40 Ideas to Celebrate a Birthday At Home With Family

1. Balloon Countdown

First, let’s build anticipation to the big day! Here are two easy ways:

Begin with ten balloons (ten days before) and pop a balloon every day leading up to the birthday.

Jazz it up with special notes in the balloons hinting at the fun ahead!

Alternatively, blow a balloon up each day leading up to the special birthday and use them in a balloon waterfall on the big day. Simply put them in a bag over the door. When the door opens, down fall all of the balloons on the recipient!

2. Creative Decorations

Next, decorations make a huge impact! Who says they have to stay in one room?

Get creative with decor this year! Check out these fun ideas:

• Blow up extra balloons for the child’s bedroom
• Decorate the “birthday chair” (used for eating or lounging)
• Write exciting sayings outside with sidewalk chalk
• Post birthday signs in the front yard
• Tape crepe paper on the doors so the child has to break the wall of paper when he or she comes out!

3. King or Queen For a Day

Surely, every child living creature on this planet would love to feel like royalty.

So, make it happen with a royal decree!

First, let the birthday kid sit in a special decorated “throne” for the day.

Then, make a small crown and let the child use a unique plate. Additionally, he or she picks the food, music, tv, and the day’s festivities.

4. Baby Albums

Birthdays are fun for kids because it fulfills their deep desire to feel loved and special.

One simple (but meaningful) gesture is to get out their baby books and mementos.

Go through these items together, and tell stories of what they were like as a baby. Remind them of how much they’ve grown and for how long you’ve loved them.

5. Homemade Cards & Videos

Another marvelous way to make a birthday special at home is to have friends and family send an abundance of cards and videos.

6. A Virtual Get Together

If you can’t all be together in one place. Consider these two options that are just as fun!

• Organize a birthday parade! Have friends and family drive by with signs in the window and horns honking to make your child feel loved.
• Create a virtual birthday party! Get family together to sing to the child before blowing out the candles. In addition, you can create a tea party or other simple theme to extend the fun.

7. Living Room Sleepover

Most kids love sleeping anywhere that is not their own bed. So, organize a slumber party out in the living room in honor of the special birthday at home.

Pile a mountain of blankets and pillows and bring on the late-night snacks. This is truly a party to remember.

8. Scavenger Hunt For Presents

The ordinary act of opening presents can be a strikingly memorable experience!

Simply draw a pirate’s treasure map or leave a trail of thoughtful clues that lead to the exciting birthday gift. Have the clues lead to a simple birthday box first thing in the morning! In it, include additional decorations, candles, and birthday cake ingredients. Nothing fancy is required to make this amazing!

9. Yes Day

Every child’s dream – the day mom and dad say yes all the time.

For one day only, (because we’d never survive more) let the birthday child do what he or she wants. Eat chocolate for breakfast, jump on the beds, and do what kids love doing without getting in trouble.

10. DIY Pizza Night

Everyone at the party will love making their own unique personalized pizza.Simply provide all the ingredients, crusts (or make them), and let kids design their personalized pizza. this is a great dinner idea for a kid’s birthday at home. It’s fun to eat and makes everyone feel like they’re part of the celebration!

11. Special Birthday Breakfast 

Why not start off the day with a fun birthday breakfast?  From breakfast cereal parfaits to special birthday themed pancakes, waking up to an out of this world breakfast is the perfect way to kick off a birthday celebration at home. 

12. Dance Party

Throw an epic dance party in your living room or backyard to celebrate the special day! Make an epic playlist full of the  birthday person’s favorite songs and dance the night away. Don’t forget to include fun props like glow sticks, silly hats. You can even come up with a theme and have everyone dress up. 

13. DIY Photo Booth

Set up a DIY photo booth complete with props, costumes, and a fun backdrop to capture all the special memories of your family birthday celebration at home. 

14. Family Game Night

Gather around the table or living room for a night of family-friendly games! From classic board games to fun party games, there are endless options to choose from.

15. Movie Marathon

Set up a cozy viewing area and have a movie marathon with your family’s favorite films! Make some snacks, grab some blankets, and settle in for a fun night of movie watching. Pick from this list of family-friendly movie favorites.

16. Have Dinner Delivered 

Let the birthday girl or boy choose their favorite restaurant, then have dinner delivered. No cooking required and they still get to have their favorite meal. It’s a win for everyone! 

17. Hang  a Birthday Banner  

Announce the special day with a Happy Birthday banner. You can purchase one or make your own using supplies you already have at home. It’s a simple touch that makes an impact. 

18. Birthday Lawn Signs  

Surprise the birthday person by decorating your front lawn with festive signs and balloons! It’s a great way to make them feel special and add some excitement to the day. 

19. Create a Memory Jar

Get everyone in the family involved by creating a memory jar for the birthday person. Decorate a large jar with colorful paper, stickers, or markers. Then throughout the day, have everyone jot down their favorite things about the birthday person and place them in the jar. At the end of the day, read each one aloud to make them feel the love.

20. Virtual Celebration

If you can’t be with friends or family to celebrate, don’t let distance stop you! Organize a virtual celebration through video chat or a group call. You can still have all the fun of a regular birthday party, just from the comfort of your own home. 

