Kids’ birthday themes we love and the supplies to match

When it comes to kids’ birthday parties, it’s all about the theme. Whether with mermaids invitations or a gymnastics theme, birthdays are the perfect chance to celebrate whatever your child is excited about this year. But just because you want their big day to be perfect doesn’t mean you have to go overboard on the supplies. With activities and mini guests running around, there’s already going to be a lot going on—so why not keep the decor uncomplicated? 

Ahead, we’ve rounded up our favorite low-key kids’ birthday party supplies to help you keep things easy. Whether your little one is looking forward to a Fortnite birthday party or obsessed with Baby Shark, you can bring their dream theme to life.

For little mermaids

11″ Chrome Balloons. “Under the Sea” by Paperless Post. Let’s Be Mermaids Cake Topper Set, Meri Meri. Oh Happy Day Ombré Plates.

If your kid is really into Ariel right now, throwing an under-water themed fête is easy. Since your invitation is the first thing guests will see for your party, why not let it set the tone? A mermaid invitation can serve as a jumping-off point for the party’s color palette and theme. Think pink, purple, and minty ombré.

To shine next to these colors, pick one favor or party supply to add a dash of personality, like a seahorse balloon or mermaid cupcake toppers.  

For aspiring wizards

“Birthday Magic” by Paperless Post. Miniature Sparklers, Tops Malibu. Wizard Glasses, Amazon.Star Glitter Wands, Oh Happy Day. Star Plates, Meri Meri. 

Do they love Harry Potter? Instead of buying supplies covered in characters from the movie, pull out one or two solid colors from this magical invitation, and purchase supplies in that color way instead. We love how black looks mixed with shiny metallics.

As an element of surprise, hand out wizard glasses and glitter wands as party favors or make chocolate frogs with these quirky molds.

For sleeping beauties 

With older kids, a sleepover party is a perfect theme. Send our Sleepover Camp invitation to get all their friends excited to stay the night, and choose your supplies around the card’s pink and purple design. Why not mark the sleepover territory (and keep out any pesky siblings) with festooning or on-palette party balloons. 

For the main activity, plan to watch the birthday girl or boy’s favorite flick. Watching movies in your PJs—it doesn’t get better than that. Play up the theme with a mini marquee sign or serve popcorn in festive bags to transport them straight to the theatre.

For baby shark enthusiasts 

Shark Gummies. “Shark Your Calendar” invitation by Paperless Post.  Goldfish Crackers. Chocolate Rocks. Shark Fin Picks. Giant Shark Balloon.

Like most kids, yours is probably obsessed with the viral song, Baby Shark. To throw a deep sea-inspired soirée, send out this perfectly on-theme invitation. Pick your supplies using colors from the card—mainly blue with coral and yellow accents.

Stock the party with affordable “shark food” like goldfish or fish gummies. Top the cake or cupcakes off with shark fin toppers, or snag this giant shark balloon as the main centerpiece. Into this theme? Check out even more of our ideas for a Baby Shark party.

For tiny tumblers 

Rhythmic gymnastics ribbon. Oh Happy Day Striped Plate. “Let’s Bounce” invitation by Mr. Boddington. Classic Party Cup, Oh Happy Day.

Whether your guest list is full of high-energy youngsters or your little one is into gymnastics, plan a day on the trampoline with this bounce-themed invitation. Choose supplies to go with the card’s primary colors and spring for simple striped plates to match. 

Looking for a party favor that won’t break the bank? Hand out ribbon wands to your mini attendees to give them something extra to play with while they explore the gym.

For mini gamers

If they’re Playstation-obsessed, throw them a gaming get-together. This video game-inspired invitation is perfect to set the tone, and you can use it as a launchpad for the party’s color scheme. For supplies stick with black, then use neon or bright colors like green, pink, or blue for accents.

For a sweet treat, spring for a cake topper from their favorite video game. We love Fortnite cake toppers, but you can find toppers for almost any game online. 

Birthday supplies list for any birthday  

Sometimes their favorite color is enough of a theme to get the party started. Keep things classic with simple and celebratory supplies. Here are our top picks we find ourselves reaching for again and again:

Oh Happy Day Plates: Available in every color for every kids’ birthday themes, and they never get soggy. 

Meri Meri Piñatas and Balloons: So cute, you only need one!

Knot & Bow Gift Wrap: The newsprint gift wrap that makes a present a party. 

Nuts.com Treats: The best place for filling a piñata or stocking up on party snacks by color.

Knot & Bow Candles: High-quality candles to go with any theme.

Now that you’re ready to press play on your party find the kids’ birthday invitation that gets their mini guests excited to attend. For more party inspiration, check out how textile designer Heather Taylor planned her daughter’s first birthday or Meri Meri’s guide to magical birthdays.