I guess it’s because of the catchy “Let it Go” song in combination of a story about sisters that caught her heart. So I have been collecting ideas for a while now but of course didn’t have anything ready until less than a week before the party. (Let the procrastinators band together) But really, it doesn’t have to be extremely elaborate or cost a lot to have a fun FROZEN party. 

My tip: DO NOT try to reinvent the wheel, there are soooooo many ideas out there, and that’s exactly what they are for, for you me to USE!!

I thought I’d share with you what we used to make our daughter Julia’s 6th birthday party magical! 

The Invitation

I have always loved online invites.

I usually use evite but this time I used punchbowl since they had a Frozen themed invite. It’s really easy to use, just type in the info you want. And it’s free and easy to keep up with all the RSVP’s. Plus you can email right through the site to all the attendees for any updates or even reminders. 

The Schedule 

I always write up a tentative itinerary to use as a guide, it usually doesn’t go exactly in the order I initially come up with, but it helps me to remember everything we need to do.  

The plan went a little something like this:

• 2:30- When guests arrive, I had planed to do this little scavenger hunt (but before the party started, I ran out of time getting everything ready).  Instead, kids ate some snacks, hung out and started on the craft.
• 3:00- The special guests arrive, meet & greet, a story, games and photo ops. (you’ll read more under other sections below)
• 4:00- Serve the cake and open presents, enjoy time together
• 4:30- Birthday party is over, clean up

The Decorations

I think simple is better AND a lot cheaper. When I was searching, I thought easy ideas like paper chains and coffee filter snow flakes would be the way to go.

The night before the party, my kids had fun making some of the snowflakes.

To save time, I bought one 2-pack of white streamers to use instead of paper chains. And I got a few frozen- themed balloons!  

I used blue plastic table clothes, metallic tissue paper, and snowflake doilies for table decor. Believe it or not, I spent about $20 on all of it and got all the decorations from the dollar store (yes, even the frozen balloons), which included the tableware supplies for eating.  

The exception, the silver fringe curtain some photo ops. (From Oriental Trading) 

The Craft

I have always loved to include making a craft instead of giving away a party favor- which quite honestly just gets lost or goes in the trash soon after.

At least a craft can be kept for a little while with special memories of making it. 

I found these snowflake necklaces on Oriental Trading and I thought all the kids would love to make their own. We had a station set up and a couple different times during the party, two kids at a time got to make them.

My husband and another dad helped in the beginning then later Elsa and Anna. I think the kids thought it was neat to work with the queen and princess. 

The Food

At kids’ parties, I think it’s important to have some food, whether it’s a full meal or snacks- that’s up to you. We served chili at my son’s Lego party, and everyone loved it. This time, since the party was in the afternoon, I decided a few snacks would be perfect. 

There are so many free printables offered on several sites to create fun food scape. I didn’t have any card stock so I just printed the ones I chose out, then, laminated them. (I use my laminator for certain things we do for homeschool, so I quickly pulled it out and used it, it only took about 5 minutes) 

There are a kazillion different food ideas to choose from but here’s what we had:

• Olaf noses- carrots with homemade ranch
• Arendelle ginger cookies
• Coronation celery and peanut butter
• Sven’s popcorn 
• Kristoff’s pretzels
• Frozen Hearts- white chocolate covered strawberries
• Olaf’s summer lemonade

**I used these Frozen labels from Posh Tart Parties. All of the containers either came from the dollar store or came from my kitchen cabinets. 

The Fun

What would a party be without fun?

Besides all the decorations, the craft, the food and games, there was an even BETTER idea! Two high school gals dressed up as Elsa & Anna…… score!!!

I had seen a post on one of the local garage sale groups on facebook from a mom whose daughter and her friend were earning money by coming as the characters and participating in all the fun. I didn’t know what to expect but it ending up being absolutely fabulous!

The plan kind of unfolded as the party got started but everything went smoothly. I’ll tell ya a little bit about it:

When all of Julia’s friends arrived, they got their snack and a couple kids started on the craft. I had asked a mom to let me know when the special guests arrived. Once they did, I had the kids finish up their snacks.

Elsa and Anna rang the door bell and I told Julia to go see who is was. When she looked out the door, she was in shock. She waved her hand for me to come. I went over and said excitingly , “Wow, Elsa and Anna have come to see you and celebrate your birthday!” The gals came in and ALL the kids were in amazement. 

Queen Elsa and princess Anna read the Frozen inspired book A Sister more like Me. Each gal read her part. A few of us moms couldn’t believe how quiet all the kids were.

Once the book was read, the gals talked with the kids, then it was time for some photo ops. It was funny because when I asked who wants to take a picture with the princesses, one of the little boys raised his hand and he was first in line lol. 

After it was time for the games (you can read in games section) then finishing up the craft. And of course you can’t have a frozen party without singing “Let it Go”. 

Lastly, we sang Happy Birthday to my princess Julia, enjoyed cupcakes and then she opened her gifts. Before we knew it, it was time for Queen Elsa and Anna to go. We walked them out and waved goodbye. It was so, soooo much fun. 

