A third birthday is a significant event in every parent *and* child’s life.
They’re stepping out of toddlerhood and quickly approaching preschool age.
If you’re planning a party, you might be looking for some great themes for 3rd birthday party to celebrate the occasion.
And we’re here to help!
If you’re unsure which theme to go with, don’t worry – we’ve hand-selected the top 33 coolest 3rd birthday party themes that will impress.
Whether you’re throwing a princess bash for your little babe or a dinosaur or sports theme for your tiny guy, you’ll find *exactly* what you’re looking for below.
Not only that, but we’re sharing top tips to bring your 3rd birthday party themes to life – from decor and setup ideas to customized treats and more!
33 Best Ideas for 3rd Birthday Party Themes
Need some inspiration when it comes to 3rd birthday party themes?
Check out our top 33 *best* 3rd birthday party themes to impress your little one and their guests!
Three-esta Birthday Party
It’s Cool to be Three
3 Rex Birthday Party
Young Wild & Three
Three and oh so Pretty
Threenage Dream Party
Wild and Three
Under the Sea Third Birthday
Pop it Party
Wild Flower Birthday Party
Magical Third Birthday
Ice Cream Themed Birthday Party
Luau Style Party
Party Animals
Baby Shark Birthday Party
Paw Patrol Party
Race Car Party
Pirate Birthday Party
Hot Wheels Birthday Party
Ballerina Birthday Party
Frozen Third Birthday Party
Unicorn Birthday Party
Mermaid Birthday Party
Trolls Birthday Party
Barbie Party
Construction 3rd Birthday
Lightening Mcqueen Party
Sport Birthday Party
Donut Sprinkle Party
Cupcake Party
Lollypop Party
Disney Princess Birthday Party
Bubbly Party
Tips for Party Planning
Before you sift through countless 3rd birthday party themes to select which one is right for you, it’s essential to know some of the top tips for party planning.
These three tips will ensure a smooth ride:
- Create a Budget: The first thing you need to do is create a budget. You don’t want to overspend!
- Put Together a Guest List: Knowing who will come will help in other areas, such as knowing how much food or gift bags to provide.
- Choose the Date, Time, and Location: You can’t have a party without these three essential things! Make sure the venue is big enough to accommodate all of the guests.
- Send Out Invitations: Sending invitations is obviously essential. But it’s also another excellent way to show off your birthday theme by sending out themed invitations.
- Plan the Timeline of the Party: You should *never* go in to any party without a game plan. That’s how disasters ensue. Instead, be prepared by knowing what’s first, second, third, etc. For instance, start with games, then presents, then food and cake.
Decor and Setup Ideas
After reviewing the list of 3rd birthday party themes and selecting which one you and your kiddo will love best, it’s time to start thinking about decorations and setup.
Here are three excellent ideas to decorate your big bash:
- Themed Banners: These types of banners are *simple* they provide a *significant* indicator of the party theme. Nobody will be able to deny what kind of party they’re attending!
- Table Settings: Every aspect of your party should exude the theme, even your table settings. This is another quick, easy, and budget-friendly way to bring the theme to life.
- Wall Decor: It’s not enough with a banner and table settings. You want the theme to be prevalent. A great way to do so is to apply wall decor that showcases the theme in every direction.
- Photo Backdrops: When it comes time for pictures, you want *everyone* to get in on the fun! These backdrops will display your party theme for years to come and provide lasting memories you’ll adore. You can also include themed props for pictures.
Entertainment and Activities
When it comes to entertainment and activities, it’s time to get *super* creative!
Oh, and don’t worry if you’re not the “creative type.”
A quick search of your chosen party theme will direct you to countless entertainment and activity ideas, taking the guesswork out of things and ensuring they beautifully align with your theme.
For example, for a princess party, you might hire an individual who dresses up and plays the part of the selected princess.
You can also have the three-year-olds put together crowns to enjoy throughout the party.
On the other hand, a sports-themed party might have a bouncy castle or three-year-old-friendly inflatable obstacle course.
You could also have the children play different sports, like basketball or soccer.
To wind down, have them decorate mini foam balls to take home.
As you can see, there are *plenty* of fantastic ways to incorporate the theme into the entertainment and activity elements of your party.
It just takes some research and planning!
Customized Treats and Goodies
Yes, your treats and goodies should also show off the 3rd birthday party themes!
The *easiest* and *best* way to do this is to opt for a themed cake or cupcakes.
If you consider yourself a great baker and an artist, you can try to accomplish this yourself.
However, plenty of parents have themed cakes or cupcakes created by an *actual* baker with experience and skill.
Why stop there, though? You shouldn’t forget about the party favors, either!
Like the entertainment and activities, there are *so* many ways to bring the 3rd birthday party themes to life.
Let’s use the example of the princess and sports party again.
A princess party may leave three-year-old guests with a princess wand and stickers.
A sports party may send off sports-themed water bottles, miniature sports balls, or player cards.
Thank-You Notes and Gratitude
Although the party may be officially *over,* I hate to break it to you – but the work isn’t over yet!
When all is said and done, it’s *essential* to send thank-you notes filled with gratitude.
Ensure that each and every thank-you note is personalized so guests truly sense your appreciation for their presence and participation.
You can easily do so by saying something along the lines of, “Thank you, Julie and Michael, for attending Sheila’s birthday party! She loved the stuffed teddy bear you got her.”
Not only is this a sign of respect and gratitude, but it may help you at future birthday parties and build new relationships along the way.
Conclusion
When it comes to a third birthday, the focus should be on creating unforgettable memories for your little one.
Start by selecting a theme from our list of the top 33 best 3rd birthday party themes, ensuring it reflects your child’s interests and personality.
Then, bring the theme to life and enjoy the bash!
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