16 Adorable Kids Birthday Party Ideas and Decorations
Updated: Dec. 09, 2021Throw the cutest birthday bash with a few of these kids birthday party ideas. You'll find decorations for a range of party themes to suit every little one's preferences.
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Personalized Paper Straws
Even small details can make a big impact when it comes to kids birthday party ideas, and these customized paper straws put together by our Taste of Home set stylists prove it. To make them, simply print out a few photos of the birthday boy or girl—they can all be the same picture or different ones—leaving a bit of room around the face. Punch a hole in the top and bottom of the cutout, then thread a paper straw through the holes. They’re some of the cutest add-ons to kids birthday party food ideas and make a big photo-worthy impact.
Of course, if you don’t want to make them at home you can order these pre-made custom face straws by the dozen.
Puppy & Kitten Backdrop
If your little one loves to cuddle with their pet, few kids birthday party ideas are better than a kitten and puppy theme. This adorable backdrop by Emily Entertains on Etsy can be used behind a dessert or snack table and makes for the perfect photo opportunity. Fill the table out with some homemade treats served in small dog bowls, matching place cards and a stuffed animal or two.
Stuck on what activities to choose? Here are some party games for kids that are sure to bring out ear-to-ear smiles.
Dinosaur Balloons
Turning your home into a (much safer) Jurassic Park is easier than you might think. For a dinosaur-themed birthday party, these upgraded balloons are just the ticket. Our set stylists made them by cutting out the heads, legs, tails and spikes of popular dinosaurs (you can find a ton of free templates online), pasting on a couple of googly eyes and taping them to blown up balloons.
For a truly roaring dinosaur birthday party, mix the DIY dinos with these giant inflatable self-standing dino balloons. Since they’re made of aluminum foil, they’ll last longer than the average balloon, and they come in a pack of four fearsome creatures.
Birthday Milestone Poster
Have your guests learn about your little one’s accomplishments and favorite things with a milestone poster from Little Prints Parties on Etsy. The poster download is fully editable, so you can customize the name, date, birthday and so on, then have it printed at a local print shop.
The cozy design of this poster goes well with a s’mores, camping, lumberjack or outdoors-themed bash. Just whip up any of these s’mores inspired recipes and your party will be good to go.
Unicorn Party Cups
Fit for a princess party, these magical unicorn paper cups made by our set stylists are too cute. To make them, gather a few long ribbons, fold them in half and knot the ribbons together. Tie another ribbon in a bow around the tail, then hot glue it to a paper cup with an eye drawn on it in marker. The cups are also an excellent idea for a unicorn-themed birthday party.
Pressed for time? You can nab gorgeous pre-made birthday party decorations like this affordable set of 163 unicorn-adorned party pieces. It includes everything you need for a party of up to 16 guests, including balloons, plates, a birthday sash and a photo backdrop.
Camping Party in a Box
Get everything you need for a camping-themed party with this decoration kit from Lucy Darling. This RV-life party in a box makes it super easy to decorate, even if you’re stuck inside for the winter. It’s brimming with enough dinner plates, dessert plates, cups, napkins, cupcake wrappers and more for up to 16 party guests.
Each piece is adorably designed to match the included banner and six-piece cake topper, and make an especially fun element for travel enthusiasts of all ages and stages. If you’re wondering how to throw a surprise birthday party on the go, this is definitely one of the best ideas out there. Your kiddo will flip if you make a few of these animal-shaped treats, too!
Comic Book Hero Balloons
Have superheroes keep a watchful eye over your child’s birthday party with these revamped balloons. You can put them together by cutting superhero masks (here are some free templates) out of construction paper. Then tape the cutouts to blown-up balloons and use a marker to fill out any additional details. Tie the ends with some string and set the balloons around your party room. Your little heroes are sure to work up an appetite while playing.
Mix your DIY creations up with these superhero-focused party decorations for an especially mighty look. It comes with 66 pieces(!) including balloons for each of their favorite heroes. And no superhero birthday party is complete without some kid-friendly finger foods to replenish their energy without forcing them to slow down.
