Since this is the last year the millennial generation turns 30, The Guide reached out to three generations, those born in the 1980s, 1990s, and the 2000s to find out how birthdays were celebrated when they were growing up.
<h2>The 1980s</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/mar/Return-gifts_e.jpg" alt="Return gifts being fragrant erasers and Love Art sketch pens" width="1280" height="720" />&gt;&gt; Return gifts being fragrant erasers and Love Art sketch pens
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/mar/Birthday-bash_e.jpg" alt="Crepe paper streamers and simple DIY decor" width="1280" height="720" />&gt;&gt; Crepe paper streamers and simple DIY decor
&gt;&gt; &ldquo;Happy Birthday&rdquo; banner as the main highlight
Harshita Ingole, 40, doctor, Borivli
<h2>The 1990s</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/mar/Choclate_e.jpg" alt="Hard-boiled sweets like Alpenliebe and Ravalgaon" width="1280" height="720" />&gt;&gt; Hard-boiled sweets like Alpenliebe and Ravalgaon
&gt;&gt; Rasna served generously
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/mar/Video-game_e.jpg" alt="99-in-1 brick game consoles" width="1280" height="720" />&gt;&gt; 99-in-1 brick game consoles 
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/mar/Pinata_e.jpg" alt="Pinata as a party activity" width="1280" height="720" />Pinata as a party activity
Gauravh Garrgya, 34, media professional, Dadar
<h2>The 2000s</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/mar/Mask-face_e.jpg" alt="Face painters and temporary tattoo artists" width="1280" height="720" />Face painters and temporary tattoo artists
&gt;&gt; Live food and pasta stations
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/mar/Mug_e.jpg" alt="Personalised photo mugs as return gifts" width="1280" height="720" />&gt;&gt; Personalised photo mugs as return gifts 
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/mar/Neon-themed_e.jpg" alt="Neon-themed parties with glow accessories" width="1280" height="720" />Neon-themed parties with glow accessories
Kavya Kaushik, 20, student, Andheri
Check out how to plan your own &rsquo;90s birthday.
<h2>How to throw a 90s-themed birthday party</h2>
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/mar/Cake-plate-a_e.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
Lock the theme early: Centre the concept around everyday &rsquo;90s nostalgia; for example, simple living, shared moments, and pre-digital culture
Go bold with decor: Use bright, clashing colours, retro TV cut-outs, and classic Bollywood posters
Curate an authentic playlist: Blend Bollywood hits (Govinda, SRK-Kajol), English Indie-pop tracks, and nostalgic ad jingles for layered familiarity
Plan simple and high-energy games: Include lemon-and-spoon, sack races, and passing the parcel
<img src="http://images.mid-day.com/images/images/2026/mar/Cake-plate_e.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
Keep food nostalgic: Serve samosas, cutlets, noodles, pineapple pastries, with Rasna, Frooti, and soft drinks
Design memorable return gifts: Prepare hampers with Poppins, Melody, and small toys or stationery packed in quirky retro-style wrapping
Focus on the details: Use paper invites, slam books, comics, and note diaries
Keep it simple and classic: Start with light music and mingling, build into games and dancing. Close with cake and a wind-down
Inputs by Devyani Sahu, 26, founder, CEO and wedding planner, Kalyan

Hit the rewind button and celebrate your next party the classic way

Mumbaikars born in the 1980s, 90s and 2000s recall how birthdays were celebrated

The 1980s

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