Disco dance parties, spa days, and personalized everything are just a few of the trends being predicted to be big on the kids’ birthday party scene in 2023. Keep reading to see what else you should plan on seeing everywhere this year!
Classic themes that will continue to be everywhere
It’s no surprise that classic party themes continue to delight kids. Unicorns (Danna Bananas has lots: a Unicorn Color Changing Light, a Color Changing Unicorn Mug, a Unicorn Shower Cap, a Unicorn Giant Eraser, a Unicorn Liquid Pencil Case, a Giant Unicorn Pool Float, and a Giant Unicorn Wiggle Wobble Splashy Sprinkler), race cars, Mickey Mouse, Toy Story, and rainbows. Those have all been around for years; they never change. Carnival, Candyland, and safari themes will continue to be great options for coed parties. Construction zones, car racing themes, sports, and hands-on activities will continue to be top choices for little boys(some girls too). Paris and disco/rock star themes might continue to be popular among young girls (and some boys too). Even classic trends are evolving. We went from a time when rustic/vintage and boho/chic with muted and pastel colours was the main trend. In 2023, the trending colours will be vibrant and bold, and the designs will be modern and clean.
Immersive, interactive activities + party favours
Interactive parties have started to become more popular. One example is making a party backdrop that’s not just a focal point for photos but also incorporating a dessert or snack wall into the design. Another example is creating a tablescape where kids can interact and do a fun activity. Such as, spa parties, carnival snack walls, and movie nights. By curating an activity that is cohesive with your decor and theme, you are adding value to the overall life of the party. Parties that are able to create a special, magical, and immersive environment will be the winners. Sleepovers and spa parties are great examples. These kinds of parties stay trendy as they get more sophisticated, elaborate, and organized every time. Picnic parties will also continue to be popular among every age group. Kids and teens will always look for adventures during their parties. A great party activity can serve as a unique party favour. In addition, the favour doesn't always have to be something that is store-bought. It can be a painting that the child creates at a craft party or a tie-dyed shirt from a tie-dye party. Check out Danna Bananas' Tie Dye Kit!
Don’t forget to make the party fun for adults, too! [Have] entertainment for all ages! For example, allow your guests (both adults and kids) to dress up to match the theme of the party. For instance, a castle backdrop with all of the guests dressed as fairy tale characters."
Teens are turning to the classics, too!
The hottest teen birthday party themes of 2023 look remarkably similar to the ones you may remember from your own teenage years. Neon! Definitely neon and disco. Pyjama parties, spa dates, and gaming trucks have been increasingly popular as well.
Personalized everything
"Happy birthday!" is no longer the only phrase you’ll see at a birthday party. Parents are personalizing everything at the party with their child’s name, the party’s name, you name it! For some, kids’ parties are like the new weddings! With creative backdrops, neon light signs with their names on them, party favours (like sunglasses and hats), and just personalization on everything. Soft play areas and bounce houses can even be personalized now! Personalizing and customizing parties can’t get any easier these days, as options are endless for any budget, theme, age, space, or style. If you are a balloon lover, you can go for personalized balloons. If you want to make a statement with lighting, options range from custom-made neon signs to giant marquee letters. You can also personalize sweet treats, ice sculptures, water bottles, totes, travel bags, etc. Just keep in mind that personalizing takes time, so start planning very early in advance.
Bounce houses + soft play
Soft play is no longer just for fun fairs and malls. Soft play is a newer trend that’s only a few years old, and there has been a surge in it lately. It’s popular for parties with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers—they’re mini versions of play zones in malls, and their popularity is going to increase a whole lot more. Soft play options for older kids are also very popular, like ball pits with slides that can be brought to their homes. Classic entertainment like themed bounce houses, water slides, dry slides, or obstacle courses will continue to be a must-have for any outdoor party. Keep in mind that not every inflatable is appropriate for every age group, so choose carefully.
Themed around their interests
When it comes to picking the party theme, kids play a big role—they have incredible resources to take inspiration from real parties everywhere, so they are aware of how creative and original they can get. Kids add character to their parties and love to see their interests— sports, hobbies, music, fashion, trips, favourite colours, characters, and animals—become a theme. Themes should be based on the child's interests. Themes can be based on anything your child loves: a favourite bedtime book, a catchy YouTube song, or a favourite food. One theme that kids are still starry-eyed over? Space! Space themes are super big! And people are opting for this theme for every age and kid: younger kids, older kids, first birthday parties, girls, boys, etc. Party favours that are cohesive with the party theme are a great idea. A book related to the theme (animal books, superhero books) or a toy relevant to your age group are two examples.
Birthday party food
The results are in: kids love pizza and chicken nuggets! Give the kids what they love! Pizza, sandwiches, mac and cheese, and chicken nuggets. For a more unique presentation, you can serve personalized mini pizzas, colourful fruit on a stick, or a kid-friendly charcuterie board. Kids don’t like to spend a lot of time seated eating while a lot is happening around them.
New innovative sweets
Cake will always be a birthday party staple, but now it's joined by tons of exciting new sugary treats. Personalized dessert bars, called treat bars, are popular right now. Chocolate-covered Rice Krispies treats, chocolate-covered strawberries, cookies, and candy popcorn—all of these are popular and personalized for each party. Themed cake pops and cake popsicles are becoming very popular because they are easy to handle and serve and can also be personalized and given as a party favour. For dessert, cupcakes are a good alternative to cake. They are easy and convenient to pass out, and they taste like cake! Ice cream and cotton candy vendors are also great options if your budget allows for them. They can also double as entertainment for your guests. If you are going budget-friendly, you can create a self-serve ice cream station and have a fun array of toppings that kids can top themselves.
Keep it simple!
Back in the 70s and 80s, when life was different, my mom loved the word KISS: Keep It Simple, Stupid! My birthday parties were simple and fun; they involved a fun activity—either tobogganing, skating, swimming, bowling, or games—and a home-made meal with a cake that looked like me. For a fun surprise, she wrapped coins in paper and then hid them in the cake. You would eat one and think, "What's this?" You thought to yourself, "You hit the jackpot with either a penny, nickle, dime, or quarter! Yes, those were the "birthday party" days of my childhood! via evite
