22 Birthday Party Themes & How To Pull Them Off

Kelly R said:  Buy or borrow a karaoke machine (it makes an awesome family gift if you don't have one yet) and let the kids dress up with feather boas, colorful sunglasses and other rock star accessories. Queue up some kid-favorite music and the rest basically takes care of itself!

Shila said:  There are lots of great Hawaiian-inspired birthday party ideas for kids! Start by greeting guests with leis and flowered headbands. Grass skirts optional! Luau party games for kids can include the limbo, hula hooping, bowling with pineapples, and a musical game of hot potato - but with a coconut instead! Serve up plenty of shaved ice and/or fruity drinks dressed with cute mini umbrellas!

Mommyx3 (Monique H) said:  This party would be a huge hit because who doesn't love a good emoji? :) It’s not surprising, I mean whether it’s the smiley face, the wink or the face palm, there is an emoji for absolutely everything and people love them. They have printable emoji decorations and plenty of party places sell them and even emoji games as well.

Shila said:  I love birthday party themes for kids that involve good old fashioned backyard fun! Let the kids play pirates and have a scavenger hunt to find buried treasure using a clue map (bonus if you can actually bury it, too!), compete in 3-legged races, play Sharks and Minnows, dive for sunken bags of gold (if you have a pool) or walk the plank (diving board) while playing a game of birthday boy or girl trivia, etc.

Shila said:  From "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" to "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs," there are so many great picture books that would make cute birthday party themes for kids - and they make nice party favors to send home, as well! Kids can dress up as their favorite characters. The opportunities are endless and the main activity can be a live read aloud story time, followed by a craft and treat.

Shila said:  For the birthday child who loves glamour, hair, nails, and make-up design, provide birthday guests with individual make up kits filled with eye shadow, lip gloss, blush, hair chalk, etc. Give them makeovers or have them work on each other in pairs. Take plenty of photos and turn them into a collage to print or email later within your thank you cards!

These glamour-themed birthday parties can also be hosted at local spas and kid-friendly nail salons. Kids can go home with elaborate up-dos, colorful hair extension clip-ons, or French braids! Give a bottle of non-toxic nail polish as a party favor.

Shila said:  Out of water, a mermaid birthday party theme can include painting store-bought starfish or making shell jewelry. In the water, mermaid games can include relay races or diving for rings. Local swimming schools often host birthday parties and that can come with the benefit of lifeguards to help monitor the safety of little swimmers. Present Swedish Fish candy or Goldfish Crackers for snack!