DIY Themed Parties for Kids
Planning a birthday party can be fun. If you are a serious party planner, every party needs a theme and decorations. You can find ideas on Pinterest, online, or be creative. In this article, we will explore do-it-yourself (DIY) birthday party ideas for kids and birthday decoration ideas.
DIY Birthday Party Ideas
Kids need a theme for their birthday party. It could be a specific cake or you could go all out with decorations too! Every kid is different and into different activities such as art, science, dogs, or sports to name a few. There are several themes to consider.
Party animal theme
An animal-themed party may suit a younger crowd but could be fun for all ages. An animal party can have more simple decorations. If you have the time, you could spray paint plastic animals in bright colors to be the centerpiece of the table. For party favors, you could hand out rubber duckies and party hats.
Pancake party
A breakfast birthday party is simple and inexpensive. Making pancakes and donuts for breakfast can be fun for everyone. Host your party at a local event center, breakfast joint, or playground for a built-in activity.
Rainbow party
A rainbow theme makes for a colorful and easy party. You could have a rainbow piñata or coloring sheets and paint for younger kids.
Pizza party
Pizza, pizza! Everyone loves pizza. Food is usually included in a party. The theme and activity could be baking your own homemade pizza. Provide the favorite toppings, and dough and go to town. Have each kid make their own mini pizza. Instead of party hats, the kids could all wear chef’s hats.
Tie-dye party
Depending on the age of the kids, a tie-dye party could be entertaining. If you choose to tie dye with younger kids, you will want some older helpers. A tie-dyed shirt makes for a great party favor.
LEGO party
LEGOs are classic. This party theme has a built-in activity. Playing with LEGOs is entertaining for everyone. You could make LEGO-looking snack bags or add LEGOs as a cake topper.
Camping party
If you cannot go on a camping trip, bring the camping trip to you. Set up tents in your backyard. Play camp games, make s’mores, and go on a nature hike. Be creative and enjoy your outdoor adventure!
Ice cream social
If you have a summer birthday, why not host an ice cream social? There are a lot of DIY options that everyone can get on board with. Instead of a cake, you can set up an ice cream bar with all the yummy toppings.
Nerf war party
Another outdoor party idea is having a Nerf war. This is a great activity for really active kids. Any kind of blaster or super soaker will work. Set up boxes, tires, and a picnic table on its side in a spacious yard. You are all set to begin a Nerf war.
Movie party
A good summer DIY birthday idea is a movie on the lawn. Put up a white sheet and get a projector to play a movie on the “big screen.” You can also provide all the best movie snacks such as birthday popcorn and a variety of candy.
Birthday Decoration Ideas
Once you have decided on a theme, it is time to get decorating! You can make your own birthday decorations or find many things on Amazon. Pinterest is full of creative ideas.
Wooden birthday banner
Instead of buying a birthday banner, make your own. You can make a unique banner using twine, acrylic paint, and thin wood slabs.
DIY birthday balloon wreath
Balloons have become quite a popular decoration. Make a birthday balloon wreath. First, gather a foam wreath, one hundred fifty balloons of various sizes and colors, a fishing line, and a party hat. Bunch up three inflated balloons, facing in different directions, then place a straight pin through the tied end and push into the wreath. Repeat, packing balloons tightly until the form is fully covered. Attach the fishing line to the inside of the party hat and tie it around the wreath.
Balloon arch
Balloon arches are an essential birthday party decoration. It may seem complicated but it is not as difficult as you think.
Begin by using an electric balloon pump to blow up your balloons and tie the bottom closed. Next, slip the knot of a regular-sized balloon through one of the holes in the decorating strip. Skip a few holes and place another balloon into the strip facing the opposite direction. Keep alternating balloon colors and sides until you have a balloon strip as long as you want your arch to be. You can add a few more balloons into some of the holes you skipped if it looks too skimpy, but make sure to leave some room to add the small balloons later. Once you have your main balloons attached, cut the balloon decorating strip just past where the balloons end on either side and tie a piece of balloon ribbon or twine onto each end. Tie those strings onto the piece of furniture you want the arch to go over. Use your glue dots to stick the mini balloons into the gaps and crevices until you have an arch that is completely filled in.
Cupcake stand
You need a way to display your cupcake dessert. A homemade cupcake stand is the way to go. First, assemble the cupcake stand according to the directions on the packaging. Second, add labels starting under the “tabs” on each tier. Third, overlap the labels enough to hide the scalloped edge on each tier. Fourth, wrap the baker's twine around the tier just at the top of the labels. Fifth, use a hot glue to secure the baker’s twine on the first wrapping only. Lastly, tie a bow in the twine on the front of your stand.
Finally, birthday parties for kids do not have to be complicated. Be creative with your theme and make it unique. Enjoy making DIY decorations in preparation for that special birthday.