16 Adorable Decorations for Kids Birthday Parties
Updated: Feb. 02, 2021Throw the cutest birthday bash with a few of these kids' birthday party decorations. You'll find decoration ideas for a range of party themes like unicorn, dinosaur, Dr. Seuss and much more.
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Personalized Paper Straws
Even small details can make a big impact, and these 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 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. Mix in a few straws with stick-on numbers and display them in a jar on your drink table. Kids young and old will love these fruity party punch recipes.
Puppy & Kitten Backdrop
If your little one loves to cuddle with their pet, there’s no better theme than a kitten and puppy party. This adorable backdrop by Emily Entertains 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 doggie bowls, matching place cards and a stuffed animal or two. Stuck on what to serve? Here are some kids birthday party food ideas that even picky eaters will love.
Dinosaur Balloons
Turning your home into (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. Hang them from string or let them float around the room like a grazing dino. Get more ideas for a roaring dinosaur birthday party.
Birthday Milestone Poster
Have your guests learn about your little one’s accomplishments and favorite things with a milestone poster from Little Prints Parties. 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 unicorn or 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.
For the straw, simply roll a piece of silver or gold glitter scrapbook paper, leaving a hole at the top, and secure it with tape or hot glue. Thread the horn through a paper straw and add to a cup. Take a look at more magical ideas for a unicorn-themed birthday party.
Party Animal Kit
Get everything you need for a zoo or wild animal birthday party with this decoration kit from Glamfetti Co. This all-in-one kit comes with a balloon garland, “party animal” gold letter balloons, rainbow tissue tassels, tissue confetti, glitter cake toppers and polka dot mini party hats for the easiest party set up you’ve ever had. If you don’t need the whole kit, Glamfetti Co also offers each item for sale individually. 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. These kid-friendly finger foods will replenish their energy without forcing them to slow down. Check out our step-by-step guide for throwing a superhero birthday party.
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. Merri Making Misses put together this whimsical Alice in Wonderland banner that drapes across a highchair table (there are two sizes available to fit your chair). 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 Balloon Weights
Kick standard balloon weights to the side and put together these easy-peasy Lego 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.
Mickey Mouse Table Decorating Kit
This sweet first birthday decorating kit from Party City comes with one large Mickey Mouse stand, two smaller mouse ears stands and a 20-piece confetti pack. Use the stands as centerpieces on tables, to fill out a beverage table or around a photo booth, and scatter the confetti where little hands can’t reach. These Mickey decorations will pair well with these Minnie Mouse-shaped party foods.
Race Car Cupcake Toppers
Yes, cupcakes need decorations, too! These racing cupcake toppers from 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, which are customized to the kiddo’s age. Stick the toppers in some fluffy homemade cupcakes and they’ll zoom off your dessert table in a flash.
Dr. Seuss Paper Goods
Don’t forget to decorate your place setting! In addition to these festive Dr. Seuss plates, napkins and cups from Party City, Laura Aguirre of Laura’s Little Party gave each setting a Seuss-ified placemat, striped straw and book. Placed over a polka dot table cloth, the overall look of Laura’s party is just as wonderfully wacky as the pages in a Seuss book. Get even more ideas for a Dr. Seuss party at LaurasLittleParty.com.
DIY Paper Flower Kit
Whether you’re throwing a Moana, tropical or pool party birthday, these paper flowers are a must. Big, bright and bold, the kit comes with everything you need to assemble the flowers, leaves and vines, or they can be bought already assembled. Use the flowers, which come in quantities of 1-5, 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. Little Orchard Craft’s set is made of glossy or metallic paper so the planets and ships will catch the light as they twirl above your guests. If you’re throwing an out of this world party, you have to make these friendly alien cupcakes.
Paint Splats
Fill your walls with paint splats without all the mess, thanks to Emily Entertains. 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 paint brushes, paint cans and vibrant recipes for a colorful celebration.
Under the Sea Balloon Banner
Switch up how you display balloons with this creative kit from Kitchen Door. This balloon banner kit comes with a 5 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.
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