Birthday Party Theme Ideas for 7- to 8-Year-Olds

Backward Day

Here's a party that's super silly and sure to have everyone giggling. Set everything backward. Print Happy Birthday banners and place cards in reverse. Serve the meal in reverse order (cake first) Encourage the guests to dress backward. Be sure to put away small end tables and other potential obstacles since it's almost certain the kids will try to walk backward.

Game: Backward Fashion Show. Set up a runway area, put on some good loud music, and have a fashion show. Provide an extra trunk of dress-up clothes to complement what kids have already got on. Give prizes for most items on backward, best backward runway walk, etc.

Party favors: Silly Putty.

Planning timeline

• One month before party day: Make guest list, plan menu, send invitations.
• Two weeks before party day: Shop for party favors, paper goods. Gather dress-up items for the fashion show. Ask a friend or relative who has RSVP'd to act as your assistant on party day.
• One week before party day: Shop for menu items.

Sources: The Best Birthday Parties Ever! A Kid's Do-It-Yourself Guide (The Millbrook Press) by Kathy Ross; Great Parties for Kids (Williamson Publishing Co.) by Nancy Fyke; Pin the Tail on the Donkey, and Other Party Games (Morrow Junior Books/New York) by Joanna Cole and Stephanie Calmenson; Rainy Days and Saturdays (Workman Publishing Co.) by Linda Hetzer

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