Alice in Wonderland Highchair Banner
If you’re having a smash cake for your little one’s first birthday, dress their highchair up with a banner. Etsy shop Merri Making Misses put together this whimsical Alice in Wonderland banner that drapes across a highchair table, with two sizes available.
After the cake has been thoroughly smashed, string the banner at the top of your photo booth backdrop or across your beverage or snack table. Check out more fun ideas for a first birthday party (including additional decor ideas for an Alice in One-derland gathering).
LEGO-Style Balloon Weights
When you’re in need of incredibly easy (and inexpensive) kids birthday party ideas, look no further than a classic LEGO party. These easy-peasy LEGO-inspired weights are so much better than traditional balloon weights. Delia of Delia Creates made these LEGO weights for her son’s birthday party a few years back by filling a glass Mason jar with large LEGO pieces and tying balloon strings just below the jar’s mouth.
You can use your own LEGO pieces or buy an inexpensive pack of “building briks” to replenish your stash for this easy-to-master theme.
A Royal Crown
This sweet pom-pom crown for the birthday king or queen is sure to be a hit year after year. It’s a charming addition to any royal-themed event and a photo-friendly way to make it clear just who the birthday child is in all their crowning glory.
Plus, it makes a fun addition to the dress-up box after the big day and doubles as a photo booth prop thanks to the shimmering gold glitter and golden thread detailing.
Race Car Cupcake Toppers
Yes, cupcakes need decorations, too! These racing cupcake toppers from Etsy shop Merri Making Misses are made of layered paper and lollipop-like sticks. The set of 12 toppers comes with four “Fuel Up” signs, race cars and flaming numbers. Plus, they can be customized with the kiddo’s age. Stick the toppers in some fluffy homemade cupcakes and they’ll zoom off your dessert table in a flash.
Rose Gold Birthday Party in a Box
If her whole world is painted with rosy shades including her school supplies and favorite outfits, she’ll love this 225-piece rose gold birthday decoration party-in-a-box set that’s ideal for every age. It’s brimming with party essentials like happy birthday banners, curtains, balloons and a sash and tiara set.
The set features enough serving supplies for 25 guests and even adorable cake toppers. All of the touches of metallic rose gold will tickle her heart pink!
DIY Paper Flower Kit
Whether you’re throwing a Moana-themed birthday party or a pool party, these paper flowers from Etsy’s Wish Upon a Flower shop are a must. Big, bright and bold, the kit comes with everything you need to assemble the flowers, leaves and vines. They can also be bought already assembled to save time.
Use the flowers, which come in quantities of one to five, to decorate tabletops, create an arch for a photo booth, or brighten up a bare wall. Follow this how-to guide for more ideas for a tropical birthday bash.
Space Party Hanging Decorations
Explore far-away galaxies with this set of hanging planets and rocket ships. Etsy shop Little Orchard Craft sells a set made of glossy or metallic paper, ensuring the shapes catch the light as they twirl above your guests.
If you’re throwing an out-of-this-world party, you have to serve up these friendly alien cupcakes.
Art Party Decorations
Fill your walls with paint splats without all the mess, thanks to Emily Entertains on Etsy. These downloadable paint splatters are perfect for a young artist’s birthday party and can be used all around the house.
Throw in a couple of paintbrushes, paint cans and vibrant rainbow recipes for a colorful celebration. Pair the theme with this tablecloth that encourages guests to create their own masterpiece.
Under the Sea Balloon Banner
Switch up how you display balloons with this creative kit from Etsy shop Kitchen Door. This balloon banner kit comes with a five-foot-long “Under the Sea” glitter banner, 24 multicolored balloons and a white fishnet to hold the balloons up. You can even customize the glitter banner to say whatever you’d like (up to 15 characters).
Take a look at these mermaid-inspired recipes that you’ll definitely want to serve at the party.
