Throwing a 90s Party

A nineties theme party is a chance to relive grunge, boy bands, neon everything, and the pop culture that defined a generation. This guide covers décor, music, favors, costumes, and games to help your guests feel like they have stepped back to the 1990s.

Decorating for a 1990s Party

90s party backdropBack to the 90s neon sign

Setting the scene is half the fun. The nineties were defined by neon color, geometric patterns, and a little bit of grunge. A few well-chosen props go a long way toward creating an authentic atmosphere:

• Use neon colors. Hot pink, electric blue, teal, and lime green were everywhere in nineties décor.
• Hang up some CDs. String old CDs from the ceiling with fishing line—they catch the light like a nineties-era disco ball.
• Work in geometric patterns. Squiggles, triangles, and confetti prints on tablecloths, banners, or a photo backdrop set the tone instantly.
• Layer the lighting. Black lights make neon and white items glow; a strobe light adds dance-floor energy.
• Add throwback props. Inflatable chairs, POGs, band posters, or a classic console like an N64 in the corner complete the look.

Above all, have fun with it—the spirit of the nineties is as much about attitude as it is about accessories.

Table Décor

Cassette tape bucket centerpieceRadio boombox shaped plates90s hanging swirls

Photo Booth Props & Cutouts

A photo booth with themed props gives guests something to take home besides memories. Stock up on kits with oversized sunglasses, inflatable guitars, and vintage cell phones—and don’t overlook life-size cardboard cutouts. Character standees from shows like Saved by the Bell and Friends make fun backdrops for group photos and give shy guests something to hide behind. Check out the cutout options below.

90s photo booth propsKelly Kapowski cutoutAC Slater cutoutFriends standee set

Wall Posters

Line the walls with posters that spark conversation. The “Back-to-the-90s” poster is a crowd favorite. You can also browse 90s movie posters and more at Amazon.

Music & Entertainment

Building the Playlist

Keep the soundtrack going all night. The nineties spanned grunge, pop, hip-hop, alternative rock, and R&B—Nirvana and Pearl Jam alongside Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys, Tupac and TLC. Don’t forget one-hit wonders like “Macarena” and “Who Let the Dogs Out.” Our 90s Music Video Channels are a free option for ambient viewing.

For an interactive twist, tune in to The 90s Station and let guests vote for the next song from their phones.

TV & Movies in the Background

Classic television and film playing in the background adds atmosphere between dance sets. Nineties TV favorites include Friends, Seinfeld, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Boy Meets World, and Saved by the Bell. For movies, consider Clueless, The Matrix, Titanic, Forrest Gump, Jurassic Park, Home Alone, or Toy Story. See our 90s TV Shows and 90s Movies sections for more ideas.

Party Favors & Gifts

Send guests home with something nostalgic. Slap bracelets, temporary tattoos, troll dolls, and Bop-Its were all the rage in the nineties—as were glow sticks, scrunchies, POGs, friendship bracelets, and classic candy like Ring Pops, Push Pops, Warheads, and Gushers.

Party favor ideas

Tattoos & slap braceletsMini troll dollsWorld’s smallest Bop-It90s temporary tattoos90s enamel pinsSky Dancers dollWater ring toss gameVirtual pets keychain

Costumes

Encourage guests to arrive in nineties attire—a note on the invitation helps people who may not know where to start. Grunge looks with flannel and Doc Martens, hip-hop style with baggy jeans and backwards caps, pop-star outfits inspired by the Spice Girls or Backstreet Boys, and preppy looks with overalls and chokers all fit the bill. Don’t forget slap bracelets, scrunchies, butterfly clips, and chunky sneakers. See our 90s Fashion section for more inspiration.

Browse more options at 90s costumes on Amazon.

Amazon

Amazon

Amazon

Amazon

Games & Activities

Themed games are a great way to relive the fun of the nineties. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• 90s dance-off. Play hits from grunge, pop, hip-hop, and alternative rock. Award prizes for the Macarena, Running Man, or Hammer Time.
• 90s trivia. Test guests on music, fashion, movies, TV, and technology from the decade.
• Name that tune. Play short clips of hit songs and have guests guess the title and artist.
• Costume contest. Recognize the best-dressed guests in nineties attire.
• Skip-It challenge. Set up a Skip-It station and see who gets the highest count.
• Twister. This classic party game was a nineties staple and still holds up today.
• POG tournament. Stack up and slam—just like the playground craze of the decade.
• Retro gaming tournament. Fire up a Nintendo 64 or PlayStation for Mario Kart 64, GoldenEye 007, or Crash Bandicoot brackets.

With a little creativity, you can add even more activities that transport your guests back to the 1990s.

Games & activity supplies

Hella 90’s triviaThe 1990s puzzleCAH 90s nostalgia pack90s TV shows puzzlePOG starter setLyrically Correct 90s R&BRetro hopper ball90s Mad LibsTotally 90s triviaName the 90s song90s music trivia cards90’s trivia cards