22 Totally Rad Ideas for a 90s Themed Birthday Party
Maddie Sheely
Account Specialist + Contributor
Looking for a birthday party theme that’s da bomb? 90s themed parties are making a major comeback for everyone who wants to relive one of the best decades. Plus, it’s the perfect way to celebrate an upcoming birthday! From the hilarious slang and electric music, to the bold fashion and classic snacks, a 90s themed birthday party is the way to go.
So, don’t be Clueless, start planning your 90s themed birthday party outfits and keep reading for rad 90s themed birthday party inspiration! 90s babies, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a 90s themed 30th birthday party… Don’t you think?
Keep reading for some totally rad 90s themed birthday party ideas…
Cover Band
If you prefer live music, take a look at amazing local cover bands to play the 90s hits! From Nirvana to Destiny’s Child, these live musicians will be able to play it all. Start your search for a 90s cover band that will guarantee guests will be getting jiggy.
Photo Booth
You’ll totes want to show off pictures from your epic 90s theme birthday party, so go above and beyond by booking a photo booth to capture all of the moments! Ask your photo booth vendor if they have any 90s themed props and backgrounds, but of course, you can always provide your own for more custom options.
DJ
The music from the 90s is one of the most important aspects that we all love about the decade, so instead of queueing up a playlist yourself at the 90s theme birthday party, hire a DJ to play the tunes for you! The Bash has plenty of local DJs that will know how to get the 90s themed party started.
Pro Tip: Check out our 90s party playlist for inspiration.
Bartender
Don’t want to worry about having your guests make their own drinks? Hire a bartender who can take one more thing off your plate. Work with them to create a special 90s themed drink menu that your guests will love.
90s TV Trivia
Can you remember the theme song to 90210, Fresh Prince, or Friends? Play a few rounds of 90s TV trivia with your guests and see how much everyone remembers. You can ask general questions regarding the plots and characters, or put everyone’s knowledge to the test by having guests finish lines from the shows.
90s Video Games
You can’t forget about one of the biggest highlights of the 90s, video games! With games like Super Mario Cart, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, and Mortal Kombat, the 90s were major for popular video games. Offer guests a real blast from the past during the 90s theme birthday party and set up some of these classics or rent your other favorite 90s games. Bonus points if you still have your original gaming system!
Twister
Twister was one of the best party games of the 90s, so of course it needs to make an appearance at your birthday bash! Tell your guests to put away their cellphones and bring them back to the 90s with this nostalgic game.
Karaoke
It’s hard to not sing along to all the music from the 90s, so give your guests a mic and let them sing at your 90s themed birthday party! To host the ultimate throwback karaoke session, book a karaoke DJ that’ll bring everything you need like the microphones, speakers, and screens.
M*A*S*H and Cootie Catchers
Remember playing MASH or making Cootie Catchers during lunch with your friends? Recreate this game with your guests and see how much of it has actually come true! It may look a little different from when you wanted to marry Freddie Prinze Jr. and live in a mansion, so let your guests customize their own MASH for a nostalgic 90s themed party game.
90s Themed Birthday Cake
Of course this 90s themed birthday party needs a totally rad cake to match! Customize your birthday cake this year with phrases like “made in the 90s,” “keeping it real at (age),” or “90s kids forever.” For a different idea that’s still on theme, you can always serve a Hostess cupcake tower that will scream the 90s.
Lunchables
Nothing was better than opening your lunch box and finding a Lunchable, so make your own DIY Lunchables for guests to reminisce and snack on throughout your party. Get all of the ingredients to whip up your favorites like the mini pizzas, cheese crackers, and chips with salsa and queso.
Pizza Bagels and Hot Pockets
If you grew up in the 90s, chances are that pizza bagels and Hot Pockets were a staple in your freezer. These super simple party snacks can be heated up or made fresh, but regardless, will give your guests that nostalgic vibe during the 90s themed birthday party.
90s Snacks
Not only were the 90s known for pop culture but the snacks were unmatched! If you can find Dunkaroos, Gushers, Fruit Roll Ups, and Cheez Balls, your guests will reminisce about their favorite after school snacks. You’ll also want to include Doritos, Ring Pops, and Cosmic Brownies on the 90s themed party snack table too.
Dino Chicken Nuggets and Mac & Cheese
For a more filling party food option, keep the great 90s vibes going with dinosaur chicken nuggets and a side of macaroni and cheese, inspired by Kids Cuisine. Make sure to include all of the condiments and toppings like honey mustard, ranch, and bacon bits for a simple and delicious 90s themed party food.
Capri Sun
Capri Sun was a staple for 90s kids, so why not make them for adults? Order 90s themed drink pouches, make a big batch of a fun cocktail, and fill 'em up! If you’re going to have some younger guests in attendance, don’t forget to grab some regular Capri Suns so they can match the 90s vibes.
Cosmopolitans
Thanks to Sex and the City, Cosmopolitans were all the rage towards the end of the 90s, and for good reason! All you’ll need is vodka, Triple Sec, lime juice, and cranberry juice to mix up this fruity cocktail. Can anyone else hear Carrie Bradshaw saying, “I’d like a cheeseburger please, large fry, and a Cosmopolitan?”
Jell-O Shots
This isn’t your mom’s ordinary Jell-O recipe! Is there anything more perfect for a 90s themed birthday party than a round of Jell-O shots? Grab your favorite flavor of boxed gelatin and alcohol to get this party started.
Dirty Shirley
If you wanted to feel fancy in the 90s, you most likely ordered a Shirley Temple at dinner. Luckily, Dirty Shirleys are the grown up version that are the perfect nod to the decade.
Easily make this cocktail using vodka, grenadine, and lemon lime soda! If you want to reminisce during the 90s themed birthday party, just skip the alcohol for a good old fashioned Shirley Temple.
90s Birthday Banner
You’ll want to make the 90s theme birthday party as clear as possible, plus provide plenty of bomb backdrops for photos. Bring guests back to the 90s with a personalized banner that’s a great way to welcome everyone back to the decade.
90s Themed Tableware
One of the best ways to incorporate a theme into a party is with tableware. Serve your throwback bites on rad throwback plates and napkins that’ll be a great addition to your 90s themed party. Can you think of a better way to celebrate a 90s party theme than by eating dino nuggets off a floppy disc plate?
Nostalgic Party Favors
Throw together a 90s time capsule filled with party favors like slap bracelets, Rubix Cubes, slinkies, and whoopie cushions to bring back all of the 90s nostalgia. Guests will be excited to go home with their favorite toys and games from the decade.
90s Fashion
An absolute necessity for hosting the best 90s themed birthday party is ensuring you implement a dress code. So, make sure your guests are dressed in their favorite 90s themed birthday party outfits by including that costumes are encouraged on the invites. Guests can take inspiration from their favorite characters like Cher from Clueless, people on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, or even members from their favorite boy band.
Find more themed party ideas here on The Bash.
