Before you did in on last year’s trends, you might wanna check out what’s new — our 13 Kids’ Birthday Party Trends for 2021 article is live.
From the moment Kylie Jenner threw her daughter Stormi an out-of-this-world first birthday party, with dazzling rainbow décor and on-theme catering, we knew that 2019 was bound to be a year of birthday bliss. Luckily, 2020 promises to be just as sensational. For parents and hosts looking to plan an unforgettable kid’s birthday celebration (that is just as fun for adults, of course), we’ve got 10 birthday ideas for kids that are sure to be the top trends of 2020. The future never looked so bright.
1) Make a Grand Entrance
Face it, There is Nothing Like an Inflatable Likeness
Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott threw their daughter Stormi an epic first birthday party with a giant inflatable archway of Stormi’s face for an entranceway. Once inside, lucky guests walked through a “storm” of iridescent streamers and fluffy-cloud installations.
photographer: John & Joseph Photography Inc. | planner: Mindy Weiss Party Consultants | décor: Revelry Event Designers | venue: LA warehouse | dessert: Julie Simon Cakes
Custom Cardboard Cutouts
This first birthday party beckoned guests with a custom unicorn arch and whimsical balloon installation. Even the family pup dressed up as a unicorn for this magical first birthday party.
photographer: Laura Volpacchio Photography | planner & décor: B Floral Event Design and Production | venue: private residence | rentals: | Taylor Creative Inc. and NY Tent | entertainment: Jump and Jam Long Island Inc. and Jam with Jamie | staffing: Eye For It All Events | catering: Sweet Dreams Brigadiro, Hampton’s Aristocrat, and Rolling in Dough Pizza Truck | dessert: Cade’s Cake,
An In-Person Welcome
A “real life” fairy princess greeted guests attending this storybook-themed first birthday party. A giant storybook backdrop gave guests an opportunity to pose for pictures before heading indoors to celebrate.
photographer: Infinite Creations | planner: Design Plan Play | décor: Bambini Soiree and Prestige Petals by Nick | venue: private residence | rental: Fiesta Depot and Two Little Pixies | invitations & print: Barra Design | entertainment: Lovely Locks by Michelle, Fairytale Favorites, and Circ X | dessert: O Pops By Angie and Cakes by RC
2) Everything Old is New Again
Chugga-Chugga Choo-Choo
Forget Uber or Lyft, and indulge in the nostalgia of the classic Choo-Choo train. This train-themed birthday party boasted a conductor, concession stand, and baggage claim — not to mention railroad-themed décor.
photographer: Gia Canali | planner: Bob Gail Events | décor: Bonjour Fete and White Lilac, Inc. | venue: Hillcrest Country Club | rental: Bright Event Rentals and Main Event Props | linen: La Tavola Fine Linen | invitations & print: Lehr & Black | dessert: The Butter End Cakery
Old Macdonald had a Farm
With a barn-door installation, hay bales, and animal-shaped treats, this birthday party reminds us of our favorite farmer (and kiddo song). We especially love the wagon-shaped catering station and sunflower décor.
photographer: Kate Headley | planner: Evoke Design & Creative | décor: Sidra Forman, Flowers | décor & event production: BD3 Design | caterer: Occasions Caterers | dessert: Fluffy Thoughts
The Tale of Peter Rabbit
A good story lives on forever. This Peter-Rabbit-themed birthday brought the magic of the original books alive with carrot-printed tablecloths, wheelbarrow-flower installations, and gorgeous Peter Rabbit renditions — like on this charming invitation.
photographer: Bamber Photography | planner: The Social Office | décor: The Clay Pot | venue: | rental: Please Be Seated and Chattanooga Tent Company | Linen: Graceful Tables | Invitations & Print: Nico and Lala | catering: Lee Towery Catering | dessert: Dessert Designs
Star Light, Lite Brite
This carnival-themed birthday party took us back in time with a giant Lite Brite backdrop. Not only did it give us nostalgia for the 80s, it acted as the perfect signage to honor the birthday girl.
photographer: Christy & Co Photography | event planner: One Inspired Party | décor: Bambini Soiree | rental: Nicks & May | catering: Kona Ice | dessert: Earth and Sugar
3) Tie in Tech
#welovehashtags
The perfect birthday party deserves the perfect hashtag. We love how these #partyfavors reminded guests to easily share their photos with the birthday host post-celebration.
photographer: Christy & Co. Photography | planner: One Inspired Party | décor: Gilded Group Décor, Bambini Soiree and Nicks and May | dessert: O Pops By Angie and Cakes by Rc
4) Embrace Viral Sensations
Baby Shark Doo Doo Doo Doo Doo
First spotted at Stormi Webster’s first birthday party, references to the song “Baby Shark” are taking over birthday parties across the country — and we couldn’t be happier. This birthday party captured the viral sensation with fabulous signage, décor, and more.
