The Best ’80s Decorations Party Supplies

Buying Guide

Nostalgia for the 1980s is back with a vengeance, and for some fans, it will never go away. This resurgence is all about ’80s music, fashion and other popular culture touchpoints.

One of the biggest influences of this decade was the surging popularity of cable television. Channels like MTV, ESPN and Nickelodeon popularized music videos, sports stars and other celebrities in brand-new ways. Before you knew it, everyone wanted to be a rap artist or in a rock band.

The style of the 1980s could be seen in mile-high hairdos, large boom boxes, plenty of makeup for guys and girls, giant shoulder pads and much more. Now that this is all back en vogue, these elements are being incorporated into parties and events. 

If you’re throwing an ’80s-themed party, start by creating a dark room by covering all the windows with tin foil and keeping the doors shut. Adding a fan will keep the air circulating, and don’t forget to replace all the bulbs with blacklights. Wear white clothing and socks, and order glow sticks and other glow-in-the-dark things you can pass out, like inexpensive jewelry, T-shirts and eyeglasses.

These glowing party favors are also great for concerts. Inflatable instruments or coolers that look like boom boxes can also add to the party atmosphere. 

• Get an inexpensive hand pump to blow up your inflatables before the party instead of handing them out when they are deflated.
• Blow-up coolers are great for indoor parties but even better for outdoor patios, decks and the beach. Don’t forget the ice!
• Some ’80s party favors are small enough to be choking hazards, so be careful when handing them out around young children and pets.
• Ask your guests to come dressed to your party in’80s-style clothing and have a contest with prizes. Think: leg warmers, neon colors, hi-top sneakers, big hair and animal prints.