As another birthday rolls around, it’s time to think outside the box of package party decorations and tired themes. Inspire your guest of honor and guests with a cool birthday party that offers something different and special. A creative theme, fun location and cool party games and activities will make this year’s birthday party an event to remember.
Types
All types of cool birthday party themes are possible. Simple but fun party for preschoolers, such as a beach luau, an outer space voyage, a pirate adventure or a forest fairy fete, inspire the imagination. Older children and tweens enjoy a backyard camp out, complete with a fire and s’mores, a swimming event with a water balloon fight, a craft session making simple projects, or a cooking theme with delicious but messy recipes. Teenagers appreciate themes such as a murder mystery dinner, a glow-in-the-dark dance club, a slumber party, a homemade spa night, a session of laser tag or a rock-and-roll party with a battle of the bands.
Features
Make a birthday party an event to remember with distinctive adaptations of classic features. Handmade party decorations might include tissue paper roses, a photo collage poster of the guest of honor through the ages or a giant wrapped box holding smaller boxes of presents. Make a party menu fun by having children build towers of cookies and whipped cream, top their own miniature English muffin pizzas and decorate birthday cupcakes. If you go with a birthday cake, bake a treasure inside.
Considerations
Cool party games make or break the event. Set up a video camera for a video scavenger hunt or host a backyard carnival with games and prizes at every table. Older children enjoy a karaoke party or a double feature with popcorn and an Academy Award ceremony at the end. Do experiments for a Mad Scientist Party or make potions for a Harry Potter-related birthday theme. Simple games, such as pillow fights, hula hooping, building sand castles or doing makeovers, are perennial favorites.
Benefits
Cool birthday parties make for great memories. Set up a photo shoot at the front door, frame it with lights and decorations, and snap a shot of guests as they enter. Film children playing a game, dancing or singing and email the movie to every guest later. Have friends and family sign a large group card or a page in a scrapbook, sharing a favorite memory or funny moment, regarding the guest of honor.
Warning
Too much of a cool thing can get overstimulating. Vary activities between active and quiet games, structured and unstructured play. If you have a water balloon fight, for example, children will enjoy drying off in the sun as they eat Popsicles or watch a performance. Wind down a party with a mellow activity, such as playing board games, playing cards or drawing.
Photo Credit
- cupcakes image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
