Hooray! July 4 is almost here, and we're all in favor of making it your family's most fun, firework-filled celebration to date. Whether you're looking for a new recipe idea with some patriotic flair, outfit ideas for your little ones, or a craft to keep the kiddos busy, it's all right here for you. Check out our 99 red, white, and blue Fourth of July ideas, and have a blast!
The star-shaped red velvet shortbread cookies and cream cheese ice cream that make up these patriotic ice cream sandwiches could turn anyone into a patriot!
Canning jars can be easily customized with name tags for each guest to ensure that drinks aren't mixed up.
My Juice Cup transformed Bakerella's cake pop recipe into these mini cupcake-cake pop combos.
From the sash to the straps, the polka dots on this Crazy 8 dress ($17, originally $25) are too sweet to pass up.
Anchors aweigh! Star-emblazened boardshorts ($48) from J.Crew are a great way to spend the Summer holiday by the sea or pool.
Using three lollipop sticks instead of one turns your cupcakes into minigrills! Duncan Hines's clever recipe uses Tootsie Rolls, jelly beans, Mike and Ikes, and a detailed combo of Starbursts and caramel for realistic candy "meat."
A new twist on an old favorite, Love From the Oven's Push Pops feature sweet layers of red and blue frosting.
All you need to create this sparkling firework art are glitter or shimmer paint, doilies, and paper. Easy and awesome!
The madras style of Gap's Patchwork plaid flat front shorts ($23) is a fresh take on a classic.
My Juice Cup took a creative approach to these red, white, and blue cake pops and displayed them (sans sticks) as an American flag.
Your tot will be ready for July 4 in Peek's adorable Griffin Star Print Stretch Denim Cutoff Shorts ($45).
How adorable is this spirited polka-dot sundress ($20) from Sweetheart Rose?
Rolls of candy like Rolos, Mentos, and Sweet Tarts are transformed into fun faux fireworks in 30 Minute Crafts' cute candy fireworks craft.
Rice Krispies, marshmallow, butter, and food coloring make for a sweet set of stripes on these red, white, and blue treat bars.
Wind together red, blue, and silver pipe cleaners to create faux "sparklers" — all the fun, without the fire.
This faded gray flag tee ($7) from Carter's is a fun and hip way to ring in the Fourth.
These paper flowers might look like exploding fireworks, but they're actually made of watercolor-painted coffee filters!
If you're headed to the beach or somewhere with a chill, keep him warm with this subtly festive Tommy Hilfiger red, white, and blue button-down ($24, originally $43).
Top off her Fourth of July ensemble with the sweetest felt flower clip ($8) from Etsy's Muffintopsandtutus.
Make cake pops an easy take-home favor by wrapping them in cellophane and displaying them near your party's exit.
Throw patriotic flags into the mix with this Carter's Fourth of July tee ($7, originally $14).
Martha Stewart's fireworks sugar cookies look a lot more complicated to make than they actually are, though it might take some practice to get the perfect firework!
The old-fashioned vibe of Emmerlus Designs' embroidered tee ($28) lends itself well to the patriotic holiday.
Porcupine balls, paint, and glitter turn a plain piece of paper into a crafty fireworks explosion, thanks to some imagination from Rust & Sunshine.
Hot Tamales and chocolate cupcakes make for a barbecue treat that's simply en fuego — from Life's a Batch.
Natalie's Cake Pops came up with the most realistic take on watermelon cake pops — right down to the chocolate chip "seeds."
Cookie cutters turn watermelon, apples, and blueberries into a healthful holiday dessert. Striped straws add to the appeal.
We love the old-school feel of these vintage-y pinwheel cupcake toppers, made from fondant by Celebrating Moments by Marcie.
While these paper rockets were designed as Fourth of July favor packages, they could also be filled with confetti or glitter to make for a firework-type explosion.
Blow diluted crafts glue through a straw onto a sheet of black foam to create starburst shapes. Then sprinkle colored sand on the glue, and voilà, you have your very own fireworks display.
