Do you have a loved one’s birthday looming? If so, you might be the nominated one to plan a fun party for them!
However, putting together a worthy and appropriate do’ can be a daunting affair! So, what to do for that close coworker, a beloved parent, BFF, little girl or boy, or your significant other?
Here are some unique birthday party ideas to get you started. I’ve included a section each for babies, tots, kids, and the other beloved adults in your life.
In This Post:
- 1st Birthday Party Ideas for Babies
- Birthday Party Ideas for Tots (1-3 Years)
- Birthday Party Ideas for Kids (3-12 Years)
- Birthday Party Ideas for Teens (13-18 Years)
- Birthday Party Ideas for Your Partner
- Birthday Party Ideas for BFF’s
- Birthday Party Ideas for Coworkers
- Birthday Party Ideas for Parents & Grandparents
1st Birthday Party Ideas for Babies
One of the most significant birthdays we get to celebrate is undoubtedly the first one. Ironically, most of us don’t even have memories of this day ourselves!
However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t celebrate a baby’s first with a big bang! In fact, a first birthday is an excellent time to start off the celebration traditions and make some memories, too!
A Milestone Party
As a mom these days, I’m sure you’ve heard of a milestone blanket? It has cute illustrations and a calendar, and you place baby on it and take a photo of them at each age milestone.
Well, why not have a milestone party? Get guests to add a special message to a guest book, too, and fill the day with plenty of photo opportunities.
You can even hire a professional photographer to capture the special day! Afterward, create a photo album or custom photo book and make copies to distribute to close family.
A Smash Cake Birthday
Kiddies cakes are undoubtedly the centerpiece of every birthday party from age one! However, most kids never get close enough to the cake to touch it themselves.
Instead, they may get a taste or a sliver to poke and squish. Why not make the cake their birthday present at the birthday party with a smash cake?
Place baby and the cake outdoors on a stain or water-resistant cloth and let them smash the whole thing! You can also opt to make a healthy cake with oat flour, apple sauce, and yogurt.
An Instagram-Worthy Affair
Being their first birthday, you have all the excuse you need to go all out! If you’ve been dying to throw a do’ worthy of the envy of the whole neighborhood, do so!
The best part is that all the guests will enjoy the day equally as much as you and your baby. Go all out with picturesque party snacks, a slick theme and decor, and a coordinated dress code!
A Birthday Party at the Park
One of the best birthday party ideas is to host a party outdoors in a park! Babies love to be outside, seeing the sights, enjoying the fresh air, and, of course, the natural scenery.
If you have older kids at the party, they can tire themselves out on any play equipment on hand. Just make sure to dispose of any plastics, glass, or rubbish in the correct bins.
A Dress Up Party
Dressing up baby is so easy (and cute) at this age. As long as an outfit is comfy, they won’t protest – no, not even if you put them in a poop emoji costume!
So, why not celebrate this occasion with an adorable dress-up party? Older kids can join in the fun in their own costumes, too!
Set a theme – perhaps smart, mermaid-themed, mummies and monsters, or fairies and unicorns? And, don’t forget to take photos to whip out for future girlfriends or boyfriends!
Birthday Party Ideas for Tots (1-3 Years)
Tots are the best kind of people to throw a birthday party for! From the cake to the candles, the gifts to the snacks, they love it all!
However, these little critters can be a law unto themselves – so chaos is likely to ensue! With this in mind, here are some fun ideas of toddler-safe and easy parties to throw them!
A Trip to A Zoo, Animal Farm, or Aquarium
Connecting with and learning about the world around them is the ultimate activity for kids. As such, animals, be they domestic or exotic, are always of interest to curious young ones!
Taking tots to the local farm petting zoo, exotic zoo, or aquarium is an excellent way to celebrate a birthday. A trip to an animal sanctuary can also be an inspiring and educational event.
Just remember to select ethical establishments, donate if necessary, and encourage respectful behavior. A troupe of yelling kids tapping on cages and glass can stress animals out, after all!
