The Hottest Trends for Children's Birthday Parties

Are you tired of throwing the same old birthday party for your child? Pizza, cake and ice cream, blah blah blah. And guess what? You don't need to run out an rent a bouncety bounce air house, or a popcorn machine either. Here are some great new ideas to jazz up your child's party that won't break the bank.

The first thing you can do is purchase a birthday cake with an edible photo image of your child on it. All kids love to see their faces on cakes, and your birthday boy or girl is no different. All the attendees will love it too. You could also use one of your child's drawings too. Practically anything can be made into an edible image. Don't stop at just birthday cakes either; now companies sell the edible images in pre-made circles so they are easy to put on cookies and cupcakes. If you are feeling really ambitious, you can purchase a chocolate mold to make chocolate lollipops and attach the edible image to them. These make excellent party favors for each child to take home. You will have all the guests talking and your child will love every minute of it.

Another great idea that seems to be a growing trend is theme parties. If you have a little "Cinderella" or "Sleeping Beauty" at home, how about throwing a Princess Party. On the invitation make it clear it is a princess party, and have the guests come in costume. It is also helpful if you have a few extra costumes on hand for those who might not have one at home. I can promise you, all the little princesses will have a magical time.

How about a pirate theme, complete with a treasure or scavenger hunt? Boys can wear bandanas and pirate hats. All you need to do is create a treasure map where they will find new clues and goodies along the way. This will keep them occupied and having fun for a very long while.

It's luau time! Go to any party store and they will be loaded with all the items you'll need. Pick up a blowup palm tree for taking pictures in the tropics. Make sure you have grass skirts and leis on hand. Your food can match your theme too; serve fresh fruit, tropical punch and upsidedown pineapple cake for dessert.

A craft party can be loads of fun too. Go to your local craft supply store and purchase foam door hangers or visors and foam stickers (no mess with the ones that you just peel off the backing). Make sure you pick up the alphabet foam stickers so each child can personalize their artwork with their name. Design-a-mugs are another great idea. Each child can color a picture, and then you slide their masterpiece in between the outer and inner layers of the mug.

Your child's birthday party doesn't have to be just plain old cake and ice cream anymore. Try some of these exciting ideas to make your child's next birthday a blast!