21. Spa Day

Pamper yourself and the birthday person with an at-home spa day! Gather some face masks, nail polish, and other beauty products to create a relaxing experience. You can even make your own DIY spa treatments using ingredients from your kitchen. 

22. Backyard Camping

Transform your backyard into a camping adventure! Set up tents, build a campfire, and roast some marshmallows for an unforgettable birthday celebration at home. Don’t forget the s’mores! 

23. Pool Party  

If you have a pool or access to one, throw a pool party for the birthday person! Set up some fun pool games and activities, and don’t forget the sunscreen. It’s the perfect way to beat the heat for a summer birthday celebration at home. 

24. DIY Arts & Craft Party  

Get creative with a DIY craft party! Choose a fun project to do as a family, like making your own candles or painting pottery. It’s a great way to spend time together and create something special for the birthday person. 

25. Family Sports Tournament

Organize a family sports tournament with games like kickball, soccer, or even a water balloon toss! It’s a fun and active way to spend time together while celebrating the birthday person. Plus, you can award medals or trophies for added excitement. 

26. Have a Birthday Picnic

Pack up some fun snacks or an entire meal and head outside for a picnic in  your backyard! Enjoy some fresh air and sunshine while celebrating the special day. Don’t forget a comfy blanket to sit on and some fun outdoor games to play. 

27. Make Party Hats   

Get creative and make your own party hats for the birthday celebration! Use construction paper, markers, stickers, and other craft supplies to design a unique hat for each family member. It’s a fun activity that adds some festive flair to the day. 

28. Hang a Pinata 

A pinata is the perfect addition to any child’s birthday. Fill a pinata with candy and small toys, and let everyone take turns trying to break it open. It’s a fun way to add some excitement and treats to the celebration. 

29. Have a Talent Show  

Gather around the living room or backyard for a family talent show! Encourage each family member to showcase their talents, whether it’s singing, dancing, or telling jokes. The perfect way to have some fun and laughter while celebrating the birthday person. 

30. Breakfast in Bed   

For the birthday person, start their day off with breakfast in bed! Let them sleep in while you prepare a special meal and deliver it to them on a tray. It’s a simple gesture that shows how much you care. 

31. Make Homemade Ice Cream  

Celebrate with a sweet treat by making homemade ice cream together as a family! Gather a ton of fun toppings and allow everyone to create their own unique ice cream sundae. 

32. Karaoke Night  

Sing your heart out with a family karaoke night! You can purchase a karaoke machine or simply use an app on your phone to access all the best songs. It’s a fun and entertaining way to celebrate the birthday person. Don’t forget to take turns being the judge for added competition! 

33. Birthday Trivia 

Play a fun game to figure out who knows the birthday person best! Have  each family member write down their answers to different trivia questions about the birthday person, and see who gets the most correct. It’s a fun way to learn more about them while celebrating their special day. 

34. Birthday Bounce House   

Rent a bounce house for the day and have some high-flying fun! This is especially great for younger kids, but adults can join in on the fun too.

35. Rent a Waterslide  

For a summer birthday celebration, rent a waterslide for the day! It’s sure to bring hours of fun and laughter for everyone. 

36. Birthday Charcuterie Board   

Create a delicious and festive charcuterie board for the birthday person to enjoy! Choose their favorite snacks and treats, along with some fun party favors like horns or confetti. It’s a tasty way to celebrate at home with the whole family. 

37. A Do-Nothing Day   

Sometimes the best birthday celebration is simply relaxing and doing nothing! Allow them to take the day off from all responsibilities to unwind. Everyone deserves a lazy day with no expectations.

38. Birthday Interview

Commemorate this year in their life by interviewing them with some fun questions! Record their answers and save it as a special memory for years to come.  You can even make it a yearly tradition to see how their answers change over time. 

39. Giant Birthday Cookie   

Skip the traditional birthday cake and make a giant cookie instead! You can decorate it with frosting, sprinkles, candles, or anything else you desire. It’s a fun twist on a classic birthday treat. 

40. Signature Birthday Mocktail  

Mix up a delicious and visually appealing mocktail for the birthday person! Use their favorite flavors to create a special drink just for them. Don’t forget to add an umbrella or some other fun garnish for added flair. Cheers to another year of memories and fun!

41. Hire a Chef  

Take a break from cooking and hire a personal chef for the day! They can prepare a delicious birthday dinner for the whole family to enjoy. It’s a special treat that will make the birthday person feel extra pampered and loved. 

42. Stay Up Late       

No bedtime – No problem! Make their birthday special by staying up late and creating some sleep-deprived memories.  Play games, watch movies, or simply stay up talking and enjoying each other’s company. It’s a fun way to celebrate the birthday person’s special day with the whole family. 

How to Celebrate Birthday at Home with Family

Remember What’s Important

At the end of the day, it’s the love that matters.

Of course, pulling off a special birthday at home takes a little creativity and thought, but it’s well worth the effort. After all, these are the memories that you and your child will cherish forever. While it’s tempting to book party at a local venue or family fun center, but I promise you a party at home will be just as special. Plus it wll allow the entire family to spend quality time together making memories and celebrating together.