Kids' birthday theme

A little pumpkin birthday party

Pumpkins, hay rides, and apple cider.

Photo: Unsplash

Pumpkin invitations

Free designs with an RSVP link that tracks every reply. Tap one to start yours; your names, date and place fill in, and you can change the design any time.

Ideas for your pumpkin party

Pick one or two from each and keep the rest simple.

Decor

  • Orange, cream, and sage balloons with a leaf garland
  • Mini pumpkins and gourds down the table
  • Hay bales and a wagon for photos
  • A "Little pumpkin" sign with the birthday age

Food

  • Warm apple cider
  • Mini pumpkin muffins
  • Mac and cheese in small cups
  • Caramel apple slices

Games and activities

  • Decorate a mini pumpkin
  • Pumpkin patch hunt
  • Leaf pile play
  • Wagon rides around the yard

Cake

A pumpkin-shaped orange cake with a green stem, plus a small spice smash cake for the birthday kid.

Favors

One small, useful or fun thing per child beats a bag of extras. How many to buy.

Colors

DeepBrightPopSoft

Pick one bright color for balloons and napkins, and keep plates plain.

What to do and when

The plan for a birthday party, counted back from the party day. Festidy puts real dates on it.

  1. 6 to 8 weeks out

    • Pick a date, a start time, and a backup date
    • Set a budget and choose your big two
    • Write the guest list
    • Choose a theme together
    • Lock in the location and a rain plan
    • Note food, accessibility, and comfort needs
  2. 4 to 6 weeks out

    • Send the invitations
    • Decide: hire an entertainer or run your own games
    • Book rentals if you need them
    • Order the cakeCake idea: A pumpkin-shaped orange cake with a green stem, plus a small spice smash cake for the birthday kid.
    • Ask helpers and give them roles
    • Make one contact and confirmation list
  3. 2 to 3 weeks out

    • Order decor, tableware, and favorsDecor idea: Orange, cream, and sage balloons with a leaf garland
    • Plan the menu and check allergiesMenu idea: Warm apple cider
    • Plan 3 or 4 activities, plus a backupActivity idea: Decorate a mini pumpkin
    • Follow up on RSVPs
    • Build your one-stop shopping list
  4. The week before

    • Confirm every vendor
    • Lock the headcount and shop for food and drinks
    • Prep favors, decor, and a playlist
    • Write the party-day schedule
    • Send the final party note
  5. The day before

    • Pick up the cake and set up what you can
    • Pack a party-day kit
    • Charge devices and share the run sheet
    • Make the final weather and space call
  6. Party day

    • Set up an hour before
    • Run the party and finish on time
    • Reset the space and check for left-behind items
  7. After the party

    • Share photos and settle any remaining balances
    • Send thank-yous
    • Save photos and notes for next year
    • Leave a quick note for your future self

Party-day run of show

For a 2-hour party starting at 2 pm.

  • Final setup and safety checkSetup crew gets food, activities, and the entrance ready.
  • Arrivals and free playKid wrangler greets kids and keeps an eye on arrivals.
  • Main game or entertainerEntertainment lead runs the planned game or entertainer.
  • Snacks and drinksFood lead puts out snacks and checks dietary labels.
  • Cake and candlesPhotographer gets the group shot before serving.
  • Craft, favors, and goodbyesThe host ends on time while energy is still high.
  • Quick resetCollect gifts and check the space for left-behind items.

Free pumpkin printables

Print at home on letter paper or card stock.

More kids' birthdays themes