18th and 21st birthdays

[houselikeashed]

Not really an AIBU, but looking for ideas for what to do next year for DC's birthdays.
DS is 21, and away at Uni,
DD is 18 and at home. Both birthdays are within 2 weeks of each other.
Not really keen on having big parties at home.
All ideas welcomed.
Thank you.

Sorry, I had a HUGE 18th for DS1 last Saturday! It was fab, but I understand why you are not keen- the clean up is still giving me flashbacks! We've just taken down the gazebo, so I'm still doing it!

Ideas:

Nearest city:

Silent Disco
Boozy afternoon tea
Escape Rooms
Boat ride/ Party boat
Spa day/ weekend
Overnight stay with concert tickets

Local

Cooking/ baking lesson
Craft experience
Helicopter ride
Bungee jump
Etc

Oh, jewellery making session and they keep the piece.

Big joint party, if you don’t want it at home then hire a room somewhere.

Holiday, once in a lifetime kind of thing baking priceless memories. Better than gifts. It doesn't need to be anywhere particularly expensive eg I'm in Italy and the apartment was under £1000 for the week sleeping 4 with amazing views etc

Holiday! It wasn’t for our birthdays, but when me and my sister were 18 and 21 we went on a final family holiday with our parents and it was like a last hoorah really before some wilderness years. Family holidays have resumed now we all have kids but that holiday stays in my mind, it’s a very formative age!

I suggested a big joint party somewhere, but the kids weren't keen. And DH said it wasn't fair to make them share 🤔

18th we had a family and a few friends for drinks at the local pub, they sectioned an area off for us,

we have a 21st this year and thinking about a family and friends lunch somewhere which means they can go out with friends afterwards.

Dd1's 18th function room party
Dd2's 18th planned a city break cancelled due to covid so home party

21st just gave money.

We will do a city break with friends for our two, including things they love - one is into mountains etc.

21st I am expecting to do a huge party.
It is unusual to do something massive on both, but some people do.

I wouldn't force a party on dc that don't enjoy them whatever you do. I have seen too many surprise parties go down badly to ever consider one!