Birthday party themes, worked out properly
Every theme here comes with a colour palette, decorations, food, games and favours — and a note on what is worth buying and what is not. No licensed characters, because they date the photographs and they are the first thing to go out of stock.
All themes
- Princess Birthday Party Crowns, castles and a colour story that isn't just pink Ages 3–7
- Dinosaur Birthday Party Excavation, not decoration Ages 3–8
- Mermaid Birthday Party Teal and coral, not turquoise everything Ages 4–9
- Unicorn Birthday Party Pastel with one saturated colour to hold it together Ages 3–8
- Farm Birthday Party The easiest theme to do outdoors, and the cheapest to prop Ages 1–6
- Tea Party Birthday Mismatched china beats a matching set Ages 5–10, and adults
- Construction Birthday Party A dig site with real jobs, not a room painted yellow Ages 2–6
- Under the Sea Birthday Party The whole ocean, not just the mermaid Ages 3–8
- Space Birthday Party Dark room, one bright thing Ages 4–9
- Pirate Birthday Party One map, one X, one long hunt Ages 4–9
- Rainbow Birthday Party Seven colours in order, or it is just a mess Ages 2–7
- Safari Birthday Party A spotting list, not a zoo Ages 3–7
- Cowboy Birthday Party Denim, rope and one long game outdoors Ages 4–9
- Jungle Birthday Party Get the leaves above head height Ages 2–7
By occasion
Common questions
How do I choose a birthday party theme?
Start from what the birthday child is already playing with rather than from what is trending. A theme they have chosen holds their attention through the party; a theme you have chosen holds it for about ten minutes.
How far ahead should I plan?
Three to four weeks is enough for a home party. Send invitations two to three weeks out — earlier and people forget, later and the good weekends are gone.
What actually matters at a kids party?
One strong focal point, one activity that runs long, and enough food that nobody is hungry. Everything else is optional, and most of what is sold as essential is not.
How much should a theme cost?
Less than the shops imply. Most themes here are built around a colour palette and a handful of props, because printed themed tableware is the fastest way to spend money without changing the photographs.