What Are Milestone Birthdays, and Why Are They Important?

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Celebration and gift inspiration for the most important birthdays

Co-authored by Kirin Dejonckheere and Annabelle Reyes

Last Updated: November 3, 2025 Fact Checked

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• “Milestone Birthday” Meaning
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• Which birthdays are milestones?
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• What makes them special?
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• Other Special Birthdays

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Every trip around the sun deserves to be celebrated, but some birthdays are a little extra special. These are often called “milestone birthdays,” and they represent pivotal moments in one’s life. If you want to learn more about what milestone birthdays are, which birthdays are considered milestones, and why you should celebrate them, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a complete guide on milestone birthdays, and we even talked to event planners and mental health and wellness experts for their advice on how to make these occasions extra special.

Milestone Birthdays Explained

Milestone birthdays are special birthdays that represent pivotal moments in your life. They mark significant ages or new life phases and are often celebrated with more care and excitement than other birthdays. They include your 1st, 13th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, 60th, 70th, 80th, 90th, and 100th birthdays.

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Section 1 of 4:

What are milestone birthdays?

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1. 
   Milestone birthdays mark significant moments in your life. Some milestone birthdays represent specific changes, like becoming an adult on an 18th birthday, or being allowed to buy alcohol on a 21st birthday. Others mark the start of a new decade, like a 30th birthday, or celebrate one’s longevity, like a 100th birthday. All milestone birthdays have one thing in common: they’re extra special, so they deserve to be celebrated with a little extra flair and excitement!

   • Here’s a list of the birthdays that are commonly considered to be “milestone birthdays:”
     • 1st birthday
     • 13th birthday
     • 15th birthday
     • 16th birthday
     • 18th birthday
     • 21st birthday
     • 30th birthday
     • 40th birthday
     • 50th birthday
     • 60th birthday
     • 70th birthday
     • 80th birthday
     • 90th birthday
     • 100th birthday

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Jove Meyer is an award-winning event planner whose work has been featured in Vogue, The New York Times, Refinery 29, and more.

   Rachel Weinshanker is a certified event and wedding planner with over 8 years of experience and is the owner of San Diego Life Events.

   Kirin Dejonckheere is a certified life coach who provides both online and in-person 1:1 coaching sessions tailored to her clients’ needs, personality, and desired outcomes.

   Giselle Baumet is a mindset and wellness coach with 16 years of experience and the founder of the Neurospiritual Method in Orange County, California.
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Section 2 of 4:

Which birthdays are considered milestone birthdays?

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1. 1
   1st birthday Most parents see their baby’s 1st birthday as a joyous occasion to share with friends and family, and they often throw big celebrations to mark this first major milestone in their child’s life. One classic event at a first birthday party is the baby’s first taste of birthday cake—the baby is placed in a high chair with a slice of cake in front of them, but no utensils. They then grab the cake and eat it with their hands, and an adorable photo op often ensues!

   • Celebration ideas: A fun gathering at your home is a great option. If you go this route, themed decor is a must! A balloon arch in front of a sign or banner celebrating your child’s birthday is a nice touch, and it also provides an awesome backdrop for photos.
   • Gift ideas: Keepsake gifts, like a personalized baby book or a personalized blanket embroidered with their name, are amazing options.
   • Pro tip: “I suggest you take a few minutes each month during the first year to write a description of your baby,” suggests mindset and wellness coach Giselle Baumet. “When writing, include how your baby sleeps, how much your baby eats, their emerging personality, favorite things, and what you love about your baby. Think about the little things that your baby might enjoy knowing about themselves as they grow up.” At the party, you can share some of the highlights from the baby book with your friends and family!
   • Looking for birthday wishes to send for a 1st birthday? Check out this helpful list of examples.
2. 2
   13th birthday Many people see a 13th birthday as a milestone because it marks the beginning of the teenage years and the beginning of the transition from childhood into adolescence. In Jewish tradition, the 12th or 13th birthday is also marked by a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah, a coming-of-age ceremony that commemorates a child’s transition into religious adulthood.

