Kids’ birthday parties have become a controversial topic here in the Twin Cities. Some parents find them stressful, while others are more than willing to go all out to celebrate. From small parties to inviting the whole class, there’s really no right or wrong answer. It’s all about what’s best for your family and the type of birthday kid you have!
At the end of the day, most families are simply trying to mark the day in a way that feels meaningful for their child. However that looks, the common thread is usually the same: making each child feel seen and celebrated in a way that reflects who they are at this age.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF BIRTHDAY
When you start thinking about kids birthday ideas in the Twin Cities, it’s easy to default to parties, gifts, and more.
But what if the focus shifted?
Instead of more things, you create a day built entirely around experience. A day your child will actually remember.
Not because of what they got.
Because of how it felt.
TRADITIONS THAT MATTER
Start the day by decorating their door with balloons or colorful notes about what you loved about your child in this past year and your hopes for them in this new year.
Make their favorite breakfast – and let them help! Kids love getting to cook with you so let them add the chocolate chips or sprinkles into the pancake batter. Or let them pick out a special donut or cake pop at the coffee shop.
Then, let your child feel seen. Drop the siblings off at school or with a sitter and spend the day with just your birthday child in the most unforgettable way!
A BIRTHDAY PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE
Before the day fills up, give them something that centers the experience around who they are right now.
A birthday portrait session does exactly that.
They choose what they wear.
They move, laugh, and show up as themselves.
They’re not being told to sit still or behave a certain way.
They’re seen.
And what you walk away with isn’t just a photo. It’s a record of this exact version of them, the one that changes faster than you expect. These portraits build memories of how your child felt, acted, and celebrated at this age. These are core moments that will be cherished for generations.
At Block Portrait Studios, our Birthday Club makes this an easy tradition. A yearly portrait experience for ages 1–16 that grows with your child, without adding more to your plate.
THEN CHOOSE AN ACTIVITY
After your child’s birthday portraits at our studio in St. Paul, let them pick an adventure:
Exploring the Minnesota Children’s Museum
Getting curious at the Science Museum of Minnesota
Wandering through Como Zoo
Playing at Can Can Wonderland
Catching a live performance at Children’s Theatre Company
Shopping at Red Balloon Bookstore followed by lunch at a cafe on Grand Ave
The day doesn’t have to be packed. Pick one fun outing that your Birthday Child will love!
END THE DAY WITH CONNECTION
At the end of the day, come back home and slow it down. Celebrate with your whole family. Bake a cake together. Make fruit pizzas with sugar cookies, cream cheese frosting, and fruit. Let your birthday kid choose a board game everyone plays or pick out a movie. Let them savor every moment of feeling seen and celebrated.
YOU CAN STILL DO A PARTY
Celebrate the Birthday Kid’s birthday the weekend before or after their actual birthday. That way, you can enjoy just a special day about building memories and traditions. Not feeling stressed or rushed – focusing more on a party than the Birthday Kid.
If you need a simple, small place to gather for a birthday party – Block Portrait Studios is available for rent! A simple, clean space where you can have an intimate gathering of friends and family so you don’t have to host at your home. We have tables, chairs, and open space.
They won’t remember most of the gifts.
They’ll outgrow the toys faster than you expect.
But the experiences?
The moments that felt like theirs?
The traditions you returned to year after year?
That’s what stays.
That’s what they carry with them.
And one day, they may be planning a birthday for their own child.
You’ll recognize the rhythm of it.
The care. The intention.
And you’ll know these moments are never meant for “just the day”.
They’re meant to carry forward the way it feels to feel seen, celebrated, and loved.
