29 Entertaining Birthday Party Themes for Everyone in 2024
When it’s your turn to plan a celebration, you might have a hard time choosing just one of these amazing birthday party themes. Your loved one is worth the extra effort that a theme party idea requires; not just a reservation at a restaurant or a bouquet of balloons.
Decorating the space is just the beginning for throwing the party of the year. From on-theme desserts to perfectly picked arrangements and maybe even goodie bags, there’s no reason birthday party themes should only belong to elementary schoolers.
If you’re new to planning parties, there’s a few things to consider to set you up for success. Even if you’re just hosting friends or family, you’ll want to send out invitations in advance, plan for the right amount of food and ensure you have enough time to decorate and cook (or call a caterer). HGTV has tips and timelines to make sure your party goes off without a hitch.
Think about which birthday party themes best embody your friend (or yourself) and enjoy the party planning process. While it can take a good amount of time and effort (and sometimes money), there’s a great sense of accomplishment and joy in successfully throwing a themed event.
Jump to Section
- Birthday Party Themes for Adults
- Birthday Party Themes for Kids
- Birthday Party Themes for Girls & Women
- Birthday Party Themes for Boys & Men
- Trending Birthday Party Themes
Foodie Birthday Party Themes for Adults
1. DIY Wine Tasting
If a trip to Napa is out of the question, you can host your own wine tasting at home. This foodie birthday party theme for adults comes together in no time. Purchase plenty of clear plastic cups for your own wine flights, or create a fancier take and purchase smaller wine-tasting glasses. Or just use the ones you have in the cupboard.
Offer up a gorgeous charcuterie platter and petit fours for snacking. Make sure to stock up on the birthday person’s favorite wines! Anything else to make the occasion special, like candles or fairy lights, make the ambiance magical. You could also celebrate the wine connoisseur by creating a blind tasting to see if they really know what they're talking about. Make it into a game and give the person who makes the most accurate guess (up to the year, vintage and even winemaker) a bottle of top-notch wine to take home.
2. Sushi
Gather friends for a delicious and refreshing foodie birthday party theme with an Asian touch. You can go two ways with this theme: offer up tray after tray of sushi, picked up from your favorite sushi spot, or you can set up a sushi-making station with bamboo rollers and a selection of pre-cut fish and veggies.
Food serves as the theme, meal and activity with this one. There are multiple sushi making classes too, where you can go to the venue, the chef can come to you or you can do it online.
3. Aprons Everywhere
This simple piece of kitchen equipment can be so nostalgic and beautiful all at once — and it also makes for a great photo opportunity. A unique birthday party theme for adults, aprons are as useful as they are pretty. For
many, aprons will remind them of their mothers or grandmothers. You can offer up a tray of pretty aprons as a gift to guests or encourage them to wear a special apron to the party. Many of the guests will have wonderful stories behind their aprons, so you can turn it into an activity where everyone goes around in a circle and tells their best apron story.
For other decor, lean on traditional kitchenware like mini rolling pins or decorative tea towels. You can also create a fun event by taking an in-person or online art class where you give everyone a blank apron to paint their own work of art on.
4. Fiesta
Bring a pop of color to your birthday party themes for adults withK a fiesta. Brightly colored balloons, your favorite Mexican food and maybe even some frozen margaritas will delight your guests.
Big bowls of salsa and guacamole along with nacho chips are the perfect fiesta snack. Don’t forget a fun pinata that can either function as a focal point or a party activity. Sombreros are optional but can double as festive decor.
5. Casino Night
Channel James Bond and Casino Royale for a cool birthday party theme for adults. Black and gold everything with hints of red velvet will set the tone. You can have a poker table and a cards table set up, plus throw in a few board games for good measure.
Make sure that everyone dresses for the occasion. Think lavish high-roller rather than Vegas tourist. Prepare some drinks or get everyone to take a virtual mixology class where all participants can make their own drinks — shaken, not stirred.
