Your Day of Birth

10th birthday ideas

Double digits at last, and a whole decade of stories. Traditions, party ideas, gifts, toasts and card messages for turning 10.

What turning 10 means

Turning 10 means hitting double digits, and kids feel that change in a big way. It's the first birthday with two numbers, and many kids see it as a step closer to being one of the big kids. There's no formal tradition for a 10th birthday, so families are free to make it their own. It's a great age for a party built around a hobby your child loves, whether that's art, sports, science or games.

Traditions and customs

Double digits
Many families make a fuss over the jump to two numbers, with a big '10' balloon, a '10' cake or a sign welcoming the birthday kid to double digits.
Party with friends
A classic kids' party with friends, games, cake and the birthday song is the most common way to celebrate at this age.
Make a wish
Blowing out the candles and making a silent wish is a birthday custom that kids still love at 10.

Party ideas

Backyard campout
Pitch a tent in the yard for a sleepover with flashlights, snacks and spooky stories.
Trampoline park outing
Book a jump session for a small group of friends, then head home for cake.
Kitchen science party
Set up simple experiments like baking soda volcanoes and homemade slime at the kitchen table.
Scavenger hunt
Hide clues around the house or park that lead to a final prize: the birthday cake.
Movie night in
Hang a white sheet, rent a projector and serve popcorn in paper bags for a cozy screening.
Art studio party
Cover a table in paper and let each kid paint a small canvas to take home.
Bowling with friends
Take a group of friends bowling, then share pizza and cake right at the lanes.
Ten things for ten years
Spend a low-key family day doing ten small favorite things, from pancakes to a bike ride.

Color ideas

Electric blueLime greenBright orange

A suggestion, not a rule. Their favorite colors always win.

Cake ideas

  • Number 10 cake. Two cakes shaped like a 1 and a 0, set side by side on one board.
  • Hobby theme cake. A cake decorated around your child's favorite sport, game or animal.
  • Build your own cupcakes. Plain cupcakes with bowls of frosting and toppings so each guest can decorate one.

Planning timeline

  1. 6 weeks outAsk your child what kind of party they want for their double digit birthday, and book any venue early.
  2. 3 weeks outSend invitations to friends, ask parents about food allergies, and plan games that fit the theme.
  3. 1 week outBuy goody bag items, decorations with a big '10', and supplies for any crafts or experiments.
  4. The day ofSet up early, run one or two planned games, and save time for cake and opening a few gifts.

Gift ideas for a 10th

Under $25

ArtKids craft kitFind one →GamesFamily card gameFind one →BooksKids joke bookFind one →HomeGlow in the dark starsFind one →

$25 to $100

TechKids walkie talkiesFind one →HobbyScience experiment kitFind one →ToysBuilding brick setFind one →StylePersonalized backpackFind one →

Splurge

TechKids smartwatchFind one →HobbyElectric scooter for kidsFind one →HobbyBeginner telescopeFind one →ExperienceAmusement park ticketsFind one →
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Toasts for a 10th

Ten years ago you made us parents. Today you're funny, kind and full of big ideas. Here's to our double digit kid!

Raise your juice boxes, everyone. To the coolest 10-year-old we know, may the next ten years be just as much fun.

Happy 10th birthday, kiddo. We are so proud of who you are becoming, and we can't wait to see where the next decade takes you.

Card messages

Welcome to double digits! You're officially part of the two number club now.

Happy 10th birthday. A whole decade of you is the best thing that ever happened to this family.

Ten years old and still the best at making everyone laugh. Have the best birthday ever.

Happy birthday to a kid who is growing up kind, brave and curious. We're so proud of you.

You're 10 now, which means you're too old for naps but never too old for birthday hugs.

Wishing you cake, games and a year as awesome as you are. Happy 10th!

More birthday wishes →

10th birthday questions

What is a 10th birthday called?

Many people call it the "double digits" birthday, since it's the first age with two numbers. There's no formal name or tradition beyond that.

What do you do for a 10th birthday?

Popular ideas include sleepovers, trampoline parks, scavenger hunts and hobby theme parties. Let your child help choose, since kids this age usually have strong opinions.

What is a good gift for a 10 year old?

Gifts that feed a hobby work well, like science kits, building sets, craft supplies or a beginner telescope.

Is there a special color for a 10th birthday?

There's no official color for a 10th birthday. Bright, bold colors or your child's favorite color are popular choices.

Birthday wishes for the 10th →What happened in 2016 →
Birthday Planner

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