Host the perfect celebration with these birthday party ideas for 2025!
Every year we turn one year older and here at Gathered we think that is something worth celebrating.
Whether you’re hosting a birthday party for a family member, yourself or a little one, thinking of a birthday party idea can sometimes be stressful. The pressure to do something different and get everyone together can be a lot, especially when you’ve life commitments to consider.
But never fear! We’ve created the ultimate birthday party guide to help you throw your dream bash. From unique birthday party ideas to party foods and DIY decor, you’ll find everything you need to create a stress-free event.
Keep scrolling to discover over 50 birthday party ideas and take some time to celebrate you this year.
What are some good birthday party ideas?
There are endless birthday party ideas out there, all you need is a little imagination! To help you find some inspiration, here are 50 good birthday party ideas that can be adapted for all ages.
50 birthday party ideas for all ages
- A friends and family picnic, complete with games such as rounders
- Try a new sport with friends (think rock climbing or ice skating)
- Afternoon tea (either at home or out)
- A camping adventure with s'mores, campfire stories and cosy drinks
- Taco party (build your own tacos or a burrito station)
- Throw a party around a special sporting event (e.g. Olympics, The World Cup)
- A BBQ in the park or back garden
- Go to see your favourite team play a match
- Trampoline park (there’s great beer and bounce events for adults!)
- A swimming party (this could be at a lake, river, pool, beach)
- Pottery painting
- Jewellery making
- Cupcake or biscuit decorating
- Chocolate bar making
- Spa day (at home or a salon!)
- Getting your nails or toenails done together
- Slumber party (think PJs, face masks and films)
- Visiting a farm or zoo
- Escape room
- Fancy dress party (based on your favourite show, film or moment in history)
- Visit an aquarium or planetarium
- At home or backyard movie night with a projector
- Scavenger hunts designed for your city
- Murder mystery party
- Kayaking or canoeing with an instructor
- Geocaching
- Pizza making party
- Go out for a special meal (pick somewhere you’ve always wanted to try!)
- Gamer party (play your favourite multiplayer games together such as Mario or Fortnite)
- Tote bag printing (with flowers or paint!)
- Board games (either at home or in a board game cafe)
- Mini Golf
- Go Karting
- Karaoke
- A bingo evening
- Cinema outing
- Trip to the theatre
- Disney party (either take a trip to Disney World or host a fancy dress party at home)
- Dance workshop
- Themed party (think hippie, pirate, jungle animals etc.)
- Museum trip (day trips for kids, after-hour parties for adults)
- Go Ape/obstacle courses
- At home disco
- Fondue evening (chocolate or cheese)
- Theme park day trip
- Flower crown making (use our free flower crown tutorial to make at home)
- Tropical-themed birthday party
- Paddleboarding
- Silent disco
- Harry Potter-themed party
Looking for adult-only birthday party ideas?
We’ve created over 50 adult birthday party ideas to inspire you even more. Our list includes everything from wine-paring evenings to private chef experiences.
What are good food ideas for a birthday party?
When it comes to birthday party food, it’s important to think about three things: dietary requirements, the age of your guests and budget.
First, ask your guests if they have any allergies, intolerances or lifestyle/religious requirements (e.g. vegan, halal, kosher). Note these down and consider them when picking your party foods. Keep everything clearly labelled and in separate containers to avoid confusion and contamination.
Then think about your age group. If you’re hosting a party for under 5s, easy, picky food is best. Opt for foods that don’t pose a choking hazard and are both fun and healthy to eat. We will go through some food options for young children later.
Finally, think about your budget. If you’re willing to splash the cash when it comes to birthday food, think about hiring a company to create spreads and boards for you. For a slightly more budget option head to the supermarket and choose their premade cakes, sandwiches etc. Or keep it affordable and quick by picking air fryer/oven foods.
To help you plan your party food, here are some ideas for every age group.
Under 5 birthday party food ideas
- Fairy bread
- Chicken nuggets
- Mini pizza wheels
- Carrot and cucumber sticks
- Breadsticks and hummus
- Colourful jelly
5+ birthday party food ideas
- Cake pops
- Fruit kebabs
- Sandwiches cut in fun shapes or mini wraps
- Flavoured popcorn
- Bite-sized burgers
- Pretzel bites or mozzarella sticks
18+ birthday party food ideas
- Tacos and nachos
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Bruschetta and olives
- Baked camembert or baked goat cheese dip
- Charcuterie boards (sweet and savoury)
- Cheesecake or profiteroles
Discover the best winter birthday foods
If you’re a winter baby, you might also like our Christmas party food ideas. Many of these dishes and snacks make perfect birthday party food ideas.
DIY your birthday party decor!
Now you’ve got your birthday party idea secured and have some food suggestions, it’s time for decor. Browse our DIY party decorations and create some pretty, budget-friendly pieces.
More birthday party ideas for milestone birthdays
1st birthday party ideas
The little one in your life is turning one, congratulations! Explore our 1st birthday party ideas and find a celebration that’s as special as your baby.
Thinking of hosting a Christmas get-together?
Browse our 12 Christmas party themes and throw a festive party to remember.
Celebrate a 50th birthday in style
The big five-oh is an important milestone birthday that deserves a party! Take a look through our 50th birthday party ideas and celebrate half a century with your loved ones.
Create a birthday party to remember
No matter your age, birthday parties are a wonderful way of celebrating your life so far. Whether you throw a big, themed party for all your loved ones or host an intimate gathering, make sure you celebrate your birthday, your way.
Use your hosting skills for New Year’s Eve!
Now you’ve celebrated your birthday, why not throw your friends and family the perfect New Year party? Explore our New Year’s Eve party ideas to find some fun themes and interesting events.
