Birthday Party Ideas for Your Child’s Next Big Bash

From birthday party invitations and favors for the goodie bags to novel birthday party games and props, here are fun ideas to help you plan your child’s next big birthday bash.

DIY lollipops1. Create Your Own Lollipops

Yes, you may play with your food. Decorate three blank lollipops with six decorative, edible balloons and an icing pen, all part of the Birthday Lolli Kit from Chasing Fireflies. Eat your one-of-a-kind creation right away or wrap them in clear lollipop bags (included) to save for later. ($10, chasing-fireflies.com)
 

mustache prop2. Get Playful Party Pictures

Draw out the sillies in your photos with spunky glasses, surly mustaches, funky hair, and other props in the Photo Props Kit from Shop Sweet Lulu. Easy to assemble, the kit provides 22 pre-cut shapes and wooden dowels that you put together using small glue dots or a hot glue gun (not included). ($15, shopsweetlulu.com)

poof balls3. Play a Novel Birthday Party Game

Borrow this party game tradition of Poof Balls all the way from Europe for a belly full of laughs and a good time. Place the 20 mixed colored paper balls in a bowl and give guests tubes (two included) to blow the paper balls at friends. Note, this is not a game suitable for small children. ($7, shopsweetlulu.com)

4. Make a Goodie Bag

Perideau Designs

From an owl and a bunny to a robot and a sailboat, Mix and Match Favor Bags from Perideau Designs allow you to choose from 32 silhouettes for each off-white 100-percent cotton drawstring bag (choose from three sizes). Get creative and customize the bags with phrases like “Be Happy!” or “My Stuff” in place of a child’s name so you can reuse the bags later. Founder of Perideau Designs Bridgett Edwards suggests using the bags after the party as a catchall for your child’s hairclips and bows or small figurines. ($2-$3.50 for each bag, perideaudesigns.com)

5. Be Crafty

scallop circles

Calling all DIY-ers! Add a personal touch to your child’s party with help from crafting tools at The TomKat Studio. Use this Paper Punch to create 2-inch scallop circles that add a whimsical touch, whether they’re used as cupcake toppers, favor tags, as part of a party-time project, or for post-party scrapbooking. ($16.50, shoptomkat.com)

 

 

Firetruck Invitationsfiretruck invitations

6. Print Your Party Designs

Everything you need for a party is available through the printable collection at The TomKat Studio, which sends you a PDF file of invitations, favor tags, banners, and other birthday material essentials. Get the Fire Truck Party Printable Collection for a red-themed birthday bash that can be put together as soon as you hit “print.” Other themes include movie night, pirates, fairy garden, vintage cowgirl, and bumblebees. ($39.50, shoptomkat.com)