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Best Birthday Party Ideas for 10-Year-Olds on Any Budget
Ten is a big deal. We’re talking double digits, a little more independence, and a whole lot of opinions. Planning a 10-year-old party theme that makes your kiddo feel like the star of the day, without maxing out your credit card, is totally possible. Trust us, we’ve been there.
The trick? A mix of creativity, a splash of DIY, and knowing where to spend and where to save. And because we’re moms too, we’ve rounded up the best ideas to make birthday parties for 10-year-olds fun, stylish, and totally stress-free.
Tips for Planning a 10th Birthday Party Without Stress
We know that planning a 10 year old party theme comes with a lot of decisions. But we’re here to make it easy!
- Set a Budget First: Before picking a theme or venue, decide what you’re comfortable spending. Then, break it down: food, decor, activities, and favors.
- Get the Birthday Kid Involved: Let them help pick the theme and activities. They’ll love having a say, and it ensures they actually enjoy the party.
- Keep the Guest List Manageable: More kids = more chaos. If you want a low-stress party, keep the group small.
- Plan a 10th Birthday Party With Help: If family or friends offer to pitch in, let them! Having extra hands makes things run smoother.
- Schedule the Party Smartly: Afternoon parties mean you can skip serving a full meal and stick to fun snacks instead.
- Prep as Much as Possible in Advance: Get decorations, goodie bags, and food ready the day before so you’re not rushing on party day.
With a little planning and a focus on fun, you’ll throw a party that’s stress-free and full of great memories for your child!
Budget-Friendly Party Themes That Kids Love
Not all epic parties require a sky-high budget. With a little planning, you can pull off an amazing 10-year-old party theme that your child (and their friends) will talk about for months.
1. Backyard Festival Party
No need to rent a venue when you’ve got a backyard or local park. String up some lights, set up DIY game booths (ring toss, sack race, and a “spin-the-wheel” for prizes), and create a chill picnic-style snack station.
2. DIY Spa Day
Ten-year-olds love feeling fancy, and an at-home spa party is an easy win. Set up a nail painting station, and a DIY face mask bar (yogurt + honey = magic), and let the kids relax in fluffy robes.
3. Movie Night Under the Stars
Grab a projector (or just use a TV outside), lay out some bean bags and blankets, and let the kids watch their favorite flick under the open sky. Popcorn, cozy hoodies, and glow sticks complete the scene. To keep costs down, ask guests to bring their own blankets and pillows.
4. Glow-in-the-Dark Dance Party
Turn off the lights, grab some black lights, and let the kids dance the night away with glow sticks, neon face paint, and an upbeat playlist. Throw in a DIY “glow station” where they can decorate their own t-shirts or accessories with fabric paint.
Instead of hiring a DJ, create a playlist ahead of time and let the kids take turns choosing the music for a fun and budget-friendly way to keep the party going.
5. Ultimate Game Night
Board games, video games, and card games, whatever your child loves, turn it into a fun competition! Set up stations with different games and let the kids rotate through them, earning points along the way.
A great budget tip is to use games you already have at home or ask guests to bring their favorites to share.
6. Art Party
Let kids unleash their creativity with a DIY painting or craft station. Provide canvases, paint, beads, or tie-dye supplies, and let them create their own masterpieces to take home. For a budget-friendly option, check dollar stores for inexpensive art supplies or upcycle old t-shirts for tie-dye fun.
7. Science Party
For curious kids who love hands-on fun, a science party is a hit! Set up simple, budget-friendly experiments like making slime, baking soda volcanoes, or DIY lava lamps. A budget-friendly tip is to use kitchen staples like vinegar, baking soda, and food coloring to create fun experiments without overspending while still wowing the kids.
Planning a great birthday party doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With a little creativity and a focus on fun, you can throw a celebration that your child will absolutely love, and one that’s easy on your wallet too!