   • Celebration ideas: Bar or Bat Mitzvahs are often lavish affairs, complete with fancy attire, dancing, themed decor, and photo ops. Even if you’re not Jewish, a 13th birthday is a great opportunity to throw a more extravagant party to celebrate the beginning of this exciting new chapter!
   • Gift ideas: Since a 13th birthday marks the transition from childhood into the teenage years, opt for slightly more mature gifts. A nice necklace or bracelet is a wonderful option, as are cool tech gadgets, like Polaroid cameras or portable speakers.
   • Looking for more? Check out this list of 13th birthday messages and this list of tween birthday party ideas!
3. 3
   15th birthday In Latin American cultures, a girl’s 15th birthday is often celebrated with a coming-of-age celebration called a quinceñera. “Quinceañeras are different than most birthday parties, due to their beautiful cultural roots and extravagant details,” says certified event and wedding planner Rachel Weinshanker. “Quinceañera celebrations are known to be quite large, with many attendees, both family and friends. Oftentimes, families may save up for quite some time to plan and execute an expensive, beautiful soirée for the birthday girl.”

   • Celebration ideas: Quinceñeras are typically big, joyous occasions filled with family, friends, dancing, and food, and Quinceñera attire is usually formal.
   • Gift ideas: As above, more mature gifts are ideal to go along with the theme of the transition from childhood into the beginnings of adulthood. Jewelry, perfume, cologne, tech gadgets, or personalized keepsakes are all good options.
   • Not sure what to send for a 15th birthday message? We’ve got you covered with this list of examples!
4. 4
   16th birthday A 16th birthday is one of the most iconic milestone birthdays out there, representing a significant step toward adulthood and independence. Many people throw big “Sweet 16” bashes in the States, and these lavish events are a fun opportunity for teens to get dressed up in fancy clothes and dance with their friends. In the U.S., 16 is also the age when someone is allowed to get their driver’s license, which is a major milestone in a teen’s life.

   • Celebration ideas: A big party with fancy attire and dancing is traditional, but consider tailoring the experience to the birthday girl or boy. For example, some people may prefer to do an activity, like a spa day, a scavenger hunt, a slumber party, or a trip to a cool destination.
   • Gift ideas: If the person you’re celebrating has passed their driving test, driving accessories like a nice keychain or a new wallet for their driver’s license are perfect gifts. Jewelry, tech gadgets, perfume, and cologne also work well.
   • Looking for more? Check out this list of Sweet 16 party ideas for boys, and this list of 16th birthday wishes.
5. 5
   18th birthday An 18th birthday is a pretty big deal because it’s the age you become a legal adult in the U.S. This means you’re officially allowed to vote and buy lottery tickets, but in a more symbolic sense, you’re also able to make your own decisions and really take charge of your life. This is also the age when many people graduate high school and move out of their childhood home, either to go to college or to start pursuing their career. All of this calls for a major celebration!

   • Celebration ideas: A themed party is a great way to make the occasion extra special. A murder mystery night, karaoke night, escape room, fancy brunch, or masquerade party are all fun options, depending on the birthday girl or guy’s personality!
   • Gift ideas: Nice perfume or cologne, jewelry, or watches are great choices. If they’re heading off to college or moving out of their childhood home, cute dorm decor, luxury candles, or small appliances are also awesome options.
   • Check out these helpful lists of fun ways to spend your 18th birthday, things you’re allowed to do at 18, and 18th birthday wishes to send.
6. 6
   21st birthday 21 is the legal drinking age in the U.S., so this birthday is a pretty big milestone! To celebrate, many people visit a bar, club, or restaurant to order their first drink, while others throw a big party. Whatever the birthday girl or guy decides, it’s all about connecting with friends and celebrating this last major step into adulthood!

