Celebrations

17 Unique 28th Birthday Ideas for 2025

by: Katie Lawrence

Published on Apr 9th 2025

While 28 isn’t necessarily a major milestone, it’s still worth celebrating and there are plenty of fun 28th birthday ideas that will leave you ready to finish out this decade of life strong. With only two years left in your 20s, you might be wondering, how can I celebrate my birthday uniquely? These ideas feature a wide range of activities and themes, so whether you’re looking for a low-key celebration or a big birthday bash, there’s something for everyone here.

From laid-back indoor birthday party ideas to epic birthday trip ideas, your 28th birthday celebration will give you a renewed zest for life. Birthdays in adulthood can seem monotonous and often lack that special feeling we get as kids — but it doesn’t have to be that way.

Jet off to a place you’ve always wanted to visit or enjoy a small gathering at home surrounded by the people you love most.

From 28th birthday ideas at home to 28th birthday decoration ideas, we have you covered with all sorts of ways to elevate your big day. No matter how you choose to celebrate, these 28th birthday ideas will make it one to remember.

Best 28th Birthday Ideas

1. Take a Pottery Class

Woman in pottery class for 28th birthday ideas — *Pottery classes are available wherever you are (via Classpop!)*

Pottery is such a rewarding hobby. Working with your hands to build something from scratch is an incredible experience, and it’s one of the best 28th birthday ideas to enjoy with friends or your partner.

According to NPR, making art has a slew of health benefits ranging from stress reduction to better problem-solving skills, so it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Pottery classes in Chicago, Seattle and NYC let you celebrate your birthday in a creative way.

2. Paint and Sip

There are few more relaxing 28th birthday ideas than painting a beautiful picture while sipping great wine and painting classes in Boston, Nashville and Orange County let you do just that.

If you aren’t local to any of those cities, online painting classes offer the same experience from the comfort of your home. The best part is that you don’t need any prior experience because the teachers are so thorough in their instruction.

Whether you paint a floral still life or a peaceful landscape scene, painting classes are an opportunity to unwind while learning a new skill. Plus, you get to take your masterpiece home, so it’s like a built-in birthday present to yourself.

3. Cook with Friends

Cooking class at home — *Chefs can even come to your home (via Classpop!)*

If your genius comes out in the kitchen, cooking classes in Boulder, Louisville and Santa Fe are the best 28th birthday ideas for foodies. Some classes are hosted at venues, while others bring the chef into your home.

Either way, you’ll get to spend time with the ones you love, cooking a delicious meal and savoring the finished product. Food brings people together, so this is a great way to connect with the important people in your life on your special day.

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4. Be a Jet-Setter

If there’s a place on your bucket list that you’re itching to check off, forget boring 28th birthday ideas — it’s time to listen to your soul. Whether you go alone or with friends, family or a significant other, a trip can be a great time to reflect on your 20s thus far and set some goals for the next two years. Set off on an overseas adventure or stay close to home and find a vacation rental with epic amenities; either way, you’ll create memories to last a lifetime.

28th Birthday Ideas for Her

5. Spa Day

Spa day as 28th birthday idea — *Take a moment to relax (via Canva)*

There’s nothing like pampering yourself with 28th birthday ideas for her on your special day. Head to your favorite spa with a few of your gal pals and get your nails done or enjoy a relaxing massage.

You could even have a spa day at home if that works better for everyone. Put someone in charge of the cocktails, play some relaxing music in the background and ring in 28 with a peaceful mind and rejuvenated spirit.

6. Old-Fashioned Sleepover

Who says you have to grow up? Throw it back to childhood with a classic sleepover party. If you’re looking for 28th birthday ideas that make your inner child happy, this is a no-brainer.

Invite a few of your closest friends over and spend the night watching movies, painting each other’s nails, ordering pizza and doing anything else you liked to do at slumber parties as a kid (except now, you can swap the soda for wine!). You can even wear matching pajamas to make it even more fun.

7. Afternoon Tea

afternoon tea set — *Don't forget to dress for the occasion (via Canva)*

Pinkies up! If you want to celebrate in style, an afternoon tea is one of the fanciest 28th birthday ideas for her. Some nice hotels offer afternoon tea but you can just as easily do it at home if you don’t want to drop a bunch of cash.

Set out a long table in the backyard and fill it with floral arrangements and small bites like finger sandwiches, pastries and, of course, several kinds of brewed loose-leaf tea.

Cupcakes with frosting piped to look like roses would also be a nice touch. Tell everyone to dress up for the occasion and prepare for a day of posh fun.

28th Birthday Ideas for Him

8. BBQ Cookout

Backyard hangs with the guys are one of the best 28th birthday ideas if you’re looking for a not-too-serious celebration.

Grill up some burgers and hot dogs, maybe turn on a sports match if you have an outdoor TV and crack open a few cold beers. You could also set up some outdoor games like cornhole to keep everyone entertained.

