Retro birthday parties
This page contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small amount of money if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our articles and reviews are written independently by the Netmums editorial team.
Retro birthday parties
Here's the party!
Oh the excitement of seeing a bunch of balloons tied to the gate or the door letting you know where the party is.
Bumps for the birthday boy/girl
Remember how it was tradition to give the birthday boy or girl the bumps? One for each year. So much fun. Of course the health and safety bods wouldn't approve though ...
Blowing out the candles
You don't need to spend hours trying to make a rainbow cake, lava cake or a cake in the shape of Princess Elsa. Keep it simple - a round cake covered in icing or chocolate with loads of hundreds and thousands, jelly tots or Smarties. All the fun is blowing out the candles. Party cake ideas
Cheery decorations
Forget Pinterest-perfect themed decorations - just cheer the room with balloons and streamers, bunting or paper chains. All cheap and cheerful but they look so exciting.
Let the games begin
A retro party is all about the games. Kids just love party games! Check these out:
Here are some old favourites such as Pass the Parcel and Flap the Fish.
House party
You don't need to book or pay a fortune to hire a big venue. Hold your party at home. If you haven't got loads of room then keep the guest list small too. Just push back the furniture and clear enough space for games, hang up some balloons and you're ready to party.
Please come to my party
Invitations were cheap and cheerful. Hand write yours. Easy peasy.
Jelly and ice cream
Don't you love traditional party food? Sausages and cheese on sticks, sausage rolls, little triangle sandwiches...jelly and ice cream is a must.
Easy peasy party bags
'Going home presents' were so much simpler way back when - you got a slice of cake in a napkin and a balloon and maybe a small sweet or toy. And you were perfectly happy with this little gift to take home to say thank you for coming. Keep party bags simple. Use pretty bags and ribbon to make them look gorgeous.
Bendy straws and paper plates
You don't need to spend a fortune on themed table decorations. Buy some paper plates and cups and bendy straws. Add those cute little paper umbrellas to the drinks too.