Every little boy dreams of being a cowboy. So what better time than his birthday to make his dream come true? Our fun and creative western party ideas and pony party ideas will have your child and all the guests feeling like they've entered the wild west.

Best for

Boys aged four through ten just would just love to play cowboy for the day.

Party Planning

For peace of mind, begin planning your cowboy birthday bash six to eight weeks in advance. This will allow you time to gather all the supplies that you need, including western party decorations, gifts, and menu items. Planning ahead also gives your guests time to RSVP and make travel plans, if needed. Don't panic if you find yourself short on time; you can still plan a great party! Planning ahead simply reduces the risk of conflicts with guests' plans and may increase your cowboy party’s attendance.

In addition to basic cowboy party supplies, like plates, cups, napkins, and decorations, you may also consider purchasing or renting the following items:

• Bales of hay
• Cowboy party hats for each guest
• Sheriff badges and red bandanas for the guests
• Prizes for the party games
• Hire a service to bring a horse to your party for the children to ride.
• Disposable cameras

Invitations

Creative western party invitations build excitement and can increase attendance at your child's cowboy party. If you have time to make your own, be sure to involve your child in choosing the design and filling in the details. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Use red or blue construction paper folded in half. Draw (or print from your computer) a “Wanted!” poster for the front of the invitation, with a photo of the birthday child in the center. Print "You're Wanted at a Party!" on the front, and add the party details to the inside.
• Invent creative wording for the party details. Use our example, or write your own:
  
  Calling all Cowpokes!
  Dust off your boots and mosey on down to (child’s name) Birthday Roundup!
  (Location Name or Family Name) Ranch: (give address of party)
  Ride on over at (date & time)
  Have your Ma or Pa call to let us know if ya can make it: (phone number)
  Doggone It! We'll miss ya if ya can't be here!
  There'll be games, prizes, food and tons of Cowboy fun!"
• 
  
• Or use blue paper and decorate the front with a mini bandana. Simply purchase one red bandana and cut out small triangles. Glue one to the front of each invitation and write “A Birthday Roundup!" Include all the party details inside the card.
• Seal the envelopes with cowboy stickers.
• Invite your guests to dress in denim pants and plaid shirts.
• For a special touch, get personalized invitations from Birthday in a Box! We’ll include your child’s name and all the party details, with a background design to complement your cowboy theme. You can also take a look at the blank invitations we offer. These are quick to fill in and mail, which is perfect when you want to send them quickly. See all their cowboy party invitations.

Western Party Favors

Thank your guests with fun cowboy party favors like a small stuffed horse, red bandana, harmonica, toy snake, straw cowboy hat, horse stickers, toy sheriff badge, wooden train whistle or small cowboy figure. Place all of these items inside clear or printed cellophane bags, and tie the bags closed with bright red ribbons.

Whichever favors you choose, your guests are sure to ride off into the sunset with a smile!

What Else You’ll Need

To simplify the rest of the party planning process, check out our Party Planning Timeline, take a look at our When & Where to Have the Party page.

If you plan to use paper tableware and cowboy party supplies, our Suggested Party Supply List may be quite helpful. Please note that you may not need everything on the list; it is intended only as a guide.