some fabulous bonus rituals to add even more sparkle to a child’s special day.
Birthday countdown. Most kids adore the chocolate advent calendars that countdown to Christmas – so why not check off the days until their birthday arrives, too? This can be as simple as finding a free printable countdown online that a child can affix stickers to or cross off each day that passes. You can also make your own. Perhaps create one in the shape of a birthday cake, or cut construction paper into colorful strips and glue together a fun countdown paper chain. If you have the time and desire, go all out by creating a punchbox countdown filled with tiny gifts or sweet messages.
Midnight surprise. Once the big day arrives, start the celebration at midnight (or bedtime, for younger kids). Toss confetti, blow noisemakers, and throw in some extra hugs and kisses when the clock strikes twelve.
Glitz up their spaces. While they sleep, crisscross colorful crepe paper across their bedroom door. In the morning they’ll delight in bursting through the paper streamers. Or, rig a balloon avalanche across the door instead – crisscross crepe paper as mentioned, but this time tuck balloons behind it. Older kids might also love to see positive messages and festive doodles scribbled with dry-erase markers over their bathroom mirror.
Balloons, balloons, and more balloons. Balloons are an affordable option that can make a grand impression. Fill the floor of their room with shiny balloons as they slumber, or else overflow their bathtub with them. Make sure you have a balloon pump on hand to help! And if you have a helium tank, cover their bedroom ceiling with floating balloons. Some little ones might simply enjoy sitting at the dining table with a trio of balloons taped to their chairs, too.
Birthday signs. A yearly homemade birthday sign is another economical yet meaningful gesture. Compose a message such as “Today We Have Loved You for X years, X months, X weeks, X days, X hours and Counting,” or make a list titled “10 Reasons We Love You.” Use rainbow puffy paint, metallic markers, stickers and glitter, but remember the message on your sign will be the true star.
Birthday meals. Whip up artsy pancakes based upon their favorite character or thing at the moment. As an alternative, a delicious breakfast spread laid out on a tray and delivered in bed might be just as exciting. If mornings are too hectic in your household, pack a cool birthday lunch for school, adding a treat or two and, of course, a joyful message. On the other hand, maybe the birthday child just wants to have a family supper that night. If so, let them choose the meal.
Birthday interview. Every 12 months, sit down and ask the same questions. For instance, “What would you like to be when you grow up?”, “What’s your favorite color?”, and “What would you buy if you won a million dollars?”
Write a letter. For their birthday, write a letter to your child. Tell them what made you most proud in the past twelve months, highlight their accomplishments, and sprinkle in a little love and words of wisdom for the future.
Gift a memory jar. Fill a jar with noteworthy memories of the last year from friends and family.
Birthday photo. Snap a pic in the same place with the same pose year after year.
Measure them. Whether you use a spare spot on the wall or a personalized growth chart, don’t forget to mark their current height annually on their birth date.
Give back. Allow the birthday person to pick a cause and do something selfless, such as to plant a tree or donate food to a local charity.
Unusual bonus birthday treat. Add even more birthday excitement by gifting an annual bonus birthday treat. It could be a delicious tower of donuts covered in icing and sprinkles, or homemade ice cream sandwiches made from chocolate cookies and birthday cake ice cream. Alternatively, follow the recipes for Rice Krispies® squares or popcorn balls and then shape the mixture into a birthday cake, and ice or decorate as you please. It could be as simple as going out for birthday milkshakes. These options are also perfect for anyone who dislikes cake!
Born in the prairies, Stephanie is a mother, cancer-survivor, cat lover, and avid traveler. Stephanie is also the creator of the family travel blog Next Family Getaway, nextfamilygetaway.com, where she shares trip ideas and travel advice for those traveling with kids.
See our related articles:
Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2026 Calgary’s Child
