Parents planning kids’ birthdays and celebrations are always on the lookout for fresh, fun, and memorable themes — and in 2026, one of the up and coming trends is all about nostalgia. Enter the Throwback Kids Party Theme: a celebration where childhood classics from the 80s and 90s meet today’s kid-friendly energy. Think bright neon, old-school games, classic cartoons, retro sweets, and a whole lot of “remember when?”

This trend has parents buzzing — not just because it’s a walk down memory lane for the grown ups, but because it’s creative and fun too! A throwback party blends vintage cool with modern convenience.

Why Retro Themed Kids Parties Are Trending in 2026

In the world of kids’ celebrations, trends are constantly evolving — but the Throwback Kids Party Theme is standing out. Why? Because nostalgia is fun. It reaches both the kids — who enjoy the vibrant aesthetic and big personalities — and the adults, who grew up with these classics and love sharing them with a new generation.

By marrying decades past with present-day party planning, this retro theme is just great fun! Expect to see everything from Pac-Man and Pokémon to slap bracelets, cassette tapes, scrunchies, and classic cartoons lighting up party planning boards this year.

Top Tips for Planning a Nostalgic Kids Party

Whether you’re throwing a bash for an 8-year-old or hosting a family event with kids of all ages, these tips will help you bring your Throwback Kids Party vision to life.

1. Choose Your Era (or Mix & Match!)

You don’t have to stick to just one decade, but choosing a core era gives your party theme focus and definitely helps with the planning and decorating:

• 80s Retro — Think neon, arcade games, cassette tapes, Rubik’s Cubes.
  
  
• 90s Flashback — Add slap bracelets, mini troll dolls, Beanie Babies, Bodyshop Dewberry spray, dial-up charm. 

(Did you know that slime was really popular back in the 90s as well! Apparently, parents from the 90s were way ahead of the trend with slime! Although as a parent, I like slime much less than I did as a child!)

2. DIY Decorations — Budget-Friendly & Fun

Backdrop & Signage

• Create a neon poster wall with bright paper and glow sticks.
  
  
• Paint or print classic characters or icons you can hang as banners.
  
  

Photo Booth Fun

Set up a retro photo booth with:

• Inflatable boom boxes
  
  
• Oversized sunglasses
  
  
• Cartoon-print bandanas
  Use a simple backdrop with geometric 80s patterns or classic 90s teal and purple to really pop in photos.

Check out these cool props from 80s Material Girl here. 

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DIY Party Favours

Kids can make their own during the party:

• Beaded bracelets in neon colors
  
  
• Custom stickers with throwback clip art
  
  
• Slap Bracelets and mini troll dolls

• Mini bottles of the classic Bodyshop Dewberry scents- you can grab mini bottles of this nostalgic scent in shower gel form from £3.50 a bottle!
  
  

3. Shop-Bought Finds That Make a Statement

Not a craft-person? No worries! There are amazing ready-made décor and prop packages that match this theme perfectly:

• Neon balloon kits and tassel garlands
  
  
• Themed decoration packs- check out this cool 90’s party decoration set from Party Packs.
  
  
• Ready-made signage with retro fonts
  
  

4. Classic Games with a Modern Twist

Want to plan some cool party games to entertain? Check out these updated classics that are sure to have children and adults all clamouring to get involved.

Game Ideas:

• Dance Dance Revolution Challenge – use a music playlist of old and new favorites.
  
  
• Pin the Tail — Throwback Edition – maybe on characters like Pikachu or Pac-Man ghosts.
  
  
• Retro Arcade Stations – set up mini consoles or tablets with classic games.

• Playground classics like British Bulldog, What’s the time Mr Wolf or Hopscotch. Do you remember Pogs? This is sure to be a fun game to show the kids! 

• Yo-yo Revival- Yoyos are definitely experiencing a revival. Teach the kids how to do some cool tricks and they can even take a Yoyo home as a party favour at the end.

Retro Catering: Tasty Throwback Treats Kids Love

Food can make or break a party — and for a Throwback Kids Party Theme, that means plenty of nostalgic goodies mixed with kid-approved favourites.

Snack Table Staples

Build a buffet that’s colorful, fun, and reminiscent of childhood favorites.

Retro Snack Ideas:

• The cheese and pineapple hedgehog- a fond favourite at any 90s party
• Vol-au-vents- you can buy the shells and fill them with any mixture you fancy
• Little cornflake cakes or Rice Krispy cakes
• Party rings and iced gem biscuits
  
  

Why Throwback Kids Parties Work So Well

The Throwback Kids Party Theme isn’t just cute — it’s fun. Here’s why it works so well:

• It bridges generations: parents and kids both engage with the theme.
  
  
• It sparks creativity and connection through games, music, and décor.
  
  
• It’s adaptable, whether you want a simple garden party or an unforgettable celebration in a venue for hire.

No matter your budget or experience, this retro theme offers a great opportunity to create an event that’s fun, unique, and a whole heap of nostalgia.

So dust off those neon colors, cue up some classic jams, and get ready to throw a party that feels totally rad — because timeless fun never goes out of style!

Looking for the perfect venue to host a retro birthday party? Check out our Sharesy venues for hire here.