16 Unique Ideas for the Ultimate 90s Theme Party (2025) -

Are you in search of 90s theme party ideas that are actually good, not just the same few ideas repeated over and over? Look no further! Whether you’re planning a birthday, a bachelorette party, a team event, or just throwing a nostalgic bash for the vibes, our list of top suggestions will save you hours of scrolling.

In this guide, we’ve handpicked 16 creative, specific ideas that go beyond the usual generic suggestions like “wear a scrunchie and play Britney Spears.” You’ll find unexpected details and party planning tips tailored for hosts this year—because with the right ideas and execution, you can put together a throwback party that still feels totally fresh and original.

Part of the reason this list stands out is because we didn’t just repackage the generic listicles that are already out there. Instead, we combed through Reddit threads, viral TikToks, and top Pinterest and Instagram posts to see what’s trending now and what actually worked for real party planners.

Our thoughtful research means that whether you’re looking to plan a low-key hangout, a nostalgic dance night, or a full-on themed experience, you’ll walk away from this article with ideas that are fun, doable, and a great fit for your party’s 90s vibe.

Table of contents

Snack like It’s 1995 with these 90s food and drink ideas

Relive the glory days of neon-colored drinks, Dunkaroos, and Saturday morning cereal sugar bombs. Or take your party’s food and drink in a more adult-friendly direction with elevated versions of nostalgic classics. Either way, this section serves up 90s-inspired food and drink ideas that are crowd-pleasing and full of personality—no boring, generic party platters here!

1. 90s snack bar station

For an easy food and drink option that doesn’t require much more than initial set-up, create a self-serve snack bar of childhood favorites. These could include Gushers, Dunkaroos, Warheads, and Ring Pops, but whatever you end up choosing, they should scream 90s. We love this idea because it taps into the exact flavors and packaging that defined 90s lunchboxes to make it feel era-specific and totally on theme.

We know it’s now been three decades since the 90s, but if you think back to your fondest memories of that decade, what foods and drinks were you eating? Make your party hyper-personal by serving snacks and beverages that bring you back to the best times of your childhood.

P.S. Since smell and taste have a special ability to conjure especially vivid memories, that package of Dunkaroos might end up being your own equivalent of the canonical madeleine de Proust!

Pro tip: To help jog your memory, here are even more suggestions for snacks you might want to include at your snack bar (or anywhere throughout the party):

Drinks: Little Hugs, RC Cola, Capri Suns, SunnyD
Salty snacks: Pringles, Cheese puffs, pizza rolls, Combos, Doritos, Goldfish crackers, Lunchables, Bagel Bites
Desserts: Funfetti cupcakes, Chips Ahoy, Cosmic Brownies, Pop Tarts, Go-Gurts
Candy: Pixy Stix, Jolly Ranchers, Fruit Roll-Ups, Bubble Tape, Baby Bottle Pops, Laffy Taffy, Fruit Gushers, candy bracelets, Airheads

2. Homemade versions of discontinued 90s snacks

Bring back the snacks that time (and your friends!) forgot by recreating your discontinued faves from scratch. For example:

For even more inspiration, refer to this overview of the most beloved discontinued snacks and drinks from the 90s.

3. Super-specific 90s dinner party

Make your 90s party even more fun by choosing a more focused theme, like a “Pecks with Becks” Beckham-inspired dinner as suggested by TikToker @sarahwoodgonzalez. For this example, you might serve a traditional British Sunday roast, dress in iconic Posh & Becks or blokecore/ladcore styles (think soccer gear and Adidas Sambas), and play British music from the era (including, of course, but not limited to Spice Girls).

With a sharper, narrower focus for your dinner party, it’s easier to create a cohesive and immersive experience that’s way more memorable than generic 90s parties.

Vibrant, retro 90s party decor ideas

A woman in a T-shirt and jeans sits upside down on a chair in front of a brightly colored wall next to a Michael Jackson record and old TV while sucking on a lollipop. — Source: Made in Peerspace

To successfully capture the 90s vibe, your party needs bold, era-defining decor, from blacklight posters to Lisa Frank-inspired decor elements. If it’s a good fit for your theme, pair these with retro tech like boomboxes and VCRs, plus a DIY photo booth featuring Polaroid cameras and classic props. This will create an immersive, nostalgic atmosphere that feels authentically 90s.

Pro tip: Many Peerspace party venues come with blank walls, open layouts, or cool retro features (in fact, you can find vintage locations for rent here) that make them perfect canvases for your 90s-themed decor. Picking a simple Peerspace venue as a “blank slate” might be the right move, as it lets you go all out with your chosen decor elements without worrying about clashing with the space.

4. Retro technology as decor

Nothing screams 90s like a CRT TV playing Rugrats or a boombox stacked on a tower of VCRs. Use old-school tech from the era as part of your decor—some ideas include decorating with:

Stereos
Use floppy disks for various decor projects
Old CDs as hanging ornaments
Wired video game consoles
Blacklights and neon

The right combination of retro tech decor elements will pull it all together and give your space that authentic 90s basement party feel.

