Another Successful "Green" Birthday Party!

My daughter turned 5 last week, so a birthday party was inevitable. We decided to have her party at our local park and make it as green as we could. It turned out fabulous and everyone had an amazing time!

I used my same basket of plates, cups, utensils that I used for my son's birthday party back in March. This time I cut up some thermal material to make cloth napkins (thanks for the idea, Renee!). We didn't really need a lot of games for the party since it was at the park, but my daughter really wanted a pinata. She and my husband made the pinata using an old cardboard box, flour, water, and newspaper. It was surprisingly easy and very cheap! 

As for goody bags, we decorated paper lunch bags as puppets and included a cloth napkin for every child. Once they broke the pinata, they were able to stuff their bags with candy and hopefully will reuse them as puppets once they got home!

Instead of her friends bringing gifts, we asked them to bring items that we could donate to the Northwest Children's Outreach. I have to admit, this was a bit of a tough sell for a 5-year old who was used to having "gift" parties, but she warmed up to the idea and I think is now very proud of what she did! I am simply amazed at everything we collected, and my daughter is so excited to take the items over to the center this week!

I must say, this was the least stressful birthday party that we have ever had. There were no last-minute trips to the store to get plates, cups, etc. There was no stress from opening presents (especially since the kids just wanted to play, play play). Best of all: cleaning up was a breeze and I already have everything I need for my son's birthday party in six months!