Why did we outgrow fun birthday parties as soon as we stopped being kids? Between acting properly at a dinner party or jumping on a bouncing castle, I think we can both agree that the latter is way more fun.
It’s like we’re teenagers all over again, where trying is just not cool — and frankly, I can’t stand another boring meal where I try to make small talk with your co-worker over the moistness of the birthday cake (and yes, I had to spice up the convo in some way, don’t come for me).
That’s why I’ve compiled fun birthday party ideas so you can actually enjoy yourself for once. I’m calling my birthday blues out here, too.
@hana.elson Confessions of a retired “I don’t like my birthday” girl !! Heres to 27❤️❤️
♬ original sound – Hana
Birthday party ideas
1. Costume party with a photo booth
If you’ve ever scrolled through a TikTok costume party video and thought, Wow, I really wish my friends did stuff like that. I hate to break it to you, but you’re the problem here. You have to throw the first one so your friends can follow suit. The good news is that you can make your theme as niche as you want, from Who Do You Think Bridget Jones Should’ve Ended Up With? Or, Dress Up As Your Fave Fantasy Book Character (bags Violet in Fourth Wing).
What really levels up a costume party is a photo booth, so people actually take their costumes seriously (instead of throwing on a pair of wings and calling it a day) since they know they’ll be captured on camera. It’s also just a fun excuse to get photos with your friends if you struggle to find photos to post on their birthday.
If you’re wondering where to find a photo booth, we used AE. Moments for our work Christmas party in Sydney. You can choose the Open Air Booth or Mirror Booth package, where you’ll get fun props, a backdrop and an attendant (so you don’t have to worry about taking photos). Even better? You get to customise the photo booth prints to your theme, and your photos are going to look so cool on Insta… AKA, make your enemies jealous that they weren’t invited.
@paguintotwins pov: you hired a nostalgoc photo booth for your y2k party 💖 #y2kaesthetic #y2kinspo #early2000s ♬ original sound – Paguinto Twins
2. Murder mystery party in an old mansion
I’ve been dying to go to a Murder Mystery Party, pun intended. It’s a great way to combine your friend groups as y’all work together to figure out who’s the killer. Who wants to make small talk when you can discuss clues instead? Bonus points if you can rent out an old house to really give that haunted feel. May the best detective or killer… win.
@viktoria.psd Still buzzing from one of the best nights ever! So much laughter, drama, and mystery—every detail was worth it 🕵️♀️✨ I hope you all enjoyed solving my Murder Mystery as much as I did hosting it! #MurderMystery #gamenight ♬ W.A.Mozart, Symphony in _G minor, No.40, Allegro – AllMusicGallery
3. Paint-and-sip, followed by karaoke
Why stop at one event when you can do two? Freshen up your vocal cords at a paint-and-sip event, and then, once your creativity and giggles are bubbling, toddle on over to the karaoke bar. I expect to hear classics like What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction and Baby by Justin Bieber being screamed from down the hallway — just make sure not to break your new creations.
@vianes1d One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful – Carpool Karaoke ❤️ #niallhoran #louistomlinson #zaynmalik #liampayne #harrystyles #onedirection #jamescorden #tiktok #vaiviralizar #tiktokmefezassistir #tiktokviral ♬ som original – Vianês1d
4. Smash room, followed by axe-throwing
If your ex just dumped you right before your birthday, then smashing stuff and throwing axes is a great way to get that aggression out. You’ll get bonus points if you can smash your ex’s stuff, but don’t tell the judge I recommended that. It’s honestly just a fun time for everyone involved, as we all have pent-up energy that needs releasing — and what better way to do it with your best friends?
@tiana_walsh seriously recommend, was very therapeutic. they even let us choose our own playlist to listen to while we smashed stuff. @Smash Room City #rageroom #bestfriend #bestie #therapeutic #australia #sydney #smash #fyp #foryoupage #foryou #rage ♬ An der schönen, blauen Donau, Op. 314 – RIAS-Symphonie-Orchester & Ferenc Fricsay
5. Host a destination weekend
I had to include a destination party because going to the same places just doesn’t feel special. You could go to your fave holiday spot for the weekend and go on day trips around the area. Or, if you’re looking for something more wild, check out the clubs around the area and make a dramatic entrance. Whatever you decide, just make sure it’s something you want to do — as you’re the one with the birthday, after all.
@wherefreyagoes A birthday group weekend in the Hunter Valley, NSW, Australia! 🍁🍷 #movingtoaustralia #workingholiday #whv #vinyards #winetour #thingstodo #newsouthwales ♬ original sound – Freya | Travel
6. Challenge yourselves to an obstacle course
Do you know what’s better than a bouncy castle? An obstacle course where you can feel like a kid again. Think swinging from vines (ropes), walking the tightrope (beam) and climbing a castle (rocks), but each centre will have its unique challenges. Plus, you’ll be exercising at the same time — so it’s a win-win.
@kimberlord underestimated this cause we were SWEATING by the end💀 1000/10 so fun👩🏻❤️👨🏻🤍 #americanninjawarrior #obstaclecourse #datenight #dateideas ♬ Coconut Mall (From "Mario Kart Wii") – Arcade Player
7. Finally, host a games night
Birthday parties don’t have to be big to be fun, and board game nights prove exactly that. I don’t know why we stopped playing board games because they’re honestly so fun. There are so many amazing games nowadays, and it’s just a wholesome affair with your closest friends. Prepare to get competitive, though, as you have to win since it’s your birthday.
@kryslinvogt me 🤝🏻 hosting 🤝🏻 boardgames #boardgamenight #gamenight #fallbucketlist #hosting #hostingideas #adulting ♬ original sound – Kryslin
Most of all, though, enjoy yourself! It’s the one day a year where you can be ‘selfish’ without worrying about anyone else. Happy birthday!
Image Credit: Madame and Hereditary.
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