5 of the best themes for your child's birthday party

Coming up with amazing birthday party ideas for your children can be a tricky business. But never fear, because there are a few classic and timeless themes that will always go down well with groups of little ones.

From outer space and princess cakes to dressing up as their favourite film characters, check out our top kids' birthday party themes below, with tips and tricks on how to make their party extra special...

magical Unicorns

This is one trend that's showing no sign of slowing down. Kids and grownups alike are loving multi-coloured, glittery unicorn magic right now - and who can blame them?

Classic party games only need a slight tweak with this theme - who doesn't love a spot of pin the tail on the donkey? Turn that tail into a glittery unicorn horn and you're onto a mythical-themed winner.

If the weather's rubbish, why not rustle up some unicorn biscuits in the warmth of your kitchen? Make and bake the treats then let every guest decorate their own, which they can take home in their very own unicorn gift bag (throw in some unicorn sweets too). 

We've also got a range of table covers, paper plates, napkins and bunting all with a unicorn theme for you to deck out the house and garden - and the pièce de resistance, our famous unicorn celebration cake!

Shop the unicorn trend:

Unicorn headbands, unicorn costume, unicorn lollies, unicorn celebration cake, George Home Pin the Tail on the Unicorn, unicorn gift bags, unicorn sparkles, unicorn biscuit kits.

Intergalactic celebrations

Is your little explorer after a birthday party that's truly out of this world? Why not throw them an intergalactic birthday bash they'll never forget!

Outer space is a super cool birthday theme for every age, and you can ramp it up (think bin-liners or silver foil all over the walls) or tone it down (neon face paint stars and cosmo-themed mocktails) depending on the scale and age group.

Grab an astronaut costume, and have fun creating galaxy-inspired cakes and treats in the kitchen.

Shop the space trend:

Astronaut costume, Glow in the Dark Curtains, silver balloons, Multicoloured Light Up Glitter Wellington Boots, glitter spray.
Try making our Galaxy Mirror Glaze Cake, these shiny Planet Cake Pops or this Bantha Milk and Cookies.

princess party

Girly girls will love a princess-themed party, complete with costumes, pink balloons (cover them with PVA glue before applying glitter or sequins) and a special cake. You could also create your own crown, butterfly, heart and star-shaped sandwiches fit for royalty.

You can theme everything from paper plates to napkins and even games - try playing musical statues to the best soundtracks from your favourite Disney movies. From 'Let it go' to 'Bibbidi-Bobbidi Boo', they'll love dancing around the garden and pretending they're Elsa or Cinderella.

Shop the princess trend:

Gift wrap, party banner, celebration cake, paper plates, princess costume, balloons.

footie fans

The football season's started up again and footie fever's running high. Get into the spirit of things with a footie-themed party where everyone can get involved with the action.

In terms of costumes, encourage everyone to dress up in their own football kit or as their favourite player. Got some non-footie fans in the mix? No stress - a t-shirt, trainers and a pair of shorts will do nicely! We've got plenty of football-themed party gear for you to load up on ahead of the celebrations, including a show-stopping cake.

GAME IDEA: Set up a goal in the garden and create two teams to compete in a penalty shoot-out.

Shop the football trend:

Football cake, plates, invites, bunting, Messi training station.

Despicable me

Who doesn't love Gru and his minions? The perfect birthday party theme for kids, get everyone to dress up as minions (think yellow t-shirts, denim jeans or dungarees, goggles and a yellow beanie) or Gru's three girls. And don't forget - as a grown-up, you're contracted to dress up too! Yellow face-paint works wonders and will get the kids giggling, or have a go at dressing up as bad-boy-turned-good Gru.

We've got lots of Despicable Me-themed treats for you to deck out your kid's celebration minion-style. Finish the party with a round of "happy birthday to you" with a Minion cake – singing in minion-language gobbledegook optional!

Shop the Despicable Me trend:

Cake, Make your Own Cupcake kit, gift wrap.

Feeling inspired to host your little one's party? We've got plenty of party supplies for every theme and occasion. Make sure you stock up on everything you need at Asda or pop into your local store.