Let’s be honest: today’s kids’ birthday parties can be a bit overwhelming. The pressure to keep up with the Joneses—like the Addisons, Madisons, Jacksons, and Jadens—has turned birthday celebrations into an exhausting competition of extravagant fun. Bounce houses, pony rides, magicians, and amusement parks have become the norm. Cakes are sourced from upscale bakeries, meticulously crafted to fit a specific theme. Themes are everywhere—Harry Potter, Star Wars, Disney Princesses, you name it. Everything seems to need to match, and even you might be expected to coordinate. Enough of that! It’s time to celebrate like it’s 1988.
You might have lost sight of how to throw a simple party. The art of having a birthday bash without matching plastic utensils seems to have faded. But let’s take a trip back to a time when kids celebrated without all the frills. In 1988, the golden era of birthday parties, we kept it simple and fun. Here’s how:
Send Real Invitations
In 1988, hand-written invitations were the norm, sparking plenty of drama over who made the guest list. Today, rules dictate that everyone in the class must be invited, minimizing hurt feelings but also leading to parties with thirty kids. It’s no wonder parents often opt for venues outside the home!
Parents Enjoyed Themselves
There’s a key reason why parties were more enjoyable back then: free beer and socializing among parents. The longer the festivities lasted, the better the time everyone had. This year, be the brave host who provides the drinks!
Keep the Venue Simple
In 1988, there were two main choices for party locations: home or the local park. At home, kids played classic games, while at the park, they simply enjoyed being outdoors. Cake, ice cream, and Kool-Aid (likely filled with artificial coloring) were the highlights, and parents embraced the inevitable sugar rush.
Cake Basics
Let’s talk cakes. Back then, most were baked by mom, with some parents showing off their decorating skills. The rest of us often ended up with simple cakes that had “Happy Birthday” written in shaky icing. If you were really lucky, you got an ice cream cake or a cookie cake. Just remember to say thank you!
No Themes Necessary
Want to know how to throw a party like it’s 1988? Forget elaborate themes. The theme was simply “Birthday Party.” You had a cake with “Happy Birthday” written on it, inexpensive paper plates, and red solo cups filled with drinks. Snack options usually included chips and perhaps a veggie tray—nothing fancy!
Play Classic Games
Remember games like pin the tail on the donkey? Today’s kids might not even know what that is. The thrill of waiting for your turn and hoping to win a small prize—like a yo-yo—was all part of the fun. Scavenger hunts were also a staple. Kids were rewarded with a cheap toy from the party store for their efforts.
Let Kids Be Kids
Adult guests were there to relax and socialize, not hover over the children. Kids ran wild, and as one cousin discovered, no one was too concerned if a toy got damaged. The more chaos, the better!
Goodie Bags of Sugar
What better way to send kids home than with a bag filled with candy? In 1988, no one spent a fortune on plastic trinkets. Instead, kids received Tootsie Pops, Pixie Stix, and maybe a pencil or two.
It may sound low-effort, but that’s the point. We’re talking about kids, not royalty! Just remember to provide some drinks, and everyone will have a blast. The real excitement came from the presents—kids still love that thrill. In 1988, we made sure everyone sat quietly as the birthday kid opened their gifts, letting a little envy add to the fun.
For more insights on home insemination and parenting tips, check out this post. If you’re looking for a reliable source for home insemination products, visit Make a Mom. For those interested in genetics and IVF, this resource is invaluable.
In summary, the simplicity and fun of birthday parties in the ’80s stand in stark contrast to the elaborate celebrations of today. Embracing a laid-back approach can lead to a more enjoyable experience for both kids and parents alike.