We have taken inspiration from our editors to bring you our guide on unique party theme ideas for kids. From a princess afternoon tea and a beary first birthday to chugga chugga two two and a showstopping fairy themed al fresco celebration, we have got you covered. Each birthday marks a huge milestone, and at The Wedding Edition HQ we believe this should be marked in serious style.
Kids Party Themes
Party theme: Beary First Birthday
Isabella Foulger, Co-Founder & Editor
I had always dreamt of throwing a teddy bear picnic for my little one, so Freddie’s first birthday provided the perfect opportunity. All of his teddybears wore party hats with colourful pompoms glued on, I worked with Bianca at Bable on hand-painted candles with little teddybears and balloons and got a bespoke cake and chocolate cupcakes.
Freddie’s outfit: @amaiakids Party decor: @etsy Cake: @eatwithzoodie Hand-painted candles: @bablelondon
Party Theme: Magical Fairy-Princess Party
Co-Founder & Editor, Kendra Leaver-Rylah
For Aurora’s 5th birthday, I wanted to create a magical princess and fairy-themed celebration that was full of whimsy and enchantment for our girl. We created a beautiful tablescape with gorgeous Meri Meri decorations, from swan like plates to glittering toppers on the homemade cupcakes. The children loved bouncing on the pink bouncy castle from Smiley Faces Event Hire, and princess-themed games and dressing up kept them entertained throughout the day. To make sure everyone was well-fed, we had a delicious hog roast from East Sussex Hog Roast and pizzas for the kids. It was a day filled with joy, imagination, and plenty of magical touches that made it unforgettable for our little girl.
Meri Meri: Tablescape, fairy wings, and magical décor, Smiley Faces Event Hire: Bouncy castle, East Sussex Hog Roast: Catering
Party theme: A Princess Afternoon Tea
Tabitha Willett, Contributing Childrenswear Editor
Ottilie is a June baby so it was important for me to do something outdoors but also baby friendly. Living in a flat with no outdoor space at the time we looked to our local park. I wanted to be able to enjoy as much of the day as possible as let’s face it, 1st birthday parties are mainly for the adults. We had family meet us at home first with presents and then we all walked over the road to where Muddy Boots Sleepovers erected something very ‘demure’. The instructions were, comfortable ground for crawling babies and shade for delicate skin. What I thought would be a few picnic blankets and a parasol seemed to be a fully erected yurt with soft furnishings everywhere and a low grazing table so children could reach and grab whatever they wanted. The food was by a gentleman who I found on instagram called @tallpastrydan – my instructions were again very vague and a little like “she loves cheese and strawberries” and what came was a spread to rival afternoon tea at Claridges, which happens to be where Dan was trained. We had Macarons, cucumber sandwiches, cheese squares, white chocolate covered strawberries and of course birthday cake. Lastly, I saw a hot air balloon inspired balloon installation on instagram which I insisted on recreating and the very talented Balloonista did this for me. They also did my baby shower so it was a lovely full circle moment. I decided against entertainers as it was a 1st birthday but every birthday since we have got!
Catering: @tallpastrydan Ballons: @balloonistaco
Party Theme: Chugga Chugga Two Two
Isabella Foulger, Co-Founder & Editor
For Freddie’s second birthday party, I discovered Meri Meri, the ultimate place to shop party decor by theme. Freddie had developed a love for choo choo trains, so loved the “Chugga Chugga Two Two” theme was a no brainer. I printed a large train from Etsy and DIY’d a balloon arch of smoke for his playhouse, I incoporated his favourite Brio trains into the tablescape and ordered a Lambeth style cake and cupcakes, matching all the party decor from Meri Meri.
Party decor: @merimeriparty Cake: @cakeforbreakfastsw20
Party Theme: Pink-Themed Princess Bonanza
By Cherelle Mukoko, Contributing Editor
For my daughter’s 3rd birthday, we decided on a princess-themed party, inspired by her love for fairy tales. We transformed a hall into a pink-themed princess bonanza, with shimmering decorations and balloons everywhere. A sweet station was set up, offering popcorn, candyfloss, and a variety of treats that delighted both kids and adults. To add to the celebration, we had a ball pit for the little ones and a face painter who created beautiful princess designs. Each guest received tiaras and wands as they entered. The highlight of the event was a stunning princess cake, and the joy on my daughter’s face made the day unforgettable for everyone.
Party Theme: Noah’s Ark 1st Birthday Party
Rosie Shephard, Contributing Editor
For Freddie’s first birthday we tasked the Hedsor House team to create something really special. We are very lucky to have wedding venue as Hamish’s family home so we tend to go a little OTT when entertaining. The Hedsor team bought in kids party specialists Mini Maniacs who created an amazing Noah’s Ark theme in the ballroom! There were animal masks, themed entertainment, a stunning bespoke backdrop and cake. All the guests came dressed as an animal and we did a ‘best dressed’ award for a particularly amazing little flamingo costume. The ballroom had space hoppers, soft play and little trikes so the kids could entertain themselves, leaving us adults to enjoy the view!
Party Theme: Soft Play Adventure
Editor & Co-Founder Kendra Leaver-Rylah
For Bertie’s 1st birthday, we wanted something that was fun, safe, and perfectly suited for little ones. A soft play party was the ideal choice, providing a colourful and engaging environment where babies and toddlers could explore, crawl, and play safely. We rented the entire soft play setup from Smiley Faces Event Hire, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. From the soft mats to the ball pit, everything was designed with the youngest guests in mind, ensuring they had a wonderful time in a safe and interactive space. It was the perfect way to celebrate such a special milestone and a sunshine filled day.
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