A Backyard Party
Your backyard is one of the safest and easiest places to host a birthday party for your little one. You can keep an eye out on all the tots while they play safely within the confines of your garden.
Which activities are on offer, such as arts & crafts, bubbles (or even an entertainer) is entirely up to you?
You can even set up a water slide for hot summer days. A fun pop-up play tent set with a ball pit, such as the Playz 5-piece set, is also perfect!
A Story-Book Party
We all know how much kids love their favorite storybooks (and movies). If your kid has one they truly love, why not base their birthday party on it? It’s sure to bring a smile to their face!
You can have a book reading or movie showing. And, a themed cake, dress-up costumes, and activities based on the book or movie, of course!
A Superhero Birthday
Going along with the theme of favorite shows, perhaps your little one has a superhero they love? If so, an excellent idea is to base your kid’s birthday party on this character.
You can even get a set of superhero capes for the kiddies to wear and play fun party games. Girls need not be left out, either – after all, there are plenty of female superheroes, too!
An Outdoor Picnic
If you have limited indoor or backyard space, hosting a picnic party at a park is an excellent idea. Pack a picnic basket or bag with sandwiches, snacks, and healthy finger food to nibble on.
And, don’t forget your cake and candles! Be sure to keep an eye on those energetic tots, too. Invite all the parent’s along to keep an eye out!
Birthday Party Ideas for Kids (3-12 Years)
Are you wondering what kind of party to throw your kids? Well, the good news is that kids are a bit more aware, coordinated, and controlled at this age.
As such, you can let them loose on a few more activities, such as crafts, playsets, and advanced party games! With this in mind, here are my ultimate party ideas for kids!
A Kid-Friendly Restaurant Party
Many popular family-friendly restaurants take bookings for kids’ parties. These spots likely have a play area and a kiddie’s menu, too.
Depending on your cover numbers, they may even offer activities, a cake, and a discount, too. Just be sure to ask about options and book way in advance!
This type of party is an excellent choice if you don’t feel like doing the catering and cleaning. Just remember to tip the waitress, encourage the kids to be tidy, and not bring outside food.
A Themed Birthday Party
A themed party is undoubtedly one of the most popular party choices. However, that doesn’t mean the subject needs to be ordinary!
Choose a theme based on your kid’s current interests, and it will likely be a winner! Get guests to play dress-up, make a themed cake and snacks, and include themed activities.
A Scavenger Hunt Birthday Party
Easter egg hunts are a popular type of scavenger hunt that kids love. However, you need not be religious or have hosted one to throw a different scavenger hunt party!
Simply hide treasure, such as toys, sweets, snacks, and clues in your garden, and let the kids loose! Make sure none of them peep while you hide the treasure, though!
A Board Game Birthday Party
Board games such as Monopoly and Trekking the National Parks are a classic family activity. However, they also make for an excellent kid’s birthday party theme and activity!
Set up the game (or games) of choice and let all guests participate while others spectate! These top board games for kids are an excellent choice! You can even set up prizes for the winners!
An Arts & Crafts Party
Getting kids of this age involved in fun and creative activities is a wonderful idea. There are so many types of exciting arts and crafts to do, including painting, modeling, and kit creations!
Playdough play, pop-stick art, paper plate kits, clay creations, scratch art, and doodling are all fun, age-appropriate activities.
You can even upcycle some used household disposables, like toilet rolls, paper plates, fabric, and cardboard, into artwork!
A Cookie or Cupcake Decorating Party
Decorating food can be both a fun and yummy activity! After all, kids can eat their creations after they make them!
Make things easy by laying out undecorated cupcakes or cookies on paper plates. Set up a table with bowls of sprinkles and piping bags of icing nearby for the kids to choose from.
You can even buy a tub of pre-made vanilla icing to make things easy. Then divide it into bowls and color each with different tones of food coloring.
