Brian Woodcock
Birthdays make great excuses to remind a friend or loved one how worthy of celebration they are, so bring out the birthday cake and candles, hang a festive banner, and get to celebrating! And while you are at it, why not have some fun with these DIY birthday decoration ideas that will make a home party, or even just a small gathering, feel extra special?
Have a boy? Or a girl? We've got ideas to celebrate them all, and adults too—you can never outgrow birthday decorations after all. Many are simple and low budget, so don't be intimidated. Create a "Happy Birthday" bunting for a wall or a cake, fill balloons with confetti and pinatas with candy, and top tables with runners and centerpieces, all with a uniquely creative touch to make them your own.
So as you are shopping for gifts—we've got you more than covered with ideas for gifts for girlfriends, gifts for daughters (10-year-old girls in particular), gifts for teenage boys, gifts for moms, gifts for husbands, and more—don't forget that surprising the guest of honor with celebratory decorations is a gift in and of itself. And now for our 21 birthday decoration ideas to get you crafting!
1
Chalkboard Cake Bunting
Nothing adds charm to a dessert table faster than sweet bunting tucked into a cake or cupcake display. Yellow Bliss Road has a DIY for a chalkboard-style, customizable version you can attach to string or baker's twine.
Get the free printable and tutorial at Yellow Bliss Road.
SHOP CUPCAKE BUNTING
2
Mix-and-Match Vintage Dessert Pedestals
Make your own eclectic dessert stands with this super simple project that repurposes any plates, candlesticks, or vases you have on hand or scout from flea markets. For the pieces repurposed as pedestals, try upturning them for a different look. Use museum wax to hold the pieces together.
SHOP MUSEUM WAX
3
Cookie Cutter Birthday Candle
Making your own birthday candles is impressive enough. But adding a touch of whimsy using your favorite cookie cutter is downright magical!
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY.
SHOP CANDLE-MAKING SUPPLIES
Embellish the birthday buffet or bar with a simple garland you can make from paper straws. Buy straws that complement your party's palette, cut them into graduated lengths, and thread onto a length of baker's twine in groups to resemble pennants.
SHOP PAPER STRAWS
You don't have to opt for a store-bought table cloth year after year! Here, eye-catching gold details liven up a piece of pink fabric and work beautifully as a makeshift runner.
Get the tutorial at Sugar and Cloth.
SHOP GOLD PAINT
6
Flower Bomb Decorations
Talk about an over-the-top birthday! A "flower bomb" installation is one fun way to impress your guest of honor and delight their friends and family.
Get the tutorial at Camille Styles.
SHOP FAUX FLOWERS
8
Confetti-Filled Balloons
Dress up standard balloons by filling them with confetti for a pop of colorful birthday party décor.
Get the tutorial at Prudent Baby.
SHOP CONFETTI
9
Grocery Store Flower Arrangement
No, you don't need to spend half your paycheck on flowers for any birthday party. Instead, transform a selection of simple supermarket flowers into an inexpensive—but gorgeous!—masterpiece.
Get more last-minute birthday party tips at Sugar and Charm.
SHOP GOLD FLATWARE
Just a few dollars' worth of tissue paper confetti is the foundation for this punchy backdrop. Choose any message you like, then hang it behind a cake table or use it as a fun photo opp complete with a basket of festive props.
Get the tutorial at Life Sweet Life.
SHOP CONFETTI
11
Bright and Bold Decorations
Pastels are lovely, and soft pinks can be nice, but why not go all-out with bold colors this year? We love the vibrant, no-holds-barred look of this party.
Get the tutorial at Paper and Stitch.
SHOP PAPER LANTERNS
You can't go wrong when perfection is far from the goal, as in this adorable table runner. Use offset popsicle sticks to create the base for an inexpensive and festive runner, and then splatter paint in whatever colors match your party's look. Et voila!
Get the tutorial at At Home in Love.
SHOP POPSICLE STICKS
This paper hot air balloon with colorful flair is sure to add charm to any birthday party décor. You can even easily add an LED tea light to convert it into a lantern.
Get the tutorial at Oh My! Creative.
SHOP DOUBLE SIDED WRAPPING PAPER
15
Painted Bottle Centerpieces
Create table centerpieces that are as unfussy as they are gorgeous with this DIY that turns any extra jars you have into wow-worthy décor.
Get the tutorial at Little Miss Momma.
Put the guest of honor front and center with these simple photo cake toppers. Just cut out black-and-white snaps of the honoree's face showing different expressions, fashion little party hats for each, and skewer them on wooden sticks. We dare guests not to gush about the fun result!
Get the tutorial at Kara's Party Ideas.
17
Streamer-Tied Balloons
Give birthday party balloons a totally fresh twist: Tie oversized helium-filled globes with a colorful assortment of ribbon in various lengths, widths, and textures.
Get the tutorial at Green Wedding Shoes.
SHOP BALLOONS
For some occasions, more is more when it comes to sparkle and festivity. If that sounds like your birthday party, craft a DIY disco ball piñata that will have your guests oohing and ahhing.
Get the tutorial at Tikkido.
Real flowers are pretty, but they're expensive and don't last. For a budget-friendly alternative, doll up the party space with (nonperishable!) tissue paper blooms you can DIY in a snap.
Get the tutorial at I Heart Nap Time.
SHOP TISSUE PAPERS
If you can fold a piece of paper, you can make this gorgeous garland as affordable birthday party décor. Choose any colors that match your theme.
Get the tutorial at Oh Happy Day.
SHOP CRAFT PAPER