by Tammy Lee Morris

Created on: October 13, 2009   Last Updated: October 15, 2009

Kids look forward to Halloween every year and throw a Halloween party into the mix and they're sure to be happy little spooks. This year, throw a themed Halloween party to help you - the host - reduce stress by focusing on a specific overall theme for the party. A theme can also add fun and excitement for the kids when they see your creativity on display.

Here are a few ideas for fun themed Halloween parties.

Pirate and Princess Party

Looking for something that will appeal to both boys AND girls? This theme should do the trick. Kids can dress as either a pirate or a princess. Decorations can marry the two together (well, not literally) - a pirate treasure chest overflowing with tiaras and magic wands, a pirate's parrot who wears pearls and a magic castle that sports a Jolly Roger flag.

Superheroes

Whether it's the hero that goes along with the year's blockbuster movie or just a favorite standard like Spiderman, kids love superheroes. Don't limit yourself by focusing on just one hero, throw a party for all of those caped crusaders and sidekicks.

You can throw in decorations and favors for every hero you can think of. This will appeal to boys and girls and D.C. and Marvel Comics fans alike if you match up Wonder Woman, Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Ironman and others.

Aliens

For this party, invite kids to create their own idea of an extra terrestrial visitor. If you have Ben 10 fans, Star Wars fans or even Star Trek you can throw in some of those aliens and characters with this party theme. Decorate with any items that give an intergalactic aura.

Mystery

Whether it's Nancy Drew, the Boxcar Children, the Hardy Boys or Scooby-Doo, kids love a good mystery. Bring all of your favorite super sleuths together for a mystery-themed party. This can be plenty of fun with decorations depicting footprints, fingerprints, question marks, magnifying glasses and other detective-related items to fit the theme.

Ask adult chaperones to dress up like "Clue" characters (Professor Plum, Miss Scarlett, Colonel Mustard, etc.) for extra "whodunnit" fun.

Vampire

Going with a vampire-themed party can be fun and fang-tastic for all involved! Provide plastic vampire teeth for every guest. Play a game where guests, while wearing their vampire teeth, try to pick up an apple or other treat.

Decorate with cardboard coffins, fake beef steaks made of wood (get it - a wooden stake?), mirrors, and garlic ropes. Serve "blood juice" (deep, red fruit punch). Use your imagination and you'll be sure to attract

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