It can be extremely easy to create a birthday party around your child’s favorite toy, character(s) or movie – especially if you already have the supplies you need and the resources for the supplies you don’t have.
A few years ago, my son was obsessed with everything Toy Story. Using a little DIY creativity – to keep the costs to a minimum – and a lot of his toys, I was able to create a fun and visually appealing party for all.
FOOD
Instead of a plain Toy Story party, we purposely made it a Pizza Planet Pizza Party. The kitchen was set up like a pizza making buffet and the kids each made their own pizza.
TABLE
To really set the mood, I moved the dining room table to the wall and created a backdrop with purple fabric. Simply drape a piece of fabric behind a dining room table or console table to help frame the food, decorations or dessert bar.
The table runners are two pieces of the same fabric, cut to size, and then I used my Serger sewing machine to finish the edges with white thread.
On cardstock paper, I printed letters to spell out “Happy Birthday”. Keeping with the theme of the party (using the colors purple, white and green to compliment my son’s favorite Toy Story character, Buzz Lightyear), I then cut slightly larger squares and mounted each letter to create depth. I used a corner punch to round the corner and a hole punch and ribbon to create the banner – then hung it in front of the draped fabric.
I found a few paper lanterns at the local craft store and hung those from the ceiling to help create a perfect backdrop.
Tip: If you use paper lanterns for an older child’s birthday, have each party guest sign one before they leave the party. Your child will love having a personalized decoration in his or her room long after the party.
DESSERT
I even made the cupcakes to match the theme of the party. I topped each cupcake with “cheese” and “pepperoni” (white frosting and red candy sprinkles) to look like pizzas and printed cupcake toppers from Tom Kat Studio on Etsy.
DECORATIONS
In addition to the table decorations, I pulled Toy Story toys from our toy bins and placed them on an upside down bright green crate. They were the perfect party guests.
PARTY FAVORS
A simple white bag with printed name tags and bright green tissue grass tied in the colors, while keeping it simple, clean looking and helped cut costs on the alternative party bags or boxes. Plus, it was fun to make the tags and the kids loved putting them together with me. Each party bag had a Toy Story coloring book, small pack of crayons, a Toy Story figurine and a tube of bubbles.
You can easily use these party planning tips and DIY ideas to customize your Toy Story party… or any other themed party for your child. Have fun with it and involve your child in the planning, you might find additional inspiration from doing it with your child.
Written by:
Christina Holt, Writer/Teacher- Mommy Loves Coffee