planner: Design Plan Play | rental: Bambini Soiree | specialty packaging: Galletitas and Packaging | dessert: O Pops By Angie and Elegant Temptations Bakery
JoJo Siwa
Youtube sensation JoJo Siwa and her iconic, colorful ribbons are influencing party décor around the country. Without a doubt, these multi-colored curtains and balloons remind us of her signature style.
photographer: Visuals by Arpi | planner: Sonia Sharma Events | décor: Balloonzilla
Slime-Time of Your Life
Homemade slime recipes are all the rage. This colorful birthday party wowed guests with a slime-making station and on-theme signage.
planner: Lili Marie Parties | catering: Blue Plate Catering | linen: BBJ Linen | entertainment: DJGlenn David Productions | dessert: Alliance Bakery and Dipsy Desserts
5) Design for Bohemian Babies
Flower Power
For iconic bohemian style, look to the 60s and 70s. This vibrant birthday perfectly captures the bohemian spirit with a peace-sign backdrop, dreamcatcher décor, and flower-power-themed dessert.
photographer: Christy and Co. Photography | planner: One Inspired Party | décor: Bambini Soiree | venue: | dessert: O Pops By Angie and 3 Men and a Lil Lady Sweets and Cakes By R.C. | party favors: Nicks and May
Teepee-Lounge Areas
Everywhere we go, from wedding celebrations to birthday parties, we are thrilled to see more and more chic lounge areas. This bohemian birthday celebration set the scene with chic teepees, giving guests the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the summer weather.
photographer: Audra Wrisley Photography | planner: CG & Co Events | décor: All About Balloons and The Little Garden Spot | rental: Party Rental Ltd. and Event Revolution | invitations and print: Saima Says Design | caterer: Spilled Milk Catering | dessert: Sugar Studio and Buttercream Bakeshop and Something Vintage | animals: Squeals on Wheels
Macramé Wall Art
Nothing says bohemian-chic like macramé textiles. This boho first birthday party opted for on-theme signage with a gorgeous macramé tapestry.
photographer: Roger Arguello Photos | planner: Valash Events | décor: Bambini Soiree and Ever After Florists | invitations & print: Lexi Kay Paperie
6) Make Healthy Food Fun
A Day at the Farmer’s Market
Guests enjoyed the charm of a local farmer’s market at this outdoor birthday party. The fresh-fruit stand and delicious lunch were as healthy as they were beautiful.
photographer: Gloria Mesa Photography | planner: Kimberly Bailey | décor: The Hidden Garden | venue: | rental: Premiere Party Rents | catering: Kimberly Bailey | dessert: The Butter End Cakery
On-Theme Veggie Cups
This fifth birthday party did not hesitate when it came to matching a perfect theme (LOL Dolls) with healthy catering. In addition to these colorful veggie-garden cups, guests enjoyed fruit kabobs and bagel sandwiches.
photographer: Cattura Weddings | planner: Detaljer Events | décor: League of Luxe | venue: Pinnacle Buillding | caterer: Truffleberry Market | dessert: Amy Beck Cake Design
Kid’s Charcuterie
Who says charcuterie is an adults-only treat? This first birthday party offered kids the perfect “finger food” with a gorgeous display of fruits, veggies, and more.
photographer: Kristen Dee Photography | planner: Silver Lining Events + Co. | décor: EZ Party Time
7) Get Mobile with Food Trucks
Keep it Local and Seasonal
This Coachella-themed birthday party kept guests in the music-festival spirit with a stylish food truck. Guests enjoyed the fresh, local cuisine in the comfort of a teepee lounge area — complete with shag rugs and pillow poufs.
planner: Queen of Hearts Production | venue: private residence: catering: Curbside Gourmet | dessert: Sweet Susy
Keep Your Options Open
This outdoor-birthday celebration gave guests more than one opportunity to enjoy delicious cuisine. MS. CHEEZIOUS and HipPops offered different, but equally delicious, food-on-the-go, proving that sometimes “two is better than one.”
photographer: Christian Arevalo Photography | planner: One Inspired Party | décor: Bambini Soiree | party favors: Nicks & May | catering: MS. CHEEZIOUS and HipPops | dessert: O Pops By Angie, Cakes by R.C., Sweet Brantley Cakes, and Oh My Sweetness
Ice Ice Baby
This food truck serving flavored ice perfected the carnival theme at this lively birthday party. We especially loved the Ferris wheel backdrop complete with candy benches.
photographer: Christy & Co Photography | event planner: One Inspired Party | décor: Bambini Soiree | rental: Nicks & May | catering: Kona Ice | dessert: Earth and Sugar
We All Scream for Ice Cream
We love how food truck catering consultants Trucked Up Catering makes finding, booking, and coordinating the best food trucks for your celebration a piece of cake (or in this case, ice cream). From planning specialized menus to contract negotiations, Trucked Up Catering has everything covered.
