Just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you have to put aside the excitement of an elaborate birthday party. No matter what your geeky passion is, you can put together a fun event without having to make a huge investment of time or money. If you’re looking for some creative ways to plan an unforgettable nerd-tastic birthday party, here are some places to start.

Challenge Your Friends Head to Head

Video gaming is a great way to bring friends together, and the huge number of genres the medium covers provide nearly limitless opportunities to create a video game birthday party themed to your guest’s personality. While couch co-op isn’t as prevalent as it once was, renting out some older systems like 32-bit systems and the Nintendo Wii are an ideal way to get everyone engaged.

Just because online multiplayer is the new standard doesn’t mean that you have to forego the hottest new games around. LAN parties have long offered a more sociable alternative to online gaming, and a number of consoles or computers can be linked together with just a bit of technical acumen.

Plan a Birthday Party for the Dedicated Otaku

Anime is all about big characters and stylistic designs, so a costume party is a great way to go for an anime-themed birthday party. Encourage all of your guests to dress up for the occasion. Clothing options can be as simple as a Majin Vegeta shirt or, for those who prefer them, anime compression shirts. Some might even want to go as complicated as an elaborate Neon Genesis Evangelion cosplay.

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You should also consider activities that go along with the theme. For example, karaoke is very popular among fans of anime as it is a part of Japanese culture. It offers an opportunity to liven up any party, and the inclusion of vocaloids or popular J-pop can allow you to really drive home the theme of your event. It will also allow for creative expression. As far as party favors go, paperback manga and pocky candy can all serve as great souvenirs that don’t have to break the bank.

Venture out on a Heroic Adventure

Dungeons & Dragons is all about becoming the heroes of your own adventure, making it an ideal theme for when you’re looking to focus the attention squarely on the party’s special guest. When planning a D&D themed birthday party, immersing yourself in a fantasy world can make all the difference. Murals, candles, and atmospheric music can go a long way towards capturing the mood, and inviting an experienced Dungeon Master to guide the game is a great way to get everyone involved. If you’re really looking to go all out, consider renting out an archery range to get a little more hands on with your roleplaying experience.

The most important thing to remember is that a birthday is all about celebrating that special person in your life. Creating an event that reflects their passions and reminding them that you care is the most important part.