9. Take a Brewery Tour

Men on brewery tour for 28th birthday idea — *Take a brewery tour with friends (via Canva)*

Craft breweries are a far cry from noisy, crowded nightclubs, which makes them an ideal setting for 28th birthday ideas. Most breweries offer tours that give you an up-close look at how the beer is made, and some even provide free samples. After the tour, kick back and sip a few beers — you deserve it!

10. Spend a Day On the Golf Course

Tee off to 28 with a day on the golf course. This might be one of the most stereotypical 28th birthday ideas for him, but nothing beats spending some time in the sunshine going for a hole-in-one.

11. Get Back To Nature

Couple on hike — *Spend some time in nature (via Canva)*

Outdoorsy 28th birthday ideas for him are perfect for guys who love roughing it (any former Boy Scouts out there?). Take a fishing trip, go camping or set off on a tough hike. Immersing yourself in nature is such a great way to close out 27.

28th Birthday Ideas at Home

12. Movie Night

There’s a reason movie theaters aren’t as popular as they used to be. Why sit in a room full of strangers and buy overpriced candy when you can stream many first-run movies at home nowadays? Having an at-home movie night is one of the best 28th birthday ideas because it’s laid-back and doesn’t take much prep work.

Either have everyone pile onto the couch in front of the TV or set up a projector outside if you’re going for a drive-in feel. Have plenty of popcorn, candy and drinks ready to go and enjoy a wholesome evening. Turn it into a pajama party to amp up the nostalgia even more.

13. DIY Wine Tasting

Woman pouring wine at wine tasting — *Set up your own wine tasting at home (via Canva)*

Wine tasting is a classic for 28th birthday ideas, but if you aren’t in the mood for a night on the town, hosting it at home can be a nice change of pace. Get a few of your favorite wines (or tell everyone to bring a bottle of their choice) and make tasting flights for all the guests.

Don’t forget the snacks! Charcuterie boards are always in style and they’re so easy to customize with different meats, cheeses, fruits and nuts.

14. Karaoke Party

While 24th birthday party ideas may involve a night out at the karaoke bar, by the time 28 hits, you might be craving something less rowdy. A karaoke party is great for 28th birthday ideas at home because it’s a chance to let loose and reconnect with your favorite people. Plus, you get to pick the songs! You can even have a contest (with you as the judge, of course) and give a prize to the winner.

28th Birthday Themes

15. Luau

Luau as 28th birthday idea — *Get into the Hawaiian spirit (via Canva)*

You can’t go wrong with a classic luau for 28th birthday ideas. Everyone can wear leis and hula skirts, drink cocktails out of coconuts and play party games like limbo. If your birthday is in the summer, turn it into a pool party to enhance the tropical vibes.

16. Tribute To Your Birth Year

Themed birthday parties aren’t as common in adulthood, but if you are looking for 28th birthday themes, it can be really fun to revisit the year (or decade) you were born in and decorate accordingly.

For example, the grunge aesthetic was popular in the 1990s, so music posters, black-and-white balloons and streamers and a dress code of flannel and washed-out blue jeans would all be perfect. Play music from popular grunge bands like Nirvana and Green Day and maybe even have grunge trivia as a party game.

17. Casino Night

Even if the thrill of gambling wore off in your early 20s, there’s no denying the swanky allure casinos possess. Set up tables for games like poker and blackjack, get someone to act as the bartender and tell all the guests to wear their fanciest attire.

28th Birthday Ideas FAQs

How Do Most Adults Celebrate Their Birthdays?

28th birthday ideas usually look a lot different than the birthdays in your early 20s. By 28, the exuberance that allowed us to stay out until dawn transforms into something more homey. For most adults, birthdays are less about doing birthday party activities and more about spending time with our loved ones — think “gathering” rather than “party.”

Usually, a quiet event at home will do the trick, whether it’s a dinner party, a movie night or an afternoon tea in the backyard. Or, if the celebration is held elsewhere, it’s often something very low-key like dinner at a nice restaurant.

What Special Things Can I Do for Myself on My Birthday?

While 28 is hardly considered old, adulthood is demanding — and after a decade of it, you probably feel a little depleted at times. Some of the best 28th birthday ideas are simply about refilling your cup so you can keep showing up in all the areas of your life that require your attention.

On your special day, ask yourself what you really need right now and go do that. Be it a spa day, breakfast in bed or even something big like a solo trip to a place on your bucket list, anything goes.

You can even buy yourself a present if there’s something you’ve been eyeing for a while. Presents from others can be hit-or-miss (even if they’re well-intentioned), but when you’re the one doing the gifting, you know it’s exactly what you want.

By the time you’ve reached your late 20s, your birthday can seem more like a chore to get through rather than something to be excited about. Hopefully, this list of 28th birthday ideas helped you realize that your big day doesn’t necessarily have to be a big deal.

A few of your closest friends and relatives and maybe some fun 28th birthday decoration ideas or 28th birthday themes are all you need for a memorable celebration. And keep these 30th birthday party ideas in mind for a couple of years from now (can you believe the big 3-0 is almost here?).

For even more great birthday ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!