Easy Ways to Make Your Child’s Birthday Feel Extra Special

One of my favorite parts of being a mom is seeing how magical the world feels to kids. It honestly doesn’t take much. A simple change from the usual routine—balloons on the floor, pancakes shaped like a heart—is enough to light up their whole face.

Sometimes, those little magical moments just happen on their own. But other times, it takes a little intention—and it’s always worth it.

Let’s talk about birthdays. Because if there’s ever a time to create a little extra joy, this is it.

Why We Celebrate Big (Even If It’s Simple)

I remember in college, one of my best friends told me her mom still went all out for her birthday. Spa day, favorite meals, all the fun. I loved that so much. And now that I’m a mom? Same. I remember the actual day my kids were born, and I’ll always think of their birthdays as a celebration of them—the people they’re becoming and how much we love them.

It doesn’t need to be Pinterest-worthy or expensive. Just thoughtful and fun.

Simple Ways to Decorate for a Kid’s Birthday

Decorating for birthdays doesn’t have to mean blowing up 100 balloons at midnight. I’ve found a few simple go-to ideas that make the day feel special without making it stressful:

• A reusable “Happy Birthday” banner – I use the same felt one every year and it makes me happy every time I hang it.

• A handful of balloons scattered across the living room floor or even tossed in the car.

• Streamers across their bedroom doorway or balloons set up to fall when they open the door (classic and fun).

• Yard signs – You can rent them or buy reusable ones on Etsy and bring them out year after year.

✨ Reusable Birthday Banner – here’s a similar one
✨ Reusable Yard Letters – find them on Etsy

Birthday Breakfast: A Favorite Family Tradition

We started something called “Birthday Breakfast” and it’s one of my favorite parts of the whole day. It’s not fancy—we’re talking pancakes or toast—but we set the table with our “You Are Special Today” plate and all sit down together.

Each person at the table says one thing they love about the birthday kid. Then we say a short blessing or prayer over them for the year ahead. (Right now, my husband and I do most of the talking because our kids are still little—but someday they’ll join in more!)

🎂 Red “You Are Special Today” Plate – original
🎂 Colorful version – the one we use now

We also play Good Day by Forrest Frank while we eat. It’s the best happy-vibe birthday song.

A Little Gift From Each Family Member

We also do one gift from each person in the family. It doesn’t have to be expensive—just intentional. It could be a homemade drawing, a little flower bouquet from the yard, or something fun from the Target dollar section.

Even when my daughter was only one, I helped her “give” her big brother a piggy bank. He knew it was from her, and we still talk about it sometimes. That kind of connection is the real gift.

Make Any Day Feel Special

That red “special” plate? We don’t save it just for birthdays. We pull it out whenever there’s something worth celebrating—passing a swim test, a kind moment at school, or just a day when someone needs a little extra encouragement.

Kids remember how we make them feel—and this plate is one small way we try to make them feel seen and celebrated.

More Like This on the Elevate Motherhood Podcast

If this kind of thing speaks to you, come hang out on the Elevate Motherhood podcast! I talk more about creating special moments, keeping perspective, and making the most of these sweet (sometimes chaotic!) years. Click here to listen.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
Do you have any birthday traditions in your home? I’d love to hear them! Leave a comment or join me on Instagram @ElevateMotherhood for more everyday mom ideas, encouraging reminders, fun Amazon finds, and a whole lot of love for this season of life.

Thanks for reading—and here’s to the magical moments! Until next time, let's Elevate Motherhood!