Great ideas for boys' birthday parties with a basketball theme. Party favors, games, refreshments, etc.
Planning a boys' birthday party with a basketball theme can be both fun and educational (if you don't know much about the sport!). Included here are some ideas for throwing an awesome basketball party, no matter what the age of the boys involved.
Party Supplies:
Party supplies such as paper plates, napkins, cups, tablecloths, etc., come in a variety of sports-themed styles, of which basketball is only one. Large department stores, as well as more specialized party shops will have everything you need.
Cake:
This is one of the areas where you can really be creative! Choose a cake made in the shape of a basketball and decorated as a basketball. You could also have a more traditional cake with a picture of the birthday boy's favorite basketball player (or a picture of a basketball jersey with the favorite player's number). You can also combine these two ideas, placing the picture or number on the basketball cake. Have fun and experiment!
Party Favors:
Here's another area where the ideas are abundant. Miniature basketballs are available at party supply stores and would make great favors. Have the birthday boy autograph one for each guest, and have each guest autograph his for great party memories! Packages of basketball cards by companies such as Topps are also a good idea. These are usually available at hobby shops or large discount stores. Another idea is small teddy bears wearing miniature basketball jerseys from different college and professional teams. These can be purchased at hobby or sports shops.
Games:
Of course, the ultimate idea here is a basketball game! Hopefully, you may be able to have the party at a park or school playground where there is a court. Put the name of each partygoer into a hat. Then, choose a captain for each team and have them draw names for the team players. Another good idea is a one-on-one tournament, where each partygoer plays another one-on-one until all but one player is eliminated. Give consolation prizes to each player as he is eliminated. If the party is indoors, there are great video basketball games on which tournaments can also be played. If you have access to a video camera, tape the games to make a lifetime memory!
Gifts:
Gifts for the birthday boy could include a basketball jersey from his favorite college or professional player. These are often available from sports and hobby shops, or can be ordered from official team websites or Ebay. Basketballs or team programs autographed by players are available from the same sources. Less expensive ideas include a basketball goal (if he doesn't already have one), or a video or computer basketball game.
A few more expensive, less traditional ideas might include taking the partygoers to a college or professional basketball game (if there is a team playing within a reasonable distance). In addition, players often make personal appearances at malls, sports stores, etc. If you find out about such an appearance, you might consider taking the birthday boy and guests to meet a player and get autographs.
Basketball parties can be a fun and memorable theme-one your favorite birthday boy will remember for the rest of his life!
