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Ultimate Guide to 90s Theme Party Ideas

September 22 By Kim Anderson

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I’m not going to lie.  I freaking love a good themed party.  When you have a theme it makes it so much easier to plan, decorate, decide on costume options and get your guests confidently excited.  I’m guessing that if you are reading this post you are considering hosting a 90s theme party.  I’m also guessing that you are looking for some ideas with which to set the stage for an awesome event.  That’s why we came up with a mega list of ideas, costumes and decor to help you lock down a 90’s party theme that your guests will love!

Let’s step inside a mental time machine shall we?

90s Party Theme Ideas and Inspiration

#1- Clueless

via GIPHY

Clueless Costumes:

The costuming for this party is straight out of the 90s with the classic pieces:

  • Plaid skirt and blazer
  • Knee high stockings
  • Oversized flannel shirt
  • Baggy ripped jeans
  • Chokers
  • Combat boots with a dress

Clueless Party Decorations:

For decorating at this party I would recommend decorating like Bryson Alcott High School.

  • Cardboard locker door cut outs
  • Black and white pendants
  • Prop 90s cell phones

Dino Rentos Prop Studios School Lockers Cardboard Cutout Standup Prop 6 FT (Blue)

100′ Black & White Pennant Flag

Inflatable Blow Up Mobile Phone & Boom Box Party Decoration Fancy Dress Accessory

#2- Apollo 13

via GIPHY

While this movie was actually based in the 1970s, it was a blockbuster 90s hit. There are so many easy and fun ways to make this party a hit. This party will be… out of this world!

Apollo 13 Costumes:

  • Easy costumes- have everyone come in a simple button down with a tie
  • Add plastic name tags- bonus points if you have pictures too!

Fushing 60Pcs Clear Plastic Vertical Name Tags Badge ID Card Holders and Metal Badge Clips with Clear PVC Straps

  • Vintage horn rim glasses- I feel like 80% of the people in this movie wore them

Shiratori New Vintage Fashion Half Frame Semi-Rimless Clear Lens Glasses black

  • Head set props for everyone

Rhode Island Novelty 6″ Toy Microphone Headband Childrens Costume Accessories (12-Pack)

Apollo 13 Decorations:

  • Moon landing photo booth- photo booths can provide so much entertainment for a party. This specific back drop will make for hours of fun!

5x7FT Backdrop Astronaut with USA Flag on Moon Background for Photography Universe Cosmos Themed Shooting Backdrop Studio YouTube Props GEPH181 PHMOJEN

  • Make your own Mission Control props out of cardboard

 

#3- Jurassic Park

via GIPHY

This movie made us imagine a merging of two worlds. The dangers and excitement of these periods coming together kept us on the edge our seats.

Jurassic Park Costumes:

A safari style costume is pretty easy to come by with every day basics.

  • Canvas or khaki cargo pants or shorts
  • Boots
  • Sunglasses
  • Bandanas

Or you can always go as the T-Rex!

Rubie’s Adult Jurassic World Inflatable Dinosaur Costume, T-Rex, Standard


So many fun things you can do as a dinosaur!

Jurassic Park Decorations:

The museum is probably my favorite area to model these decorations after.

  • Put a banner up like the one that is shown falling during the destruction

Jurassic Park Banner Sign Replica Prop – Jurassic Park/World Movie Fan Props -Toys – Games – Shirts. 3 Sizes: 10 Ft, 20 Ft or 30 Ft :“When Dinosaurs Ruled The Earth”

  • Large cut outs of dinosaurs for fun photo opportunities

Advanced Graphics Giganotosaurus Life Size Cardboard Cutout Standup – Natural History Museum

  • Add in some greenery for a jungle style motif

GPARK 12Pack / Each 82 inch , Artificial Ivy Garland Fake Plants , Green For Wedding Party Garden Outdoor Greenery Wall Decoration

  • Feeling crafty? Make your own Jurassic Park Gateway Door

#4- Nintendo

via GIPHY

Creating a fun Nintendo or retro-video game party is a win when it come to theme parties. Level up you party with these ideas from the 90s.

90s Nintendo Character Costumes:

  • Mario, Luigi or Princess Peach (really any Mario character)
  • Zelda and Link
  • Golden Eye (007)
  • Donkey Kong Characters
  • Pokemon
  • Mortal Kombat
  • Final Fantasy

Disguise Men’s Mario Riding Yoshi Adult Costume, Multi, One Size

Disguise Men’s Link Deluxe Adult Costume, Green, X-Large

Rubie’s Adult Pokemon Poke Ball Costume, Standard

90s Nintendo Party decorations:

Game Boy wall decal cutouts

    • You can add these to the front door or place on fridge or wall
    • Is your door is too dark? You can cover with plastic table cloth of your color choice to present a “GAME BOY COLOR” feeling. Yay 90s!

Gameboy Dry Erase Giant Peel and Stick Wall Decals

Make it feel like an arcade with a cool cutout!