Birthday Party Ideas for Teens (13-18 Years)
Teens are undoubtedly one of the easiest yet most demanding to throw a birthday party for. At this age, a party isn’t just about yummy snacks and fun activities!
It’s also about hosting the coolest party for all their friends to attend! Many teens also prefer to have a separate party for just themselves and their group of friends.
As such, it’s a good idea to discuss their expectations and desires for the day beforehand. That way, you won’t step on those sensitive teenage toes!
An Activity-Based Party
Any fun and slightly risky activity is an excellent choice for a teen birthday party. These can include paintball, go-karting, surfing, sand-boarding, skiing, and so much more.
Just be sure to select a reputable location that makes sure to service their equipment regularly. Afterward, you can catch lunch or dinner together or have a laid back birthday meal at home.
A Party
At this age, children are a bit more independent and responsible (a bit)! As such, leaving them to party with friends is a great birthday party idea.
Set out the necessities, including a barbecue, music player, and food, and leave them to it! You can retreat to a peaceful part of the house and catch up on some me-time!
A Sleepover
Having friends sleepover is a fun activity for teens. Those teens who just want to celebrate with their nearest and dearest friends will appreciate a sleepover with them.
Arrange movies for the teens to watch, as well as a solid dinner and some midnight snacks. Then, leave them to talk, play, and engage in fun activities during the course of the night.
A Barbecue with Family
Besides a birthday party, you can also arrange a get-together for teens to celebrate with family. A barbecue at your home, a family member’s house, or a local barbecue-friendly park is ideal.
A Fun Weekend Away
If your kids are fans of the outdoors, there’s no better time to get away than on their birthday weekend! Pack up the car or caravan and head on over to the seaside, lake, or a national park.
Once there, you can engage in various fun outdoor activities, as well as light a few barbecues or campfires! Just be sure to follow the fire, conservation, and safety regulations for the area.
Birthday Party Ideas for Your Partner
As far as significant others go, you’re likely the number one person to throw a party for them! After all, who else knows them and their favorite way to celebrate better than you do?
Be it a surprise party or a planned affair plus a detailed program; there are plenty of options. Here are just a few of these fun birthday party ideas for them!
A Romantic Cooking Class
Make some memories while learning useful skills with a romantic cooking class or home cooking party! You might get a fancy meal cooked for you back home more often in return!
These days, there are so many class options, too, including chocolate-making and patisserie. You’re also free to choose an exotic cuisine-style, like Italian, Mexican, Thai, or Chinese!
A Weekend Getaway for Two
Celebrate in style by booking a relaxing getaway for two this year! But, don’t forget to pick a destination with facilities that suit your partner’s specific interests.
A Wine, Beer, or Spirits Tasting
Taking the night off to do wine, beer, or spirits tasting together or with friends or family is an excellent choice. Alternately, if they’re more of a foodie, you can opt for a food tour of a region!
An Experience Gift
Instead of throwing a costly party this year, why not give them an experience gift? You could book them a sky-dive, scuba dive, or another exciting experience, like swimming with dolphins.
A Swanky Restaurant Reservation
Is there a certain restaurant your significant other has been dying to go to? Why not surprise them with reservations this year? Just make sure to book well ahead to ensure you get a table!
Birthday Party Ideas for BFF’s
One thing is for sure, BFF’s know how to have a good time together! As such, each other’s birthday parties are some of the most anticipated occasions of the year.
These BFF-friendly birthday parties are a fun way to celebrate, bond, and/or let loose!
A High Tea at a Swanky Hotel
High tea is both a yummy and sophisticated way to celebrate a birthday! Get a few friends together and book a table at a swanky hotel or restaurant that offers one.
A Cocktail Party
An elegant cocktail party is a great way to relax, bond, and celebrate the birthday boy or girl in style. Of course, it’s also a great excuse to dust off those heels and get all dressed up!