6. Spa Time
Book out a spa or plan a getaway weekend at an amazing hotel and spa for a relaxing and classy birthday party theme. To keep costs low, you can turn your home into a spa and offer face masks, spa water and take turns giving each other manicures.
This is a great birthday theme for all budgets and self-care is not only for women anymore and makes a great Galentine’s Day idea, too. But don't assume that men dislike spa days, they love them too! It’s not difficult to turn your home into a zen zone with robes, spa music and candles setting the mood.
7. Wellness Weekend
If you’re celebrating a big birthday or have a big budget, a wellness weekend is a great birthday party theme for adults. It can also be fun for a girls weekend idea.
You can find pre-planned wellness retreats near the beach, mountains or even out in the desert. Group yoga and meditation before time to journal and lots of fresh-pressed juices and healthy foods will have you feeling relaxed and invigorated at the same time. You can plan a wellness weekend that doesn’t require travel and at your own home with just a little forethought.
Birthday Party Themes for Kids
8. Get Artsy
Host your own artsy birthday party theme where kids and make arts and crafts which will keep them busy and focused for hours. Whether you like beading, quick-dry clay or watercolors, you can get enough art supplies for a crowd of kids at any craft store.
Set up a comfortable table where everyone can sip on sweet drinks, enjoy some snacks and share fun stories while expressing themselves with art.
9. World Traveler
Encourage your friends to think globally with this fun birthday party theme for kids. Decorate with antique trunks and a globe or two to get everyone thinking about travel.
Ask guests to show up dressed for their dream vacation, whether that’s hitting the slopes or trekking through the tropical rainforest. Or ask them to dress up in the cultural garb of the country they most want to visit. Offering a variety of international dishes and beverages for a new experience.
10. The Ultimate Bluey Birthday Party
There are so many character-themed birthday party ideas for kids and it can be difficult to pick one! Make your kid’s day extra special by throwing a Bluey birthday party!
This fun, creative and beloved series makes the kids go wild. You can get Bluey everything from the local party supply store or online. Create balloon bouquets, cakes, cupcakes and make everything dress in shades of blue or orange.
Of course, it doesn't have to be Bluey, you could go with whatever character your kid loves and is a la mode from Frozen to Pokemon to Mincraft!
11. Barbie
If you’ve ever wondered which theme is best for girls? Barbie is likely to be top of mind and for good reason. With the Barbie Movie still on everyone’s mind, this is both a trending and timeless birthday party theme for ladies.
Because Barbie is such a ubiquitous and beloved character, this theme is pretty easy to pull off, too, calling for pink everything. You can ask guests to dress up as their favorite version of Barbie to encourage participation. Even a Barbie cake isn’t just for young kids. If you’ve held onto Barbie memorabilia, make sure to display it on the buffet or cocktail tables.
And Barbie isn't just for girls anymore, bang out your best version of "I'm Just Ken" for all the boys to participate. Make sure to get create some gift baskets for both girls and boys.
12. Disco Party
Plan a fun disco theme party for kids and teens, complete with several disco balls and a strong playlist of old-school 80s jams. Whether at a venue or in your home, your kids will get up and groove, dancing the day away while eating all the candies.
When you're a kid, there's nothing more invigorating than dimming the lights and letting yourself go to the flow of the music. Make it even better by having a game of Musical Chairs or the Freeze Game. You'll probably see all the parents rocking out too to their favorite disco tunes.
13. Movie Night
There’s something so comforting and nostalgic about going to the movies, and you can capture that with this birthday party theme for kids. Get the little ones away from their phones for a few hours to enjoy media the old-fashioned way — on a big screen.
Either go to the movies or if you’ve got a mini theater at home, that’s even better! You could also hire a projector and screen and create an outdoor theater in your garden.