   • Celebration ideas: A fun night out at a club or a bar crawl is a common choice. A boozy brunch or dinner party with wine and themed cocktails is a fun alternative, too, if you’re looking for something a little more low-key.
   • Gift ideas: A fancy cocktail-making kit or a nice bottle of wine are great on-theme gifts. A cool Polaroid camera is also a fun option so that the birthday girl or guy can snap some great pics of their night out!
   • Looking for more? Check out this list of things to do on your 21st birthday, things you’re allowed to do at 21, and 21st birthday wishes.
7. 7
   30th birthday For many people, a 30th birthday is a significant turning point, marking one’s entrance into full-blown adulthood. While the 20s are usually spent figuring out one’s place in life and getting used to newfound independence, the 30s are usually when people feel more stable and settled in who they are. With this in mind, a 30th birthday is the perfect time to celebrate the growth of the past decade, while also looking forward to the exciting new experiences in the decade to come!

   • Celebration ideas: Hosting your first dinner party at your home is a great option. A nostalgic early 2000s or 2010s themed party is also super fun if you want a throwback to your childhood or teenage days!
   • Gift ideas: More mature gifts like nice home decor, an espresso machine, an e-reader, or a voucher for a spa day are all awesome choices.
   • Celebrating a 30th birthday, or know someone who is? Check out this list of 30th birthday quotes and captions, and this list of 30th birthday messages.
8. 8
   40th birthday By 40, many people feel much more settled, established, and confident in the life they’ve built for themselves. This could include finding a life partner, starting a family, or achieving big milestones in one’s career. As a result, a 40th birthday is the perfect time to celebrate your past accomplishments, while also looking forward to the future!

   • Celebration ideas: A big 40th birthday bash is a fun option, but feel free to get a little more creative, too. “What’s nice when you get older is creating [more of] an experience than an actual party, like a weekend getaway, or trying something new, like a cooking class, or something extreme, like skydiving,” says certified life coach Kirin Dejonckheere.
   • Gift ideas: If the person celebrating a birthday is a busy go-getter, self-care themed gifts are amazing options. Nice candles, luxurious face or body care products, high-end pajamas or bath robes, or a voucher for a massage or spa day are all amazing choices.
   • Looking for more? Check out this list of 40th birthday wishes and this list of funny 40th birthday quotes.
9. 9
   50th birthday Sometimes called a golden jubilee, a 50th birthday is the perfect opportunity to celebrate all the hard work and growth of the past several decades, while also commemorating the start of an exciting new chapter. By 50, many people have built deep connections with lifelong friends, and their families may have also expanded to include sons or daughters-in-law and grandchildren, so celebrations including these loved ones are customary.

   • Celebration ideas: Tailor the celebration to the person’s personality. “As an adult, it’s most important to celebrate who you are as a person and really focus on what makes [you] happy,” explains Dejonckheere. If you’re someone who loves big parties with music and dancing, go for that, but if you prefer more low-key celebrations, opt for having a few good friends over to reflect, connect, and celebrate, she recommends.
   • Gift ideas: Consider gifting the birthday guy or gal with a fun experience, rather than a material object. A weekend trip to a cool location, a cooking class, a spa day, or a night at the theater are all great ideas.
   • Know someone celebrating a 50th birthday, but not sure what to say in your birthday message? Check out this list of 50th birthday wishes for inspo!
10. 10
    60th birthday A 60th birthday is a major milestone representing wisdom, strength, and growth. At 60, some people are getting ready for retirement, which makes this occasion the perfect time to celebrate the hard work of the past decades and set intentions for the new chapter of life ahead. To mark this significant occasion, many people also choose to have heartfelt gatherings with children, grandchildren, sons and daughters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and, of course, friends.

    • Celebration ideas: If you want something fancy, a big formal dinner at a restaurant or banquet hall is a great option. If you prefer more low-key celebrations, a relaxed party at your home or a family member’s home is also a wonderful choice.
    • Gift ideas: Personalized keepsakes, like heartfelt scrapbooks, photo albums, or framed photos of the entire family, are beautiful gestures.
    • Not sure how to wish someone a happy 60th? Check out this list of helpful example messages!
11. 11
    70th birthday By 70, many people have achieved some major goals and built a beautiful life for themselves. These accomplishments deserve to be celebrated, and a 70th birthday is an amazing opportunity to do just that, while also surrounding the birthday guy or gal with the people they love the most!