A Spa Weekend
Pamper that special BFF with a special spa weekend away! You can indulge in massages, beauty treatments, spa treatments, and some soul-nourishing food together!
An Art Class
Artsy BFF’s will surely appreciate honing their creative skills. That’s why an art class – or even another type, like learning a musical instrument, makes for an excellent birthday activity!
An Escape Room Party
If you have a daredevil friend, an escape room is a unique and thrilling choice for a birthday party. In an escape room, you’ll have to work together to solve puzzles to escape the room!
You can see why this is a fun alternative to your standard birthday party! You can assemble your whole friend group to visit one and play together, too.
Birthday Party Ideas for Coworkers
If you work in a team, you likely have a few close coworkers with upcoming birthdays! Setting up a lovely do’ for them is a great way to show them you appreciate them.
These coworker-friendly birthday party ideas are both workplace-appropriate and fun!
Birthday Drinks
A classic way to celebrate a coworker’s birthday is with some casual birthday drinks. All your group from the office can join in.
If you or they aren’t drinkers, you can opt for coffee and cake, a high tea, or a smoothie date instead.
A Paintball Party
Meeting up to do a fun activity, such as paintball, can also be a fun alternative for action-seeking coworkers. The day will make for some interesting workplace conversations afterward, too!
An Office Party
An easy way to celebrate a coworker’s birthday – without making too much of a fuss, is with an office party. Everyone can group together to buy a cake for the whole office to enjoy on the day.
Team Lunch
A simple, laid-back team lunch is another way to celebrate a coworker’s birthday. Instead of simply grabbing a slice of cake, you all get to sit down together, chat, and say happy birthday!
A Virtual Birthday Party
If you and your team work virtually, setting up an in-person party may be awkward – or just plain impractical. After all, your coworkers may be on the opposite end of the earth!
So, opting for a virtual birthday party may be your best bet! There are even online companies offering virtual party organization services, such as Let’s Go!
Birthday Party Ideas for Parents & Grandparents
Celebrating those nearest and dearest, especially parents and grandparents, is all about family.
After all, without mom, dad, and the grandparents, you wouldn’t have a birthday to enjoy, would you now?!
These lovely parent and grandparent-friendly birthday party ideas are sure to make them feel duly appreciated!
A Family Get-Together
Bring all the family together to celebrate at the heart of your family – your home. Each family member can bring a signature dish or some snacks and drinks.
Don’t forget to delegate who makes or buys the birthday cake, though! Getting your kids involved with making a special cake is a lovely way to say happy birthday to grammy, too!
A Dinner Out
If you don’t feel like cooking for and tidying up after a party, go out to eat instead! After all, what better excuse do you need than a birthday to splurge on a visit to your favorite restaurant?
A Breakfast or Brunch Date
Do you want to spend a bit more one-on-one time with your parents or grandparents on their birthday? If so, opt for a nice brunch or lunch date at a scenic restaurant or cafe.
This is the perfect option if you, or they, have limited time in the evening to go to dinner. Or, if you have no space for a party at home, too.
A Family Weekend Away
If you have the budget, a lovely weekend away may be just the thing to celebrate grandparents and parent’s birthdays! You can book a local activity, like a spa treatment or fishing session, too.
A Trip to the Botanical Gardens
When I was young, we would always visit the local botanical gardens and their cafe with my grandparents. There, we’d enjoy delicious pancakes, ice-cream, and toasted sandwiches!
Taking a gentle stroll amongst all the lovely exotic plants and flowers is a delightful birthday activity! If the gardens have a cafe, don’t forget to stop by for some yummy lunch or brunch!
Conclusion:
Planning a birthday party isn’t always easy! Hopefully, this post has given you some birthday party ideas for that special birthday girl or boy!
Check out these other great posts!
10 of the Best Birthday Party Games for Kids
12 Fun Girls Birthday Party Ideas
50+ Very Funny Birthday Jokes to Make Everyone Laugh