January Birthday Themes for All Ages: Lumberjack to Oscars!

The holidays may just be over. But January birthdays call for more celebration! And a great way to get right back into the party spirit is choosing a theme that’s sure to thrill your celebrant.

It could be a motif that plays up the wintry season, a sport or hobby he or she loves, a throwback era, a favorite sweet treat, even a glam Hollywood-style event! And so here are 10 birthday party theme ideas that cover ages from five to 50. Prepare to be wowed by the creative elements that go into each one. Then, style a January celebration that’s just as fun as the holidays! (*this post contains affiliate links)

10 Theme Ideas for a January Birthday Bash

1 – Lumberjack Theme

If you’re in a wintry location, create a cozy woodland party vibe, decked out in buffalo plaid, frosty pine leaves, and a complete lumberjack dessert table supplies kit from Amazon. With the ready-made pennant banner, bear sign, and “campfire food” labels, your display of cakes, snacks, and drinks will be in-theme instantly!

2 – Football Theme

Whether you’re celebrating for a toddler, a teen, or Dad, a football-inspired party is always a favorite. And thanks to this Football Concession Booth Banner from Amazon, you can set up all the classic game day snacks and treats in stadium style. Just add your own football accessories (a toy football, a DIY striped backdrop, a referee’s whistle) and some balloons, and you’re ready for kick-off!

3 – Donut Theme

No actual connection to January, but we just had to include this ever-popular party theme: donuts! As this sweet Donut Party Invitation from Basic Invite shows, you can focus on a pastel color palette in all the party decorations, and play up fun elements like sprinkles, confetti, pom poms, balloons, and tassels. And have an adorable donut display, of course!

4 – Winter Fairyland Theme

Capture the magic of a winter wonderland in this fantasy-like party theme. Set a snowy scene with white tulle and glittery white and blue butterflies. Then add sparkle everywhere with blue rhinestone votive holders, hanging votive lights, and glowing candles on pearl ring coasters.

5 – Vintage Travel Theme

If flying off to dream destinations is the celebrant’s thing, then this romantic vintage setting would be perfect for her birthday dinner. See how each table element recreates a classic bygone era—lovely floral arrangements, antique perfume bottles, a hatbox and jewel box, all laid out on a lace tablecloth. And for the travel theme, hot air balloon flower baskets and vintage map menus.

6 – Popstar Glam Theme

A young lady in the family turning 16 this January? She would just love this Sweet 16 Popstar theme with a glamorous Hollywood flair! The traditional pink is combined with black damask, plus lots of crystal, silver, and rhinestones (see our tutorial for the glitzy cube candle holders). And to top it all, literally, white ostrich feathers in towering vases!

7 – ’70s Soul Theme

Now here’s a fun throwback theme for the fifty-somethings! Mark the “big 5-0” with a black and gold motif, while getting guests into the groove of the ’70s with wigs, sunglasses, bell-bottoms, platform shoes—and of course the disco hits of that era!

8 – Hockey Theme

Got a teen celebrant who’s crazy about ice sports? Check out this Hockey-themed party inspiration that he’d find pretty cool! With a popular theme like this one, finding ready-made party supplies and accessories takes just a few clicks. The key is to keep within a chosen color scheme (like our red, blue, and black) to pull all the elements together. Goal!

9 – Chess Theme

Looks like you’ll be snowed in come party day? No worries. If your celebrant is a chess champ, our Chess Themed Party Planning Guide helps you host a fun indoor party just the same. Aside from the great party favors selection (shown above), see the decorations, games, and food ideas we featured. All winning moves!

10 – Oscars Night Theme

The actual Academy Awards night will be pushed back again this year. But there’s no reason you can’t throw a glitzy Oscars-style bash for the movie buff in the house in January or any month. Our party guide covers themed invitations (shown above) to dazzling table decor, delish menu suggestions and desserts—all glammed up in red carpet style!

How’s that for a party-ready January? Enjoy!