you have a high pain tolerance this one should be fairly easy, if not it still might be fun. Note: if you get a tattoo be sure it is one you like and can live with forever.
6. Treat yourself (and maybe some friends) to a spa day
Who doesn't love a spa day? Gather up some of your closest friends and take a trip to get pampered.
7. 21 different dares
Because why not?
8. A (responsible) house party
One with no drinking, but still just as fun.
9. Set up/go on a scavenger hunt
Something that is super fun. Maybe even one of your friends can plan it.
10. Go to your favorite amusement park
Ride some rides, play some games and eat some of that greasy park food, but most of all, enjoy it.
11. See a movie
Is there a movie out that you have been DYING to see? There is no better time than your birthday to go see it.
12. DO a restaurant crawl instead of a bar crawl
Don't want to drink, but still want to do something like bar hopping? Instead of drinks, go for food.
13. Hit up all the birthday specials that you know are coming
Because who doesn't love free stuff?
14. Have an old-fasioned sleepover
Embrace your inner child with this idea and invite some of your closes friends for a fun night in pajamas.
15. Go to a murder mystery dinner
Who doesn't love a little mystery in their life? Satisfy that craving by going to a murder mystery dinner.
16. Volunteer somewhere (and see if you can get 21 of your friends to do it too)
Helping others is one of the best ways to give back.
17. Do something competitive with friends.
Maybe try playing paintball or laser tag or race cars or even mini-golfing.
18. Take a cooking class
What better way to learn something new that you might use later?
19. Try indoor skydiving (or zip lining)
Test out your daredevil side with either one of these EXTREME things.
20. Mocktails
For those that want the experience of (or to look like they are) drinking without the effects of a hangover. Here are a few recipes to help you out.
21. Simply just stay in
Sometimes that's the best thing to do, and maybe add a nice, quiet dinner and a movie. After all, you don't necessarily HAVE to go out.
