18th and 21st birthday celebrations & jewellery gifts - ASTRA (2024)

18th and 21st birthday celebrations & jewellery gifts

Best birthday ever: plan a special 18th or 21st birthday and choose the perfect jewellery gift

18th and 21st birthday celebrations & jewellery gifts - ASTRA (1)

Intro

At 18 years old, she’s officially an adult. At 21, she’s technically a grown-up… Of course, some of us never grow up completely – and why should we? Being young is awesome, so enjoy it!

An 18th or 21st birthday is all about the passage into adulthood. It’s a really special time to look back and celebrate the story of someone’s journey through life. The birthday party is a moment to treasure memories of childhood and teen years, and a chance to look ahead to the future.

Here’s how to make an 18th or 21st birthday party personalised and special, plus a couple of tips on how to choose the best jewellery gift to mark a milestone birthday.

Celebration day – ideas for an 18th or 21st birthday occasion

Typically, an 18th or 21st birthday means party time! Even for people who don’t always have a party, a milestone birthday is a super-special opportunity for friends and family to celebrate their loved one. Here’s some ideas to add a little fun and a personal touch to the occasion.

Words of Wisdom Jar

18th and 21st birthday celebrations & jewellery gifts - ASTRA (4)

This ‘jar of wisdom’ is a beautiful (and sometimes hilarious) way to welcome the birthday girl into adulthood. In the weeks before the party, contact your guests and ask them to note down a couple of sentences of advice or well wishes for the birthday person. Then, print or write them out, cut them into little slips and put them all in a glass jar.

The ‘words of wisdom’ can be read out at the party, or kept for any time she needs a little boost. It doesn’t have to be advice either, write down special memories or funny stories to share instead – bear in mind that this will take guests a bit more effort to think about and write down though. A lovely box rather than a jar might be better to keep these longer stories in too. The possibilities are almost endless!

The Picture Wall

What 18th or 21st birthday party would be complete without a collection of pics of the birthday person from babyhood till today? Having a wall covered with pictures or a slideshow of images and videos at a milestone birthday party is an absolute must! Remember that finding all the pictures takes a bit of organisation, so start this early. Contact family and friends and get them to scan or drop off the pictures, and start asking around for funny videos of the birthday girl in action.

There are loads of ways to present the pics on the day of the party, so think about the venue, the number of guests and what would work best. Maybe you can project the slideshow or videos onto the wall and have it playing throughout the party, or it could be fun to ask someone to be MC and gather everyone to do speeches and watch the presentation.

You can order Stromectol here.

You can also make photos part of the decorations, polaroids are especially good for this. You can peg them to strings and hang them up like festoons. There’s always lots to do when planning a party, so it’s also quick and easy to simply stick pics to a wall or board, and everyone can enjoy them during the celebration.

18th and 21st birthday celebrations & jewellery gifts - ASTRA (5)

The ultimate 18th or 21st birthday jewellery gift

18th and 21st birthday celebrations & jewellery gifts - ASTRA (6)

Whether you choose gold, rose-gold, silver or rhodium, a quality jewellery piece is a perfect gift for a big birthday like an 18th or 21st. It’s a gift that’s enduring too – well-made jewellery lasts for a lifetime.

Because 18th and 21st birthdays mark “coming of age”, there are traditional symbols that go with these birthdays (more on that in a minute!). Jewellery can also be personalised by having it engraved with a date or their name. You might even decide to go in with family and friends to purchase something really special.

Quick tip: Sparkly or subtle? Classic or edgy? When it comes to jewellery, everyone has a preference for the type of metal, stones, and style they like to wear. It may seem obvious, but before you choose a necklace, bracelet, ring or earrings for the birthday girl, take a closer look at the jewellery she already loves. Is she all about the big, shiny bling, or does she go for layering with lots of delicate designs?

18th and 21st birthday celebrations & jewellery gifts - ASTRA (7)

18th birthday gift jewellery symbolism

18th and 21st birthday celebrations & jewellery gifts - ASTRA (8)

In western culture, a girl’s 18th birthday marked her debut into society. In many ways, this is still the case, as turning 18 means you are officially an adult – you’re allowed to vote, own property and make all your own legal decisions.

This leap into adulthood is the perfect time to give a gift that represents the new phase. Roses and ‘treasures’ were often given to debutantes, so a jewellery design with a rose or a swan fits in with a debutante theme. Or maybe she’s off to university – a lotus flower represents knowledge and peace. Good luck charms are great gifts too, think designs such as a four-leaf clover, a lucky horseshoe, or an anchor or compass (to stay steady throughout life’s storms!).

21st birthday gift jewellery symbolism

The key” is a well-known jewellery design for a 21st birthday gift – it represents the key to the door into adulthood. The key is popular for a good reason, not only does it feel special and traditional, there’s something that’s both classic and up-to-date about the design.

The 21st birthday often represents lots of life changes too, maybe she’s graduating from college, moving out of home, or maybe she’s planning to travel. Jewellery designs with birds, butterflies or wings can represent the new freedom and excitement of turning 21. Protection or spiritual symbols are special too, such as the Hamsa hand symbol or a design with guardian angel wings.

18th and 21st birthday celebrations & jewellery gifts - ASTRA (9)

Tell their story with jewellery

18th and 21st birthday celebrations & jewellery gifts - ASTRA (10)

Everyone has a story, and a milestone birthday is the perfect time to celebrate it. If the birthday person likes layering jewellery, you might even choose a few pieces, such as necklaces of different lengths or matching rings and earrings. These can even tell the story of the birthday person’s life journey or relationships. Designs can represent family members, friends, loved ones, or treasured memories and even beloved pets!

