By Meagan Nordmann
There’s always a birthday to plan, and the most fun part about planning a birthday is choosing a central theme! You can create a theme around pretty much anything. Just pick any random thing, and there you go!
Pinterest has countless theme ideas for you to browse for inspiration, and we have done just that for you: We’ve compiled over 150 ideas in our Birthday Board, but as we did so, we started noticing some themes were just more popular than others.
Now, there is no actual science or data to back this up, but judging by my over-all ‘feel’ of birthday pins, I’ve listed what seems to be The Top 10 Birthday Themes right now:
#1. Unicorn Party: I found this to be very interesting, but I saw more unicorn birthday pins than any other. It makes sense: It’s colorful, whimsical and mythical—three things that make up most of the top birthday themes, as it allows for a lot of creativity and imagination. The Birthday Girl (or Boy) could wear a unicorn flower crown; eat lots of rainbow sprinkles; and there’s even a recipe for unicorn poop slime… seriously. I suppose that’s what comes after eating beautiful “Cloud Fluff.”
#2. Mermaid/Under The Sea Party: A close second with the unicorns are the mythical mermaids… Little girls in particular will never cease to be amazed at the idea of beautiful half-human creatures with colorful tails living freely under the ocean with their fishy friends. There’s a plethora of creative ideas for turning your party venue into an ocean. Twirl green paper streamers up your wall for seaweed; and twirl blue streamers across the ceiling for water; turn cookies into oyster shells; paper lanterns with streamers into jellyfish; throw in some floating bubbles; label your forks as ‘dingelhoppers’; and turn all foods into ocean treats or mermaid tails.
#3. Construction Party: For some reason, big trucks and moving dirt seems to be the most popular boy-theme for parties. They can eat dirt (crushed Oreo concoction with gummi worms); “Dig In” to their lunch; let them dig into a sand-and-rock box; and have “loads of fun!” Neat tip: You can anchor balloons down with HotWheels, and let the balloon & toy serve as a party favor when the kids go home.
#4. Dino Party: Incredibly popular is the dinosaur theme. Perhaps they’re not mythical, like mermaids and unicorns, but they are extinct—and that just adds to the fascination and imagination with this theme. Serve up Rice Krispie dinosaur eggs; make a Dino Cake and centerpieces with toy figurines; create an easy skeleton streamer with paper; decorate with floating dinosaurs using balloons & paper; give them some dino party hats; and so much more!
#5. Camping Party: Whether it’s indoors or just in your backyard, children will love the unique independence and freedom of partying (and possibly spending the night) outdoors. Set up a safe firepit with logs; gather materials for S’Mores or make these amazing S’more Cupcakes; set up tents or teepees; and arm them with flashlights or vintage-looking lanterns.
#6. Tea Party: Whether this is newly popular because of the “Alice in Wonderland” movies, or whether this is purely just a classic is up in the air. Regardless, the tea party with its enchanting pastels and feminine touches is definitely a favorite. Get lost in doilies and lace and ribbons. Cupcakes and china (even if your little ones need the plastic-china) go perfectly together, as do flowers and silver. Wear your large sunhats and gloves and don’t forget to stick your pinky finger out!
#7. Art Party: All children are budding artists. Even if their style is more Picasso or Jackson Pollock than Michelangelo. Let them get dirty & creative! All you do is provide the supplies and stand back. Tiny ones can work on their first abstract; and older ones can get set up on tables or easels. The food can be equally as creative: Check out these sprinkle pallets for cupcakes; and these colorful artsy treats.
#8. Star Wars: This theme has probably not gone out of style since the original movie in 1977. In fact, one of the co-founders of BabyPage just threw a Star Wars birthday party for her 5-year old just last week! Again, the mythical nature of science fiction adds to the imagination and creativity that fuels this theme. You certainly have to have light-sabers. You can DIY them with pool noodles, or glow sticks. Serve Yoda Soda and Jabba-the-Hutt Dogs; lightsaber dipped pretzels; pass out Jedi Robes (cloth & twine); eat Stormtrooper marshmallow cupcakes and Edible Ewoks; or free Hans Solo from his jello mold.
#9. Princess: Another classic that still reigns the most popular of birthday themes—but is vague enough to go in a hundred directions–is the princess party. Whether the theme centers around one of the handful of Disney Princesses or just “princess” in general, little girls love to dress up & be treated like royalty on their birthday. A good place to start is all things pink-and-gold. Pass out plastic & rhinestone crowns to each guest or let them make their own. Provide a dress-up box with old bridesmaid and thrift store gowns, and even the table could get a tulle skirt of its own! And check out these lovely tulle-covered balloons…swoon!
Trend Alert: Emma Watson (of “Harry Potter’s” Hermione Granger fame) will be playing Belle in the remake of “Beauty & the Beast”, set to release in March 2017. Everyone is already excited and the original 1991 Disney classic is already trending as a princess theme. Here is a brilliant blog post with ideas on this theme. I love the plastic bottles over a faux rose for each plate setting. Send out your invites now asking folks to “Be Our Guest!”
#10. Ice-Cream Party: Who doesn’t love a good ice cream social?? And ice cream is only the base, really. There’s sprinkles, and crushed-up candy bars, whipped cream, chocolate syrup, caramel, fudge and fruit that can fuel their creative little minds! You still need to have cake with your ice cream—so check out this lovely idea! Here’s a beautiful tablescape for the ice cream buffet. It will be sticky and fun!
Other popular themes: Legos, Alice in Wonderland, Finding Nemo/Dori, Hungry Hungry Caterpillar, Minions, Monsters Inc., Fishing, Cats & Puppies, Airplane, Carnival, Minnie and Mickey, Harry Potter, Slumber Party, Nutcracker/Ballerina, Strawberry, Rainbow, Tinkerbell, Pink Flamingo, Pirates, Sharks, Owls, Garden Party. Check out our Birthday Board for details on all of these!
Don’t forget to load your birthday photos into your BabyPage book! These are some of the most memorable moments of your child’s life, and they’ll love flipping back through their baby book to relive this amazing day. Time flies. Enjoy each moment.
