78 Ways To Make Your Child's Birthday Extra Special

If you're looking for fun and unique ways to make your child's birthday extra special, you've come to the right place!

From DIY decorations to creative cake ideas, we've got you covered.

In this article, we'll share 78 of the best ways to make your child's birthday extra special. Trust us, they'll be thanking you for years to come!

1. A Fun Alternative To A Birthday Shirt Is A Birthday Button

Instead of having a t-shirt made with your child's age on it, make a birthday button!

You can find blank buttons at most craft stores and online.

Then use a permanent marker to write the age on it.

Your child can wear the button all day and show it off to everyone.

2. A Special Birthday Breakfast

Your kid must have a special birthday breakfast!

Make sure it's something they love or have been wanting to try.

This is a great way to start the day and it will get them excited about all the other activities planned.

3. Balloon Fun

Tie a balloon on their door handle or to their high chair so they see it first thing in the morning.

You can even put a note inside the balloon telling them how much you love them.

4. Birth Story

Recount the story of their birth to them.

If they are old enough, read it from your journal.

Tell them how excited you were to meet them and what their first few hours and days were like.

5. Birthday Bath Or Shower

They can have a special birthday bath or shower.

Use their favourite soap, add some bubbles, and let them stay in as long as they want.

You could even bring in a few of their favorite toys to play with.

6. Birthday Blessings

On the night of the birthday, go around the table and each person tells something they appreciate about them.

It's a great way to reflect on all the wonderful things about them and to feel grateful for having them in your life.

7. Birthday Bucket

Similar to a Christmas stocking, fill a bucket or pail with all sorts of goodies.

You can include things like their favourite candy, stickers, small toys, etc.

8. Birthday Chalk Art

Draw an outline of them on the driveway or sidewalk with chalk.

They can then colour it in however they like.

This is a great activity for younger kids who might not be able to sit still for a cake decorating party.

9. Birthday Coins In Their Shoes

Start your own family tradition by hiding birthday coins in their shoes.

They can then use the money to buy something they've been wanting or save it for a rainy day.

10. Birthday Countdown

Do a birthday countdown, like an advent calendar. Allow them to open a small present or do a fun activity every day leading up to their birthday.

This will help build the excitement for their big day.

11. Birthday Crown Or Tiara

You can either buy or make a birthday crown or tiara.

Let them wear it all day to feel extra special.

Don't forget to take some pictures!

12. Birthday Dance Party

Turn up the music and have a dance party!

This is a great way to get some energy out before the cake and presents.

13. Birthday Dinner Of Their Choice

Let them pick what they want for dinner, within reason of course.

It can be something as simple as their favourite pizza or something more elaborate.

Just make sure it's something they will enjoy.

14. Birthday Film Fest

Have a movie marathon with all of their favourite films.

You can make popcorn and have other snacks to make it extra special.

15. Birthday Fort

Build a fort out of blankets and pillows for them to sleep in or just hang out in during the day.

They can even invite their friends over to join in the fun.

16. Birthday Frolics

Head outside for some birthday frolics! Run around, play games, and just have fun.

This is a great way to get some fresh air and burn off some energy.

17. Birthday Interview

Ask them the same questions every year on their birthday.

It's interesting to see how their answers change as they grow older.

You could even include a few fun questions like, "If you could have any superpower, what would it be?"

18. Birthday Joke-Off

Have a family joke-off to see who can tell the funniest jokes.

This is a great way to get everyone laughing and in the birthday spirit.

19. Birthday King Or Queen

Make them a king or queen for the day!

They can make up their own rules or you can come up with some together.

Just make sure everyone is on board with them before the day begins.

20. Birthday Limo Ride

Surprise them with a limo ride!

This is a great way to make them feel like a VIP on their special day.

21. Birthday Memory Box

Start a birthday memory box for them.

Each year, put in things like pictures, cards, tickets from events, and anything else that will help them remember their year.

This is a great way to keep track of all the wonderful memories you've made together.

22. Birthday Message In The Bathroom

Use a dry erase marker (or lipstick!) to write a birthday message on the mirror in the bathroom.

They'll be sure to see it when they start their day.

23. Birthday Message Outside

Write a birthday message with pavement chalk on the driveway or pavement.

They'll love seeing it when they come outside.

24. Birthday Minute To Win It

Have a family "minute to win it" competition with all sorts of birthday-themed challenges.

