Fun and Unique Ways to Celebrate a Milestone Birthday

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All birthdays are a special and exciting day. You’re one year older and wiser.
Milestone birthdays are especially exciting to celebrate because they don’t come around
as often. Though the novelty of birthdays may have worn off for you by now, it definitely
hasn’t for your kids. Here are some fun ideas for to use to celebrate your kids’ milestone
birthdays!

Even though during their first milestone at age one your child won’t really remember
or even truly appreciate the day, it’s a big deal. For a long time, families celebrated a
child’s first birthday because so few children actually made it to age one. And you both
deserve some celebration after the tumultuous first year of your baby’s life. Make the
theme of the day something unique like crayons, rubber ducky, teddy bears, Legos, or
balloons that the kids will enjoy. Pick your child’s favorite games or time of the day and
plan the theme around that. If you choose crayons, you could line your walls, floor, or
tables with butcher paper so the kids can draw on everything. Plan around naptime and
invite baby’s friends over. Decorate the house to differentiate the day in your child’s eyes
and provide plenty of easy finger foods. Consider tiny cupcakes instead of a big cake so
small hands and mouths can easily enjoy the birthday treat.

Many of those ideas will translate really easily to a five-year-old child’s birthday
as well. Though by five your child will be more developed and have a personality
completely her own and will be able to help you plan according to her favorite colors,
movies, toys, or games. If you want to plan either birthday away from the house, think
about doing a zoo or petting zoo party, or a party at the park.

Once 10 and 13 hit, your child will surely be able to tell you exactly what he wants
his party to be like but don’t forget the excitement of surprise parties! Pool parties are
a great idea when children get older to keep the kids occupied for hours. To help your
child start his teen years, plan a surprise party with go-karts, laser tag, or paintball. If
your daughter loves sleepovers, plan a surprise slumber party either at your house or in
a hotel to make it extra special.

When 16 hits, your child is probably focused on getting a driver’s license. Start the
birthday by waking your kid up early enough for a birthday breakfast, complete with
candles in pancakes or waffles, and to get to the DMV early and avoid waiting in a long
line. Your sweet-sixteen-year-old will appreciate the gesture since he or she will be
anxious to have that license as soon as possible.

Once 18 and 21 roll around, you can start planning more adult parties. At 18, you
could throw a lottery ticket or voting themed party. Stepping into adulthood is an exciting
time but your kid will still want to celebrate like a kid! For either age milestone you could
also rent a party bus for your kid and his friends. If he’s 18, stock the bus with a root beer
keg; if he’s 21, party busses allow alcohol so have a real keg. This takes the pressure
off of you and your kid and friends will have a place to party away from supervision of
parents while staying safe. To find party busses in your area, check the Internet and
enter “party bus rental NYC,” for example.

Whether the party is for a young child, a surprise, or planned for months in advance,
you’ll have fun celebrating milestones with your child.