Funny 30th Birthday Gag Gifts: Cool Ideas for What to Get Women and Men Turning 30

Here are some of the best funny ideas for 30th birthday presents, some for him, some for her. These humorous gifts are great ways to celebrate this major day that young men and women either 1) happily anticipate or 2) dread with every fiber of their beings. Thirty is not exactly an ancient age, but it is a big deal, and a joke gift that makes 'em laugh rather than sob can help break the ice and make the celebration memorable.

I've selected these novelties and gifts according to gender, because I think some are better for female-type persons and other are better for male-type persons. You can ignore my generalizations if they don't apply. I tried to pick out the good ones and leave out the yawners. So whether it's a woman or a man who's turning 30 this year, she or he will smile, smirk and laugh at these gag gifts, funny books, t-shirts, and more.

These suggestions are appropriate to give to pretty much any 30-year-old guy or gal, including a:

• Coworker, employee, work colleague, client, or other professional acquaintance
• Girlfriend or boyfriend
• Wife or husband
• Friend, whether casual or best friend
• Daughter or son
• Relative

Note: A couple of the ideas below are just a tad racy (nothing really inappropriate for a birthday party, though), best given to a thirty-year-old who is close to you.

Suggestions especially for 30th birthday gifts for women are below listed separately. And like an old-fashioned choir, the guys have their own section.

Just for her is this sassy, wise, and trendy book made for a female reaching this milestone age: 29 and Counting: A Chick's Guide to Turning 30. The book does have mixed reviews - some people found it invigorating, while others found it depressing, so take the personality of the woman into account, and use the Look Inside feature at Amazon.com to read portions of it to decide for yourself.

A fantastic idea for the woman who loves reading fiction: Two novels, Turning 30 and Pushing 30, offer a book duo that's right on topic.

These silly gags, from the thirty-ish birthday candles to the 30 sucks lollipops, will help break the ice at his or her party.

And don't forget the entertainment. Nostalgic music, specifically 80s music in the case of a thirty year old person - serves two purposes. Not only does it provide atmosphere, but it's also gonna get some giggles, especially the songs that strike a wincing cord - like Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust."

So now you've picked out your gag gift for the thirty year old, consider a regular old serious present. Not a big deal, and oh-so-cheap, relatively speaking, this ceramic mug is nice. Just nice. Because...why not?

But it's fun to pretend it is!  This author's mother used to say, "I've reached the age of 30.  Now I've lived a full life."  Well, maybe in the Middle Ages that was true.  But 30 is no longer middle age.  Still, it's a great chance to mark an important milestone - one that to many men and women means maturity.  I chose the gifts above because they are good natured and aren't the kind of presents that will make the birthday honoree cringe or just get shoved in a drawer and forgotten - well, at least, not right away.

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