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From cheeky sayings like ‘30 and Fabulous’ to black balloons claiming you’re over the hill, everyone looks at and celebrates differently, but no doubt a 30th birthday calls for the best, iconic gifts.
For most the most part, pessimism surrounding the 30th birthday is waning.
A report by the New York Times declared that for many, including Alison Zuker, an advertising creative director, 30 is no longer a birthday to dread, but to celebrate.
For one, 30 often marked a time where societal norms not being met, such as having a family or career, resulted in shame for some. But as people are increasingly delaying marriage, families, and even reinventing their careers and education, the 30th birthday may now best represent not an ending, but a beginning.
For this reason, we’ve put together a comprehensive gift guide for the best birthday gifts and 30th birthday gift idea inspiration no matter who’s on your list, separating gift ideas by category so you can quickly find what you’re looking for (please, no morth birthday coffee mug gifts!).
Note: While some of these birthday gifts might more appropriate for the birthday boy OR birthday girl, we’ve tried to keep a more generic list that isn’t gender-specific.
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What are the Best 30th Birthday Present Ideas, and Where Can I Buy Them?
Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the best 30th birthday gift ideas. No matter who is on your list, one of these gifts may inspire you and help you celebrate this milestone birthday.
1. Robot Vacuum Gift Ideas
For those 30 year old friends or relatives, a robot vacuum can be a great and timely gift. By 30, most people are starting to settle down. Robot vacuums are great for maintenace cleaning in apartments and homes. Our top pick is the Neato Robotics D4 here, which features the latest mapping technology but isn’t as expensive as some peers.
Make their life easier! A WiFi controlled, smart mapping robot vacuum is perfect for that 30 year old who is starting to settle down in an apartment or starter home.
Alternative Options: Upgrade to the Neato Rootics D7 for larger homes or check out the Roomba s9+ for state-of-the-art automated empty!
2. Alcohol Related Gift Ideas
Given world events, at home alcohol consumption is up! By 30, most people know what they like to drink. This is why a drink related 30th birthday gift idea can be the ultimate way to kick off this important birthday celebration. Here are some thirtieth birthday boozy ideas:
Beer Cap Map
This innovative custom beer cap map is a great gift idea for a local craft brew fan. It’s available via HomeWetBar here.
For all those 30 year old craft beer drinkers, this is the PERFECT custom gift to document their local beer drinking journey.
Customized Whiskey Glasses
We all have friends and family who just prefer whiskey. These customized (monogramed) whiskey glasses are a an incredibly thoughtful gift idea. They are available via HomeWetBar here.
Get these for that special person in your life who just won't stop talking about WHISKEY!
2. 30th Birthday Themed Gift Books
Themed birthday gifts can risk coming off as silly, over-sentimental or overdone, but these are all memory gifts that really help commemorate turning thirty, an important milestone and special occasion.
Personalized 30th Birthday Book [The 30th Book of Everyone]
A unique, personalized memory book with a splash, this is anything but generic trip down memory lane. 30th birthdays are celebrated with a splash, featuring brightly colored pages, modern font, and a compelling look. Add details about their life, photographs, and pop culture to this environmentally friendly memory book. This custom book starts at thirty-eight dollars.
Where to Buy: Start customizing your memory book at Etsy.
A perfect gift for a special 30th birthday! Surprise them with a unique birthday book that you can personalize to make their day special and remembered for years to come.
New York Times Birthday Book
For the news or history, the buff is this gorgeous birthday book by the New York Times, featuring headlines from their birthdate to the present day. You can customize options, and each book starts at twenty pages and goes up based upon your order. There’s also options for a Washington Post or Los Angeles Times book if you prefer. It starts at one hundred dollars making it a premium option for our 30th birthday gift ideas.
Where to Buy: Make your order through Uncommon Goods.
Celebrate their birthday with this coffee table book of New York Times front pages on that date.
30th Birthday Newspaper Poster Sign
A very unique way to commemorate someone special! This newspaper style sign summarizes key facts and statistics, unique to this (birth)day in history. It's customizable for ANY day and also available in a Canadian version.
This handmade poster sign from Esty is a fabulous gift for someone with a sense of humor. You customize with the name, date, date of birth, age, and a special message, as well as a photo for newsprint, styled hanging that could add a touch of whimsy to a home office. Retails for nineteen dollars.
Where to Buy: You can custom order this poster on Etsy here.
3. 30th Birthday Tech Gifts
Some of the best gifts for a 30th birthday have some tech or digital-based elements. Starting a career or moving in the career ranks, buying or finding a new place to live–wherever a 30th birthday takes them, they’ll likely appreciate a gift that’s both practical and modern.
