Birthday party planning calls for a list of things: a hand-signed card, mailed invitations, wrapped gifts, and a delicious cake topped with candles. Also on that list? Handmade birthday party decorations, which offer something that store-bought ones cannot: infinite imagination and tailored-just-to-you personalization.

What makes for good birthday party décor? Choose your theme or color palette for the birthday party and design elements that correspond to that theme. For example, if the theme is carnival, then kid-friendly crafts that like our gumball machine party favors or paper hot air balloons will delight young guests in attendance. Tissue-paper pom-poms and luminarias—coordinated in warm hues—give a soft glow to the tablescape. Cake toppers and cupcake toppers add a personalized touch to any desserts' presentation while singing the "Happy Birthday" song. Banners, balloons, and sprinkling confetti are classic ideas for any birthday party. And why not add photographs of the birthday boy or girl to the balloons, the centerpiece, or the tableware itself? Small touches like these can add personalization to your party theme, and the occasion will be memorable for many years to come.

Even a socially-distanced party—whether hosted virtually or in a drive-by—calls for an attention to detail that takes time to put together. A birthday party hosted outdoors or over a Zoom call could include colorful signs or banners that spell out a greeting to invited guests waving from afar. Browse some of our ideas—these do-it-yourself decorations transform a space and let everyone know it's time to party.