Making Half-Birthdays Special with Kids

 Looking for creative half birthday ideas for your kids? Whether you're a seasoned celebrator or just learning about this fun tradition, half birthdays can be a sweet and simple way to add magic to childhood. 

At Elevate Motherhood, we’re all about finding easy, intentional ways to build joyful memories—and half birthdays are such a fun opportunity to do that.

✨ Want even more ideas like this? Be sure to follow along on Instagram @elevatemotherhood!

Why Celebrate a Half Birthday?

If you're new to the idea of celebrating half birthdays, here’s the scoop: Many schools celebrate birthdays for each kid. To include kids with summer birthdays that don't occur during the school year, the schools celebrate “half birthdays” for these students. My own kids both have summer birthdays, so they have always celebrated a half birthday at school. It felt so fun and special and magical, so I started doing a few extra things at home and it has become such a fun little family tradition. My kids take half-birthdays so seriously that for half of the year, they proudly announce (for example) that they're "six and a half," not just "six."

Each half-year is a big deal when you’re little—and honoring it is such an easy way to make your kids feel seen and celebrated.

Easy and Fun Half Birthday Celebration Ideas

These ideas are simple, budget-friendly, and full of joy—perfect for busy moms who still want to make it special:

1. Reuse Birthday Supplies

I keep one small bin in the garage labeled “party supplies.” It holds leftover napkins, plates, banners, and candles from birthday parties. I don't love to hoard things and err on the side of simplicity, but this is the perfect way to not waste what has already been purchased for their regular birthday party—just enough to reuse for a mini half-birthday family celebration. It’s a major mom hack!

2. Blow Up a Few Balloons

Ten balloons scattered on the floor instantly makes the day feel festive. It takes under a minute and costs next to nothing—but feels magical.

3. Use a Special Candle

I love using a number candle from their last birthday alongside a cute “half” candle (I’ll link my favorite below!). It’s such a simple touch that kids remember.

4. Make a “Half” Birthday Cake

This is a tradition I adore. Bake a round cake, cut it in half, stack the halves with frosting in between, and you’ve got a fun half-circle cake. It’s visually adorable and kids love the novelty of it.

5. Use a “You Are Special” Plate

We have a special plate that we bring out for birthdays, half birthdays, and milestones. It was a tradition in my family growing up and now my kids look forward to it too.

Keep the Focus on Family Connection

While we don’t do presents for half birthdays, we do pray over our kids and speak blessings into their lives. It’s one of my favorite parts—laying hands on them, thanking God for their lives, and asking for a joyful year ahead. Siblings even pray for each other. That connection is something I hope they’ll always remember.

Half Birthday Must-Haves (Links!)

Here are some of our favorite items that make half birthdays simple and fun:

Number Candles

Rainbow Numer Candles

Half Birthday Candle

Rainbow Half Candle

Black & White Half Birthday Candle

HALF Candle - This one would be cute all by itself, too! 

Our favorite brand of dye-free sprinkles! We have MANY of the Supernatural sprinkles and love them all! They have so many fun options. Pro tip: the "softie" versions are the yummiest in our opinion!

Traditional "You Are Special Today" Plate (I grew up with this one!)

This is the plate we have now!

If you are local to the OKC area, one of my besties makes the most beautiful hand-painted special plates for kids! Find her here on Instagram @lettersbyjayme 

Half-Birthday Cake from Celebrating Sweets

Half Birthday Banner 

Why I Love These Traditions

Celebrating half birthdays isn’t about adding more to your to-do list—it’s about creating simple moments that matter. Childhood is short. These tiny traditions are easy ways to make it magical.

And guess what? It doesn’t need to cost much or be Pinterest-perfect. Even your leftovers from the last celebration can become part of the fun.

Follow Along for More Fun Ideas

If you love simple, sweet ideas like this, I share tons of mom hacks, organization tips, and everyday ways to make childhood magical over on Instagram.

Come hang out with me on Instagram @elevatemotherhood for reels, daily encouragement, and behind-the-scenes of how we do life!

Until next time, let's elevate motherhood!

— Courtney