Top 25+ Fun 17th Birthday Ideas for Every Teenage Boy & Girl

In this ultimate birthday guide, Personal Chic features over 25 incredible 17th birthday ideas to suit every taste, whether you're planning for a special girl or boy, or looking for awesome 17th birthday party ideas at home. We'll also share some delicious cake inspiration and the perfect personalised presents that will make your teen never forget.

Best 17th Birthday Ideas for Every Teen

Planning a memorable 17th birthday requires ideas that perfectly align with your teen’s unique personality and interests. At Personal Chic, we've explored an array of creative possibilities, focusing on what genuinely excites today’s teenagers. From trendy, customisable themes to engaging activities, we’ve prioritised options that feel fresh and fun. Whether your teen is a social butterfly or a homebody gamer, these 17th birthday ideas are sure to make their special day unforgettable.

Fun Birthday Ideas for 17th Birthday for Girls

First, birthdays at 17 are a time for girls to celebrate blossoming friendships, budding independence, and, of course, a whole lot of fun. That’s why we've curated a collection of inspiring and adorable 17th birthday ideas girl that cater to their love of creativity, self-expression, and unforgettable experiences with their besties. 

• Flower Workshop and Picnic: Find a local flower shop or florist that offers a crown-making workshop. Let the girls learn to weave beautiful blooms and foliage into wearable masterpieces. Afterwards, pack light bites, refreshing drinks, and a basket of floral creations for capturing picture-perfect memories. 
• Glam Makeover: Hire a professional makeup artist for a group makeover session for the girls to experiment with trendy looks and new styles. Set up a fun photo booth with various backdrops and props to capture their glammed-up looks. This photoshoot will be a great way to celebrate their unique style and confidence.
• Vintage Tea Party: Tea parties are never out of fashion. Encourage guests to wear the best piece from the thrift store or any witty accessory they have. Offer iced cupcakes, mini-sandwiches, and freshly squeezed flower-shape cocktails served in a set of mismatching tea cups, saucers, or teapots. Choose to play a list of popular songs of the 80s and 90s but with remixes to increase the spirit of fun.

Inspiring 17th Birthday Party Ideas For Girls

• Escape Room Challenge: Book a private escape room for the girls. Choose a theme that sparks her interest, maybe a thrilling mystery or a fantastical adventure. Working together to solve riddles and escape the room will create a memorable bonding day.
• Stargazing Soiree: For the girl who dreams of galaxies and constellations, plan a stargazing soiree! Head to a local observatory or find a secluded spot with minimal light pollution. Bring out cosy blankets, pillows, with some hot chocolate or flavoured teas. Download a stargazing app to help them identify constellations and share fun space facts.

Energetic 17th Birthday Ideas Boys 

In contrast, boys are always energetic and ready to celebrate in a way that matches their wild spirits. Personal Chic has you covered with energetic 17th birthday ideas boy that are guaranteed to get their adrenaline pumping, their competitive spirit roaring, and create memories that will last long after.  

• VR Arcade Adventure: Go to a local VR arcade if there is one near you or ask for a VR system on rent. Select games that owners are interested in – the fast-paced action of shooting games, the adrenaline rush of riding a roller coaster or the excitement of working together to solve puzzles. After that, grab some pizza and discuss their incredible VR experiences. 
• Escape Room Challenge:  If you’re looking for thrilling things to do for 17th birthday, choose a themed escape room based on their hobbies, such as a zombie apocalypse, a high-stakes heist, or a daring prison break. Working together to crack codes and escape the room will be a fascinating bonding moment for the boys.
• Go-Karting Grand Prix: Take them to a go-kart track and let them blast their speed demons. Set up a mini-grand prix that includes qualifying rounds and a final race. Give away prizes for the fastest driver, the most daring manoeuvre, and the most hilarious wreck (hopefully minor!). These thrilling 17th birthday party ideas will satisfy their need for excitement and competition.

Things To Do For 17th Birthday Boys

• Sports Challenge: Choose a park or a field and set up stations for various sports such as basketball free throws, soccer three-pointer tournaments, or a casual frisbee play. Keep track of the scores and give rewards to the most athletic player. It's an excellent way for them to put their physical strength, problem-solving abilities, and confidence to the test while also instilling a sense of accomplishment.
• Backyard Camping: Set up tents, build a bonfire (with adult supervision), and tell spooky stories under the sky. Roast some marshmallows and smores, and enjoy the simple pleasures of being outdoors. This one-of-a-kind event allows kids to connect with friends while enjoying the thrill of a mini-adventure close to home.

Cosy 17th Birthday Party Ideas At Home

On the other hand, turning 17 is a milestone, but sometimes a low-key celebration is just what's desired. Below are some unique and cosy birthday ideas for 17 year olds at home, perfect for both girls and boys who want to celebrate in a relaxed and enjoyable way.

• DIY Spa Night: Set up stations with face masks, hand and foot soaks, cucumber eye treatments, and DIY sugar scrubs. Let everyone personalise their treatments with their favourite scents and essential oils. For extra cosy 17th birthday ideas, light some candles, put on calming music, and unwind together.
• Themed Dinner Party: Turn dinner into a fun activity with a themed dinner party and a friendly cooking challenge. Choose a specific cuisine (Italian, Mexican, Indian) or a fun theme like "mystery box cooking", where everyone gets a surprise basket of ingredients. Allow the creativity to flow in the kitchen, then enjoy a delicious homemade feast together.
• Video Game Tournament: For the ultimate in competition things to do for 17th birthday, organise a video game tournament with their favourite game or platform. Amp up the fun with themed snacks inspired by the game (think pixelated sugar cookies or power-up cupcakes). Give the prizes to the champion and most creative in-game strategies.

