Hey everyone! Birthdays are awesome, right?
Cake, presents, and all the attention – what’s not to love?
But sometimes, birthdays can feel a little…same-old, same-old. If you’re looking to make birthdays this year extra special for your family, you’re in the right place!
Let’s talk about birthday traditions!
Think of them like your family’s special birthday recipe.
They’re the fun little things you do every year that make birthdays super memorable and bring everyone closer.
Ready to cook up some new birthday fun?
Let’s dive into 15 awesome birthday traditions you can start with your family this year.
Get ready for some smiles.
1. The Birthday Breakfast Bash:
Forget boring cereal! On someone’s birthday, kick off the day with a super special breakfast. Think pancakes shaped like numbers, waffles with whipped cream mountains, or a fruit salad rainbow.
- Example: For Sarah’s birthday, we make “Sarah Sunshine Pancakes” – regular pancakes with banana slices for sun rays and chocolate chip smiles. We all eat them together in our pajamas before school.
2. Birthday Banner Blitz!
Grab some paper, markers, and get decorating! Make a big, colorful birthday banner to hang up as a surprise. Don’t worry about being perfect, the sillier and more homemade, the better!
- Example: Last year, we made a banner for Dad’s birthday with pictures of him doing funny things. It was so goofy, but he loved it and we kept it up for weeks!
3. Birthday Person Picks the Day!
For the whole birthday day, let the birthday star be the boss (within reason, of course!). They get to choose what you do as a family – movie night, pizza for dinner, game time – whatever makes them happy!
- Example: When it was Liam’s birthday, he declared it “Superhero Day!” We all wore superhero shirts, watched a superhero movie, and even made superhero masks out of paper plates.
4. Memory Jar Magic:
Start a birthday memory jar! Throughout the year, whenever something awesome happens with the birthday person, write it down on a slip of paper and put it in the jar. On their birthday, read all the memories out loud. It’s like a year of happy highlights!
- Example: We started a jar for Grandma. We wrote down things like “Grandma taught me to bake cookies,” and “Grandma told the funniest story at dinner.” On her birthday, she teared up reading them – happy tears, of course!
5. Birthday Wish Ribbons:
This one is super sweet. Get some colorful ribbons. Each family member writes a wish for the birthday person on a ribbon. Tie the ribbons to their chair, their bedroom door, or even a tree outside. It’s a shower of good wishes!
- Example: For my little brother’s birthday, we wrote wishes like “I wish you get a puppy someday” and “I wish you have a year full of fun.” It looked so cheerful and he loved reading them all.
6. Photo Booth Fun Zone:
Set up a silly photo booth! Grab some props like funny hats, sunglasses, scarves, and maybe a backdrop (even a sheet will work). Snap some goofy birthday pics to remember the day.
- Example: We have a box of “photo booth stuff” we bring out for every birthday. Feather boas, oversized glasses, and inflatable guitars are always a hit! The pictures are always hilarious.
7. Scavenger Hunt Surprise!
Make gift-giving an adventure! Create a scavenger hunt with clues that lead the birthday person around the house to their present. Make the clues fun and a little bit tricky.
- Example: For my sister’s gift, the first clue was “Where do we keep our shoes by the door?” (The entryway). The last clue led her to her hidden gift in the closet. She had so much fun finding it!
8. Birthday Theme Takeover!
Pick a theme for the whole birthday celebration! It could be pirates, princesses, space, dinosaurs – whatever the birthday person loves! Decorate, eat themed food, and maybe even dress up!
- Example: Last year we did a “Hollywood” theme for my older brother. We made a red carpet out of red paper, dressed up fancy, and even had “paparazzi” (my younger cousins) take pictures when he arrived.
9. Bake-Off Birthday Cake!
Instead of just buying a cake, bake one together! Let everyone help mix, pour, and decorate. It doesn’t have to be perfect, the fun is in making it together. Plus, homemade cake always tastes better, right?
- Example: My dad is not a baker, but he always helps us decorate my mom’s birthday cake. It’s usually a bit wonky, but it’s made with love and that’s what counts!
10. Birthday Charity Challenge:
Teach kindness on birthdays. For their birthday, let the birthday person choose a charity to donate to, or a way to help others. It could be donating toys, volunteering time, or baking cookies for a neighbor.
- Example: For my cousin’s birthday, she asked for donations to the animal shelter instead of presents. We all brought pet food and blankets to donate, and she felt really good about helping animals.
11. Backyard Campout Bash:
If the weather is nice, have a backyard campout! Set up a tent, tell stories around a flashlight “campfire,” and maybe even roast marshmallows (if it’s safe!). Sleeping under the stars (or pretending to) is a super cool birthday adventure.
- Example: We camped out in our backyard for my birthday last summer. Even though it was just the backyard, it felt like a real adventure! We told spooky stories and looked at the stars.
12. Family Talent Show Extravaganza:
Put on a family talent show! Everyone can prepare a little act – singing, dancing, telling jokes, showing off a cool skill. It’s a fun way to laugh together and celebrate everyone’s unique talents (even if they’re silly!).
- Example: Our family talent show is always hilarious. My grandpa tells really corny jokes, my sister does silly dances, and I try to do magic tricks (that usually don’t work!). We clap for everyone no matter what!
13. Birthday “Yes Day” (Little Edition):
Give the birthday person a “Yes Day”… within reason! For one day, try to say “yes” to their reasonable requests. Want to stay up a little later? Yes (if it’s not crazy late!). Want an extra scoop of ice cream? Yes! It makes them feel extra special.
- Example: On my little sister’s “Yes Day,” she asked if we could have dessert before dinner (we said no to that one!), but we did say yes to staying up an extra half hour and watching her favorite cartoon.
14. Birthday Nature Walk & Wonders:
Go for a special birthday walk in nature. It could be a park, a trail, or even just your neighborhood. Point out cool things you see – interesting leaves, pretty flowers, funny shaped rocks. It’s a calm and happy way to spend time together.
- Example: For my dad’s birthday, we went for a walk in the woods. We collected cool leaves and rocks and just enjoyed being outside together. It was simple, but really nice.
15. Letters of Love & Laughter:
Before the birthday, have each family member write a letter to the birthday person. Share what you love about them, funny memories you have together, and birthday wishes. Reading these letters out loud on their birthday is super heartwarming.
- Example: My mom keeps all the birthday letters we’ve written her in a special box. She says reading them makes her feel really loved and happy every year.
Wrapping it Up!
Birthdays are way more than just cake and presents (though those are pretty great too!).
They’re a chance to make awesome memories with your family and show someone you really care.
Starting some new traditions, even just one or two, can make birthdays this year feel extra special and bring your family closer.
So, what are you waiting for? Pick a tradition (or a few!) from this list and get ready to make some birthday magic! Happy celebrating!
