Happy Birthday To You! Disney Lilo & Stitch and a Luau of Surprises
May 10 '03
The Bottom Line ~*~Wow~*~ those little partygoers with Lilo & Stitch and a Luau of Surprises!
Every January I strive to throw a unique Birthday bash for my youngest daughter. She is naturally creative, adores theme-based events, and starts thinking about the party theme nearly a year in advance. Yes, a year! Traditionally the evening, following the current party, she tells me, "Next year I want to have a _____ party!" Occasionally the request varies, but one factor remains strong, this girl likes to party!
For her 4th birthday, she selected a Luau theme, and for her 8th birthday she requested to have a Disney Lilo & Stitch bash. Both parties were a huge success, kids laughing, adults smiling, and exclamatory statements indicative of the fun experienced.
The Festivities Included:
Greeting
Decorate Treat Bag
Decorate Visor
Games
Cake
Lei Craft
Pedicures & Manicures
Presents
Coloring Activity
Good-byes
Prepare, Invite, Prepare
Generally speaking, I begin preparation for the upcoming party two months prior. Initially I purchase needed paper goods and treat bag stuffers and prepare an itinerary. The invitation list is finished, and invites are sent three-weeks prior to the party date. I order the cake 1-week before the party, purchase the appetizer ingredients, and let my daughter complete the party favor bags.
For the Disney Lilo & Stitch party I purchased plastic Lilo & Stitch theme tumblers from a local party store, but purchased the party favors and clear plastic bag covering from Oriental Trading Company. Marisa placed bright-colored lei's in the tumblers, allowing a portion to hang over the side, put it several other party favors, placed the cup into the clear bag and cinched it closed. The guests decorated a white paper bag to use for treats gathered.
On the evening before, or morning of the party, we move as much of the unneeded furnishings into the garage, opening more floor space. Within the main party area, I spread a blue tarp, which resembles the water, and serves as excellent floor protection. This has protected the carpeting from beverages and craft supplies. We use assorted Hawaii theme decor, including an inflatable palm tree, netting, novelty lights and shells. Also, the girls made an assortment of tissue-paper flowers. For background music, we have Luau theme music and a Lilo & Stitch soundtrack.
Now, What Shall I Wear?!
For the Luau Marisa wore a bathing suit and a grass skirt. For the Disney Lilo & Stitch bash she wore her Disney Lilo Costume.
Keep It!
Because of the in-home day care that I operate, my commitment to teaching Sunday School, and my volunteer roles, I often store theme kits. This being stated, I have a bin of Luau based items. If you have a storage area, I recommend using a plastic bin, and retaining certain party items. Ultimately the chance is grand that you will utilize portions of the supplies again. My kit has:
- A blue tarp.
This resembles water, works as a floor covering. This can be purchased within the home improvement section of most discount retailers.
- Decorative lights
One of the strands that I have is multi-colored fish, and has grass streamers that wrap around them. I also have a strand of flowers. One set was purchased at a discount retailer, within the summer patio assortment; the other set came from Oriental Trading Company.
- Grass skirts & Lei's
We have a variety of grass skirts and lei's. These were purchased at a local party store and from Oriental Trading Company Online Store.
- Decorative party helps
The assortment of decorative props includes an inflatable palm tree, a net, assorted shells & sea creatures, tabletop props, and an array of other items. Most of these were purchased from the Oriental Trading Company.
- Luau Theme Music
- Game & Craft Supplies/Templates
- Various Other Applicable Items
Games
- Bean Bag Toss
One of the games, a Tropical Fish BeanBag Toss Game cost a mere $12.95 from Oriental Trading Company Online Store.
- Foam Creature Fishing
Additionally I filled a blue tub with water, and the children fished for sea creatures. The foam sea creature set, and plastic pole was a bathtub set that we already owned.
- Fishing for Prizes
My older daughter, and her close friend, sat behind a curtained area, allowing the guests to position a fishing pole (wooden dowel with string and a clothespin) over the curtain, while they attached prizes to the hook.
- Pin the Fin
Using a large piece of poster board, I drew a fish, allowed my daughter to color & decorate it, and we then laminated it. I drew a fin; we had copies made onto card stock. The children were blindfolded and allowed to stick the fin on the fish.
- Limbo
Creative Endeavors
- Treat Bag Decor
Upon arrival the children were asked to decorate a treat bag. I provided various rubber-stamps, ink pads, markers and stickers.
- Visor Appeal
The children were provided with plastic visors and allowed to decorate them with colored, glitter glue. This activity is best done early, allowing the glue to dry.
- Lei's
Using a flower template (self-created), vibrant colored plastic straws (cut into 1" pieces), green yarn, and a plastic needle (from JoAn Fabrics), the children created Lei's.
- Toenail and/or Fingernail Painting
My oldest daughter and her friend offer this service.
- Color Sheet
I like to close the party with offering a coloring sheet. Most of the children have craft supplies at home, so they aren't disappointed if they don't complete the picture. This allows for a nice wind-down activity, and pulls the guests back together. Because I am unable to rely on the weather in January, it is important to have a variety of indoor activities. You can find various coloring sheets at this site:
http://www.coloring.ws/liloandstitch1.htm
Snack Attack
Snacks included fish crackers, Swedish gummy fish, pretzel sticks, tropical fruit skewers, mini-pizzas, and a variety of other kid friendly items. The tropical punch was a combination of lemon-lime soda and frozen punch juice. All of the snacks are available the duration of the party.
Tidbits
A noteworthy mention is that, although I used trademark figures during one of the parties, I kept the expense minimal by using mostly non-Trademarked items. For the Lilo & Stitch party I provided trademarked plates and napkins, but used plain colored cups, table coverings, and utensils. The plastic tumblers, used to hold the party favors, were trademarked, but the party treat fillers were non-Trademark items.
All of the guests, at both parties, had a lot of fun. I always try to plan more events than are necessary, hopefully avoiding the boredom mode. Generally speaking we allot 3-4 hours for the party duration. Other parties have included Princesses, Hello Kitty, Barbie, Slumber, LadyBugs, and Winnie-The-Pooh.
©2003 Lisa_J
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Lisa_J
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Location: Pacific Northwest - Washington State
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Mom of two wonderfully spirited daughters. Childcare Director. Spectator fan of dance.
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