DIY Decor That Looks Amazing Without the Cost
Decorating for birthday parties for 10-year-olds doesn’t mean spending a fortune at the party store. A little creativity (and a hot glue gun) can make your setup look Instagram-worthy on a budget.
Balloon Garland Magic
DIY Photo Booth
Party Favors That Won’t Get Tossed
- ✔️Cute notebooks and fun gel pens
- ✔️ DIY friendship bracelet kits
- ✔️ Mini bath bombs for a spa-themed party
- ✔️ Trendy hair clips or scrunchies
Balloons are cheap but make a big impact. Create a balloon arch using different sizes and colors. Hang it behind the snack table or as a fun photo backdrop. Blow them up yourself (or use a hand pump) instead of splurging on helium.
Grab a sheet of sparkly fabric or a fun backdrop, throw in some silly props (hats, sunglasses, signs), and let the kids take tons of pictures. Bonus: It keeps them busy!
Skip the plastic junk and go for favors kids will actually use. A few budget-friendly ideas:
A budget-friendly tip is to buy in bulk and divide the items into cute goodie bags.
Low-cost Venue Ideas for Birthday Parties for 10-year-olds
Not hosting at home? No problem. There are plenty of places that won’t cost a fortune but will still give kids an amazing time.
Local Park Party
Community Center Bash
Craft Studio or DIY Workshop
Library or Bookstore Party
Ice Cream or Pizza Shop Gathering
Bowling Alley or Skating Rink Deals
Nature’s playground is free! Bring picnic blankets, sports gear, and simple outdoor games like tug-of-war or relay races.
A budget-friendly tip is to reserve a pavilion early, as some cities offer them for free or at a very low cost.
Check if your local community center has affordable rental spaces. Many have game rooms, gyms, or pools you can use.
Some small local businesses offer affordable group craft parties where kids can paint, build, or design something cool to take home.
Many libraries and bookstores offer event spaces for free or at a low cost, and some even provide built-in activities like storytime, trivia games, or craft stations.
Some local dessert or pizza spots allow small groups to celebrate for little to no rental fee, as long as you purchase food. Many even have a make-your-own pizza or sundae option!
Check for off-peak discounts or group rates at your nearest bowling alley or roller-skating rink. Some venues offer birthday packages that include food, activities, and party space at an affordable price.
With a little creativity and planning, you can find the perfect budget-friendly venue that keeps kids entertained and makes the birthday celebration feel extra special. No matter where you host, the most important thing is creating a fun, memorable day for your child and their friends!
How to Keep Birthday Parties for 10-Year-Olds Stylish and Fun
We love a good party, but let’s be real, kids’ fashion is half the fun. Dressing up makes the birthday kid feel extra special, and it’s a chance to add personality to the day. Here are some stylish outfit ideas to make the birthday kid feel extra special.
- Casual Cool: A trendy bomber jacket like the Rainbow Emoji Bomber Jacket over comfy jeans.
- Sporty Fun: A Midnight Sequin Track Set for a kid who loves to move.
- Party Chic: A sparkly Unicorn Sequin Dress that makes a statement.
- Edgy and Trendy: A Patch Denim Jacket paired with joggers for a cool, street-style vibe.
- Whimsical and Fun: A colorful Rainbow Tutu Skirt matched with a playful tee for a magical touch.
No matter the party theme, the right outfit makes the birthday star feel confident, stylish, and ready for a day full of fun and memories!
Making Birthday Parties for 10-Year-Olds Unforgettable
We all know how important it is for our little ones to feel special on their big day. A cute outfit makes the birthday kid shine, whether they’re running around with friends, enjoying a 10-year-old party theme, or posing for photos.
At Lola and the Boys, we’ve got stylish, fun, and comfy birthday looks that kids adore. From sparkly bomber jackets to trendy dresses, there’s something for every birthday vibe. Plus, these outfits aren’t just for parties, they’re perfect for everyday fun too!
