Scallop’s 1st birthday party was mustache themed because it seemed like fun. It was easy enough to plan. I found items I liked from Etsy and Amazon, DIY’d a lot of things myself, and didn’t go too overboard (although I do love planning parties!) because there was no need.
His 2nd birthday party was construction themed, because he’s pretty sure it’s his life’s-calling. Again, it was a fairly simple theme to throw together. Pinterest definitely helped me immensely, and I DIY’d a lot of it because it’s what I enjoy doing.
His 3rd birthday party’s theme was Bolt, because he watched the movie daily at that point.
If you ‘mustache’ I’m 1 | Note: This is not from his actual birthday party 
For his upcoming 4th birthday party in August, I was at a loss. He has so many interests now and none stick out to me as a really powerful theme. As in past years, I decided to ask him what he’d like and go from there.
“Scallop, what would you like for your birthday’s theme this year?”
“Blasting.”
“Blasting? What do you mean blasting?”
“Blasting. Like demolition. Like mining and blowing up old buildings.”
Ah, yes. Demolition. Welllll….my Pinterest searches didn’t turn up a whole lot in the way of “demolition birthday parties.” He seems pretty set on the whole demolition thing; although I’m well aware that next month he could change his mind to bugs, dirt, or another equally interesting theme. I’ve asked him again a few times, after trying to explain why demolition might be a tough sell on the theme-front, and have gotten many different answers.
“Construction, again.”
“Paw Patrol.”
“My Little Pony.”
“Dinotrux.”
“Space.”
All great choices.
What’s an indecisive mom to do??
Why not incorporate ALL of the themes?
At first it seemed crazy, but now I kind of see it as an evil genius-type move. My plan is to search on my favorite sites like Amazon (my 1st love), Etsy (my 2nd love), Oriental Trading, Pinterest, etc. for ideas and sale items. If there are Dinotrux, My Little Pony, and solar system plates – I’ll pick whichever ones are least expensive at the time. This allows me to pick from multiple types of favors, games, and decoration ideas.
Overall I’m pretty thrilled with the idea thus far! And Scallop is excited about “all the things!” Although, I should note, this post is the furthest I’ve come so far in planning things….so there’s a lot of room for things to change
How do you handle the themes for your children’s birthday parties? Have you ever gone the “evil-genius” route and combined multiple themes into one?
grapefruit / 4584 posts
Haha that’s a lot of ideas…..but for DD2, who turned 2 a few months ago, I managed to do a hybrid Frozen/Penguin (the animal, not the Batman character) party. I made penguins the feature, but decorated using an aqua/fushia/purple/silver color scheme, snowflakes, etc. that hinted at Frozen without incorporating the actual characters.
Could you maybe incorporate one of the shows he likes (say, Paw Patrol) by using primary colors, some bones, etc. as part of the decor of a construction-site themed party?
guest
I LOVE this idea! All that matters is that your son likes all of those things and came up with it himself! Sometimes the pressure of creating a perfectly themed party can cause more stress than fun. I hope he loves it!
grapefruit / 4717 posts
Happy almost 4 years to your boy. My boy just turned 4 last week. His first bday was a “circus dogs” theme since I thought it sounded fun and because he loved the dog and “dog” was his first word that he signed. (Picture silhouettes of my dog doing various circus things. Ha!) Then I pretty much picked a straight space theme for #2. Then he picked construction for #3. When I asked him months ago what he wanted for #4, he said “airplanes” and never turned back. So, airplanes it was.
It took me awhile to start actually planning his 4th b/c I knew I’d be 35w along on party day. I kept it as simple as I could, and it still turned out great!
blogger / apricot / 427 posts
@PinkElephant: Haha you’re right – it’s a TON of ideas!! I have a feeling I’ll end up narrowing it down to 2 or 3 big ones, but I love your idea about using the primary colors or a basic idea from one of the themes as a small part of one of the others. It’s definitely something I’m going to keep my eye on as I go forward!
blogger / apricot / 427 posts
@colleen: Thank you! Yes, I guess if nothing else I know he’ll be thrilled by all of the random things I put together for his party….even if it makes no sense to anyone else haha!
blogger / apricot / 427 posts
@pregnantbee: I love the “circus dog” theme and how you arrived at it! It’s so unique and cute
I also think airplanes must have been a fun one to do. I’m glad you were able to keep it low-key and semi stress free! I hope I can do somewhat of the same 
grapefruit / 4584 posts
@Mrs. Oyster: I’m envisioning a scenario in which the Paw Patrol puppies save a My Little Pony who fell into a construction site trap left by one of the Dinotrax on Mars. Done! Imagine that cake!
blogger / apricot / 427 posts
@PinkElephant: Oh.My.Goodness. I think you’ve stumbled upon the motherload!! We have a family friend who makes our cakes and she’s insanely good. This might take her skills to the next level