Irene Hoofs, a.k.a. Bloesem, is the author of the design blogs Bloesem and Bkids. Irene was born and raised in Amsterdam. After roaming the globe she and her family settled down in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. From her home office, which overlooks a bamboo garden, she aspires to bring out-of-the-box daily finds to her readers…with an admitted preference for Dutch design.
Can there be anything more stressful for a mom than organizing a birthday party for a 4-year-old? Of course, I can think of many things more serious to worry about, but I have to admit that I lost some sleep trying to create an unforgettable day for my eldest son just last weekend. Celebrating his “I am a big boy now” birthday with his friends and my co-moms was great fun, and as you might have expected, most of what I had carefully planned turned out quite differently. No matter. Because I got one thing right: the birthday theme that successfully contributed to the fun (and chaos?) of playing, running and sometimes fighting 4-year-olds.
Naturally I used Etsy for finding inspiration and getting pirate themed items to spruce up the decor.
According to my husband it was a no-brainer. Obviously, boys want to be pirates and fight over treasure and chase after princesses. So, pirates it was then! Using lovely edible fondant sugar cake toppers like these by EnticingIcing bring more color to an often strictly black, red and white pirate color palette. I found these black ‘Flying Dutchman’ cake decoration ships from TheBirthdayHouse which go very well with red candles, and the ships become instant trophies for the boys (even more sought after than princesses).
Photo from Irene’s son’s pirate birthday party
Wearing a skull sign, having one eye or a wooden leg (or both if you want to be “the leader” according to my son) are the basic requirements for any pirate. These items will get you a long way to satisfy even the most demanding of 4-year-old pirates. Plumzestypaper‘s skulls, black eye covers and red handkerchief hats are all made out of user-friendly paper molds (and are easy to reproduce as a DIY project). Wooden coins with treasure map symbols double as a beautifully handmade memory game made by lovemonkey — surely you’ll find these coins hidden in the couch and beds for years to come.
A great idea for decoration is this Pirate wall decal by FreckledHound that you can attach anywhere you like, at the entrance, in the party room or on a window. No pirate party is complete without proper attire. These iron-on patch printable PDFs by HomemadeHappinessNL can easily turn your little guests’ T-shirts into costumes.
As a mom of only boys I had to ask my friends what kind of themes their girls loved best…princesses was the unanimous answer. Why not give this theme a little twist, keeping it girly but not overdoing it? Searching for an English High Tea motif here on Etsy brought me to the most wonderful party decorations imaginable.
Edible mini teapots by KidsCakes are wonderfully delicate, designed with an eye for detail, and remind me of Alice in Wonderland. Crayons shaped as crowns and castles can be used during the party for coloring, by TheMoongladeGarden. Giving the girls fairytale-inspired handmade hats by CosaBello will bring instant imagination to the party. I’ve always loved pinwheels, but these by CupcakeSocial are especially cute and match perfectly for the High Tea theme. I would use the “cute little faces” cupcake toppers by EgoVertoPaper for a garland. A tea-themed party without a two-tier cake plate is unthinkable, so why don’t you get yourself one of these cute dotted displays from teaspoonvintageshop? And to finish in style use uniquely decorated cupcake wrappers, such as these little marching children by thecupcakewrapperco or brightly colored options by CupcakeSocial.
An absolute favorite theme of mine would be a vintage inspired birthday, where games from the old days bring joy to a new generation and simultaneously fill the parents with a sense of nostalgia. I am somewhat of a gatherer and have a modest collection of old games with fading handmade illustrations. But this donkey game from LittleMe123 and bingo from vintagebutterfly94 are still missing on my list and would come in very handy when organizing a vintage themed party. It wasn’t hard finding intact old streamers that you can also use as a tablerunner, from TinselandTrinkets. 30one‘s Vintage playing cards are perfect to use for garlands or wall decoration. Perhaps the Mickey Mouse Birthday Book can give you more ideas on how to throw the perfect vintage party, from recyclarama. I am not a big fan of kids running around with lollipops in their mouths, but would love to make an exception for these colorful and tasty-looking “originals” on paperbased sticks by VintageConfections.
I hope you found some inspiration and the right shops for you to throw a unique and fun birthday party for your little one!
Thanks to Irene for sharing her son’s successful pirate-themed birthday and her inspiration for other delightful ideas. Have you thrown a child’s birthday party lately? What was your theme?
