Children deserve a good party just like the rest of us. We know the importance of giving children memorable occasions to look back on in years to come.
Popularity of children’s party themes often follow the latest trends based on current films and children’s television programmes. Then there are some timeless themes that never seem to go out of favour. Take a look at some themes that have been popular recently and our predictions for some themes we think will be on trend next year.
Current trends
- Frozen – Disney princess themes are classics and always prove popular. Frozen is no exception and whilst the film came out at the end of 2013, Frozen fever still continues especially with the DVD release this year and impending cold weather. Even Elsa inspired wedding dresses are appearing giving brides the option to have this theme at their wedding too.
- Lego Movie – ‘everything is awesome’ with this theme. The building bricks might have been around since 1949 but there’s nothing old fashioned about these interlocking toys and they lend themselves very well for primary coloured, simple yet innovative decorations, favours, activities and food at any child’s party. The 2014 film certainly has increased construction based children’s parties. ‘Everything is cool when you work as a team!’
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – another classic theme that is currently having a revival with another new film. Cowabunga! Get your masks on, join these heroes in a half shell and make your own pizzas.
- Postman Pat – ‘everybody knows his bright red van’ and his black and white cat. This children’s television programme always gives lots of ideas for great themed parties – there’s always room for classic games like pass the parcel but the recent film has also seen integration of singing or talent contests in to the theme.
- How to Train a Dragon 2 – loosely based on a British book series, these films have seen a trend for viking parties. Decorating shields, donning a Viking helmet and competing in training exercises to qualify as Toothless dragon trainers with (or without) any ‘Hiccups’.
- Minecraft – initially a game about breaking and placing blocks but has now grown to include really imaginative things. The simple graphics in this game certainly make decorating a Minecraft party easy – pixelate, cut things into cubes or make them green! Plus the basic player activities of exploring, digging, cooking, crafting, brewing and farming make it easy to incorporate lots of activities to this theme.
- Rainbow Loom bands – jewellery parties to weave rubber bands into bracelets or charms give loads of opportunities to have rainbow coloured décor and food (like an amazing rainbow layer cake).
- Junior Bake Off – the spin off to the Great British Bake Off has not only seen a ‘rise’ in home baking but also in baking and cooking themed parties. Compete to impress the judges and then enjoy eating the end product.
- Bob the Builder – can he still fix it? ‘Yes, he can!’ Popularity for construction parties is growing and with a refreshed version of this children’s programme they will continue to gain favour further.
Timeless trends
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar – it might have been published in 1969 but Eric Carle’s book still provides inspiration for children’s parties 45 years on. The catering is easy – just use the book as inspiration and think bright colours and butterflies for the décor.
- Mr Men and Little Miss – there are nearly 100 colourful characters in this amazing set of children’s books (originally written by Roger Hargreaves commencing in 1971). What a great theme to incorporate into a fancy dress party with maybe a Mr Bounce-y castle, Little Miss Somersault circus skills, driving Mr Bump-er cars or learning Little Miss Magic tricks.
- Thomas the Tank Engine – this theme was good enough for Kim Kardashian’s nephew, Mason, recently and The Railway Series characters (originally written by Rev Wilbert Awdry) still provide inspiration nearly 70 years after they were first published. All aboard for some fun train races!
- Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland – next year will be 150 years since Lewis Carroll’s book was first published. Follow the White Rabbit with hearts, red roses, tea cups and clocks. See how we organised our own Alice in Wonderland tea party.
- Wizard of Oz – this year marked the 75th anniversary of the film release of the Wizard of Oz. Follow the yellow brick road with sunflowers, rainbow colours and balloons when dressed for the emerald city. See how we went over the rainbow with our Wizard of Oz party.
- Wild West – cowboy parties are always popular with activities like panning for gold, lassoing, buckaroo, pony rides, sack races, horse shoe tossing and boot scootin.
Our predictions for future trends
- Paddington – there’s a new film coming out at the end of this year featuring Paddington Bear, the fictional character in children’s literature created by Michael Bond. This could influence trends next year such as travel themes, teddy bear picnics complete with duffle coats, marmalade sandwiches and love of all things British.
- Into the Woods – this is another film coming out in 2014. It stars James Corden and depicts a number of characters from popular children’s stories including Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel. Plenty of autumnal adventures, toffee apples, gingerbread houses and other woodland fairy tale inspiration will spin off from this theme.
- Gotham – there’s a new American crime television series just started on Channel 5 based on characters appearing in the Batman stories. It focuses on the early days of Detective James Gordon but also includes Bruce Wayne and several of the Batman villains. The show is a bit too gritty for children but will certainly influence interest in more Batman themed parties along with Penguin, Riddler, Joker and Mr Freeze.
- Minions – these yellow henchmen will be enjoying a spin off film after the success of the Despicable Me films. Perhaps this will see an increase in villain based parties or perhaps more Antarctica inspired décor.
- Cinderella – without a doubt, princess parties will always be popular. We are sure that the live-action film set for release next year with Helena Bonham-Carter as the Fairy Godmother will continue to keep the magic and romantic fairy tale alive.
- The SpongeBob Movie and new 3D Popeye film – these new films will inspire under the sea, pirate, beach and sailor themes aplenty next summer.
- Star Wars VII – the long awaited sequel will surely mean that space travel, aliens and robots are popular choices for parties as the end of 2015 approaches.
- Rugby World Cup – England will be hosting the 2015 Rugby World Cup so we envisage this will ignite and inspire more people to play and support the game.
- Art parties – crafting is big business at the moment and this will spill over even more into children’s parties with painting, creating a magazine, pottery, sewing and movie making activities.
These are a few of our predictions for popular children’s party themes in 2015. We’d love to hear what you think are going to be big trends next year. Email us at info@www.hanamidream.co.uk with your predictions.
