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2021 |
As a proud mama, watching my baby girl turn 20 feels like a whirlwind of emotions. Goddess has been written about on Maria’s Space since she was born, where did the time go? Her birthday is tomorrow, and I want to make it special, filled with love, laughter, and memories we’ll both cherish. Since we love bonding over watching TV/YouTube music-filled drives, thrifting adventures, and cracking up together, I’ve come up with five birthday ideas to celebrate her vibrant spirit (and our favorite shared hobbies!). If you’re planning a celebration for your own young adult, these might spark some inspiration for you too!
1. Throwback TV Marathon Night
Nothing says “us” like hanging out together to watch TV or You Tube and discussing the characters, cinematography or dialogue. For her 20th, I’m planning a throwback marathon of her childhood faves—think Scooby Doo or Wizards of Waverly Place—mixed with a marathon of Bob’s Burgers which we both adore, I’ll set up a snack bar with her favorite treats (popcorn, chocolate, and maybe those strawberry Dubai chocolate cups we raved about last month!). Add some candles and a blanket fort with lots of pillows for that extra nostalgic vibe. We’ll giggle over our Bob Burger sing-a-longs. You must watch it! It’s the best!
Pro tip: Pick a show that makes you both laugh to keep the mood light and joyful!
2. Music-Blasting Road Trip Adventure
We love hitting the road with the windows down, singing at the top of our lungs, so a birthday road trip is a must. I’m thinking a short drive to a nearby town maybe an hour away where we can explore a cemetery we have never walked through or a scenic spot for fun pics. I’ll make a Spotify playlist with her favorite songs which are thankfully mine too! (probably some Billie Eilish or hair bands of the 80s) plus classics we belted out when she was younger. She has a list called “my childhood featuring Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Bob Segar, and Daughtry. We’ll stop at a thrift store to hunt for vintage treasures. She is a talented picker of cool things. It’s all about those carefree moments we’ll laugh about later. Pro tip: Pack a Polaroid camera to capture silly candid shots along the way.
3. Thrifting Extravaganza with a Twist
Thrifting is one of our favorite things to do; there’s nothing like finding a gem for a steal! For her birthday, I’m planning a thrifting spree at her favorite local shops, but with a challenge: we each pick out an item for the other as a gift. It’s a special day for me too! I’ll sneak in a small budget for her to score something special, like a piece of jewelry or something for her room. We’ll end with coffee at a cozy café, to discuss our finds. Pro tip: Check thrift stores’ social media for sales to maximize your haul!
4. DIY Memory Scrapbook Party
Since 20 is such a milestone, I want to celebrate her journey so far. We’ll gather photos from her baby days to now (there aren’t many new ones as she refuses to allow pictures) plus mementos like concert tickets or notes she’s kept. I’ll use a lot of my journaling stash cute likestickers, washi tape, and colorful pens for us to decorate pages while we chat and laugh. We can play her favorite music in the background and order food. It’s a sweet way to reflect and bond, and she’ll have a keepsake to look back on. Pro tip: Prep a few photos in advance to surprise her with memories she forgot about!
5. Pamper Day with a Personal Touch
My girl deserves to feel like a queen, so I’ll set up a “mini pamper me” spread with face masks, nail polish, and a hair mask so we can have smooth, soft hair. We’ll watch a feel-good movie (maybe Clueless for that thrifted vibe) and laugh over our face mask look.
Pro tip: Add a scented candle to set a relaxing mood without breaking the bank.
Why These Ideas Work
Turning 20 is huge; it’s the end of her teens and the start of a new chapter. These ideas lean into what makes her light up (and what we love sharing), blending nostalgia, adventure, and heartfelt moments. Whether it’s singing in the car or digging through thrift store racks, it’s about making her feel loved and celebrated. Plus, they’re flexible, you can mix and match based on your budget or time. For me, it’s about seeing her smile and knowing we’ve made another memory together.
What’s your favorite way to celebrate your kid’s big day? Drop your ideas below I’d love to hear how you make those milestones magical! 🎉