Headphones
Whether a music lover or someone who just wants to focus better, headphones can provide an entirely new sound experience and element almost anything. Consider investing in a Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones (perfect for a group gift; around $400 and Blue Tooth compatible: Shop Now with Gifting Sherpa) for someone who works from home or in a congested area; OneOdio Adapter-Free Closed Back Over-Ear DJ Stereo Monitor Headphones (around $32.99; compatible with IPad, iPod, iPhone, and Android) for music mixing and digital editing; or Jabra – Elite 65t True Wireless Earbud Headphones (around $99.99) for listening on the go.
Enjoy clear sound and comfort with the OneOdio Studio monitor headphones. Large, 50 millimeter speaker unit drivers combined with neodymium magnets; powerful bass, clear vocal, and crisp high tones form stereo sound.
Conversations are made incredibly clear with the Jabra Elite 65t true wireless earbuds that are proven to deliver superior call performance. Plus, a long-lasting battery with a charging case included keeps you connected all day.
Smart Speakers Gift Ideas
Time around a 30th birthday and the years to come can be hectic, and smart speakers are a way to get information quickly and have access to music, news and more all in one; perfect for use at home or at work.
Where to Buy: Shop now with Gifting Sherpa, or at Amazon (around $49.99) or with Alexa (around $99.99). For an Amazon alternative, you can opt for Apple Homepod (around $198.00).
Echo (3rd Gen) has new premium speakers powered by Dolby to play 360° audio with crisp vocals and dynamic bass response.
Smartwatch
30th birthday is right around the time where schedule get busy, and one of the best ways to manage obligations is to have it all at your fingertips. Smartwatches are another great gift sharing option and a way to celebrate while still managing to be practical.
Where/What to Buy: Top smartwatch options include Apple Watch Series 5 (around $384.00); Samsung Galaxy Watch Active (around $199.00); and for the fitness-minded, Fitbit Versa Lite (around $159.00).
Get directions on your iPhone and a tap on your wrist to turn. Track your workout on your watch and your progress over time on iPhone. Together, Apple watch and iPhone add up to so much more.
The lightweight, yet durable Galaxy Watch Active understands the way you work out. With auto workout-tracking, you’ll have the power to reach new goals. Plus a suite of apps help you to monitor your stress and sleep while you stay connected.
Live your best life with the Versa family of health and fitness smartwatches. The Versa Lite Edition includes core fitness and smart features like activity, sleep and heart rate tracking, notifications, apps and 4+ day battery life—plus bold color choices and an easy one-button design.
4. 30th Birthday Travel Based Gifts
A 30th birthday is a great time to explore a little more. These gifts will help them get out, whether it’s a camping trip or a boost towards a longer trek.
Air BnB Gift Certificate
For the adventurer who likes going off the beaten path and doesn’t like to be tied down to traditional hotel chains, an AirBnB certificate (gift card) can be a great gift idea for a traveler to cut down on costs and enjoy the gift experience of new places. Of course, if they are less comfortable with this idea, you can also purchase hotels too as the perfect gift for your globe trotting friend, husband, wife, or family member.
Where to Buy: You can purchase Air BnB certificates in many places, but an easy place is via Airbnb.com here.
Everywhere You Go Travel Notebook Collection
This collection includes eight petite notebooks, each with a unique travel inspired cover quote, tucked into a sleek black slipcase. Perfect gift to celebrate a travel adventure, retirement, bon voyage party, or big vacation.
For the cataloger, writer, or even just someone who wants to keep track of everywhere they go, this gift is practical yet still worthy of a 30th birthday gift. While the black cover is unassuming, this isn’t just any notebook. Inside, you’ll find quotes with inspirational messages; prompts and pleasing pages.
Where to Buy: You can buy this gift on Amazon right here for about twenty dollars.
Luggage, like Delsey Paris Helium Aero
Quality luggage will last a long time and is an excellent way to bring in a new milestone. Whether they’re single or have a family, invest in luggage meant to last trip after trip, with an impressive capacity, lightweight and easy to maneuver materials. Large check-in luggage retails for one hundred and twenty dollars.
Where to Buy: Shop all sizes on Amazon here.
Travel Must-Haves
nstead of going for a single item, you can bundle several into a gift box. If you can’t afford it, you could consider gift sharing. Some bigger items that would go well with this include a Memory Foam Neck Pillow; Portable Travel Charger; MultiPurpose Blocking Travel Passport Wallet; and sturdy Travel Carry On Bag.
Attach our pillow to ANY chair to prevent slouching or falling forward, keeping head and spine in perfect alignment for pain-free comfort.
Official Samsung Lithium Ion batteries are built-in to ensure an optimal charging experience for a ranger of Samsung or non-Samsung devices, Universal support for devices capable of charging via USB port.
Inspired by experience in a journey, Zoppen was founded in 2013. With products ranging from travel wallets to purses and small toiletries, uncomplicated yet fashion design tells a story of everyone.
5. 30th Birthday Clothes and Accessories
Looking for a gift that really screams 30th birthday? Clothes and accessories can be a way to celebrate in a straight forward way, and add some fun touches to wardrobes of all kinds. While not always practical in the long term, these gifts will bring a smile and memories for years to come.
