Fantastic Birthday Party Ideas

Invitations

Put your guests in a festive spirit with these easy-to-make invitations.

Fly Me In

Cut paper into the shape of an airplane and decorate. Then tape a white ribbon or piece of white paper behind the plane like a streamer, and write the party information on it.

Frame Me

To spruce up an invitation, create a homemade frame using pinking shears or craft shears with funny edges (scallops, half circles, triangles). Or cut large shapes, such as fish or apples, and paste your invitation to the center of each shape.

All-Star Party

Send baseball-card style invitations with the birthday child's picture in the frame and the party information in the section for "stats." To make, use a color copy machine or computer.

Doll It Up

Trace a paper doll's body and then place a color copy of the birthday girl's head on top. Write the party details on the body and enclose a cutout of a dress for kids to color and decorate. Invite guests to bring their creations to the party.

Garden Party

Tape an invitation to a seed packet such as sunflowers, corn, or marigolds. Have dirt and starter pots at the party along with extra packets of seeds.

Jump-Start Invitation

Tape a tiny spring (available at hardware or craft stores) inside a homemade or store-bought invitation. Make pictures or use stickers and attach to the top of the spring for a jack-in-the-box effect when the envelope is opened.

Royal Tidings

Draw up a proclamation: "Hear ye, hear ye! Come to Julie's Castle to celebrate her birthday" and include the party details. Photocopy on parchment-like paper, roll up into a scroll and tie with a royal blue ribbon.