    • Celebration ideas: An intimate gathering of family members and close friends is a wonderful way to spend a 70th birthday. Together, you can reminisce on past memories and celebrate the growth and wisdom the birthday person has acquired.
    • Gift ideas: Similar to 60th birthday gifts, personalized keepsakes are often the way to go. Beautiful photo albums, engraved jewelry or watches, or heartfelt letters are all amazing options.
    • Looking for help writing a meaningful 70th birthday message? Take a look at this list of examples!
12. 12
    80th and 90th birthday Navigating eight or nine whole decades with wisdom, grace, and strength is an absolutely amazing achievement! At this point in life, one has likely surrounded themselves with family members who look up to them and lifelong friends who love them deeply. All of these loved ones will likely jump at the chance to celebrate the birthday person and all of their accomplishments!

    • Celebration ideas: An intimate gathering with family and close friends is the perfect way to celebrate the life and legacy of someone turning 80 or 90.
    • Gift ideas: Meaningful keepsakes, like scrapbooks and framed photos, are great options, as are fun experiences, like trips to places the birthday person has always wanted to visit.
    • Looking for inspiration to write a heartfelt 80th birthday message? Check out our helpful list of examples.
13. 13
    100th birthday A whole century of life is a rare and remarkable achievement! In ten decades of life, the birthday person has likely seen some major changes and accomplished pretty big goals. Their hundredth birthday is the perfect time to reflect on everything they’ve experienced and celebrate their legacy.

    • Celebration ideas: When planning a 100th birthday celebration, “Keep the birthday person’s preferences in mind,” says professional wedding and event planner Jove Meyer. “It’s tempting to plan a big party, but someone turning 100 might be more sensitive to sound, light, and food.”
    • “You can reflect on their life by highlighting milestone moments and inviting people who have been a significant part of their journey. Accessibility is key, so ensure there’s a walker or wheelchair access and plan a daytime event, like a brunch or early dinner. It’s about celebrating their life in a way that honors their comfort,” Meyer adds.
    • Gift ideas: At this point in life, meaningful, personalized gifts are key. Engraved pieces of jewelry, watches, or household keepsakes are all great choices, as are photo albums, scrapbooks, or heartfelt birthday cards.
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Section 3 of 4:

What’s special about milestone birthdays?

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1. A milestone birthday is the perfect time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Research shows that people tend to pause and take stock of their experiences as they approach a milestone birthday. This effect is most pronounced for birthdays that mark the start of a new decade, such as a 30th, 40th, 50th, or 60th birthday. With this in mind, a milestone birthday is a fitting occasion to celebrate the past, while also looking ahead to the next chapter.

   • To make the most of a milestone birthday, Dejonckheere recommends “just taking a moment on the day itself to reflect and journal on your achievement and set intentions for the years to come.”

Section 4 of 4:

Other Special Birthdays

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1. 
   Aside from the traditional milestone birthdays, there are a few other unique and special birthdays to look forward to in a person’s life. These include:

   • Golden birthday: A golden birthday is when someone turns the same age as the day they were born. For example, if someone was born on November 23rd, then their golden birthday would be when they turn 23.
   • Diamond birthday: A diamond birthday is when someone turns the same age as the last two digits of their birth year. For example, if someone was born in 1975, their diamond birthday would be when they turn 75.
   • Taylor Swift birthday: Many people think of their 22nd birthday as their “Taylor Swift” birthday in reference to Swift’s iconic song, “22.”
   • Jordan Year birthday: The 23rd birthday is sometimes referred to as one’s “Jordan year,” in reference to the number Michael Jordan wore on his jersey throughout his basketball career.
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