Swapping out ice cream with a frosted cupcake is Love From the Oven's answer to the issue of the melting ice cream cone.
Strawberries get a sweet holiday makeover with white candy melts and blue sugar.
A classic American Apparel flag tank ($15) will easily become a wardrobe staple.
Wooden planter boxes were flipped upside down to serve as a base for recycled cans-turned-vases.
No one does a basic cotton tee ($13) quite like American Apparel . . .
An oversize firework wall decal ($69) makes for high-flying fun, all year round!
Get two designer swimsuits for the price of one with Dolce & Gabbana's reversible infant swim trunks ($155)
Inspired by the old-school ice cream truck fave, these red, white, and blue cupcakes were reinterpreted from the classic pops by Confessions of a Cookbook Queen.
Scattering games on the tables and around the backyard makes it easy to mix and mingle, even if not everyone at your party knows one another.
The retro packaging of Cracker Jacks makes them a great (and inexpensive!) favor for vintage-inspired, all-American BBQs.
No, we didn't accidentally include burgers in a dessert gallery. These incredibly realistic cupcake burgers are the genius product of Pardon My Crumbs and would be perfect for your Fourth of July barbecue.
The geometric print of this Kanu Surf bathing suit ($19) is nothing but fun.
The great thing about Hartstrings's denim dress ($32) is that she can wear it even after the holiday.
The color block design and pleated A-line skirt on this Helena Red, White, and Blue Sundress make it a winner! ($118).
Grab a white tee, Sharpie markers, rubbing alcohol, a small dish or cup, an eyedropper, newspaper, and an iron, and you'll have everything you need to make a fireworks t-shirt with your lil one. It's surprisingly easy, and you can get step-by-step instructions here.
This red, white, and blue brownie pizza is gluten-free.
Sugary Winzy's flag cake takes it up a notch. The outside, covered in star-shaped marshmallow fondant, is as beautiful as the inside.
Nestingproject, a member of POPSUGAR Social, shared this delicious recipe for orange creamsicle cupcakes, which would be oh so refreshing on a hot Summer afternoon.
Source: POPSUGAR user nestingproject
There's something so classically nautical about Ralph Lauren's Sanibel Swim Trunk ($45).
Simple party accessories (and found props, like the wire baskets shown on the table here) are artfully arranged for a down-home vibe.
Peek's Freedom Rocks sweatshirt ($38) is the perfect throw-on for late-night firework watching.
Your American girl can showcase her style in Gymboree's sweet Sweetheart Tee ($10, originally $20).
These star-spangled blueberry parfaits are actually pretty healthy, using low-fat pound cake, jam, low-fat vanilla yogurt, and fresh blueberries.
Transferring basic condiments into glass containers makes them look extra special, and tying coordinating fabric on the wire basket makes it a perfect piece for this party.
An adorable "faucet" soap dish is transformed into a server for Dubble Bubble.
Create your own red, white, and blue flag cake by following these instructions.
Salute your shorts in these fun Patriotic Stripe Swim Trunks ($8, originally $22) by OshKosh B'gosh.
Have plans for the Fourth that require a little more pizzazz? Ralph Lauren's American Flag Sweater ($75, originally $35) is a dressier option that he can wear into Fall.
A festive holiday like the Fourth deserves footwear to match. These Fourth of July flip-flops ($5) should do the trick!
A blue and white gingham tablecloth gives the seated table an old-fashioned picnic feel, and layered place settings add interest.
Confetti-filled balloons allow a big explosion without any fire. Just use a funnel to pour confetti into a balloon until it's a quarter full, then inflate it with a hand pump. You can even pop them indoors!
The fireworks won't be the only ones glowing on the Fourth! J.Crew's glow-in-the-dark tee ($27) is superfestive!
He can get in the all-star spirit, thanks to this sporty This Land Was Made For You and Me t-shirt ($34).
While the sweet staff at Babble made this cake in a jar for Memorial Day, it works equally well for the Fourth.
