while their first birthday party theme is at your complete discretion, by their second birthday, it’s probably easier to come up with a theme because they’ve developed interests this year!

i know it can still be hard to brainstorm the perfect theme, so i hope this collection of pinterest-worthy adorable party ideas will inspire you (and your littles!) and in my opinion these themes aren’t just cute, they are totally special and unique too!

speaking of unique, for my son’s 2nd birthday party we did a mamma mia 2 theme (his all time favorite movie that year) and my daughter’s we did a barbie party. i love a theme you wouldn’t necessarily expect, it makes the challenge all the more fun to come up how to execute it!

1. two-nado

photos: the sisters co. / karen.june.cookies

if your kid is fascinated by tornadoes, or just acts like a tiny human tornado, this theme is so cute!
my son saw twisters and is now totally into them.

2. two fast / race car theme

photos: emelbe design

for the little car enthusiasts, a cute race track theme!
fortunately there are tons of cute car decorations out there now too, this theme would be a breeze (get it?)

3. chugga chugga two two

photos: becca brooks events / the hive / emelbe design

lots of two year olds love trains, whether it’s thomas the tank engine or just trains in general! i love the cupcakes with the puffs of steam above.

4. two the moon / space theme

photos: pinterest / b. lovely events / kaila walls

celestial themes are always magical!
i did a sky theme for arlo — lots of ideas here 🙂

5. two-tti fruitti

photos: kara’s party ideas

what kid doesn’t live for fruit? fruit themes are always cute, simple and makes the menu easy too!

6. digging two / construction theme

photos: this life of ours

a construction party that is actually pretty! you could do so much with this theme!

7. tea for two

photos: pretty please design / glitter inc.

for (probably) their very first tea party!! you could make cute little finger sandwiches and put party hats on their favorite stuffies 🥹 floral everything, bows and crowns, i LOVE a tea party.

8. tutu cute / ballerina theme

photos: a party that pops / style me pretty / kara’s party ideas

this one is so sweet and feels easy to execute because there are lots of cute ballet decorations available. plus you can just buy tons of pink balloons and other accessories to fit the theme. have everyone come in tutus or wear pink and maybe even hire someone to teach a ballet lesson! adorable!

9. two sweet / two cool / ice cream or popsicle theme

photos: katie corley / studio diy / lattes lilacs & butterflies/ arin solange

i saw a few different takes on this theme, but i love the idea of a popsicle or ice cream party, especially in the summer or for a pool party! again, lots of cute premade decorations for this one.

10. two rocks / rock n’ roll theme

photos: parties365

love the idea of a rock n’ roll party, for your musical kids. there is so much you can do with this theme, and even cooler if you hired a band to play!

11. toy story theme

photos: mace + mare

for the toy story lovers, you can do it in such a sweet, simple way! i love the design of this party.

12. mermaid theme

photos: a beautiful mess

such a cute theme for the mermaid lovers. a beautiful mess shared lots of diys for this party here.
and for more ideas, i did an under the sea theme for arlo one year too!

13. in “two” the sea / ocean theme

photos: pinterest / pinterest / 100 layer cake

slightly similar to the above, but this one is a little more general. you could make this feel more classic ocean or go a more nautical route. i love the fish net as a photo display of your kid, and an ocean-themed sensory bin is a cute activity for the littles!

14. bluey theme

photos: kara’s party ideas

this one’s a really cute (and very aesthetic) bluey beach theme, but i’ve also seen “wackadoo [your kid] is two”!

15. our little rookie is two / baseball theme

photos: a party that pops / a touch of pink

for the tiny sports lover (or more likely, offspring of the true sports lover), this is proof that you can actually make a baseball theme totally aesthetic! and the menu could be so fun as long as you come up with toddler safe ways to serve stadium food (peanuts, popcorn, hot dogs — lol just realizing it’s all the least friendly toddler foods ever!?)

16. sesame street theme

photos: and so the storey begins

because what kid doesn’t live for elmo, this is such an adorable sesame street party. so many cute details!

17. chicken / farm theme

photos: lauren conrad

this chicken theme is so adorable!! but you could also open this up to a general farm or barn theme. i’m obsessed with the “egg” macaroons. if you really wanted to go for it, you could even look into having a petting zoo at your party!

18. bibbidi bobbidi two / cinderella theme

photos: monika hibbs / project nursery

if your two year old is into cinderella, this is such a sweet idea! pumpkins and spools! and get a relative to dress up like cinderella!

19. berry sweet (to be two)

photos: kara’s party ideas

yes we did fruit, but how about berries specifically! this is cutest strawberry theme, the berry baskets are a fun (and inexpensive) touch. then just throw in lots of pink and red and gingham and call it a day!

20. mickey mouse / disney theme

photos: kara’s party ideas / pinterest

another example of a typically not-so-pretty theme turned very pretty. lots of different directions you could go in — the vintage mickey route is so fun. i also love the idea of disney / theme park food!

i hope these ideas inspire your kid’s next party!

and if you’re looking for ideas for 1st birthday parties, we have tons here!!