Planning a themed party for your child doesn’t have to be a major ordeal. Whether you’re organising a birthday bash, Halloween celebration, or a school event, the trick is to keep things simple and enjoyable for you and the little ones. From picking out costumes to sorting the decorations and coming up with fun activities, there’s plenty to think about. But with a bit of guidance and a few clever ideas, it’s all very doable.
In this guide, we’ll run through the most popular themes for children’s parties here in Ireland, give you tips on choosing the right outfit, and share fun-filled activity suggestions to keep the kids entertained from start to finish.
Most Popular Children’s Party Themes in Ireland
Kids love a party with a bit of magic and imagination. One of the most loved themes has to be superheroes. There's something about putting on a cape and saving the day that never gets old. You’ll find loads of great options in our Children's collection, with something to suit every age.
Another big hit among Irish families are fairytale and fantasy parties. Think princesses, dragons, unicorns, and knights perfect for sparking little imaginations. Check out our fairytale costumes for ideas to bring the storybook world to life.
We can’t forget about Book Day, which is a favourite in schools across the country. It’s the perfect excuse for kids to dress up as their favourite character, whether it’s Harry Potter, Matilda, or the Hungry Caterpillar. Take a look at our Book Day range for inspiration.
Animal-themed and jungle parties are brilliant for younger kids and work especially well outdoors when the weather plays nice. And of course, Halloween-themed parties are always a winner here, whether you go for spooky or silly. Browse our full range of children’s Halloween costumes to find the perfect fit for your party.
Choosing the Right Costume for Your Child’s Party
Choosing a costume is more than just picking what looks cute, it’s all about comfort, practicality, and making sure your child feels great in what they’re wearing. The first thing to think about is the party theme. Whether it’s outer space, a jungle adventure or a fairytale kingdom, the right costume helps bring it all to life.
In Ireland, you’ll also want to keep the weather in mind. If the party’s outside, think about layering options or something cosy enough to handle a bit of a breeze. Comfort is key too, costumes should be soft, breathable, and easy to get on and off. For great value, it’s worth picking something they can reuse for another occasion like Halloween or World Book Day.
Have a scroll through our costume sales collection for great deals, or explore themed looks for boys and girls if you’re after something specific.
Essential Decorations for a Memorable Kids’ Party
Once you’ve sorted the theme and costumes, it’s time to bring the party space to life with some brilliant decorations. Balloons and streamers are always a good place to start, they’re colourful, cheerful, and make the space feel festive straight away. For the table, go for themed plates, cups, and napkins to tie everything together.
Adding a photo corner with a backdrop and a few fun props is a great shout. It gives the kids a chance to strike a pose and gives parents a few keepsakes from the day. From pirates to princesses, the right décor makes a big difference. We’ve got a lovely selection of party decorations and photo booth props to help you set the scene.
What Activities and Games Will Keep the Kids Busy?
The best children’s parties are the ones where the kids are kept busy and entertained. A treasure hunt is always a good option, tailor it to your theme, and you’ll have them racing around with excitement. Arts and crafts also go down well. Try letting the children make their own superhero masks or animal ears, it’s a great way to calm things down a bit too.
Old-school party games like musical statues or pass the parcel are still favourites, and inflatable props add a layer of excitement, whether they’re battling it out with foam swords or bouncing about with oversized hammers. For a quieter moment, ‘pin the tail’ (or themed versions of it) is a classic that still brings the giggles.
We’ve plenty of fun options in our games collection, and if you’re after something that’s quick and easy to set up, check out our inflatable goods to get the craic going.
How Do You Make It Brilliant Without Spending a Fortune?
Throwing a great party doesn’t have to cost a small fortune. There are plenty of ways to create a brilliant day on a sensible budget. Start by checking out our special offers for discounts on costumes, decorations, and accessories. Printable invitations and DIY party games are easy wins too, plenty of ideas online that won’t cost you a cent.
When it comes to snacks, why not set up a little station where kids can decorate their own cupcakes or build their own party cones? It’s affordable, interactive and saves on prep. Try to reuse decorations where you can, and choose costumes that can be brought out again for Halloween or Book Day. With a few smart choices, you can throw a party they’ll remember, without breaking the bank.
Need a Hand with Party Planning?
If you’re putting together a themed party for your child and want to make it a day to remember, we’ve got everything you need, from costumes and decorations to props, games, and more. Whether you’re going big or keeping it cosy, Joke Sho is here to help you bring it all together. Take a look through our wide range of children’s costumes, games, and decorations to get started. And if you’re unsure where to begin or need help picking the right bits and bobs, just give us a shout, we’d be delighted to help.