Before Pinterest-perfect parties and professional event planners took over, ’90s birthday parties were planned by moms. Looking at an old photo album might give you a glimpse of how you celebrated yours back then. We had paper invitations that evolved into goody bags, which everyone received after the party. Here are the 9 nostalgic things that made every ’90s birthday party special.
9. Sleepovers as the Ultimate Party Format
For slightly older kids, the birthday sleepover was a popular way to celebrate their parties with friends. A select group would arrive in their best PJs, sleeping bags, and overnight packs for the evening. Activities would involve making friendship bracelets, watching movies on VHS, and playing Truth or Dare. Midnight snacks typically involved microwave popcorn and Pop-Tarts. Of course, you’ll never forget ghost stories with flashlights.
8. VHS Recording the Entire Party
Looking through the attic of your parents’ home, you’ll likely spot a VHS recorder of your 8th birthday party. One parent would usually record everything on a camcorder, resulting in grainy footage and terrible audio. Everything is captured, from singing “Happy Birthday” to opening presents. These tapes would get watched repeatedly until your sweet 16th.
7. Homemade Cakes From Box Mixes
Before custom cakes, moms would usually bake a rectangular cake with Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines box mixes. Sometimes they would even purchase special pans to create them in the shapes of trains or teddy bears. There will be colorful decorations, including food coloring, piping bags, and character plastic figures, placed on top with lots of sprinkles. They weren’t perfect, but they’re made special with love by your mom.
6. Jelly and Ice Cream (Served Together)
The ultimate ’90s party dessert will always be jelly (Jell-O) and ice cream served together in a bowl. The best part will always be the fruity jelly mixed with some cold vanilla ice cream. Other treats will also be available on the dessert bar, including Dunkaroos, Gushers, Fruit by the Foot, and Rice Krispies treats. Of course, no party is complete without Capri Sun pouches or Hi-C Ecto Coolers as beverages.
5. Goody Bags
After the party, you’ll be sure to get your party favors in paper bags or small plastic buckets. They’re filled with kiddie treasures like slap bracelets, bouncy balls, stickers, temporary tattoos, and candies. You’ll be munching on them while waiting for your parents to pick you up.
4. Classic Party Games That Require No Technology
Games used to be free from technology, like pin the tail on the donkey, musical chairs, and limbo. All it requires is a little creativity and a bit of movement. There are also the treasure hunts that would send kids scrambling through backyards. The best part? Winning to get small prizes from the dollar store. Those were the good old times!
3. Cheese and Pineapple Hedgehog
What’s a party without the cheese and pineapple hedgehogs? This ’90s part staple features toothpicks holding chunks of cheese and pineapple. They resemble a hedgehog, much like their name suggests. There are also other finger foods included, such as pizza rolls, Bagel Bites, chicken nuggets, and mini hot dogs. Yup, it’s full-on processed food that kids would enjoy.
2. McDonald’s, Chuck E. Cheese, or Discovery Zone Venues
Some busy parents opt to have their kids’ birthday party in an entertainment venue. There are McDonald’s birthday parties with Happy Meals, a host, and access to their PlayPlace. There’s also Chuck E. Cheese offering pizzas and arcades with animatronics that kids will either love or get scared of. Another is the Discovery Zone, where kids can burn their energy in tube mazes and ball pits. The best part for parents? Kids can enjoy themselves without having to clean up.
1. Actual Paper Invitations Handed Out at School
Birthday invitations used to be a thing. They’re these are colorful invites with cartoon characters or holographic designs. Receiving one from a classmate will make you feel special. There’s an RSVP process where your parents are required to call the child’s parents on a landline to confirm your attendance.