And I’ll take it as a huge compliment, when Elsa’s mom, who accompanied the teen girls told me before heading out, “this was the most organized party I have ever been to.” If you know me personally, you know I am last minute type of person, so that was such a nice compliment to me. 

The Games

We played two games. Limbo and Toilet Paper Olaf. 

For limbo, I simply unscrewed the broom from the stick and tied on yellow streamers. Elsa and Anna held the stick, the music played was “In Summer” from the Frozen soundtrack and went until there was a winner. 

Next we played Toilet Paper Olaf. 

Toilet Paper Olaf Game

Supplies:

For each pair or team, you’ll need a bin with a roll of toilet paper, a scarf, a cap or hat and 3 paper buttons with tape already attached, taped to bin. *Optional- paper carrot, also with tape on backside. 

How to Play:

1. Line up kids, tell every other kid to come on one side, then to find a partner. (You can choose teams how ever you would like to, that’s what I did) 
2. Then explain to the kids they are to make a toilet paper snowman/Olaf and must use things provided, be sure to show the supplies (I would not recommend telling them they have to use the whole roll of toilet paper)
3. Choose a judge
4. Give them a time limit. I played “Do you want to build a Snowman” from the Frozen soundtrack twice
5. Once song is over, the judge can choose a winning team
6. Have fun! 

Both games were fun and easy. I had purchased a few $1 items from Target for the winners. 

The Cake

As always, the cake, or shall I say cupcakes? Y’all, cupcakes are so easy. And I have used the same cupcake stand I got at hobby lobby with the 40% off coupon for years and years. 

I ordered the pictured white cupcake wraps from Oriental Trading and used these and these free printables for the toppers. (I printed them out, laminated them and taped them to toothpicks) 

I used this natural cake mix (in the chocolate and vanilla flavors) and my friend made a delicious vanilla butter cream frosting made with Kerrygold Pure Butter… YUM!
. 

Side note: I am ever thankful for my awesome friend Christina who came to help me out!! She is SUCH a blessing and has such a servant’s heart!! 

The Elsa Dress

On the invitation email, I had invited all the friends to come dressed as a princess (or superhero for the boys) and a lot of the girls did come dressed in you guessed it, Elsa.

And of course Julia wanted an Elsa dress too.

My mom made this beautiful one and she sells them on her Etsy shop.  

To end this Magical Frozen Birthday party post I have a question for you… Would you like to win an Elsa dress for your little girl?!? You have a chance to win one because she is actually doing a giveaway. Go here for all the details! 

It was a MAGICAL party! Julia absolutely loved it! 

Some more resources:

• For some extra fun, check out this Frozen Slime recipe
• These Popsicle sticks snowflakes are a fun decoration
• Here are some fun Frozen photo booth props
• I mentioned Oriental trading a few times, they always offer Free Shipping on Orders Over $49! Use Code: OTC757
• Amazon has tons of Frozen party supplies and Frozen gift ideas

*post contains affiliate links, see disclosure here

What are your best birthday party tips? Do you have a Frozen fan in your house?

The post A Magical Frozen Birthday Party {Tips and Ideas} appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

Related posts:

1st Birthday Canvas LEGO Birthday Party Ideas Capturing Moments, Resolved

I cannot believe my little guy is SEVEN years old. Each and every year he is into something and since The LEGO Movie came out he’s been into Legos more than ever, although he loved them before.

So this year he decided he wanted a Lego themed birthday. We invited friends and family to come fellowship with us celebrating Lincoln while having lots of “lego” fun.

Hope you enjoy these LEGO Birthday Ideas:

Mini-figure Goodie Bags

When the kids arrived they started off my coloring their own mini-figure.

I used a mini-figure printable I found  and stapled them to the brown bags to keep all their fun stuff in. This also allowed time for the kids to get creative while waiting on some friends who arrived a bit later.

Each child also got a LEGO brick crayon we had made the day before, see how to make your own here.

LEGO Necklace

After working on the goodie bags we were going to play a game but we ran out of time (see description below).

Next each child got a  zip- bag set to make a necklace. Included in the sets was a 2×6 LEGO brick and  3 color strands of OOOOOO, We used them to make these Friendship LEGO braclets, but instead made necklaces because it was a lot easier to explain to the several kids who attended.

I wish I had come up with the idea, but hey, that’s what pinterest is for!! I ordered the LEGO pieces (which were only 20 cents each) and drilled holes on the sides beforehand. Each child chose their thread set colors and we helped them make their necklaces.

Water Gun Ice-cube Game

We were going to play this game after kids’ colored their goodie bags but due to a thunderstorm a couple hours before we decided not to. The melt your Ice-cube water gun game is when each kid receives an ice-cube with a 2×6 LEGO brick frozen in it and a water gun. The object was to melt the ice via water gun, hands or however they could manage melting it, and first person to get their LEGO brick out won. They could win a prize from the dollar store.

You would then go on to make your LEGO  bracelet or necklace.

Water Fun!

