Picture this: It’s 1990, I’m about to turn 10, and the excitement is real. My mom is gearing up to host five of my closest friends for what promises to be the highlight of my year — my birthday party. My mom, ever the hero, has pulled out all the stops. She ordered my all-time favorite pizza and whipped up a homemade chocolate cake paired with creamy vanilla ice cream (my absolute favorite dessert.). And as if that weren’t enough, we’ve got an itinerary jam-packed with fun —music, games, and just hanging out. To my young self, this is the epitome of fun, the ultimate birthday bash.
Does anyone else recall the sheer joy of having a birthday party like this? Perhaps yours had its unique twist — maybe it involved a round of pin the tail on the donkey, or perhaps themed plates and napkins added that extra flair. And who could forget the thrill of breaking open a piñata?
The beauty of birthdays back in the 80s and 90s was their simplicity. And you know what? We adored every moment of it. But fast forward to today, and it’s hard not to notice how much things have changed.
Nowadays, it seems like the pressure to throw extravagant parties stems from the influence of social media. Birthday celebrations have evolved into elaborate affairs, often held at event centers like roller skating rinks, gyms, or bowling alleys, which sometimes can be pricey.
Gone are the days of intimate gatherings with a handful of friends. Instead, it’s become customary to invite the entire class, complete with rented venues and entertainment galore. Now, don’t get me wrong — there’s something undeniably magical about these extravagant parties. I’ve hosted my fair share at skating rinks, bowling alleys, and art centers for my own daughters. But amidst the fun and excitement I can’t help but feel nostalgic for the simpler times.
Are today’s kids conditioned to expect more? It’s possible. But I firmly believe that they’d find just as much joy in the simplicity of hanging out and playing games. The bottom line is, we don’t always have to succumb to the pressure of extravagant birthday parties and it’s not the only way to create lasting memories. There’s a certain charm in gathering a few friends, sharing a pizza, and engaging in some good old-fashioned fun.
After all, it’s the little things that often leave the biggest impressions on kids. And, considering the resurgence of all things 80s and 90s among Gen Z, from fashion to music, why not bring back the birthday parties of yesterday? Let’s reclaim the magic of those simpler times and give our kids a taste of the nostalgia we hold so dear. I think this calls for a true 90s-themed birthday party for my daughter this year.