Updated on: Nov 22, 2024
They say that planning a birthday party for kids is much easier than planning those for teenagers. This is because when they are at this young age they don't fuss over what they do and don't want for their birthday. If you are planning a toddler's birthday party, here are some cute 2nd birthday party ideas that will inspire your imagination!
2nd Birthday Party Ideas
1. Bubble Birthday
Toddlers love bubbles and to them bubbles are everything. You can buy bubble machines, bubble guns, wands, and nets from almost any supermarket. This idea may seem simple; however, it's something that will put a smile on lots of cute faces.
2. Ice Cream Social
If you have guests that love ice cream, then you should go with this theme. This might be more appropriate for the summertime so keep that in mind. This party only requires that you buy an assortment of different ice cream flavors and toppings.
3. Flower Party
Almost every toddler loves flowers and that is why you should have a flower party. Start by buying some discounted bouquets from your local market and take the flowers apart. At the party, allow each child to build their own flower bouquet by mix-matching the flowers.
4. Paint Party
Toddlers love to draw and paint because it allows them to get their hands dirty. You should head to your local supermarket and pick up all of the painting supplies that you can find. Make sure that you have enough adult supervision at the party because things can get messy!
5. Time It Right
Before you start setting up a birthday party for toddlers, you should remember that they have special napping times. If you are going to hold an all-day party make sure you schedule certain napping times. Just be mindful that not everything will go according to plan because toddlers are small minions that love to sleep!
6. Keep It Interactive
You should definitely keep in mind that toddlers get distracted very easily. Their attention span is hard to keep up with as their curious little minds begin to wonder more as they grow. This is why you want to include activities that they will enjoy and add a unique touch to everything.
7. Petting Zoo
Go with a petting zoo idea if you know your guests love animals. You can have two options here: either book an evening at your local zoo with a tour guide or have some wildlife encounters and bring some animals. The theme of the party is wildlife so the decorations and food should go as accordingly.
8. Bounce House
No matter what idea you choose for a birthday party, having a bounce house is a must. You can pretty much buy your own or rent a local one. Normally, the price is affordable so this is a cool option for a lot of people.
9. Unicorn Birthday Party
A unicorn birthday party is the typical birthday party for girl toddlers. It’s quite easy to find a set-up that involves unicorns. You can buy from your local supermarket some colorful decorations and anything that involves a unicorn theme.
10. Pirate Birthday
You have probably encountered many children's cartoons that have involved pirates. Toddlers love pirates and that is why you should go with this theme. Start by buying pirate decorations which include anything that gives off ocean vibes. Next, have the cake customized to look like a pirate's hat or boat. If you want to take things up a notch have the guests come in pirate costumes.
11. Tea Party Birthday
Every toddler loves a cute tea party. This is probably more ideal for girl toddlers as the whole tea party vibes are something that they enjoy; however, even boys enjoy it nowadays! Start by buying picnic baskets, pastel color decorations, and tea sets. The food should include sandwiches, cookies, and whatever else you would like to add. You will also need to have adult chaperones because trying to keep a toddler tea party together without them could turn into a mess!
12. Fishing Break
Although not every toddler loves fishing some enjoy it. If you decide to go with the theme, then try to find a nearby lake that is convenient for your guests to reach. You can have each parent fish with their toddler-more so the parent doing the work while the toddlers watch. Let the kids even go after the catch!
13. Piñata Break
It would not be a birthday party without some kids kicking a pinata. You need to think a little differently when thinking about how to include a pinata for toddlers. They are quite small and don’t have good aim when it comes to hitting a target. There definitely is a safer way on how to make this idea convenient for them. You should have some small pinatas that are not heavy and attach some small strings to them. This way the kids can hit the string and the candy falls right out. This will make them really happy because every kid loves candy.
14. To Infinity and Beyond
If your toddler loves Toy Story, then you should go for this theme. This is a good idea for a boy or a girl. Nowadays you can find Toy Story decorations in many local craft stores as well as markets. You can even have your cake customized into a Toy Story character.
15. Baby Shark
If your toddler loves Baby Shark then you should go with this theme. You can find these types of decorations at many stores. The cake could be ordered with a baby shark displayed on top of it. You could even include fun games for the toddlers to play such as shark chasing and freeze tag.
16. Tutti Frutti
This idea is for those who love and adore colorful things. Kids will get happy over anything that attracts their eyes. This theme is fruit-based so buy anything that involves this. The cake should be fruit-flavored and the party decorations should be colorful.
17. Under the Sea
Enjoy goldfish snacks while making an under the sea diorama filled with sea animals, seashells, and all of the glitters you can imagine.
18. Fairy Tea Party
With fairy wings and sparkly wands, the kids can enjoy fairy glitter-covered cupcakes while finding fairies hidden around the house during the fairy wonderland scavenger hunt. To end the day, the fairies can enjoy a cup of tea while your child opens their gifts from all of their fairy friends.
19. Winter Wonderland
Your child and their friends can enjoy a homemade hot chocolate bar, snowflake making, and a fun winter wonderland photoshoot followed by a showing of Frozen 2 to end the night.
20. Disney Princess
Party guests will be asked to wear their favorite Disney Princess costume to enjoy cake and ice cream in Cinderella's glamorous castle. Hopefully, all of the guests can make it home from the ball before the clock strikes midnight!
21. Butterfly Garden
Guests will be able to pick out butterfly wings upon arrival at the party while enjoying making their very own butterfly garden with a special appearance from their fairy friends.
22. Sports Themed
Who doesn't love sports? Why not celebrate your little ones with your favorite or even their favorite sports teamed or sport for their birthday. There are tons to decorate with, themed birthday cake of the field or equipment of the sport, jerseys attire for the guests and the birthday girl/boy, and much more. You can even get customized jerseys with names for your child and yourself. What a perfect way to incorporate the child's personality with a party.
23. Firefighter or Police
Got future police or firefighter in your family? Make it a theme! Get a plastic firefighter or police hat and grab some little stuffed dogs like a Dalmatian or German Shepard. Put the stuffed animals in a basket and have a little sign that says "Adopt Me". Perfect for a great thing to take home and fun for pictures.
24. Zoo Animal Explosion
A fun trip to the zoo with the birthday kids’ closest friends to see all of the fun animals at the zoo. Guests will be asked to wear a shirt with their favorite animal on it and will be able to partake in animal face painting activities.
2nd Birthday Party Ideas: Conclusion
Hopefully, by the end of reading this, your imagination has sparked! These were just a couple of 2nd birthday party ideas you could use. Just remember not to worry too much because at the end of the day it's all about having fun with your little one. Be sure to check out our budget sheet for kids birthday parties to help you stay on track when planning!
Written by Razia Habib; Contributors: Jack Leduc, Tianna Hall and Max Kahn