Necklaces
Necklaces can be heartfelt ways to celebrate a 30th birthday gift and actually prove a bit more versatile than other 30th birthday clothing gifts.
Where to Buy: Dear Ava offers this Compass Necklace with a saying and beautiful message specifically for a 30th birthday milestone in gold, rose gold, and silver plated; around $39. Another great pick is signature, Three Ring 30th Birthday Necklace from Etsy in sterling silver; around $30
Sometimes it’s hard to express thanks to those you are grateful for, but even the small gestures of generosity can deepen friendships. Show your appreciation for your friend and family with this delicate piece.
A beautifully plain and simple solid silver necklace, the perfect gift for that very special 30th birthday.
Shirts
Most 30th birthday shirts, for whatever reason are more heavily marketed towards women–you’ll find options in everything from Muscle Tanks (Etsy: around $18) to Crew Shirts (Etsy; around $18). Unisex options include these Gamer Shirts (Etsy) and these Vintage Inspired Tees (Etsy).
30th Birthday Shirts Tank Top, Thirty and Thirsty Tank Top, Just Thirsty Tank, Matching Birthday Girl Shirts.
This is a perfect gift for Dirty 30 Party Crew. It can also be personalized.
Perfect gift for any gamer on her 30th Birthday.
Etsy Has The Perfect T-Shirts To Match Any Unique Style. Browse their wide selection of vintage tees.
Ties
This may not be the most useful gift, but ties are great for someone with a sense of humor (funny 30th birthday gift or gag gift) and quirky style sense. These can also be great for the actualy birthday party event, too.
Where to Buy: Consider this 30th Birthday Black and Gold Necktie (around $30; Zazzle), which has funky appeal.
He'll love the attention he gets wearing this 30th Birthday necktie to the party or celebration. Gold and silver faux glitter on black with a golden colored balloon and the number 30 with birthday text on the front and just confetti on black on the backside.
6. 30th Birthday Gift Experiences
This category, some may argue, is the best of all for celebrating the 30th birthday.
While it by no means indicates that you have to do away with traditional gifts, experiences can make a lasting impact and be both touching and personal in a way a ‘typical’ gift idea is not always.
Whether it’s a day trip or a longer trip, especially with someone you are close with, this is among the best and most impressive gifts you can give. Of course, sometimes it’s good to give them alone time, too. Here are some gift ideas to fund an experience-based gift:
Plane Tickets
Fund a trip partially or all the way. Travel costs add up; you just might want to cautious and make sure you get there okay vs making it a total surprise.
Where to Buy: You can find a deal on flights on sites like, and Skyscanner.
Outdoor & Sporting Experiences
From zipping to bungee jumping or even white water rafting, outdoor experiences are great for thirty-year-olds. You can select tamer or more adventurous experiences, depending on taste.
Where/ What to Buy: Opt for a gift certificate for an outdoors/ sporting stores like REI, North Face, Columbia, and Dick’s. You can also buy experiences through innovative sites like Cloud 9 Living.
A REI gift card is a thoughtful way to show customers and employees you appreciate them and celebrate wins.
Don’t like any of these gift ideas? No problem
Some of the best gifts for a 30th birthday come straight from you. Spending time with someone, throwing them a surprise birthday party, and anything between can all be great ideas. Self-pampering gifts, lotions, shaving kits, and more may not immediately scream thirty but maybe the very things they’ll appreciate most.
Above all, a 30th birthday gift is not made best by how much you spend, but the thought and personalization that goes into it.
FAQ’s About 30th Birthday Gifts
A golden birthday refers to when their age is the same number as the date. (That is, for a 30th birthday, turning 30 on the 30th of a month). Many consider it a lucky birthday and may even have an especially special celebration for it.
First, refer to our lists above. Some of the best gift ideas do not necessarily gender-specific. If you’re at a loss, some extra ideas include shaving or grooming kits; a special trip or night out; and also adding some essentials he may need, like new wallers and ties. If you feel this is not special enough, consider adding in personalized notes, gift certificates to something’s he’s wanted to see or do for a while, and of course, make sure you throw an excellent 30th birthday party.
Maybe you already have the best 30th birthday gift in mind for your husband or wife but are stumped when it comes to how to celebrate. While grand gestures can be appreciated, sometimes it also pays to start in small but meaningful gestures, such as buying balloons and decorating; cooking a favorite meal; inviting others over; giving a long, personal note; and even planning something more romantic, like dinner out or by candlelight. The most important thing you can do for him or her shows how much you care, and to make it clear their 30th birthday means a lot to you, too.
Found something perfect the perfect 30th birthday gift that isn’t listed here? Let us know about your awesome 30th birthday gift ideas in the comments below!
Recommended Reads:
- 10 Responsible But Still Totally Cool 21st Birthday Gifts Someone turning 21? Need the perfect gift? Here are 10 best 21st birthday gifts that are totally cool, that they’ll really love. Get the full list here…
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