When you're little, choosing a birthday party theme is easy — dinosaurs, unicorns, superheroes. Done. But as adults, we often forget that themed parties can be just as fun for us as they are for kids. Whether you're turning 21 or 60, the right theme sets the tone, shapes the atmosphere, and makes your celebration unforgettable. And good news: you absolutely do not have to choose a theme based on your age. If you’re turning 50 and want a Taylor Swift party? Do it. Planning a 21st but itching for a Parisian soirée? Très chic.
In this article, you'll find some of the most popular and creative adult birthday party themes across different ages, but feel free to mix the themes with the age groups. In the end, it’s all about what makes the birthday boy or girl feel special.
How to Choose a Birthday Party Theme
Before diving into the themes themselves, here are a few tips to help you choose the right one for your celebration.
1. Start With Your Personal Interests
Think about what you love: eras, hobbies, movies, aesthetics, music, or even colours. Your theme should feel like a natural extension of your personality, something you're excited to see come to life.
2. Keep the Age Group in Mind
Your friends and guests matter too. Will they appreciate a nostalgia-filled party? Are they more into glam nights, cosy afternoons, or dance-til-midnight events? Choose something that makes your whole crew feel included.
3. Match Your Decorations, Invitations & Outfits
The best themed parties feel cohesive. Once you’ve chosen your vibe, let it run through every detail: balloons, tableware, lighting, invitations, signage, and of course, what everyone wears. Luckily, our decorations that make pulling everything together easier (and way more fun).
21st Birthday Party Themes
Your 21st birthday is all about making memories — preferably ones that involve lots of photos.
Carnival
Bright lights, bold colours, and all the playful energy of a summer fair. Decorate with stripes, popcorn buckets, ticket signs, and fairy lights. Add carnival games, a DIY candy bar, and colourful balloons. The goal? Fun, fun, fun!
Disco
Mirror balls. Glitter. Funky sunglasses. Turns out, Studio 54 never goes out of style. A disco-themed 21st is perfect for dance lovers. Bring the vibe to life with metallic streamers, neon signs, rotating disco balls, and a playlist full of classics.
Neon Glow Party
Turn the lights down and let the colours explode. Glow sticks, UV lights, neon face paint, glowing balloons, this theme is made for big energy and unforgettable photos. It also doubles as the easiest way to get everyone on the dance floor.
Taylor Swift
For the Swifties, nothing beats an “Eras-style” celebration. Each corner of the room can represent a different era — pastels for Lover, sparkles for Fearless, dark hues for Reputation. Add lyric posters, friendship bracelets, and a dress-code inspired by everyone’s favourite album.
30th Birthday Party Themes
Turning 30 feels like a new chapter — still young enough to party, but old enough to know what kind of party you actually enjoy. These themes strike just the right balance.
90s Throwback
Dial-up nostalgia with neon windbreakers, jelly sandals, and mixtape playlists. Decor can include geometric patterns, cassette tapes, retro banners, and vibrant colours. To ensure the night is a blast for everyone, request your guests to arrive in their favourite 90s outfits.
Barbie
Whether you loved Barbie as a kid or rediscovered her during the Barbiecore boom, this theme is all about pink, glitter, and girl power. Picture a “Barbie Dreamhouse” backdrop, pink cocktails, Malibu-inspired décor, and a sparkly dress code. Life in plastic truly is fantastic.
Boho Garden Party
For those who prefer something softer and more romantic, a boho garden party is stylish, relaxed, and beautiful. Deck your outdoor space in rattan touches, pampas grass, fairy lights, earthy tones, patterned tableware, and low picnic seating with cushions.
Paris
Oui, oui, mon amie! Bring the City of Light to your own backyard with Eiffel Tower décor, chic black-and-white signage, soft gold details, champagne towers, and French pastries. It’s perfect for the friend group that loves elegance and good wine.
40th Birthday Party Themes
Your 40s deserve to be celebrated with style, confidence, and a little bit of sparkle. These themes strike that vibe perfectly.
80s Flashback
The decade of bold outfits, loud music, and neon everything. Use electric colours, geometric props, retro arcade-style décor, and glow accessories. Throw on classic 80s hits to bring everyone back to the days of big hair and big energy.
Black & White
Simple. Sophisticated. Striking. A black-and-white theme is perfect for a classy dinner party or cocktail event. Encourage monochrome outfits, add striped backdrops, and decorate with chic balloons, candles, and minimalist table settings.
Gatsby
Channel the roaring 20s with flapper dresses, feathers, pearls, champagne, and opulent gold décor. Decorate the space with art-deco patterns, black tableware, glittering accents, and the elegance of a speakeasy. This theme makes every moment feel cinematic.
Mamma Mia
If you want sunshine, music, and Mediterranean magic, throw a party that transports you to a holiday in Greece. Decorate with blue-and-white accents, olives and lemon branches, rustic wooden elements, and fairy lights. Play ABBA on loop and expect spontaneous sing-alongs.
50th Birthday Party Themes
Fifty is fabulous, and these themes embrace glamour, nostalgia, and celebration.
Casino Night
High stakes without the real risk. Create your own Monte Carlo atmosphere with playing card motifs, dice decorations, gold accents, black tableware, and poker chips. You can even set up simple card games or “fun money” challenges.
Gold Extravaganza
There's no better colour to celebrate half a century. Fill the room with metallic balloons, shimmering streamers, gold foil tassels, candles, and gilded tableware. It’s a theme that instantly elevates the celebration — perfect for photo ops and classy cocktails.
Hollywood Glam
Roll out the red carpet! A Hollywood theme invites guests to dress like stars and pose for the paparazzi. Add clapperboard decorations, film reel garlands, spotlights, velvet ropes, and a glamorous backdrop. If there’s a TV, have classic Hollywood films rolling in the background.
Rock ‘n’ Roll
For the music lovers, go loud, bold, and edgy. Decorate with guitars, lightning bolts, black balloons, metallic touches, and rock-poster backdrops. Leather jackets encouraged. Rhinestones optional, but recommended.
60th Birthday Party Themes
Warm, nostalgic, and full of personality, 60th birthday themes can be as energetic or as serene as you want.
Tea Party
Elegant, calm, and perfect for daytime celebrations. Use pastel colours, floral tablecloths, mismatched teacups, tiered cake stands, and fresh flowers. Add finger sandwiches, tiny pastries, and a “brew your own blend” tea station to satisfy every taste.
Flower Power
Let your inner hippie shine. Bring back peace signs, daisies, psychedelic colours, retro lettering, and lots of groovy patterns. Add a boho photo booth with colourful sunglasses, and vintage-style signs for a cheerful atmosphere.
ABBA Mania Party
Because ABBA never goes out of style. Decorate in blues and silvers, disco lights, glittery backdrops, and iconic lyric posters to transform any space into a mini Eurovision stage. Encourage bold outfits with sequins, flares, the works.
Conclusion
Birthday parties become truly unforgettable when they reflect your personality, your favourite aesthetics, and the kind of celebration that feels right for you. These adult birthday themes offer endless inspiration for something nostalgic, glamorous, energetic, or sophisticated. But remember, you’re not confined to your age group! The best theme is simply the one that makes you smile.
Whether you’re decorating a huge party or keeping things minimal, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in the Birthday Decorations & Supplies collection, filled with balloons, banners, cake toppers, and celebration must-haves for every vibe. For broader styling ideas, explore the Party Decorations & Supplies collection to bring your theme together seamlessly.
So choose the vibe, gather your décor, send out the invitations, and get ready to celebrate in style. With a little creativity — and a lot of fun decorations — your next birthday might just be your best one yet.