Checkers Sixty60 themed birthday party. Picture: Screenshot/ @jumpmanamapiano.
Birthdays are meant to be special, especially for our little ones. We've seen the usual themes — “Barbie,” “Dora the Explorer,” and let’s not forget “Spiderman”, our friendly neighbourhood web-slinger.
But a new trend is appearing on the scene: Checkers Sixty-themed birthday parties.
And this isn’t even the first time someone’s gone all out with a supermarket theme. Ever since Checkers released those cute mini trolleys with groceries and delivery bikes, kids have gone wild for the brand.
Seriously, they’re the new heroes on the block, swooping in with one of life’s must-haves — groceries.
Last October, a mom shared her son’s Checkers-themed birthday party on TikTok, and it looked like they were having a blast.
Another mom even got the little guy’s favourite delivery driver, who he calls “Oom Checkers”, to come and sing Happy Birthday.
@littleboss_littlebaby Replying to @Christelle Gouws ♬ original sound - Este Chambers
Recently, an Instagram video showed a six-year-old having an absolute blast at his Checkers Sixty60-themed party.
The set-up was spot on — Checkers-coloured trolleys that matched the brand’s logo and, of course, custom onesies with “Checkers Sixty60” printed on them (because in the world of six-year-olds, a themed onesie is essential).
An Instagram page, @jumpmanamapiano, shared a video that sparked some hilarious and insightful reactions.
One user couldn’t help but notice the details in the background, commenting, “Am I the only one looking at those Checkers trolleys and baskets in the background? 👀”—and yes, the trolleys were actually filled with groceries. Imagine the themed games: Grocery Shopping Day in full swing!
Another commenter pointed out the unexpected marketing genius behind it all, writing, “The marketing for Checkers is phenomenal. Indirectly, it puts dignity on the drivers. They’ve created branding that allows kids to see Checkers Sixty60 drivers as superheroes.”
They also noted how all the party items were available for purchas - a clever move on Checkers’ part.
And apparently, this isn’t just a one-off trend. Someone else chimed in, “The craziest part is that this isn’t the first Checkers Sixty60-themed party I’ve seen. Kids LOVE Checkers Sixty60 for whatever reason.”
So, could this trend take off? Could we start seeing Pick n Pay or Spar-themed parties next? Imagine kids running around with mini shopping baskets at a Woolies bash, munching on fancy snacks while pretending to run a mini market.
Anything is possible these days.
It’s funny to think a grocery delivery service has become the latest party trend, but when you look at how kids absorb the world around them, it makes sense.
Research shows children form strong connections with brands through familiarity and repetition.
Seeing Checkers Sixty60 drivers zipping around daily has clearly made an impression, turning them into real-life superheroes in kids’ eyes.