5. 90s-style photo booth

Set up a DIY photo booth that feels straight out of the 90s. Start with a themed backdrop, like Trapper Keeper prints, MTV logos, or a Lisa Frank-inspired rainbow color scheme. If possible, snap pics using a Polaroid or Instax camera, so your guests can take home physical keepsakes just like back in the day. Our guide to 90s photoshoot ideas offers 15 creative suggestions that’ll help take your photobooth to the next level.

6. “Weird S” decorations

Also known as the “Cool S,” “Universal S,” “Stüssy S,” “Super S,” “Pointy S,” and “Graffiti S,” this symbol is a fascinating and ubiquitous feature of American childhoods. It’s appeared to varying degrees throughout North America, South America, Europe, Russia, Asia, and Australia, possibly dating back to the 1960s.

But were you aware that the origin of the symbol is unknown? According to Paul Cobley, a professor in language and media at Middlesex University in London, “The reason kids go through this is probably because it’s a Moebius strip . . . It can’t be drawn continuously, but it does have a perpetual flow.”

So why not incorporate this ubiquitous piece of childhood mystery into your party decor? One example is this neon “Weird S” beer pong table, but with some removable tape, it’s easy to add the symbol practically anywhere.

7. Lisa Frank balloon banner

Add a burst of classically 90s color with a balloon banner inspired by Lisa Frank’s signature rainbow aesthetic. Vibrant pinks, purples, blues, and yellows arranged in an arch will be perfect for photo ops or for framing your snack table with that unmistakable 90s flair.

8. 90s posters as decor

Putting up posters is an affordable way to make wherever you’re throwing your party feel like a true 90s time capsule. Buy era-specific posters that match your theme, like Friends, Nirvana, or vintage Nickelodeon, and hang them proudly. You can also print your own posters for a custom vibe, such as fake Blockbuster signs, retro ads, or your favorite 90s movies blown up like they’re hanging in a teen bedroom.

Hands-on fun and classic games for your 90s party

A man sings into a microphone surrounded by happy revelers — Source: Made in Peerspace

Engaging games and activities are at the heart of a great 90s party, bringing your guests together with friendly competition and hands-on fun. From silly Mad Libs challenges to retro video game tournaments, these ideas will keep your party high-energy and nostalgic from beginning to end.

Pro tip: Consider asking your guests to keep their smartphones in their pockets, or even outright banning unnecessary phone use at your party. Since cell phones weren’t nearly as widespread in the 90s (and smartphones were many years away!), this will give the party a more authentic feel, and it’ll also encourage your guests to participate more fully in the activities and games.

9. Mad Libs drinking game

Remember laughing hysterically with your friends during your childhood games of Mad Libs? Grab a few classic Mad Libs books—yes, we’re talking about literal paper books here—and take turns filling in the blanks with ridiculous, era-appropriate words. This is an especially great activity for a smaller party, since it means everyone will have a chance to play the game in different roles.

Before the story gets read aloud, set simple rules for your drinking game: anyone who laughs, repeats a word, or suggests something that didn’t exist in the 90s (like “iPhone”) takes a drink. It’s a fabulous mix of nostalgia and chaos that will get funnier as the night goes on. Mad Libs even has a collection of games from the 90s that’d be perfect for this theme!

10. 90s karaoke

Take your 90s playlist to the next level with a karaoke session of all your favorite throwback anthems. Whether you book a private karaoke bar through Peerspace or set up a DIY version at home, encourage your guests to channel their inner 90s icons, like Britney, Kurt Cobain, TLC, or Method Man. (Bonus points for performances that include duets, dance breaks, or over-the-top power ballads!)

11. Make friendship bracelets and keychains

Add a hands-on, immersive throwback activity to your party by setting up a DIY crafting station for friendship bracelets or lanyard boondoggle keychains—two crafts that every 90s kid remembers from summer camp or recess. Supply your guests with all the materials they need and invite them to customize their creations while they chat or sip drinks. This low-pressure activity doubles as a DIY party favor, and it’s also a fun, era-accurate way to spark conversation.

12. Play Twister

Bring back the goofy fun of your childhood by breaking out the classic game of Twister. It’s the perfect way to get your guests laughing and interacting without the interference of any tech or screens. Twister is also easy to set up at indoor and outdoor parties alike, and the injection of hilarious chaos that it offers will keep your party lively and social.

13. Play 90s video games

Set up a gaming station with a classic gaming console like a Nintendo 64 or Sega Genesis and retro games like Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and Jet Set Radio. Challenge your more competitive friends to tournaments or just have fun taking turns—either way, it’s a great way to get guests involved and channel those epic 90s gaming vibes.

Costume and outfit ideas for a 90s themed party

A group of people sit on cement steps in bright clothes wearing roller skates and listening to a boom box — Source: Pexels/RDNE Stock project

It’s way more fun when guests put some thought into their 90s-themed looks, instead of phoning it in and just grabbing any old flannel. You can encourage especially unique costumes/outfits by asking them to dress like a past photo of themselves, pick a specific 90s subculture to emulate, or even come to the party as their favorite cartoon character. Seeing everyone’s unique takes on the decade will make the whole party feel more fun and personal.