Cosy Birthday Ideas For 17 Year Olds at Home

• DIY Backyard Olympics: Set up stations for classic games with a twist – water balloon shot put, three-legged sack races, frisbee discus throwing. Create a points system, award homemade medals for the victors, and give bonus points for creative team costumes.
• Backyard Movie: Hang some white sheets or invest in a projector screen. String up fairy lights for a magical touch, set out comfy blankets and pillows, and prepare a delicious spread of popcorn, candy, and snacks. Pick a theme for the movie marathon – cult classics, chick flicks, or a specific director's work.

Top Creative 17 Birthday Ideas for Cakes

No 17th birthday celebration is complete without a spectacular cake to steal the show. Whether it’s a cosmic masterpiece or a playful design, the perfect cake adds a touch of magic to the festivities. At Personal Chic, you’ll find cake ideas that are as extraordinary and memorable as the birthday star themselves.

• Galaxy Cake: Bake a dark chocolate or vanilla cake and frost it in a deep blue or black. Swirl on white frosting to create galaxies and splatter edible silver stars for a touch of celestial sparkle. For an extra touch, pipe planets or constellations around the base of the cake.
• Minimalist Sprinkle Cake: Sometimes, less is more. Let the cake cool and cover it in a basic vanilla or chocolate buttercream and finish off decorating it using sprinkles in a single colour or a range of the rainbow. Add a clean, personalised cake topper with the birthday teen's name and age for a touch of fun.

Creative 17 Birthday Ideas for Cakes

• Deconstructed Ice Cream Sundae Cake: Stack several cakes of different colours to mimic ice cream flavours. Spread a layer of whipped cream frosting on the cake and then drizzle chocolate sauce and caramel over the cake; sprinkle chopped nuts, maraschino cherries and even miniature waffle cones.
• S'mores Campfire Cake: This is a simple yet very tasty layering of the chocolate cake with a fluff made out of marshmallows in-between layers. Make the chocolate ganache and put it over the cake and again sprinkle some crushed graham crackers and toasted marshmallow chunks.
• Giant Cupcake Cake: Buy a giant chocolate cupcake (or their favourite flavour) or bake one and frost it like a normal cake. Use the frosting to write a birthday message or piping some designs or adding fun sprinkles. To make the cake even more mouth-watering, serve it with scoops of ice cream and pour over chocolate sauce and cream.

>>> See More: Trendy 25th Birthday Ideas Celebrating Quarter Century Mark <<<

17th Birthday Present Ideas For Teen Boys And Girls

In addition to planning a memorable party for a 17th birthday, choosing the perfect gift is equally significant. At this age, teenagers are eager to explore their individuality and cherish experiences that reflect their unique personalities. Personal Chic offers a thoughtfully curated selection of personalised 17th birthday gifts for both boys and girls, designed to celebrate their passions and provide something truly special beyond the ordinary.

• Personalised 17 Birthday T-shirts

Firstly, a custom-designed shirt is a gift that's thoughtful and trendy, letting the birthday teen express their unique personality. For girls, we have adorable designs sure to make them smile, all crafted on soft, regular-fit tees. For the boys, our personalised tees are made from breathable cotton that absorbs sweat, keeping them cool and comfortable throughout the day. No matter their style, a personalised birthday t shirt is a gift they'll love to wear and cherish!

Birthday T-Shirts For 17 Birthday Ideas 

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Level 17 T-Shirts as Birthday Ideas For 17th Birthday

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• Customised Phone Case For 17th Teens

On the other hand, we've all been there – the heart-stopping moment your teen's phone takes a tumble. Teens are attached to their phones, so why not give them a gift that protects their prized possession and reflects their personality? A custom phone case from Personal Chic is one of the most practical and stylish 17th birthday ideas for gifts that's sure to be a hit!

Awesome Since Phone Cases as 17 Birthday Ideas

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It's Your 17th Birthday For Teen Girls With Cat Phone Case

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It's Your 17th Birthday For Teen Boys With Cat Phone Case

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• Tailored Birthday Posters for 17-years-old

Last but not least, ever walk into a teenager's room and be greeted by a cacophony of colours, photos, and inspirational quotes plastered on the walls? It's a space that reflects their personality and fuels their dreams. A Personal Chic’s personalised birthday poster takes it a step further. It's a custom-made centrepiece that celebrates their individuality and becomes a cherished part of their personal space.

Birthday My Bestie Poster 

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Birthday Posters as Birthday Ideas For 17th Birthday

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It's Who We Have In Life Posters as 17 Birthday Ideas

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To sum up, this guide from Personal Chic provides you with an array of imaginative and exciting 17th birthday ideas to craft a celebration that is truly unforgettable. With thoughtful inspiration at your fingertips, you can create a memorable event that perfectly reflects the unique personality of the remarkable teen in your life. Let the planning spark your creativity as you prepare to honour this special milestone in style.