Curious Parents Party Resources

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Birthday Parties on a Budget with Books

In these challenging economic times, we are all looking for ways to give our kids memorable birthday parties without breaking the bank. Here are two unique ways to celebrate this special day, with quick and easy tips for money-minded hosts.

Storybook Party

Turn your child’s favorite book into a birthday fantasy world and watch the “characters” come to life!

Invitations

Photocopy the cover of your child’s favorite book, such as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire or Harriet the Spy. Replace the title with the name of your party, such as “Luke Melvin and the Goblet of Fire Party” or “Stephanie the Spy Party.” Add party details in the empty spaces or around the edges. Ask the kids to come dressed as a favorite character from the selected book.

Decorations

Check out a bunch of similar books from the library and set them around the room. Reproduce items or scenes from the story using construction paper, posterboard and markers. Inflate helium balloons, download and photocopy the faces of the characters, and tape them to the balloons so they float around the room. Hang pictures or phrases from the book on the wall or use them as placemats.

Games & Activities

What’s My Line? Read first lines from a variety of favorite stories and have kids guess the titles. Or, read lines of dialogue from the book and have the kids guess who’s talking.

Trivia Quiz: Ask trivia questions about the featured book and have teams race to answer.

Write It Yourself: Have the kids brainstorm a new plot for the featured book or turn it into a comic book.

Scene It: Act out a favorite scene from the book, with lines and parts for everyone.

Refreshments: Choose foods from the book or make your child’s favorite foods and give them names inspired by the book, such as “Potter’s Pot Pies” or “Spy Soup.”

Birthday Cake: Make a rectangular cake and decorate it to look like the book cover (you can have a photo cake made at the bakery if you prefer).

Favors: Send the kids home with a copy of the featured book, or a goody from the book, such as a Harry Potter wand or Harriet the Spy magnifying glass.

Penny Warner has more than 25 years of experience as an author and party planner. She has published more than 50 books, including 16 specific to parties. For more information, visit BalloonTime.com.