Colour Golden Age Video Arcade Game Life Size Cardboard Cutout SC1025

Looking for some easy decor options? These video game themed cut outs are great to place around the room or doorway!

Blue Panda Video Game Sign Cutouts – 8-Pack Arcade Directional Signs Theme Party Decorations, Kids Birthday Party Favors on 350 GSM Cardstock Paper, 17 x 4 inches

Adding other arcade themed items will make this theme feel authentic.
CHENXI LED Arcade Shop Open Sign Special Offer Graphics Ultra Bright Flashing 10 x19 Inch(48X25 cm) Store Signboard (48 X 25 cm, Arcade)

#5- Simpsons

The Simpsons was the longest running scripted prime-time running show keeping us captivated for 30 seasons! With all of the iconic characters and fun shenanigans, there are plenty of party ideas waiting to be used.

via GIPHY

The Simpsons Costumes: 

  • The Simpson family members
    • Bart
    • Lisa
    • Marge
    • Homer
    • Maggie
  • Krusty the clown
  • Millhouse
  • Moe the bartender
  • Reverend Lovejoy
  • Snowball the cat

Disguise Men’s New Homer Deluxe Adult Costume, White, L/XL (42-46)

Disguise Unisex Adult Classic Muscle Duffman, Multi, X-Large (42-46) Costume

Disguise Women’s New Marge Deluxe Adult Costume, Green, M (8-10)

The Simpsons 90s theme party decorations: 

A simple way to decorate for this party is to recreate all the important location signs of the different establishments in the show:

    • Moe’s Bar
    • The Krusty Burger
    • Kwik-E-Mart
    • Springfield “hollywood” style sign
    • You can also do the hilarious filler signs

#6- Rugrats

via GIPHY

Growing up with Tommy Pickles and the childhood love of Reptar shaped our lives in a way that is unforgettable. Bring the fun and adventures of the kids into your next 90s theme party!

Rugrats 90s theme party Costumes:

  • Tommy Pickles
  • Chuckie Finster
  • Angelica Pickles
  • Lily and Phil DeVille
  • Susie Carmichael
  • Spot
  • Reptar
  • Cynthia

Rubie’s Women’s Splat Rugrats Angelica Pickles Costume Dress, As Shown, Standard

Rubie’s Men’s Reptar, As Shown, One Size

Men’s Rugrats Chuckie Finster Outfit Funny Theme Party Halloween Costume, L (42-44)

Rubie’s Nickelodeon Rugrats Reptar Pet Costume, Large
This Cynthia make-up tutorial blow my mind!

Rugrats Decorations:

I would start with making giant toy decorations. My personal favorite is the giant ring stacking game.

You will need:

  • 5-6 inflatable inner tubes
  • different sizes- 40″, 36″, 30″, 24″,20″, 18″
  • choose alternating colors of the rainbow

Stack them on top of each other to recreate this classic toy with ease. It will make a great statement.

24″ Classic Round Yellow Inflatable Swimming Pool Inner Tube Ring Float

You can also grab a bunch of exercise balls and toy balls to have lots of different sizes and colors (I recommend running around to thrift stores to grab a bunch of these on the cheap)

Exercise Ball for Yoga, Balance, Stability from SmarterLife – Fitness, Pilates, Birthing, Therapy, Office Ball Chair, Classroom Flexible Seating – Anti Burst, Non Slip + Workout Guide (Red, 45 cm)

I love this paint splat table cloth for this 90s Rugrats themed party.

Fun Express – Paint Splatter Tablecloth Roll for Birthday – Party Supplies – Table Covers – Print Table Rolls – Birthday – 1 Piece
Make your own Reptar Bars!

#7- Lisa Frank

via GIPHY

If you grew up in the 90s you know how important it was when “back to school” time hit to load up on the Lisa Frank. Folders, pencils, and Trapper Keepers all with rainbow and sparkles to make your little heart explode with joy. Throwing a Lisa Frank party will be a nineties throw back that everyone will love.

Lisa Frank Characters:

  • Hunter the leopard
  • Forrest the tiger
  • Purrscilla the cat
  • Markie the Unicorn
  • Sandy the seal
  • Casey and Caymus the golden retrievers
  • Max Splash the whale
  • Hollywood Bear
  • Panda Painter
  • The Ballerina Bunnies

Rubie’s Deluxe Unicorn and Headpiece, Rainbow, Small

Neon Leopard Rainbow Print Sexy Spandex Tank Crop Top Animal 1980s Rave Costume (Medium)

elope Neon Rainbow Tiger Deluxe Plush Tail

URVIP Women’s Vintage 1950s Tutu Multicolor Petticoat Ballet Bubble Dance Skirt Rainbow L/XL

YX GIRL Hoodies Lisa Frank Novelty Unisex 3D Printed Hoodie Drawstring Pockets Sweatshirts (Lisa, L)

Luckily for us, Lisa Frank hasn’t gone out of style. There are so many things to decorate your 90s party with.