Invite their friends to wear their pajamas and create a blanket fortress under the stars. Serve soda, plenty of popcorn and a selection of sweet and salty snacks to enjoy while you run a movie marathon of the birthday boy or girl’s favorite flicks. It could also be the perfect girl’s night idea for a group of little princesses.
Birthday Party Themes for Girls & Women
14. Rockin’ Rodeo
If you’re celebrating a horse girl or country music lover, you can’t forget about this birthday party theme for ladies. Lots of denim and classic red bandanas belong here, on your tabletops and as your party outfit.
You can repurpose cowboy boots or hats into cute floral vases with a quick trip to the craft store. Don’t forget the cow print balloons and maybe even a mechanical bull. Hay bales are great for creating seating for a group. And always make an effort to learn or teach everyone how to line dance.
15. Girls Game Night
Invite your friends to show up in their coziest outfits for a night of board games and fun with this birthday party theme for ladies. Set out plenty of blankets and maybe even offer slippers as a fun party favor.
Bring all your favorite board games and serve finger food for snacking while you race around the Monopoly ring or play a competitive game of Uno! Make it nostalgic if you're older or racy if you're younger by including a game of "Never have I ever."
16. Bohemian Chic
If you want to throw a feminine and fun party with a more casual spin, check out Boho birthday party themes for ladies. Think about flowy skirts and dresses and mixing and matching materials with your decor.
Big frilly feathers, lanterns and dream catchers look pretty on your tablescape, and offering poufs or pillows as seats is super on-theme. Recreate Woodstock 69 with a classic rock playlist and body painting.
17. Italian Lemon Grove
If you’re looking for a more grown up, beautiful birthday party theme for ladies then you should consider an Italian lemon grove. Classic blue and white table coverings make the perfect backdrop for lemon wedges and greenery to pop. Serve up a menu of traditional coastal Italian fare by making it yourself or hiring a private chef or caterer.
Better yet, gather all the participants and take an in-person or online cooking class together to create authentic Italian cuisine. The shared activity will bring everyone closer together and will make the person gal feel like a queen. Birthday Party Themes for Boys & Men
18. Kate Spade
This fashion designer is all about fun, flirty and feminine designs; perfect for channeling with your birthday party theme for ladies. A bold black and white stripe is mandatory, perhaps as the table runner?
Then make sure to add plenty of bows and bold pops of color, especially hot pink. If you’re working with a bigger budget, there are so many adorable trinkets to give your guests, maybe at their place setting?
19. Ladybug
Pick a color scheme and stick to it with this creative birthday party theme for ladies. Ladybugs are one of the cutest and least-threatening bugs out there. Some say that they even bring good luck.
Focus on lush floral arrangements and lots of polka dots everywhere you can. Red and black or red and white both work here. This cutesy theme is great for young girls or grown girls. Younger girls may even want to dress up as the characters from "Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir."
20. Parisian Patisserie
Channel the city of fashion and romance with this birthday party theme for ladies: Parisian chic or Parisian patisserie. Soft pastel hues and delicate finger foods, similar to a high tea party belong here.
Croissants and macarons can pair with coffee or mimosas for a brunch party, or a glass of wine in the evening. Offer a curated selection of meats and cheeses to snack on and maybe a miniature Eiffel Tower somewhere. And don't forget the berets.
21. Chanel
If there’s one name that’s synonymous with classy it’s Chanel. Plan a Chanel birthday party theme for ladies where everything is black and white and dripping with pearls.
Guests can wear their most Chanel-inspired look to the event. Consider some light French or high tea-style dining options; something that a lady would eat. You can even combine this birthday party theme with the Parisian patisserie theme.
Birthday Party Themes for Boys & Men
22. Classic Cookout
If you’re celebrating a summer birthday, a classic cookout is the ideal trending birthday party theme. Use the traditional red and white checkered tablecloths to showcase a spread of delicious campfire foods like s’mores, hot dogs and a platter of sweet summer watermelon.
