If you are a Mom (or Dad) of a child between the ages of 2-13, you know that planning their birthday party is a BIG deal. Most kids don’t want just to have a party, they want to have a PARTY. So what makes a great kid’s party or a kid’s party great? There are a few things that will make the party great and memorable for your child as well as all the other children. Today I am going to talk about the first thing you need to do. Decide on the THEME.
What does your child like to do, play with, is enamored with? Hopefully it is more than video games! According to Red Tricycle (www.redtri.com), here are the top 10 themes for 2017 along with my thoughts.
Pokemon (boys and girls) – still going strong after 20 years, they even had an ad during the Super Bowl last year! Pick up decorations and party supplies at Party City, Amazon, Walmart, or your local party supply store.
Pete the Cat (boys and girls, ages 3-8), party decorations and party supplies can be found on www.OrientalTradingCompay.com and Amazon. Or search for Pinterest for literally 1,000’s of ideas.
Shopkins (girls, their website (www.shopinsworld.com) has downloadable invitations, cupcake wraps, gift tags, place cards, and picture frames.
Star Wars (Rogue One) – or any of the other Star War movies, depending on how old your child is and what movies they have seen. Rogue One brings a whole new set of charactersto use for your decorations and party supplies (other than Darth Vader) – K2SO, Jyn Erso, Mo Mothma, Chirrut Imwe, Saw Gerrera . But who doesn’t love the originals Luke Skywalker, Hans Solo, R2-D2, C-3PO, Princess Leia and Yoda)! Won’t tell you who my favorite character is, but he is handsome!!
Moana (girls, a Disney film), Hawaiian decorations and party supplies will go perfect with this theme – easy. Again because of the popularity of the movie, Moana decorations and party supplies are easy to find – Party City, Target, Amazon.
Trolls – (girls), re-energized with 2016 movie, the bright rainbow colors, fun hair activities, headbands make this an easy pull together theme. Decorations and party supplies – the usual go to places, Oriental Trading Company, Target, Walmart, and Amazon
Reptile and Amphibians – (boys!!) Now you can just theme it with creative food offerings that look like turtle eggs, cake/cupcakes decorated with toy reptiles and decorations and party supplies with frogs, spiders, lizards, snakes, alligators etc. on them. Orrrrr you can google your local area for a company that specializes in bringing such critters to your home!!! Caged of course! If you live in Southern California Kids Reptile Parties (www.kidsreptileparties.com) seems to be the place to go.
Pastel Unicorns – (girls) After reptile and amphibians, this theme seems sooo tame! The decorations and party supplies are just what the name implies, pastel colors, and either pastel or white unicorns. Decorations and party supplies are also easy to find at Oriental Trading Company, Amazon, and Target.
Messy Art – (boys and girls) squirt guns, mega canvases, shaving cream, sponges, marbles. This theme is a must do outside birthday party. The kids use squirt guns filled with washable tempera paint, or use sponges, brushes etc to paint on butcher paper or old sheets etc. Art themed decorations and party supplies can be found at Oriental Trading Company, Amazon, Shindigz (wwwlshindigz.com), and Michael’s. This theme takes quite a bit of preparation and can be quite messy, but pure fun for the birthday boy/girl and his/her friends. For detailed information on how to pull this type of party off visit www.redtri.com.
Rainbows and Unicorns (girls) Similar to the Pastel Unicorn theme, but the color schematic is brighter. Your party supplies can be found at all the places listed above.
Emoji – take all the happy, love and silly emoji’s and have a blast decorating for your child’s party. Today’s Parent (http://www.todaysparent.com/kids/birthday-parties/how-to-throw-an-emoji-party/) has some great suggestions on how to throw an Emoji party. Either use your imagination to make decorations and party supplies or you can find them at Party City, Walmart, Oriental Trading, or Target.
Those are the top 10 for this year from Red Tricycle, but I would like to offer up birthday themes that never seem to go out of style, Thomas the Tank Engine, trucks, cars, trains & planes, super heroes, pirates, sports, Army, Legos, princess, Disney characters and movies, ponies, animals, and Barbie.
Whatever you choose as the theme for your child’s next birthday it will make your child’s special day memorable!
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.”
― Dr. Seuss, Happy Birthday to You!
Many, many great ideas, Jill!
Thank you Donna!
I’ll pass this along to my friends who have young children. Know that they will appreciate the neat ideas! Thanks.
Wonderful. Thank you Pat. Any ideas they have please have them post!