Handmade Kids | Party Inspiration | Browse Items Tagged “Birthday Party”
117 comments
Sign in to add your ownbejeweledbynikki says:
These ARRRR awesome!!! xo
1 year ago
dollybirdboutique says:
I love this so much I want a party please x
1 year ago
akcArt says:
Ahoy Mate! Cute, cute stuff! What fun for little ones!
1 year ago
sajataeford2bd says:
OK I have a B-Day Party I am working on and this is giving me great Ideas.
1 year ago
sajataeford2bd says:
Great Ideas. Love it.
1 year ago
cherryshop says:
Such cute stuff!!!
1 year ago
paulofnavarone says:
i wish i was a pirate
1 year ago
MarKhed says:
I want a pirate party!!!
1 year ago
Chupchik says:
Great stuff! I also invite you to look at my shop to see my "Treasure map - mix and mach rubber stamps set" Hope you like it Thanks!
1 year ago
LoveandKnit says:
Fun!!!
1 year ago
VintageGlintage says:
such a cute selection!
1 year ago
candacejean says:
*gasp* Can I just have my own un-birthday party please? Like.. right now?
1 year ago
BululuStudio says:
Nice party.
1 year ago
bylynnkrestel says:
ho so much work! but sooo worth it! great inspirations!
1 year ago
mazedasastoat says:
Shiver me timbers... I actually went to a pirate party a couple of weeks ago, I don't think any of us "kids" were under 30 but we all had a great time! :-D
1 year ago
PoppySprouts says:
this is so awesome:) We are planning a huge Carnival for my little guys birthday!
1 year ago
janellelile says:
I want these all to be for one party :) I think I deserve a pirate/tea party mashup extravaganza for my birthday this year!
1 year ago
ItsBella says:
what an inspiring post! I love the candy one with vintage cards, so so cute!!
1 year ago
saintesmariesjewelry says:
lovely pictures! great article!
1 year ago
ebrukSupplies says:
So cute items !
1 year ago
akcopperraven says:
my boy just loves pirates...great party accesories for boys...oh and girls tea party too !!
1 year ago
poplovedesigns says:
I WANT A PIRATE PARTY FOR MY 28TH BIRTHDAY!!! <3 Andrea
1 year ago
yaelfran says:
Look at this ACTIVITY PIRATE BOOK for children!!!! http://www.etsy.com/listing/48198755/pirates
1 year ago
silkstory says:
Lovely ideas!
1 year ago
graphicspaces says:
Super cute stuff!
1 year ago
maggiemaevintage says:
pirates are soooo cooool!
1 year ago
jodieflowers says:
OMG! What great party stuff!!
1 year ago
faraharia says:
How fun!! Can I be five again!!
1 year ago
Leocardia says:
I have to organize a birthday party for my daughter in a few days...Nice and inspiring selection!
1 year ago
JustBakin says:
Great story.....planning and decorating and baking for my kids parties is like the bestest :)
1 year ago
merrydaledolls says:
Great ideas!
1 year ago
polkadotsandblooms says:
It's my DD's birthday in December but we are planning already:-) Many of here peers have their party at a 'venue' with enterainment etc, but I really like to have our parties at home. I adore the tea parties items displayed here which would make a great choice for a girl's party!
1 year ago
undermyfeet says:
I love the vintage games.
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
So fun...makes me wanna throw one for my own birthday...pirates & princesses welcome
1 year ago
lovelygifts says:
Very cute items!
1 year ago
indiepixie says:
This is the bees knees!
1 year ago
unemployeddesigner says:
Love the vintage themed party - it would be great to give out "old school" candy, like candy dots, pixie sticks, bit-o-honey and sugar daddies to the kids!
1 year ago
GreenRoomStudios says:
I can't wait to start having kids just so I can throw awesome themed birthday parties like these!! (well maybe I can't wait to have kids for a few other reasons too... but still!) Such cute finds and themes thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
Ewcia11029 says:
such great party ideas!!!!!!! would love a pirate theme birthday myself :)
1 year ago
yoshibearstudio says:
Arrrghhh!! This Halloween is sure to be pirate-themed with my husband, puppy and myself! Every theme mentioned above is so CUTE (or 'kawaii' in Japanese)!! If anyone's interested in handmade kawaii charms to add some personality to anything you put them on, I have plenty of cute items on my site: www.yoshibearstudio.etsy.com See you soon!
1 year ago
MISMA says:
Congratulations!
1 year ago
davisdesignsau says:
What fantastic things for a child's party... wish mine were still small enough so that i could use some of these things! Maybe will just go into my second childhood :-)
1 year ago
adalinevintage says:
Great ideas! Very creative on the memory game!
