TODDLER
23 Thrilling Third Birthday Party Themes
Your tiny tornado is saying “tata” to two, and it’s time to party!
Written by
Jenny Studenroth Gerson
Your tiny tornado is saying “tata” to two, and it’s time to party! Third birthdays are so fun because your child at this point truly understands what a birthday is, and that everyone there is celebrating them. Now all you have to do is pick a theme and get to planning.
Any character or theme your little one loves is fair game, but we’ve assembled some favorites in case you’re stuck. Whichever direction you go from sea creatures to dinosaurs and sweets to the seventies, just make sure you keep the decorations and treats in their favorite colors—and always add lots of balloons.
Three is really an easy age to “wow” them; just keep the decor cute and the sweets abundant and you’ll have a happy pack of 3-year-olds making memories (and noise!). These are some of our favorite 3-year-old birthday party ideas!
Young, Wild, and Three
Photo: Envato
What we love about this wording is it can apply to whatever makes your little one “wild.” This execution is on the boho side, but you can also take “Young, Wild, and Three” to the jungle or turn it into a colorful dance party.
More inspiration at Kara’s Party Ideas
Tea for Three Birthday Party
Photo: Envato
A charming little tea party is easy to pull off and the stuff little girls’ dreams are made of. Highlight any of her favorite colors, and you can use mismatched vintage linens and cups from the thrift store if you’d like the “real thing” without risking damage to Grandma’s stuff.
More inspiration at The Pink Dream
A Three-Ring Circus Third Birthday Theme
Photo: Envato
Circus-theme birthdays can be simple or complex; the important elements are tickets for entry, pockets of popcorn, and bright colors as far as the eye can see.
Yippee! I’m Three Birthday Party
Photo: Envato
Pull together all their favorite things right now (from unicorns to bugs) with an open-ended party theme that’ll be just as fun to plan as it is to attend.
More inspiration at Instagram/whatmomslove
“Three-I-E-I-O” Third Birthday Party
Photo: Envato
Fun on the farm is the name of the game with this classic children’s birthday party theme.
More inspiration at Momo Party
Three-Rex Third Birthday Party
Photo: Envato
Whether your little dino-lover is a girl or a boy, a three-rex soiree decorated in their favorite hues will be a hit with all their friends.
More inspiration at Glamfetti
“Under the Three” Third Birthday Theme
Photo: Envato
From mermaids and narwhals to great white sharks, combine your tot’s favorite ocean creatures with shells and sand for a sensational sea-themed party they’ll adore. Pro Tip: Use clear balloons in small clusters as “bubbles” and twist green streamers to emulate seaweed.
More inspiration at The Mama Notes
Sesame Street Third Birthday Party
The beloved gang from this classic show will charm your mini muppet and all their buddies. For added fun, create fruit plates that look like their favorite characters, using cut-up bananas for Big Bird, red berries for Elmo, and so on.
More inspiration at Kara’s Party Ideas
Top 3 Princesses Birthday Party
Photo: Envato
If your mini royalty can’t narrow it down to just one, a three-princess soiree is even better! Princess parties are easy to pull off with readily available decor in every color palette from pastel to brights.
More inspiration at Inspiralized
Threenager Third Birthday Party
Photo: Envato
It’s another open-ended theme that can highlight what they’re like at three. If you’re celebrating a sassy little fashion-lover, highlight that with all their favorite things. If your threenager is car- or sports-obsessed, that works, too. The “threenager” party can also just be very old school; primary colors, balloons, music and dancing, and a simple cake. Voila!
More inspiration at Etsy/SimpliOre
Third Down Third Birthday Party
Photo: Envato
A football party is perfect for your tyke who can’t get enough of the all-American sport. Serve concession-style food and decorate in neutral brown and green—or add the colors from their favorite team.
More inspiration at House of Hargrove
Three Cheers Cheerleading Birthday Party
Photo: Envato
Ready? Let’s go! If your sporty 3-year-old is a lover of Cheer, you’ll need pom-poms everywhere, and a cute little uniform to wear. Consider skewing this theme classic Americana with vintage photographs of cheerleaders from around the country—it’ll turn out so cool.
More inspiration at Etsy/InnoCreativeCo
Beauty & the THREEst Third Birthday
Photo: Envato
If you’re searching for a Disney theme, this classic tale has lovely colors and even more fabulous characters. Stacks of books, red roses, and—of course—mini-baguettes make it feel festive and fun.
More inspiration at Mommy of a Princess
Pirate’s Life for Three Third Birthday Party
Photo: Envato
Your little matey and all their booty-loving pals will treasure a pirate-themed third birthday party.
More inspiration at Kara’s Party Ideas
This Little Fairy Is Three Third Birthday
Photo: Envato
Fairies are such a pretty party theme for a 3-year-old, bringing magic and whimsy to life before their very eyes. Scour vintage and thrift stores for tiny ceramic houses and other objects that will decorate your cake table, like shown here.
More inspiration at The House of Hood Blog
1, 2, 3 Strikes You’re Out Birthday Party
Photo: Envato
Your little slugger will have so much fun celebrating the love of the game—and another trip around the sun—with this easy-to-execute, sporty party.
More inspiration at Bower Power Blog
Lucky Number Three Birthday Party
Photo: Envato
Rainbows, clovers, little pennies, and all the good luck things come together in this adorably unique party plan. Don’t forget the glitter!
More inspiration at Inspired by This
“Three-Ow” Kitten Theme Party
Photo: Envato
Any cat-loving cutie would enjoy a kitten themed third birthday. Go monochrome or pick out their favorite pastels and remember: You can never have too many cat items on display. Meow!
More inspiration at Project Nursery
Easy as 1, 2, 3 Third Birthday Party
Photo: Envato
…Or “Let It Three.” A 1960s or ‘70s party is the coolest way to celebrate your groovy little buddy. From VW vans to peace signs, and daisies to vintage toys, skew it any direction they’ll love and just make sure to match the scene with music from the era.
More inspiration at Etsy/HandcraftedParties
"Three Spirit" Third Birthday Party
Photo: Envato
You don’t need a Halloween birthday to plan a ghostly gala! Have spooktacular fun any time of year when your “three spirit" celebrates with their besties. Add the option of coming in costume to make it extra-special.
More inspiration at Etsy/PixelPerfectionParty
Three Little Butterflies Third Birthday
Photo: Envato
To be clear, a “Three Little __” party can incorporate just about anything, from puppies to crayons. But a butterfly soiree is one of those themes that combines whimsy and nature beautifully, while being easy to plan and assemble.
More inspiration at Fun365
3, 2, 1, GO! Third Birthday Theme
Photo: Envato
Black, white, and cool all over, a race car-themed party is the perfect way to celebrate your little three with a need for speed.
More inspiration. at Thoughtfully Simple
Fancy & Three Third Birthday Party
Photo: Envato
A dress-up and makeover party will delight your fashionista and friends. Consider buying cheap accessories, like sunnies, hats, and necklaces, so the guests can go home dripping in them as favors.
More inspiration at The Chickabug Blog
“Land of the Three” Third Birthday Theme
Photo: Envato
Especially apt for a summer birthday, a patriotic themed party could really make your little firecracker light up with delight!
More inspiration at Kara’s Party Ideas
More Party-Planning Ideas:
Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE
MOST LOVED
Sleepytime Sidekicks
