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
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
While this movie was actually based in the 1970s, it was a blockbuster 90s hit. 
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!
- 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!
- Make your own Mission Control props out of cardboard
#3- Jurassic Park
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
- 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
- Feeling crafty? Make your own Jurassic Park Gateway Door
#4- Nintendo
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!
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.
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
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
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)
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
#7- Lisa Frank
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
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
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
Costumes/Characters:
-
- Phoebe
- Rachel
- Joey
- Monica
- Chandler
- Smelly cat
- Ursula
#11- Fresh Prince of Belair
Costumes/Characters:
-
- Will
- Carlton
- Hilary
- Philip and Vivian
- Geoffrey (butler)
- Jazz
#12- Saved by the Bell
Costumes/Characters
-
- Zach Morris
- Kelly Kapowski
- Screech
- A.C. Slater
- Mr. Belding
#13- Austin Powers
Costumes/Characters:
-
- Austin Powers
- Dr. Evil
- Number 2
- Felicity Shagwell
- Foxxy Cleopatra
- Frau Farbissina
#14- Terminator 2
Costumes/Characters:
-
- Terminator (Schwarzenegger)
- Terminator T-1000
- John Connor
- Sarah Connor
#15- Seinfeld
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
Costumes/Characters:
-
- Spice Girls
- Backstreet Boys
- Eminem
- Kurt Kobain
- Gwen Stefani
- Kriss Kross
- Salt n Pepper
#17- Favorite Nickelodeon Show
Costume/Characters:
-
- All That!
- Rocko’s Modern Life
- Ren and Stimpy
- Hey Arnold!
- Doug
#18- 90s Attire Themed 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!
- 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
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Kim’s is the party planning, cupcake loving, celebration 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 parties, celebrations and gatherings that everyone loves!