After kids made their necklaces, it was time for some water fun. I had ordered this Huge Slip & Slide to use during the summer and hopefully summers to come and everyone had a blast.

It was a bit rough when some kids fell hard on the ground, if you are going to use something like this, I suggest putting tarps down underneath. And of course adult supervision the WHOLE time.

Food

After a while, it was time to eat. We had homemade Petro’s (recipe to come), and some fruit, veggies with homemade ranch or hummus and chips & salsa. It was a huge hit!

Cake & More…

Lastly, we sang “Happy Birthday” to Lincoln, ate cake and Lincoln opened up all his gifts.

For the cake, I decided to make cupcakes which I’ve been doing the past few years. I can make them ahead of time and know the ingredients instead of the processed, artificial flavor and color stuff. I made his favorite chocolate cake (using this recipe, yes it has sugar!) with homemade chocolate butter cream frosting and topped them with chocolate mini-figures and bricks. You can check out the LEGO molds here.

Lincoln’s 7th birthday was an absolute blast! I hope you enjoy these ideas!

Some more resources:

• Picture with a mini-figure idea here
• Mini Figure printable here
• Free coloring sheets from LEGO here
• Even more ideas on Pinterest here
• FREE Shipping on any order of $75 more any time on the LEGO site!

*post contains affiliate links, see disclosure here
Does your child/ren have themed birthdays? How do you go about planning it?

The post LEGO Birthday Party Ideas appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

Related posts:

A Magical Frozen Birthday Party {Tips and Ideas} Fun & Easy Family Activity: Resurrection Eggs Children’s Bathtime Routine

Written by Jenn @ A Simple Haven, Contributing Writer

The only preference I’ve ever had regarding childbearing was no Christmas babies.  To me, labor and delivery around the holidays seemed crazy stressful.  Not to mention the poor kid’s birthday would be forever lost in the busyness of the season.

Turns out the good Lord thought having a Christmas baby is exactly what I needed.  As per usual, He was right.

Sweet baby boy entered the world about an hour before Christmas Eve; the grace I received during my pregnancy, his birth, and the newborn weeks was a huge example of God’s loving care and provision for our family.

And I learned in a very tangible way that a baby–regardless of timing–is always a blessing.

Huge reminder that I’m not in control and often don’t know what is best for me: check.

How to celebrate Christmas birthdays sans stress and still make the kid feel special?  Read on.

I’m only two years into this game, but my appreciation for a good party–and simplicity—has made me a quick study.

Simple Holiday Birthday Celebrations

Plan Ahead

My answer to most of life’s challenges, a bit of forethought can help diffuse stress on mom and the budget.  For example, for baby’s first birthday, I bought invitations and other party paraphernalia the month before the party so the December budget wouldn’t feel quite so tight.

And if you’re committed to a birthday party in December, it’s probably best to get invitations out extra early in light of everyone’s full calendars.

What’s that you say–it’s already the middle of December? I’m right there with you: zero forethought this year. Which brings me to…

Keep it Stress-Free

Remember that children are satisfied with a whole lot less than we might imagine. It doesn’t have to be a big ‘ol Pinterest-fied (did I just make that up?) party.

Last year, I kept it stress-free by limiting the guest list to only a few families, serving easy food, and decorating with what I already had.  (For more on simple, stress-free kids’ parties, go here).

This year, we may just share cake with a friend or two.  A friend of mine celebrated her preschooler’s Christmas birthday with a simple dress-up themed play-date.

Especially during the holiday season, I try to be intentional about what I take on and reevaluate when I start losing sleep over things like party favors.

Move the Party

If the December calendar feels too full, consider a November or January party with a special family meal on the actual birthday.  I’ve yet to meet a kid who would object to stretching out birthday festivities.

Shoot, in my house we do “Birthday Princess Week.”  For my daughter, of course.  Ahem.

And there’s also the option of a half-birthday celebration during the summer to avoid the craziness of the holidays.

Minimal Gifting

Between the Christmas gifts Hubs and I give and the generosity of family members, our children always end up with a bounty of presents.  Throw in a December birthday and new toys start getting lost in the shuffle.

So, for now, we’re keeping our Christmas-birthday boy’s presents to a minimum.  He’ll get one or two gifts from Daddy and Mommy now–and maybe we’ll set some birthday funds aside to get him an outdoor toy come spring.

A Quiet Celebration

Of course, it’s also possible to celebrate your child’s birthday without an actual party.

I’m a pretty big fan of parties, but some years it feels best to do a low-key family celebration.  This year, I think we’ll do a special dinner followed by baby boy’s favorite activities (trains and wrestling with Daddy) and some birthday cake.

If the whole point is simply to rejoice that your kid was born and remind him of how special he is, I’m pretty sure we can do that without a guest list of twenty.

Do you have any holiday birthdays in your family?  How do you prefer to celebrate them?

The post Birthdays Amidst the Holidays appeared first on Day2Day Joys.

Related posts:

Christmas in Our Home Decorating Our Christmas Trees Toddler Quiet Time: a daily routine to give everyone breathing time