Lisa Frank Party Decorations:

Rainbow Majesty Party Pack for 16 Guests

Lisa Frank Mylar Pennant Flag Banner

Adorox Metallic Silver Gold Rainbow Photo Backdrop Foil Fringe Curtains Party Wedding Event Decoration (Metallic Rainbow)

#8- Titanic

via GIPHY

Keeping the nineties close to our hearts, we all ran out and bought the replica “heart of the ocean” necklace the moment the movie credits rolled. Our love for Leonardo DiCaprio never wavered- we were head over heels for this heart throb. Having a Titanic party creates an event that is a little more glitzy and glamorous.

Titanic Costumes:

  • 1920’s inspired dresses (I know Titanic sinking was 1912, but it’ll work!)
  • Tuxedos
  • Sailor outfits
  • Suspenders and newsie hats

Metme Women’s 1920s Vintage Flapper Fringe Beaded Great Gatsby Party Dress, Champagne, Large

1920s Mens Costume Accessories Set – Fedora Hat,Gatsby Gangster Vest,Vintage Pocket Watch,Plastic Cigar,Pre Tied Bow Tie,Tie,S

BABEYOND 1920s Mens Gatsby Costume Accessories Set Includes Panama Hat Elastic Y-Back Suspender Pre Tied Bow Tie Pocket Watch and Plastic Cigar (Set-2)

Vintage Sailor Men’s Costume Large White

AILUOR Titanic Heart of The Ocean Necklace, Sterling Silver Blue Sapphire Crystal Necklace Pendants Jewelry Valentines

#9- In Living Color

  • In Living Color

via GIPHY

Costumes/Characters

    • Homey D. Clown
    • Arsenio Hall
    • Mr. and Ms. Brooks
    • Grandpa Jack (Dysfunctional home show)
    • Frenchie
    • Vera de Milo

#10- Friends 90s Theme Party

via GIPHY

Costumes/Characters:

    • Phoebe
    • Rachel
    • Joey
    • Monica
    • Chandler
    • Smelly cat
    • Ursula

#11- Fresh Prince of Belair

via GIPHY

Costumes/Characters:

    • Will
    • Carlton
    • Hilary
    • Philip and Vivian
    • Geoffrey (butler)
    • Jazz

#12- Saved by the Bell

via GIPHY

Costumes/Characters

    • Zach Morris
    • Kelly Kapowski
    • Screech
    • A.C. Slater
    • Mr. Belding

#13- Austin Powers

via GIPHY

Costumes/Characters:

    • Austin Powers
    • Dr. Evil
    • Number 2
    • Felicity Shagwell
    • Foxxy Cleopatra
    • Frau Farbissina

#14- Terminator 2

via GIPHY

Costumes/Characters:

    • Terminator (Schwarzenegger)
    • Terminator T-1000
    • John Connor
    • Sarah Connor

#15- Seinfeld

via GIPHY

Costumes/Characters:

    • Seinfield
    • Kramer
    • Elaine
    • George Costanza
    • Soup Nazi
    • Newman

#16 – The Matrix

Costumes/Characters:

    • Neo
    • Morpheus
    • Agent Smith
    • Trinity
    • The Oracle
    • Cypher
    • Spoon Boy

90s Musicians and Bands

via GIPHY

Costumes/Characters:

    • Spice Girls
    • Backstreet Boys
    • Eminem
    • Kurt Kobain
    • Gwen Stefani
    • Kriss Kross
    • Salt n Pepper

#17- Favorite Nickelodeon Show


via GIPHY

Costume/Characters:

    • All That!
    • Rocko’s Modern Life
    • Ren and Stimpy
    • Hey Arnold!
    • Doug

#18- 90s Attire Themed Party

how to throw a 90s party

If you want to keep it super simple for you and your guests you can always go with a classic 90s Themed Party and allow your guests to wear whatever they would like to wear.

Here is my deep dive article on how to throw a 90s party from start to finish!

Here is my list of What to Wear to a 90s Party.

Pick your favorite theme and let the fun begin. Once you’ve decided on the theme, start your stress free party planning. 

I hope you’ve enjoyed these theme ideas. Have a totally rad time!

articles related to this post

  • Throwing a 90’s Party From Start to Finish 
  • What to Wear to a 90’s Party 
  • Twenty 80’s Dress Up & Costume Inspiration 
  • 80s Party Decoration Ideas
  • 20 Most Iconic 80s Accessories

 

Kim Anderson

Kim’s is the party planning, thrifty life-loving, intentional living catalyst behind the Thrifty Little Mom Blog. Kim was a pro event planner for over 7 years before she became a full-time blogger. Kim is the author of: Live, Save, Spend, Repeat: The Life You Want with the Money You Have. She’s been featured on Time.com, Money.com, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Day, and more! Kim aims to inspire you to create, celebrate, and live life intentionally!

Summary
Ultimate Guide to 90s Theme Party Ideas
Article Name
Ultimate Guide to 90s Theme Party Ideas
Description
If you are looking for to host a fun costume party this year, then put on your favorite windbreaker and look no further than these great 90s theme party ideas.
Author
Kim Anderson
Publisher Name
Thrifty Little Mom

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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