14. Dress up as yourselves from the 90s

This costume party idea comes courtesy of @host.in.your.home on TikTok. Challenge your guests to find a favorite 90s snapshot of themselves, whether that’s an awkward school photo, a family vacation, or their first concert look. Then ask them to recreate the outfit, hairstyle, and makeup as accurately as possible. As a bonus, collect their photos and photograph their party outfits, and then print copies of a booklet comparing the then-and-now looks to share with guests after the party.

15. Dress up as a specific 90s subculture

Instead of vague 90s vibes, ask guests to pick a distinct style from a specific 90s subculture for their party outfits. Some of our favorite suggestions:

Grunge: Flannel shirts, Doc Martens, overalls, dark floral print
90s hip hop: Bucket hats, Timberland boots, and brands like Tommy Hilfiger
Rave: Glow sticks, pacifiers, JNCO jeans, and neon colors
Preppy: Polo shirts, khakis, sweater vests
Goth: Dark makeup, chokers, combat boots, leather jackets
Skater: Baggy jeans, graphic tees, Vans sneakers

16. Dress as a cartoon character

Invite your guests to step into the shoes of beloved 90s cartoon characters, like the quirky kids of Hey Arnold! or the colorful crew of The Magic School Bus (led, of course, by the iconic Ms. Frizzle). This costume idea opens up tons of creative possibilities and group costume ideas that feel nostalgic but still super original.

Your questions about 90s theme parties, answered

An old school boombox radio sits in front of a graffitied wall — Source: Pexels/Pixabay

What are some creative 90s theme party ideas for girls?

Instead of generic suggestions, focus on personalized details that feel nostalgic yet unexpected. Think makeover stations with glitter hair gel, Lisa Frank-inspired temporary tattoos, or a girl-band lip-sync battle. You can also lean into sleepover vibes with beanbags, popcorn, and classic chick flick screenings, all in a room decked out in rainbow and holographic accents.

What are some 90s theme party ideas for men?

Beyond flannel and backwards caps, try weaving in specific 90s subcultures. Guests could channel skater culture, sport vintage NBA jerseys, or go full hip-hop with oversized denim and bucket hats. Adding in a mini basketball shootout or retro arcade corner can make the experience even more memorable for the guys.

How can I plan a 90s theme birthday party?

Birthday parties are the perfect excuse to lean into kitschy, over-the-top fun. Hire a DJ to spin 90s hits, set up a glow-stick dance floor, and surprise the guest of honor with a Funfetti-inspired cake. To keep things lighthearted, you can even add a trivia round or “guess that 90s commercial” game tied to their birth year.

What are some unique 90s theme graduation party ideas?

A graduation party is all about celebrating big milestones, so make it feel unique to the graduate. Create a “Class of 199X” backdrop, offer nostalgic keepsakes as favors (like slap bracelets or disposable cameras), and feature a memory wall where guests can write notes on neon-colored cards. It’s a playful yet heartfelt way to mark the occasion.

What is the 90s theme style?

The 90s theme style is bold, eclectic, and just a little irreverent. It blends clashing patterns, oversized silhouettes, and iconic accessories, from chokers to mood rings. Whether your party leans grunge, preppy, hip-hop, or rave, the key is embracing color, texture, and that carefree mix-and-match attitude that defined the decade.

Why choose Peerspace for your epic 90s party

VHS tapes, solo cups and video games sit atop a plywood table — Source: Pexels/MART PRODUCTION

Especially since you’re clearly putting lots of thought into planning your 90s-themed party—after all, you’re reading this—it deserves more than a generic event venue. It calls for a unique space designed specifically for events, and that’s exactly what Peerspace offers. Standard event spaces can feel generic or restrictive, but Peerspace offers a huge variety of unique, bookable locations where you can unleash your party planning creativity.

Whether you’re more drawn to retro lofts with character-filled walls or funky studios that are ideal for filling with your own decor, many of the spaces you’ll find locally will come ready-made to complement your vibe. And unlike lodging platforms that focus on overnight stays, Peerspace is purpose-built for gatherings, which means you only pay for the time you actually need.

Peerspace’s marketplace of more than 45,000 vetted, unique venues means having access to options you won’t find anywhere else. The listings include detailed descriptions, high-quality photos, and instant booking to help you quickly reserve the perfect venue. With transparent pricing and professional amenities, there won’t be any unpleasant surprises, just a stress-free space for a memorable 90s-themed bash.

Keep the party planning momentum going

You’ve now got some of the best 90s party ideas out there right at your fingertips. Check out our next roundup if you’re looking specifically for 90s themed party ideas for adults.

Your next step? Finding the space where you can bring them to life. Whether you need a chill spot for a smaller group or a big, bold venue for a larger gathering, Peerspace has options that suit your vision and budget.

When you’re ready to book a space, start searching for party venues near you on Peerspace. After all, it’s never too soon to secure the perfect location for your unforgettable 90s throwback party.

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