Speed Racer Party

On-the-go kids will love an action-packed race-car rally.

Kick off the festivities with a flag invitation. Print party information on colored card stock, and glue to checkered paper. Fold left edge of paper around skewer, and glue to secure.

A relay race, of course! Having guests wear our easy-to-make box cars adds an extra challenge to the classic outdoor game.

Plan ahead: You'll need two cardboard boxes. Cut holes for arms and head, and spray-paint each box. Glue on plates for wheels. Before the race begins, divide guests into two teams and have each team decorate its vehicle with stickers.

Plan ahead: Use letter and number stencils to paint T-shirts ahead of time, so the kids can wear them for the race. When the day is over, send the little champs home with candy-filled trophies.

• Black-and-white checkered paper by Carolee's Creations;
  visit www.carolees.com for stores.

• Small moving boxes (16 3/8" x 12 5/8" x 12 5/8"), from The Container Store; visit www.containerstore.com.

• Colored plastic tape available at hardware stores.

• Colored contact paper by Pliant.

• Black plastic plates from Party City; visit www.partycity.com for stores.

• T-shirts from Hanes; visit www.hanes.com.

• Jacquard textile paint available from Dharma Trading Co.; visit www.dharmatrading.com.

• Plastic trophies from Oriental Trading Company; visit www.orientaltrading.com.

• Green and yellow M&M's from Colorworks; visit www.colorworks.com.