Skip to main content

NewFolks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

5 unique birthday party ideas for kids

Birthdays are a time for kids to celebrate by playing with friends, enjoying games, opening up gifts, and eating cake, of course. But coming up with a fun and unique birthday party theme idea isn’t always easy, especially if they don’t have something specific they are into. These days, themes like unicorns, mermaids, dinosaurs, and video games are a dime a dozen. It can be tough to think outside of the box, but we’ve rounded up some wonderfully unique birthday party ideas that will definitely make for a party to remember.

Detective-themed

Is your kid a mystery master? Do they love cartoons with a little bit of a whodunit in them? If so, a detective-themed birthday party is a great option to consider. There are so many inventive things you can do with this theme. There are even chocolate detective mustaches so that everyone can pretend to be a detective! Come up with a small mystery to be solved or a fun scavenger hunt where the kids find a prize at the end of the hunt. You could have doughnuts as treats, some fun magnifying glass cake pops, and more. You can even create cute little detectives badges and put them in a badge holder for the kids to bring home.

Shiny Glitter
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Pop star-themed

Does your child listen to Taylor Swift or another pop start on repeat? A party where all the guests come over as their favorite pop star is such a fun and exciting idea. They can either choose to dress up before they get there, or you can have a box of fun accessories available so that they can “doll themselves up” before the party. Invites could even look like concert tickets. There are plenty of games that guests can play, some of which include singing karaoke, playing “guess that tune,” and so much more. Everyone can enjoy cake “pop” stars, and favors could include pretend microphones or rock and roll temporary tattoos. Let your imagination run with this one.

Recommended Videos

Crayon-themed

If your little one is obsessed with coloring, then a crayon-themed party is just the thing for their birthday. The best part about this party theme is that you can grab any kind of colors you like, although the primary colors work best. Activities could include coloring a picture that they can bring home, or creating a decorate your own cookie crayon station. You’ll need a crayon-shaped cookie cutter, some royal icing in different colors, and the kids can create their own masterpieces. For favors, you could send the kids home with a goodie bag filled with crayons of all kinds, and even these crayon bubbles that they’ll just love.

Cooking-themed

Do you have a little chef in the making that is always in the kitchen wondering what you are doing? A chef-themed birthday party would be an incredible homage to their cooking skills, and of course, becoming a year older. You can use your imagination and come up with a little meal that each of the children can make. It can be something as easy as making bagel pizzas and helping the kids place them in the oven to cook. Fun games could be “pin the topping on the pizza,” and the kids could enjoy cute cookies that are decorated like kitchen gadgets. Even the cake can look like a chef’s hat. You can have a lot of fun with this theme.

Bananas
Lari Fernandes/Shutterstock

Let’s go bananas-themed

Everyone’s favorite fruit doesn’t get enough love. How about a banana-themed birthday party, especially if your child is still little? There are so many things that you can do with this theme. Not only can you obviously buy bananas to serve as a snack for the kids, but you can keep the theme going with banana pudding, and even a banana cake. These adorable bendable bananas would make a great addition to any goodie bag. You could also include a cute miniature banana in each bag.

While there are plenty of popular birthday party themes, if your child is looking for something different than what is popular in the mainstream, be proud and let them. If they are still young and cannot really make a decision for themselves, this is a great opportunity for you to create the party of your child’s dreams. With these different party themes, you can throw a bash that everyone will remember for years to come.

Jennifer Passmore
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Jennifer has written two books on how to deal with living with chronic illness using the power of positivity. She has written…
Where to host your kid’s party: Tips for parents planning the perfect day
It's easy to plan a fun and affordable birthday party for your child
Birthday party balloons

Planning your child's birthday party is exciting but can also be stressful. Sometimes, finding your kid's party location can be affordable and fun, and there are venues that cater to kids. But trust us, it does not have to cost you a fortune! There are plenty of budget-friendly party places that you can find for your child's party. Keep reading to learn more on kid's party locations.
Consider their age

The biggest factor you want to consider is the age your child is turning. Are they young children? Chances are that if they are between the ages of 2 to 7, you can probably have their birthday party at a local park. Family and friends can gather around picnic tables, the kids will have an open area to play in, and it's a bonus if there is a playground at the park. The kids would love that! Most young children don't care where their party is being held -- they just want to have fun!
Number of guests

Read more
Best spring movies for kids to get ready for those longer days
Fun family movies to enjoy together during those April showers
Mom and kids enjoying a movie

Even if the groundhog predicted six more weeks of winter, when March roars in, you know that spring is just around the corner. Unfortunately, March weather doesn't always feel invitingly warm. It can actually be quite chilly and let's not talk about those crazy March snowstorms. So, if you're tired of fighting with the kiddos over wearing an actual coat, it might be time to thaw out with some kids' movies for spring.

Spring movies are perfect for those March days that are more lion like than lamb like, when the April showers start falling, and even when the May flowers are blooming. So, pop the popcorn, grab the snacks, and mark a spot on the couch to enjoy these family-friendly spring flicks that never disappoint.
Spring movies for kids

Read more
Best third birthday party ideas for an unforgettable celebration
Birthday party ideas to celebrate turning 3
Birthday cake with a number 3 candle on it

All birthdays are special when it comes to your kiddos, but 3 years old is a truly monumental birthday. You are ending the toddler phase with the third birthday, and that is certainly something to celebrate. Those terrible two are going bye-bye, and your toddler is about to become a preschooler. A 3-year-old birthday party is probably the first one your little guy or gal will be inviting some friends of their own.

Kiddos love birthday parties, especially when all the gifts have their names on them. Of course, you want to throw a party your child and his or her friends will totally enjoy without making you crazy. Don't start stressing already. There are lots of fun third birthday party ideas to make your little one's special day amazing while keeping your stress level to a minimum.
Third birthday party ideas: How to throw a stress-free and fun event

Read more