photo: courtesy of Trucked Up Catering | caterer: Trucked Up Catering
8) Reinvent the Wheel — Dessert-Style
Pretty in Pink
Keeping in spirit with its floral-market theme, this kid’s birthday party opted for a cake cart adorned with colorful blooms and other delicious desserts. Nearby flower carts were decorated in an array of pom-poms for additional rosy cheer.
photographer: Christy and Co Photo | planner: One Inspired Party | décor: Gilded Group Décor and Bambini Soiree | rental: Bambini Soiree
To the Filigree Degree
This Elena-of-Avalor-themed birthday party took their dessert station to the next level with a colorful backdrop and gold-filigree design. We love how the red-and-blue dessert station perfectly matched the banquet chairs and luxurious lounge area.
photographer: Unique Design Studios | planner: One Inspired Party | décor: Bambini Soiree | venue: private residence | stationary: Nicks and May | dessert: O Pops By Angie, 3 Men and a Lil Lady Sweet Treats, and Cakes By RC
Gung-ho for Geometry
Colorful food trays and suspended geometrical origami popped against this all-white catering cart. We love how the paper diamonds matched the ceiling installation and custom-designed accent wall for a bright and playful aesthetic.
Photographer: Modern Image By Candy | planner: One Inspired Party | décor: Bambini Soiree | venue: private residence | dessert: O Pops By Angie, You Can Call Me Sweetie, My Sweet Merengues, Cakes By RC, and Sweet Brantley Cakes
9) Lay Out Lavish Lounge Areas
Once Upon a Time
This Shrek-themed birthday party dazzled guests with a lavish (and on-theme) lounge area, decorated with castle-shaped tents and colorful flag décor. We also love how the mirrored tabletops reflected the surrounding colors for a dazzling effect.
photograph: courtesy of Sonia Sharma Events | planner: Sonia Sharma Events | décor: Revelry Event Designers and Empty Vase | rental: Classic Event & Tent Rentals | lighting: Images By Lighting | entertainment: Milestone Production Inc | videographer: Impressive Creations
Curiouser and Curiouser
Guests went “down the rabbit hole” in full comfort at this “Alice in Wonderland” birthday party. The giant lamps thoroughly reflected the world of a tiny Alice — and the child at heart.
photograph: courtesy of Sonia Sharma Events | planner: Sonia Sharma Events | décor: Revelry Event Designers and Empty Vase | venue: private residence | rental: Classic Event & Tent Rentals | lighting: Images By Lighting | entertainment: Milestone Production Inc | videographer: Impressive Creations
Custom-Designed Throw Pillows
“Ooh la la” is right. These colorful throw pillows, along with a faux-grass carpet, were just a few of the fun elements on display at this Miami birthday party. We also adore the delicious sushi station, abstract centerpieces, and extravagant balloon installation.
photographer: Unique Design Studios | planner: Monica Pardo Events | décor: Gilded Group Décor | venue: Pérez Art Museum Miami | caterer: Constellation Culinary Group
Kiddy Lounge
One-year-olds notoriously need lots of rest. With that in mind, we loved this kid-friendly lounge area. The mushroom stools and flower pillows, along with other whimsical décor, made us believe in magic all over again.
photographer: Christy & Co. Photography | planner: Jackie Ohh Events | décor: Gilded Group Décor and Bambini Soiree | venue: PENTHOUSE at Riverside Wharf | caterer: Chef Brian Aaron | dessert: Elegant Temptations Cakes and Ohh My Sweetness | craft stations: Sew Sweet Crafts
10) Choose Favors that Keep the Theme Going
The Monster Mash
Everything, from personalized party-favors to custom-made invitations, were designed by artist Ceci New York, proving that one-of-a-kind (and themed) art can transform a celebration. With a monster crafting station, kids also got the chance to be artists.
photographer: Kristi Drago-Price | invitations & print: Ceci New York | dessert: Confetti Cakes
Time Flies
This “Time Flies” birthday bash kept everything on-theme with inflight meals, aircraft toothpicks, and a baggage-claim station. Kids got to “find” their luggage and take home a suitcase of their very own.
photographer: Bashful Captures | planner: Twenty Three Layers
Up, Up and Away
Hot air balloons were everywhere at this first birthday party. In addition to on-theme centerpieces and a colorful backdrop, these creative party favors gave guests a chance to experience the magic of a ride through the clouds.
photographer: Montenegro Photography | planner: Events By Khadejah | venue: Leonards | linen: The Finishing Touch | dessert: Cake works Studio and The Sweet Peace of Lynbrook