An 18th or 21st is the ultimate birthday to celebrate your loved one’s life story, and give them a good luck charm to send them off into a bright future.

We hope you enjoyed these tips on how to make a milestone birthday extra special!

Love from the team at ASTRA

18th and 21st birthday celebrations & jewellery gifts - ASTRA (11)

ASTRA is a New Zealand company dedicated to making jewellery that tells unique, personalised stories.

18th and 21st birthday celebrations & jewellery gifts - ASTRA (2024)

FAQs

What symbolic gift do you give for your 21st birthday? ›

A2: Symbolic gifts for a 21st birthday often include keys, representing the milestone of entering adulthood and gaining independence, or items that symbolize good luck and prosperity, such as a horseshoe or a four-leaf clover.

What are 18 symbolic gifts? ›

Symbolic Gift for 18th Birthday

Turning 18 is more than just a birthday – it represents a journey into adulthood, and a meaningful symbolic gift can capture this essence. Consider gifting her a "Pamana," a cherished family heirloom, or a "Balisong," a traditional Filipino knife symbolizing courage and strength.

What symbolizes the 18th birthday? ›

The Significance of Turning 18: A Cultural Perspective

You're now stepping into an age where many cultures around the world recognize it as a significant milestone and transition into adulthood. Turning 18 isn't just about getting older; it's a rite of passage and a gateway to new responsibilities and freedoms.

Which is bigger, 18th or 21st birthday? ›

18th Birthday Or 21st Birthday - Which Is 'Biggest'?

Years ago a 21st was more significant as it was the age that once reached gave you the full window of opportunity. You were considered an adult at 21 as you were able to vote and get a mortgage. These days in the UK you can do everything at 18 years of age.

What is the meaning of jewelry as a gift for debutant? ›

Answer: If the debutante is your friend, the necklace symbolizes your desire for her not to ever forget you. You may want to start your message with "Happy birthday ___, i brought you this (gift her the gift and wait for her to open then continue talking).

What is traditionally given on a 21st birthday? ›

Key pendants have always been a popular present for all ages and every occasion. Key pendants are customarily given as a present on the 21st birthday.

What is a traditional 18 year old birthday gift? ›

Possibly one of the most common traditional 18th birthday gifts of all time is money. This traditional gift might be as simple as a stack of crisp bills or some thoughtfully selected gift cards to help cover practical items like gas or groceries or fun extras such as restaurants, movie tickets or streaming services.

What do you say in an 18th gift? ›

Here's to a future as bright as your spirit. Welcome to adulthood! May your journey be smooth, your heart be light, and your days be full of love. Here's to 18 years of brilliance, and to many more filled with love, laughter, and beautiful memories.

Why is 18 a significant birthday? ›

An 18th birthday is a significant milestone in a young person's life, marking the end of childhood and the start of adulthood. Celebrating this occasion is a great opportunity to create lasting memories and enjoy time with friends and family.

What is a positive quote for turning 18? ›

"Congratulations on reaching adulthood. Remember, growing old is mandatory, but growing up is optional!" "At 18, you're old enough to make your own decisions and young enough to blame them on your parents. Enjoy the loophole!"

What is the Colour for 18th birthday? ›

A blue and silver colour scheme gets any party space looking the part for an 18th birthday celebration. Find it all here, from holographic bunting and sparkling message banners to prismatic tableware and shimmering balloon clouds.

Why 21st birthday is so special? ›

The 21st birthday holds significant meaning in the lives of young individuals. It symbolises the transition to adulthood, a time of personal growth, newfound responsibilities, and legal rights.

Why is age 21 important? ›

The 21st birthday is often celebrated as a rite of passage, signifying the transition into adulthood and the embrace of newfound freedoms and choices. Drinking Age and Celebrations: One of the most widely recognized associations with the number 21 is its connection to the legal drinking age.

What does 21st birthday mean to a girl? ›

The 21st birthday signified the start of an adult life and the independence it brings with it. Traditionally when a person became 21 he or she would leave the parental home for pastures new.

What is the traditional gift for 21 years? ›

Take your relationship to the next level. Sign up to get awesome date night ideas in your inbox.
Wedding Anniversary OccasionTraditional ThemeModern Theme
20th YearChinaPlatinum
21st YearBrass; Nickel
22nd YearCopper
23rd YearSilver Plate
32 more rows

What represents 21st birthday? ›

The key” is a well-known jewellery design for a 21st birthday gift – it represents the key to the door into adulthood. The key is popular for a good reason, not only does it feel special and traditional, there's something that's both classic and up-to-date about the design.

What does turning 21 signify? ›

Legal Milestones and Coming of Age: In many countries, turning 21 marks a significant legal milestone. It symbolizes the age at which individuals are granted certain rights and responsibilities, such as the ability to vote, purchase alcohol, and enter into contracts independently.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Last Updated:

Views: 6146

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Wyatt Volkman LLD

Birthday: 1992-02-16

Address: Suite 851 78549 Lubowitz Well, Wardside, TX 98080-8615

Phone: +67618977178100

Job: Manufacturing Director

Hobby: Running, Mountaineering, Inline skating, Writing, Baton twirling, Computer programming, Stone skipping

Introduction: My name is Wyatt Volkman LLD, I am a handsome, rich, comfortable, lively, zealous, graceful, gifted person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.