• Princess parties are always popular with little girls.princess hat image by foxygrl from Fotolia.com
  
  Imagination is one of the most special aspects of childhood. There's no better time to indulge children than on their birthdays, and no better way to do so than by throwing a theme party. Whether it's an all-girls or an all-boys party, or a mix of the two, there are lots of ways to convincingly transport young partygoers to another place and time, from the costumes they put on to the activities they take part in.
  
  

Circus Party

• Circus-theme parties offer a variety of activity ideas for both boys and girls. The list of costume concepts includes clowns, lion tamers, trapeze artists and even bizarre and exotic characters, such as the bearded lady. This gives kids a chance to create their own unique character. A circus party also provides plenty of activities for children, from juggling to face painting to ring tossing.
  
  

Cowboys and Cowgirls Party

• There's hardly a more all-American party idea than the cowboys and cowgirls theme. Providing equal opportunity for both girls and boys to get involved, this motif can cover all aspects of a party. Children can don cowboy hats, boots, jeans and an ornate and denim buttoned-down shirts. The decor can involve anything from bales of hay to red-and-white picnic tablecloths. While such games as horseshoe and lasso toss are great for entertainment, a country-western soundtrack is perfect for getting the kids to try a little square dancing.
  
  

Princess Party

• Some birthday parties are all-girls affairs, and for those, a princess theme is always a fool-proof idea. Almost every little girl will jump at the opportunity to put on a sparkly dress and grab a shiny princess wand. To keep the birthday girl feeling special, a glamorous princess hat with a flowing ribbon can be used as the birthday cap. Activities can involve anything from letting the children put on fun, glittery makeup to having royal tea parties with drinks and snacks.
  
  

Army Party

• Just as there are sometimes girl-only affairs, there are also all-boy parties. For these occasions, it would be hard to find a group of lads not interested in an army theme. The motif is a broad one, but any excuse for boys to cover their faces with camouflage and act tough is usually enough. This also sets up the party for a variety of games, such as capture the flag or water balloon battles, perfect for a hot day. A mock "mess hall" can be created where the kids can eat off army-style trays.
  
  

Animal Party

• A classic yet simple party theme idea that works for both boys and girls is an old-fashioned animal party, where each kid gets to be their favorite creature. The event can be limited to jungle animals or farm animals, or it can be expanded to include any species, extinct or not; it's up to the person throwing the party --- or the child who insists on being a "whackamazoo" that he swears exists, or at least did until the "whatchamanot" ate it. Although masks for certain animals can be found, face-painting is another fun way to create the image. The snacks provided at the party can fit right in as well, with bananas for the apes and carrots for the rabbits. The animal motif can also be a fun and memorable way to learn about different creatures.