Bring your grill or create a bonfire to slow-roast your delicious meal. Don't forget all the cutlery and crockery and remember to leave the area cleaner than it was when you arrived.
23. Luau
Transport your guests to Hawaii with a luau birthday party theme, something that's really trending at the moment. Each guest is welcomed with a floral lei or garland. Make sure to have plenty of real (or fake) palm trees for your decor.
Try your hand at classic Hawaiin luau staples like Molokai Sweet Potatoes, Huli Huli Chicken, Lomilomi, Hawaiian Poi and Kalua Pork — or just slow-cooked pulled pork on a spitroast if you can't cook it the traditional in-the-ground way.
Serve up lots of fresh, tropical fruits and maybe even a pitcher of Mai Tais — classic staples at any luau. Looking for a party activity? Consider making flower crowns with either fresh or faux blooms. Don’t forget to include plenty of filler greens, like monsterra or palm leaves.
24. Group Outdoor Activity
No one needs to offer up their home when your birthday buddy loves the outdoors. Plan a group hike or bike excursion for an easy and enjoyable outdoor birthday party theme. Each person can carry some of the supplies in their backpack.
Head out on your hike, then stop in the most stunning spot and set up shop for a special birthday picnic. And if your party team isn't big into active adventures, just meet up in the park, asking everyone to bring their own basket of goodies.
A big blanket and a few cushions for seating will go a long way. Make sure to pre-cut and chill your snacks like finger sandwiches, fruit salad, and cupcakes for easy on-the-go enjoyment.
Trending Birthday Party Themes
25. Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift has fans of all ages and backgrounds, so this birthday party theme works for everyone. Encourage guests to dress up as their favorite “era” of Taylor, and save your best playlist to set the mood!
Set up a station for guests to make beaded friendship bracelets (a great keepsake) and make sure the decor is sparkly and colorful. For the Swiftie in your friend group, you can’t do much better than a Taylor Swift themed party.
26. Masquerade
Set a moody, dramatic vibe with your masquerade birthday party theme. Deep hues of red and purple or even black with shiny gold accents will look stunning on your tablescape. Masks are mandatory, of course! Choose a venue with at least one massive and ornate chandelier if possible.
It might not be enough to just have a masquerade theme, so you can combine other themes or set a dress code with the masks.
27. Bridgerton And High Tea
If you remember having tea parties with your mother or grandmother as a child, you’ll understand why this trending birthday party theme is both classy and nostalgic. Dress in garden party chic attire and serve tea snacks like finger sandwiches and petit fours.
A set or two of fine china will bring out the classy mood. Make sure to have plenty of floral arrangements and twinkling tea lights to set the mood. For another great birthday party theme with a classy affair, make it a Bridgerton-themed party!
28. Pool Party
A day near the water sounds like heaven on a hot summer afternoon. Host a pool party with lots of colorful pool floaties for a cute and refreshing birthday theme party.
Serve your favorite summer refreshments like homemade popsicles and frozen drinks. If you have the budget to add on goodie bags, include items like cute sunglasses, mini sunscreen and maybe even a personalized beach towel for each guest.
29. Murder Mystery
If you’ve got friends with a flare for drama and performing arts, then murder mystery can be the perfect trendy birthday party theme. You can purchase online or in-person kits that give your guests an interactive adventure from the moment they walk through the door.
Encourage costumes and getting into character or hand out props and clothing after each person is given a character. Deck out the space in dark, moody tones and old-school touches like lanterns or candlesticks can double as props and help create ambiance.
You’re never too young or too old for a theme party. These birthday party themes for everyone are as diverse as your friend group and will please anyone from the high-class woman to the fashion-forward foodie.
What is the best theme for a birthday? The one that best embodies the guest of honor, of course! Having a theme in mind can guide you in every step of party planning from the menu to the decoration and the invitations. If you’re not sure where to begin, start by looking at invitations for inspiration and see where your mind takes you.
For even more fun birthday ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!
