“Those Were the Times”: Woman’s Family Throws a Kids-Themed 21st Birthday

• A TikTok of a kids-themed 21st birthday went viral after a woman shared how her family decided to celebrate her
• The celebration featured jumping castles, party packs, and childhood games like legusha, sparking nostalgia
• Many South Africans commented on how creative and memory-filled the theme was, wishing for the same party

South Africans loved the viral 21st birthday celebration that leaned into kids’ games, colourful outfits, and nostalgic childhood fun.

When TikTok user @renee_rien posted a TikTok on 11 September 2025 of a unique 21st birthday celebration, the video blew up quickly. Within just one day, it had received over 16,000 likes, with many viewers saying it brought back nostalgic memories of childhood. The birthday party looked nothing like the usual milestone event; instead, it was themed around kids’ parties, with bright colours, party packs, and a jumping castle.

The highlight for many was seeing grown friends dressed up in playful, colourful clothes and joining in on indigenous childhood games such as legusha, a pastime that many 90s kids grew up with. The family leaned into the fun theme by recreating the kind of parties that had everyone saying it was taking them down memory lane.

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Nostalgic birthday celebration with childhood games

This unusual choice resonated online because it mixed the significance of adulthood with the innocence of childhood memories. Many netizens commented that it reminded them of their own childhood parties and that they loved the creative way the family celebrated.

The party ended up being more than just a birthday; it became a social media moment that showed how traditions and memories can still be celebrated in new, fun ways. The idea sparked conversations about how families can bring back old games and cultural practices in creative settings. While most people gravitate towards lavish 21st birthday parties, Renee's family decided to bring back happy memories.

Mzansi reacted to the video

Mmabatho Precious wrote:

“I want this and I'm turning 30 years, guys, but flop gakena di chomie.”

Gifted Vision said:

“I want this for my 25th birthday. The problem is I don't have friends.”

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Keo Musa commented:

“You are definitely healing your inner child.”

Mama Boy wrote:

“For someone who never had a party, I would like this very much.”

143Liam🇿🇦 commented:

“Why ningasimemanga thina as the TikTok community?”

Flora | Content Creator 🎀 wrote:

“When I tell my mother that I want this for my 21st ore ka dlala.”

Onkabetse said:

“Party pack nna kofa everyone six pack sa stuff sage.”

Michael Scott commented:

“I want this for my 27th birthday, but I don't have friends.”

Check out the TikTok video below:

3 other Briefly News stories about birthday parties

• Former Big Brother Mzansi contestant Khosi Twala recently celebrated her 28th birthday, sharing cool Instagram posts.
• Black Coffee caused a stir once more with his romance with girlfriend Victoria Gonzalez at his son's birthday party.
• Media personality and influencer Ayanda Thabethe took her followers through her son's lavish birthday party.

Source: Briefly News