1 year ago
jcisco112 says:
Cute and Creative! My daughter wants a FOX motorcycle party this year! Yikes!!
1 year ago
MamaKs says:
don't forget the aromatic play clay! mamaks.etsy.com
1 year ago
jkldesign says:
Such a wonderful idea, I will definitely put into action for here Birthday next year..
1 year ago
LuRuUniques says:
cute.. What ideas for the little guys parties. We have a Kid Day Parade in our town next month. Always cute to see the kids dressed up and so pleased with themselves.
1 year ago
tomatored says:
wonderful party finds!
1 year ago
MomsantiquesNthings says:
great feature! I have some awesome zoo animal/jungle themed birthday party invitations for boys or girls in my shop and they can be personalized!
1 year ago
AntoinettesWhims says:
So cute! Just had a pirate party for my son, wish we had some of these.
1 year ago
DIVINEsweetness says:
Aww.. so cute! i'd love for my daughter to have a tea party themed b-day party this year! so girly and frou-frou! These would also be perfect for tea parties, they also serve as favors! http://www.etsy.com/listing/49326723/macaroon-place-card-holders-set-of-6
1 year ago
JessMadeThis says:
Great stuff! Very cute.
1 year ago
thelittlemarket says:
Great article!! My daughter won't be 4 until fall, but this will make sure I am well prepared...Thanks so much!
1 year ago
rowenamurillo says:
My 5 year old wants a pirate penny carnival for his birthday. He says his sister can be a princess. What happens when you throw all these ideas together?
1 year ago
opendoorstudio says:
I call first ...for the pin the tail on the donkey game! so cute!
1 year ago
elizabethwrenvintage says:
the cake plate and pinwheels are so wonderful! oh i love it all : )
1 year ago
craftpile says:
adorable ideas! Love the vintage themed...so cute!
1 year ago
sweetbellacards says:
So cute... I love the pirate themes! I have the perfect invite for all those pirate parties! :)
1 year ago
recycledwares says:
what a fun collection of party items. the pirate party looks like so much fun, so does the tea party, and the vintage is right up my alley.
1 year ago
sweetbellacards says:
So cute! I love pirate themes. Just made a fun pirate invite for my shop :)
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
pirate themes are the best for parties!
1 year ago
xoxsmiley says:
Fabulous ideas!
1 year ago
daniellesdesign10 says:
I Love pirate stuff...I'm working on some pirate jewelry now. I'll have them posted soon.
1 year ago
crybabycrafts says:
Cute ideas :)
1 year ago
RozPetalzStudio says:
Fabulous ideas! Everyone loves to save $$$ & time while keepong the kids happy! I have some $$ savers for birthdays too - 3 in 1 cupcake toppers, craft kit and party favor! http://www.etsy.com/listing/49037430/3-in-1-cupcake-topper-craft-activity-and
1 year ago
chelebert12 says:
Bloesem (and the kids version) are daily blog inspiration for me! Loved everything about this. I want to have a vintage party right this second!
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Great ideas and items for those fun parties!
1 year ago
Tarapparel says:
love the ideas! "A Birthday Tea" is my favourite!
1 year ago
faeriecupcake says:
Makes me wish I had a kid...LOVE the pirates! someday (sigh)
1 year ago
chasedreams says:
I love going all out for kid parties! Fun finds!
1 year ago
TheNightjar says:
what great suggestions for kids parties- i need as many as i can get with 3 and a half year old twins......and i adore Vintage confections!
1 year ago
trulyvera says:
Brings back memories of when my children were young. Great ideas!
1 year ago
VintagePaperParade says:
Fun picks! I always enjoy Irene's finds on her lovely blog.
1 year ago
willowbaus says:
I love love love throwing parties! Thanks for the great ideas!
1 year ago
ameliejo says:
I have the most perfect organic, pirate tee here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/36531342/amelie-jo-wyatt-vintage-inspired-organic
1 year ago
baruchslullaby says:
Sweet themes! Thanks for the fun ideas!
1 year ago
jrlowephotography says:
There are some great ideas! I love to plan parties maybe vintage will be next on the list.
1 year ago
TheMerchantMariner says:
So cute!
1 year ago
frenchtoastfriday says:
Wow this looks like so much fun. I'm in the middle of planning a spy/ detective party for my 9 year old daughter myself. There'll be a lot of DIYs. Anyways, hope you're enjoying living in Kuala Lumpur!
1 year ago
fawa says:
I like everything here!