This is a great way to have some fun and get everyone involved.

25. Birthday Mystery Box

Fill a box with all sorts of small presents, items, and clues.

They'll have to work to figure out what all of the things in the box mean.

It's a great way to give them a little something extra to open on their birthday.

26. Birthday Obstacle Course

Create an obstacle course for them to complete!

You can make it as simple or as difficult as you want.

Just make sure it's something they'll enjoy and can complete.

27. Birthday Money By Age

Give them a pound for every year they've been alive.

So, if they're 10 years old, they'll get £10.

It's a great way to help them save up for something they really want. Of course, you can add a cheeky £20 or even £50 note for extra special birthdays!

28. Birthday Photo Booth

Set up a photo booth with props and let them have fun taking pictures with their friends.

You can even make your own props or use things around the house.

29. Birthday Picture Frame

Make or buy a picture frame and put a picture of them from each year inside.

It's a great way to see how they've grown over the years.

30. Birthday Photo Album

Put together a photo album of all their birthdays from year to year.

They'll love looking back at all the memories you've shared together.

31. Birthday Photo Booth

Set up a photo booth with props and everything!

They can take pictures with their friends or family to commemorate the day.

32. Birthday Pizza Party

Everyone loves pizza, so why not have a pizza party?

You can even make your own pizzas with all of their favourite toppings.

33. Birthday Scavenger Hunt

Send them on a birthday scavenger hunt!

You can hide clues around the house or even outside.

Just make sure they'll be able to find everything you've hidden.

34. Birthday Selfie Station

Set up a selfie station with props and backdrops.

They can take pictures with their friends or family to commemorate the day.

35. Birthday Spa Day

Treat them to a spa day on their birthday!

They can relax and enjoy being pampered for the day.

36. Birthday String

Make a long line around the home that they must follow to discover gifts, clues, and more.

It's a great way to make their birthday extra special.

37. Birthday Tree

On their first birthday plant a tree.

Each year add a new decoration to the tree.

When they're older they'll have a beautiful tree to look at and remember all of their birthdays.

38. Birthday Breakfast In Bed

Start their day off right with breakfast in bed!

You can make their favourite breakfast or even get creative with it.

39. Celebrate A "Birthday Week."

Do something simple, but fun, every day for a week leading up to their birthday.

You can do things like have a picnic lunch, go on a nature walk, or even bake their favourite treat.

40. Decorate Their Bedroom Door

You can tie a variety of balloons to their door or even make a banner.

They'll love coming home to all of the decorations.

41. Dedicate a song to them on the radio

If you know someone who works at a radio station, see if they can dedicate a song to your child on their birthday.

42. Deposit Birthday Money

If their birthday happens to fall in the week, take them to the bank to deposit their birthday money.

They'll love getting to see all of the money they've saved up.

43. Dress Up Day

Let them choose a theme and have everyone dress up!

It's a great way to get everyone involved in the celebrations.

44. Drive around town with a birthday sign

Make a sign that says "Happy Birthday" and put it in the car.

As you're driving around town, people will honk and wave at your child.

They'll feel like they're famous!

45. Designate A Chair Of Honor For Your Birthday Kid

If you use your imagination, you can turn any chair into a throne!

Put a pillow on it and some streamers or balloons.

Your birthday kid will feel like royalty.

46. Encourage Your Fellow Drivers To Wish Your Kid A Happy Birthday

Your older kids will definitely find this embarrassing, but it will make the younger ones giggle with delight.

You can either write it on a sign or use temporary stickers.

47. Enjoy Past Birthdays

Get the photo album out or watch home movies from previous birthdays.

It will be fun to see how they've grown and changed over the years.

48. Family Game Night

Have a family game night on their birthday.

You can play all of their favourite games and even make up your own rules.

49. Film A Birthday Video Greeting

Get everyone in the family to say happy birthday and film it.

You can even add in some goofy antics or inside jokes.

They'll love watching it every year.

50. Fortune Cookies

Make your own fortune cookies with special messages inside for your child.

They'll love reading their fortunes and seeing what the future holds.

51. Gift Wrap Their Lunch

You don't necessarily need to gift wrap the whole lunch box, but you can wrap up individual items.

It will be a fun surprise for them to open up their lunch and find a present.

