Perfect Birthday Ideas

• From amazing decorations to an incredible party theme, plan the perfect birthday party for yourself or someone special in your life. Depending on the age of the guest of honor, select the perfect party theme and create a memorable birthday party that guests will remember for years to come. Have a few birthday party ideas on the top of your head so you know where to get the party started.

Theme

• Start with selecting a party theme. For younger children, go with one of their favorite TV show or cartoon characters. Many popular TV shows and cartoons have themed birthday-party supplies. For tweens and teens, try a slumber or coed party. Girls will love a spa slumber party and the boys will enjoy a scary-themed slumber party. When throwing a party for an adult, go with the birthday guest of honor's favorite colors. Decorate the party area in her favorite colored balloons, streamers and party decorations. For "older" adults with a sense of humor, you can always go with the haunting over-the-hill decorations. Decorate with black and silver balloons, party supplies and streamers.

Where

• Select the venue for the perfect party. You can have an indoor or outdoor party, or rent a banquet hall for larger parties. If the weather permits, have an outdoor party to keep guests out of your home. Outdoor parties take the mess outside and give children a chance to run and play. If you must have the party inside be sure there will be enough room for everyone. Other ideas for a birthday party are dinner at a restaurant, a day at an amusement park or a visit to a museum.

Activities

• Plan activities for the children to do and games for adults to play at your next birthday party. Activities for children include making jewelry at a princess party or making swords at a superhero party. This keeps children busy and prevents boredom, as well as gives them something to take home as a party favor. Teens and adults both enjoy playing games so be sure to plan several games. For an outdoor party, play water games and tell guest to bring a swimsuit. Guests at indoor parties can create a marshmallow-tower building contest using toothpicks and marshmallows. Award prizes to game winners to keep your party guests ready for the next game and involved in the party.