1 year ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
love the pirate party stuff, I'm 24 and I'd love to have a pirate party! Some people just never grow up eh...
1 year ago
nowonder says:
Such fun and festive party items! Wow!
1 year ago
JemmDee says:
Fun, fun, fun! I want a birthday party!
1 year ago
anemonecomms says:
yarrrrrr! great finds.
1 year ago
bellasparty says:
Wonderful!!Love everything!
1 year ago
22heures22 says:
and just as I made a post about parties! I'll ad this with. www.2clics.blospot.com
1 year ago
EnticingIcing says:
Thanks so much for include my Pirate toppers, I had SO much fun making this collection!
1 year ago
thetrendytot says:
I love that you did this post! I just did a 3rd Birthday Party for my daughter and almost everything I got was from etsy. It's such a great place to shop for parties!
1 year ago
thestapeliacompany says:
This makes me want to have kids just so I can play with them at their pirate party! Yay! I love these ideas. :)
1 year ago
AtlasSigns says:
This is a great theme and one my sons loved! It also was the inspiration to a No Girls Allowed (except Mom) Sign we custom made for a little pirate to hang over his galley (bedroom) door. Love the ideas and will use them. Thanks
1 year ago
NotYoMommasHandbag says:
Great combo of vintage games...smiles.
1 year ago
FA2u says:
So Great ï¼ï¼ï¼
1 year ago
saintesmariesjewelry says:
lovely pictures! I love the theme of this article!
1 year ago
Pearlk2 says:
very nice picks I love the idea handmade party!
1 year ago
KitschDesigns says:
Oh my gosh, the vintage party is such a cute idea! I never thought of that before. I will be tucking this one away for when my little guy gets older. Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
shopgoodgrace says:
These are fabulous and a completely inspiring article ... thank you for sharing! I am definitely checking out Irene's blogs. :) What fun!
1 year ago
VintageEye says:
i never get tired of pirates! i'm not kidding. i could say aaarrgghh! all day long! just ask my husband...he's kinda' sick of the whole thing but i will be dressed in full pirate regalia for the big 5-0 later this year!
1 year ago
Lipeony says:
great party themes =D I do love a pirate tea party theme =D
1 year ago
blackcrowsoaps says:
I have never even thought of a vintage party for a child's birthday but what a great idea :)!
1 year ago
MollythePirate says:
Everything here is so fun and cute! I'd have it at MY party anytime. And no I won't tell you how old I am. ;)
1 year ago
TheBirthdayHouse says:
What a great article - there are so many wonderful etsy vendors with great party supplies. Thanks so much for including my Pirate Ship cupcake toppers! They were fun to make and a great way to 'top' a party.
1 year ago
ClassicWhimsyDesigns says:
What amazing and beautiful ideas!
1 year ago
KingdomKards says:
Tea Party for me please with those little teapots on top of my cupcakes! Awesome!
1 year ago
sparklingtwi says:
so sweet :) Just had a Birthday party for my 10 year old cousin, had a blast putting it together for her :)
1 year ago
TipsyTimeMachine says:
Children's parties sure have gotten more theme oriented. My neice and nephew have had princess and pirate parties, and they were a blast!
1 year ago
BazingaCrafts says:
So Cute!
1 year ago
pawpaintings says:
My baby's 1st birthday is coming up... OK its like still 4 mo. away but that hasn't stopped my from starting to plan the decor. What can I say I'm an artist and can't wait to get my craft on!
1 year ago
BonTons says:
Great party ideas!
1 year ago
Gabsie says:
fun fun fun!!!
1 year ago
alipink says:
Fab selection! Lots of inspiration for the next birthday party.
1 year ago
rubypaperco says:
Fun! Am I too old to have the vintage party?!?
1 year ago
JoesToyBox says:
My son loves pirates and these are great ideas!
1 year ago
PorsbyDesign says:
arhhh I want to be a kid again
1 year ago
JeansVintageCloset says:
Pirate are so much fun, So many toys I remember at those kids bday parties, Yet I loved the cupcakes, and confetti the most
1 year ago
BobbieArt says:
yeah, right
1 year ago
SsanchezV says:
I love the vintage birthday party! Brings back memories. Sandra @ www.birthday-party-ideas-for-kids.com
1 year ago
john smith says:
I love your creativity, i found many new & wonderful ideas. Which i would probably implement on my coming birthdays. So keep it up & share more ideas...!!! http://www.mybirthdaysupplies.com/birthday-candles-supplies.php
38 days ago