Pretzel sticks dipped in CandiQuik Coating and covered with red, white, and blue sprinkles makes for a quick, inexpensive addition to your patriotic dessert table.
Martha Stewart's independence icebox cake is made with layers of vanilla wafers and strawberry whipped cream, topped with blueberries and raspberries.
This Old Navy graphic t-shirt ($8, originally $15) sums up all the reasons to love the Fourth of July.
This Stella McCartney Kids denim star dress ($65, originally $162) is perfect for after the Fourth of July, too.
Mommy Topics combines two cookout faves — pie and cupcakes — for a July 4 sweet treat that's sure to wow a crowd.
If an evening of watching fireworks on the beach turns chilly, Peek's Let Freedom Ring Hoodie ($50) is a patriotic way to warm up.
The perfect party favor that guests can take on the go, these patriotic Cupcakes in a Jar are the brainchild of Glorious Treats and were featured on The TomKat Studio. Originally intended for a Memorial Day treat, they're perfect for any Summer holiday.
Rock out on the Fourth with this Land of the Free tee ($3, originally $10) — a bargain from Crazy 8.
A welcome table (especially one that immediately offers up good eats or drinks) is a nice way to make company feel welcome, and ready to party! For this display, a piece of indoor furniture was brought outside — we love the rustic look of red, white, and blue flowers in the partially opened dresser drawer.
Turn fun patterned paper into cones, and fill them with an easy snack, like chips or popcorn.
An unexpected take on the traditional sundae bar, building your own shortcakes is a nice way to incorporate fresh Summer berries into your menu. Dress up a whipped cream can in patterned fabric, and offer guests the option of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
Style Me Pretty's DIY tutorial gives any dessert a charming, retro edge. These would be a great craft for kids at a Fourth of July party!
She'll be the most stylish tot at the barbecue in this adorable tank ($14) by Old Navy.
Just a Taste's red, white, and blue pinwheel icebox cookies are a great make-ahead treat. Prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate, then slice and bake pre-party.
The buffet table was kept simple, and every detail was attended to. Canning (or mason) jars are a charming way to serve drinks, and condiments were transferred into coordinating serving pieces. Even the baked beans were served in mini canning jars — perfect for grab 'n go eating.
Splashing around in the pool has never been so stylish, thanks to this adorable Dolce & Gabbana Gingham Swimsuit ($140).
A cozy Ralph Lauren classic ($35) suits with the July 4 holiday perfectly.
Traditionalists will embrace Oscar de la Renta's classic fish swim trunks ($52, originally $110) for little boys.
O'Neills's easy Santa Cruz Stripe Swimsuit ($29) are perfect for the holiday.
A party-perfect alternative to the full-sized burger, minisliders are easier for guests to eat while mingling.
This one-piece Children's Place romper ($10, originally $17) is an easy, no-fuss way for her to sport her spirit.
The combination of cherry-almond cookie dough and whipped cream cheese is almost explosive in these miniparfaits.
Marshmallow pops covered in chocolate, peanut butter, and sprinkles can be made ahead of time and refrigerated.
The ribbon detail on this Janie and Jack dress ($47, originally $59) adds a sweet touch.
A classic Brooks Brothers Sleeveless Smocked White Seersucker Dress ($75) is a most appropriate way to dress for the holiday.
She'll look like a star wearing this Carter's Fourth of July skirt ($6, originally $7).
Gather black construction paper, cupcake liners, markers, glitter, scissors, and glue and follow these instructions to create these cute paper fireworks.
Glittered card stock, shish kebab sticks, and straws are all you need to make this cool fireworks centerpiece, which we're betting your kids will love to pull apart and play with!
Caramel corn drizzled with white candy melts and red, white, and blue sprinkles turns caramel corn into a patriotic treat.
Sprinkles both inside and out make these cake pops beautifully patriotic.
Gap's star swim trunks ($20) come in sizes for baby boys 0-24 months old.