If you are throwing a party for your own birthday, you can decide what size of party you’d like to have. If you are throwing a party for someone else, you can ask them for their opinion on how many people to invite. Or, throw them a surprise party!

Other ideas include a slumber party, dance party, or pool party.

If you’re celebrating your niece turning 3, maybe go with a cartoon character. If you’re celebrating your 50th, consider a particular decade (20s, 70s, for example) or a classy soiree. You can match your decorations, food and drink, and music to match your theme. For example, if you’re celebrating Wesley’s 9th birthday with a pirate theme, maybe get a treasure box shaped cake, pirate tablecloth, and pirate outfits for the guests.

You can also invite your guests by word of mouth. Tell your friends and family when to come over. This may work better if you are hosting a smaller, intimate gathering. Keep in mind the size of your party when sending invites. If you’re hosting a 20 person bash, don’t invite 100 people, in case all of them show up!

You can also tailor your menu to your party’s theme. If you are having a summertime barbecue, feature hot dogs, burgers, coleslaw, and potato salad, for example. Don’t forget the cake!

Pick age-appropriate games. If you’re throwing a children’s birthday party, maybe try charades instead of Monopoly. Consider card games, puzzles, and board games. Some fun craft ideas include repurposing clothing, DIY picture frames, or jewelry making.

If celebrating someone else’s birthday, you can create a gift basket with at-home spa products, like lotion, bubble bath, massage oil, and nail polish, for example. For children, you can get bright colored bubble bath or bath crayons or markers to make bath time more fun.

Hanging out and watching a flick will give you some time to unwind and let go, which may be the ideal present for your birthday. You can watch movies with your family, friends, or by yourself, depending on how you want to celebrate.

Work on a painting or drawing, find a DIY craft tutorial, or start a new sewing project, for example.

You can go with games like Scrabble, Jenga, and Cards Against Humanity, for some ideas. Another idea includes hosting a casino night and play Poker.

You can do manicures and pedicures at home, watch romantic comedies, and flip through some magazines. Or, you can watch sports, order pizza, and drink a few beers.