Some of my best memories from childhood are attending 2000s birthday parties.
As a millennial, birthday parties back in my day consisted of homemade cakes and snacks, classic party games like musical chairs and pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey, and if the party was really fancy, a few streamers and balloons in the basement.
We always had a blast, and when I compare it to the birthday parties I throw for my kids, I often wonder what on earth I am doing with my life. Birthday parties for kids have turned into extravagant affairs complete with themes, activities, and gift bags that, quite frankly, leave my kids exhausted and overstimulated, and my bank account fraught.
I think we could all use a reminder that birthday parties can be made fun and simple again, so here are some ideas for throwing that 2000s birthday party that we all remember so fondly.
Large Unicorn Pinata Kit with Blindfold and Stick for Girls Birthday Party Decorations (20 x 14 x 5 In)
$53.34
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I feel like we all remember whacking a piñata with all of our might at many a 2000s birthday party, and this kit conveniently includes everything you need:
- Pinata
- Eye cover
- Stick
Just don’t forget the candy!
171 Piece Disposable Birthday Party Set
Simple is the name of the game when it comes to throwing a 2000s birthday party, and this 171-piece kit is exactly that. No elaborate themes, no assembly-required supplies.
Just balloons, a “happy birthday” message, a disposable tablecloth, and a simple banner you can tape to the wall. Throw in some pizzas and a homemade birthday cake and you’ve got yourself a 2000s birthday, my friend. (Oh, and this package is online only, so be sure to order it before your party!)
Wrapables Punching Balloons with Rubber Band Handles for Party Favors, Birthday Parties (Set of 21), Multicolor
I couldn’t tell you why, but nearly every single birthday party I attended as a kid included these punching balloons. When or why they fell out of favor, I’m not sure, but I say we bring them back. They’re so versatile — they can be used as decor, for party games, or just as entertainment.
The Costume Center 18.5" Yellow and Green Pin the Tail on the Donkey Game Party Accessory
Was it even a 2000s birthday party without playing pin the tail on the donkey? You can choose from many variations in today’s modern birthday landscape, like pin the tail on the mermaid or pin the tail on the bunny, but why mess with a classic?
This package includes 12 tails and a blindfold for instant fun.
Big Dot of Happiness Funny 00s Y2K - 2000s Party Photo Booth Props Kit - 10 Piece
Bring back all the 2000s’ vibes with this retro photo booth party pack featuring 2000s’ slang and slogans. Use the sturdy props in a DIY photo booth, or display them as party decorations for all the Y2K goodness.
Big Dot of Happiness Pajama Slumber Party - Girls Sleepover Birthday Party Game Pickle Cards - Truth, Dare, Share Pull Tabs - Set of 12
Truth and dare may have been a little more, well, daring back in our day, but kids these days can still enjoy the fun of the game in a little more approachable manner.
This “Truth, Dare, or Share” pajama party game comes complete with tabs kids can pull to reveal fun and safe dares, prompts for sharing truths about themselves, and questions for each party member.
Big Dot of Happiness Pajama Slumber Party - Girls Sleepover Birthday Party Cootie Catcher Game - Truth or Dare Fortune Tellers - Set of 12
Continue the 2000s birthday party fun with pre-designed cootie catchers, specially made for pajama party entertainment.
The pack includes 12 cootie catchers that party guests can assemble, and then play for fun truth and dare challenges.
Original Stationery 33-Piece Glitter Tattoos Set
The 2000s’ girlies among us will well remember the days of coating our bodies in body glitter for any “going out” occasion, so throw back to that era with a more kid (and skin) friendly version.
Set up a party station with this glitter tattoo kit — it includes 24 stencil designs and 6 colors so kids can get creative with their glitter looks.
Orbz® 16" Disco Ball Foil Balloon
Throw it back to Y2K with disco elements at your 2000s birthday party. And if you want to make things really authentic, let the kids do a countdown and then stage a “blackout” because all the computers went haywire. (Did anyone else attend a New Year’s Eve party on Y2K where the party host did this? Just me?)
Vanilla DIY Cake Pop All-in-One Baking Kit
Remember when cake pops were all the rage? While they were more of a staple in the late 2000s and early 2010s, you can still throw it back to this classic 2000s treat with an easy-to-use kit that includes everything you need, from sprinkles to frosting to the sticks.
Let kids mix and decorate for a party activity, or just serve as fun treats!
Spiral Birthday Candles, 24pc
This last suggestion might seem simple, but that’s exactly why we’re including it: to remind us all that the ultimate 2000s birthday party is all about sticking to the basics and bringing back simple celebrations. No elaborate themes, cakes, or decorations are needed.
All you really need to host an epic birthday party for kids is a few classic party games (musical chairs, anyone?), a homemade cake, and some simple birthday candles.
Let’s bring back the 2000s vibes of letting kids be kids and parents not be pressured to spend hundreds of dollars on elaborate birthday parties. And the jury is still out on whether we should bring back those Chuck-E-Cheese parties, so we’ll let you be the judge of that one.
But no matter what type of birthday party you’re throwing, we can guarantee Michaels will have all the supplies and decor you need, so be sure to check them out before you start your party planning.
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