21 Unique and Thoughtful 30th Birthday Gift Ideas
A friend or loved one is entering a new decade, and you want to celebrate with a gift that matches them perfectly. But what do you buy someone who has (almost) everything already?
Explore our favorite 30th birthday gift ideas to find the ideal present for a best friend, partner, or family member. In this gift guide, you’ll find something for everyone.
21 of the Best 30th Birthday Gift Ideas
Thirty-year-olds can be difficult to buy for — especially if they already purchase things they love for a hobby or interest. With a milestone birthday like this though, it’s the perfect time to spoil them with a thoughtful gift. If you’re not sure where to look, here are some of our most-loved 30th birthday gift ideas.
1. Engraved Wine Glass
Give the gift of a keepsake with a wine glass engraved with the birthday person’s name and/or birthday on it. They can use it for a toast at their 30th birthday party and enjoy it for a long time to come.
2. Luxury Tableware
Turning 30 means it’s time to invest in some “grown-up” tableware. Help your loved one swap their heavily-used plates, bowls, and dinner sets for something timeless or elegant, or bold and quirky — depending on their personal style!
3. Book Journal
A book journal is a thoughtful gift idea for someone that loves to read. They can record all the books they’ve read, their star ratings, and any notes about characters or scenes they loved. Pair the journal with a bookmark and a copy of a must-have read in their favorite genre.
4. Coffee Table Book
For a 30th birthday gift idea that doubles as home decor, why not buy them a coffee table book? Look for a book by an author they love or a topic they enjoy, like beauty, fashion, architecture, or space. If you’re not sure what to buy, pick up a bestseller — or ask at your local bookstore for recommendations.
5. Sweater or T-Shirt
If you’re looking for a cozy gift for a best friend, we love the idea of buying them a fun sweater or T-shirt in a design that’s perfectly them. For an even more unique gift idea, browse your local thrift or vintage stores to find something that nobody else has.
6. Kitchen Gadgets
Go in as a group with some friends to buy a special gift for the birthday person’s milestone birthday. Present them with a new stand mixer, coffee machine, or another kitchen gadget that they’ve always wanted but never got around to buying for themselves. This is one of the best gift ideas for someone that loves to be in the kitchen.
7. Crochet Kit
If your gift recipient is a beginner but loves the idea of getting into crochet, buy them a DIY crochet kit. These kits come with everything they need to complete a project, so they won’t need to invest in any other supplies upfront. Look for a design that matches their style or personality.
8. Instant or Digital Camera
For a great gift idea for would-be photographers and social-event-lovers, try an instant or digital camera. Instant cameras are great for scrapbooking and memory-keeping, while digital cameras have a vintage vibe that are perfect for someone that loves all things retro.
9. Personalized Wall Art
Another 30th birthday gift idea that works as home decor is a piece of personalized wall art. There are lots of options to choose from — including scratch-off maps to show the places they’ve traveled to or wall art personalized with their birthday details or star sign.
10. Make-Up Gift Set
If your gift recipient is a beauty or skincare lover, a perfect gift idea is a make-up or skincare set — or a gift card to somewhere like Sephora so they can pick out their own. Make it into a special birthday experience by offering to take them out for shopping and lunch or dinner.
11. Coffee Mug
30th birthday gifts don’t have to be big and grand. Sometimes the small gifts are just as valuable. Pick out a coffee mug that you know your favorite person will love and present it to them as a gift along with some of their favorite coffee beans, tea bags, or hot cocoa mix.
12. Hobby Supplies
Buying a hobby-related gift is the perfect 30th birthday gift idea for someone that seems to have everything already. There’s always something new or exciting available for any hobby — whether it’s a new game, sporting equipment, craft supplies, or tech accessories.
13. Perfume or Cologne
Add some extra magic to your loved one’s everyday life with a new perfume, cologne, or aftershave. Ask them what they love in a signature scent and look for one that matches, or seek recommendations from a scent expert in-store.
14. Wallet
Say “happy birthday” this year with the gift of a new wallet. Look for one in a color, fabric, and style you know the recipient will love. Sweeten the deal with a small amount of cash or by including a gift card to a store they visit often.
15. Pajamas
For a cozy birthday gift for a bestie, pajamas are the way to go. There are plenty of cute pajama sets available, whether they love all things pink and coquette, vintage-inspired, or just a simple T-shirt and pants. Package it up into a lovely bday gift bag along with some slippers or cozy socks.
16. Cocktail-Making Kit
When it comes to adult birthday parties, cocktail parties are always popular. Bring some of that fun to the birthday guy or gal’s everyday with a new cocktail-making kit. Pair it with the ingredients they need to make their favorite drink and present it to them on the big day.
17. Reusable Eye Masks
Reusable eye masks are a wonderful birthday present for anyone that wants to take care of their skin. They’re a great alternative to disposable eye masks, and you can get some really affordable versions now too.
18. Scented Candle
Scented candles are a great 30th birthday gift idea for almost anyone. Whether they love beachy scents or something more warm and rustic, you can always find a new candle for their collection. Package it up in a gift box with a handwritten note.
19. Red Light Therapy Mask
Red light therapy masks are popular right now, with many people using them for self-care and skincare benefits. You can get affordable versions, but this might be a 30th birthday gift that you and a few friends choose to collaborate on.
20. Jewelry
If you’re looking for a sentimental gift idea, jewelry is always a winner. Look for a piece that’s high-quality and made from gold, silver, or stainless steel depending on what the recipient prefers to wear. To make the jewelry even more special, have it engraved with the recipient’s name or a quote or phrase that’s meaningful to them.
21. Heartfelt Birthday Card and Gift Card
Design: Signature Greenvelope
For when you can’t make their 30th birthday party but want to send your love (and a gift), a digital birthday card is a lovely idea. With Greenvelope, there are plenty of designs to choose from — like this playful birthday card. You can even personalize our online cards to change the layout, fonts, and wording. Add a digital gift card, and send immediately or schedule the card to land in your recipient’s inbox at the perfect time.
Give Them a Thoughtful Gift this Year
Whether your friend or family member loves crafts, fishing, tech, or self-care, there’s something in this gift guide for them. Find their ideal-match gift, then pair it with a beautiful birthday card to show how much you care.