52. Give The a Birthday Book

Each year, on their birthday, give them a book.

It can be one of their favourites or a new adventure for them to enjoy.

You can even inscribe it with a special message.

53. Go Out For Ice Cream

All kids like ice cream, right?

Take them out for their favourite flavour or try a new one.

54. Hang Up Birthday Bunting

This will be a lovely surprise for them when they come home from school.

You can make your own bunting or buy some online.

55. Happy Birthday Light Box Message

Set up a lightbox in their room with a special birthday message.

It will be the first thing they see when they wake up on their big day.

56. Hide small gifts around the house

Hide small gifts around the house for your child to find. They'll love searching for their presents and it will make the day extra special.

57. Hire A Clown

If your child is afraid of clowns, this probably isn't the best idea.

But if they love them, they'll be thrilled to have a clown at their birthday party.

58. Hide A Present And Give Your Birthday Kid Clues To Find It

Let them have some fun searching for their birthday present.

You can hide it somewhere in the house or even outside.

Just make sure you give them some clues to help them find it.

59. Let Your Child Decorate Their Cake

If you're not the best baker, you can buy a plain cake and let your child decorate it.

They'll love being able to put their own personal touch on their birthday cake.

60. Make A Donation To A Charity Of Your Kid's Choosing

If you want to encourage your child to think of others, you can make a donation to a charity in their name.

Let them choose the charity and they'll be proud to know that they're helping others.

61. Make A Handprint Or Footprint Cake

This is a really fun way to decorate a cake.

You can use food colouring or icing to make the handprints or footprints.

62. Make A Photo Slide Show Of The Last Year Starring Your Birthday Kid

This is a great way to look back on the past year and see all the things your child has done.

They'll love seeing themselves on the screen and hearing everyone's favourite memories.

63. Make It A Tradition To Measure Your Kid's Height On Their Birthday

An oldie but goodie, this is a tradition that your child will love.

They'll be excited to see how much they've grown each year.

64.Mini-Golf Or Go-Karting

Get the family together and head out for some fun at the mini-golf course or go-kart track.

Your child will love being able to spend some quality time with the people they love most.

65. New Birthday Pyjamas

You could buy them a themed pair of pajamas or just a new pair in their favourite colour.

Either way, they'll love snuggling up in them on their birthday.

66. Note In Their Lunchbox

This is quite a cute idea.

Write a note wishing your child a happy birthday and slip it into their lunchbox.

They'll be so surprised when they find it.

67. Picture In Same Place

Take a picture of them in the same spot each year on their birthday.

It will be really fun to watch them grow and see how they change over the years.

68. Plant A Tree Or Flower In Their Name

This is a great way to teach your child about the environment.

Plus, they'll love being able to see their tree or flower grow each year.

69. Skip Chores Or Homework

Allow them to have the day off from their responsibilities.

They can just relax and enjoy their birthday.

You can even make a special breakfast or lunch for them.

70. Spend The Day At Their Favourite Place

Whether it's the zoo, the park, the beach, or somewhere else, spend the day at your child's favourite place.

They'll love being able to spend the day doing what they love most.

71. Take A Picture Together Every Year

This is a great way to document their growth and changes over the years.

You can even put the pictures together in an album or scrapbook.

72. Smash Wall

Make a wall out of cardboard boxes or paper and let your child smash it to pieces.

They'll have so much fun destroying it and you can use it as a photo op.

73. Time Capsule

This is a really fun way to look back on the past year.

Fill a box with things that represent the past year and bury it in the backyard.

Your child can dig it up on their 18th birthday.

74. Two Cakes

One for them to eat and one for them to decorate.

Your child will love being able to have their own cake to decorate however they want.

75. Surprise Them With A "Balloon Avalanche."

The idea is to tape a load of balloons to their door from the outside so that when they open the door all the balloons fall out.

They'll be so surprised and it will make for a really fun photo.

76. Write A Letter To Them From Their Future Self

Write a letter to them from their future self telling them all about their life.

It's a great way to encourage them to think about their dreams and goals.

77. Turn Their Bath Into A Party

You are really creative with this one.

Add some food colouring to the water, blow up some balloons, and play some music.

Your child will feel like they're at a real party.

78. X Gifts For X Years

No matter how old they are, get them one gift for each year they've been alive.

It can be something small or something big, but they'll love getting a present for each year.