It can be a tough task to come up with a birthday party theme (or any other party theme for that matter).  Here are ten suggestions for how to come up with a theme for a party.

1. Ask your child.  Sure its obvious, but a lot of parents tend to forget just who the party is for in the first place.   A really young child may not know, or may have dozens of ideas.
2. What is their favorite movie?  What movie could they be content with watching over and over again?  Chances are with a little bit of creativity, you could turn it into a great theme.
3. Do they go onto websites?  What are there favorite sites on the world wide web?  Maybe its Poptropica or Webkinz or one of the hundreds of kid friendly sites out there.  Why not build a party around one of those themes?  Trust me, the other kids will think its cool.
4. Try a school theme.  Find out your childs favorite subject in school (recess and lunch don’t count).  Now get your mind to thinking and come up with a party around that.   For added fun, see if your child’s teacher will come to the party for a little role reversal where the kids get to “school” the teacher.
5. Visit a local party supply store.  They make it easy with decorations, invitations, and supplies all ready for you to pick out. 
6. Build a party around the entertainment.  Of course you are going to hire Joy Set Entertainment for your party ;o).  If the entertainment is going to be a magician, use that as your theme.  Are you hiring a clown?  Use a circus theme.  There are lots of possibilities there.  Ask your entertainer for suggestions.
7. Television shows.  Don’t go for just cartoons.  Get some karaoke CD’s and have an American Idol party.  At the end all the “contestants” sing the birthday song.  What about a Survivor theme? 
8. Use their age as a theme.  With a little thought you can come up with food, game ideas, and more built around your child’s age.  How about serving 7-Up?   You could play Crazy 8s or Phase 10.
9. What does your child want to be when they grow up?    Build a fun party theme around your child’s dream job.
10. There are thousands of ideas at the library and on the internet.  Try Birthday Party Ideas  just for starters.

Feel free to add your own ideas for how you come up with themes in the comments section.  And check out our birthday party page  for more information.