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100 Themed Party Ideas for 2026

Birthday Party Ideas

Complete party planning guides with activities, menus, decorations, and shopping lists. Everything you need to plan the perfect celebration.

100 Themes
8,400+ Ideas
All Ages
Free to Use

Planning a Birthday Party in 2026?

A successful birthday party typically includes 5-8 themed activities, a menu with 6+ items, coordinated decorations, and party favors. The average kids' party costs $200-400 and lasts 2-3 hours. Below you'll find complete planning guides for 100 popular party themes.

Best for Kids
Ages 2-12
Party Duration
2-3 hours
Average Cost
$200-400
Planning Time
2-4 weeks

Browse All 101 Party Themes

Find the perfect theme by category

What's in Each Party Guide?

🎯

Activities & Games

5-10 themed activities with full instructions, supplies needed, and age recommendations

🍽️

Menu Ideas

Themed food and drink ideas with creative names, dietary options, and prep tips

🎨

Decoration Guide

Room-by-room decoration ideas including entrance, food table, and photo area

🛒

Shopping List

Complete categorized shopping list with price estimates and store suggestions

📋

Planning Timeline

Week-by-week checklist from 4 weeks out to party day

🎵

Curated Playlist

Theme-appropriate songs organized by party phase: arrival, games, cake, dance

🎁

Party Favors

Creative goodie bag ideas that match your theme

💡

Pro Tips

Expert advice, budget tips, and common mistakes to avoid

Ready to Start Planning?

Create your personalized party plan in 60 seconds. Get a complete checklist, timeline, menu, activities, and shopping list.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular birthday party themes?

The most popular birthday party themes for 2026 include Dinosaur, Unicorn, Princess, Superhero, and Space themes for kids. For teens, Gaming, TikTok, and Neon themes are trending. Adult parties often feature Casino Night, Wine Tasting, or Decades themes.

How much does a birthday party cost on average?

The average kids birthday party costs between $200-400 for 10-15 guests. This includes decorations ($30-80), food ($50-150), activities/entertainment ($50-100), cake ($30-60), and party favors ($20-50).

How far in advance should I plan a birthday party?

Start planning 4-6 weeks before the party. Send invitations 3-4 weeks ahead. Order decorations and supplies 2-3 weeks before. Finalize the menu and shopping list 1 week out.

What activities are best for a kids birthday party?

The best birthday party activities include themed scavenger hunts, craft stations, musical games (freeze dance, musical chairs), relay races, and age-appropriate party games. Plan 5-8 activities and allow 15-20 minutes each.