Outer Space Adventure

Do you have a little astronaut-to-be in the family? Create their perfect party with an outer space adventure for their next party. Decorate the party with planets and a galaxy backdrop for photos. For the adventurous parents, build a spaceship out of cardboard boxes for the kids to plan their trip to space in during the party. Celebrate with astronaut treats like freeze-dried ice cream and moon cheese for your party-goers.

Rainbow Party

For the kiddo who is the sunshine in your life, how better to celebrate than with a rainbow party? Decorations will be a breeze with all the color options you have at your fingertips. Provide paint and rocks for the kids to decorate their own rainbow rocks to take home, or set up rainbow clay for the kids to make their own creations. Fruit salad, layered cake, and jello are easy, fun treats to serve that reflect the colors of the rainbow at your party.

Underwater World

If you have a kiddo who is fascinated by underwater creatures, theme their party around the sea! Decorate with ocean-themed decor like waves, sea turtles, fish, and more. You can use fish bowls with blue water and plastic fish to make a realistic addition to your party decor. Make a fun candy salad with gummy sharks and fish for the kids to snack on. If it’s warm enough, set up water stations outdoors with sand toys and water tables. If you are indoors, you can set up a craft to make seashell necklaces as a take home favor.

Fairy Tale Land

If your toddler loves fairy tales, set up a magical wonderland for their next party! You can set up crown and wand making stations for the kids to interact with at the party. Set up a fun stage for the kids to act out their favorite fairy tales on, or invite a fairy tale guest to come and read a special story to your party-goers. Provide fairy dusted cupcakes and little tea sandwiches for the kiddos to enjoy at the event.

Favorite Cartoon Characters

Most toddlers have locked in on a favorite character that they would love to have their birthday party themed around. Decorate the space with the most notable characters and themes from the TV show/movie. Serve the treats and food that the character might enjoy most. For activities, you may be able to arrange a special visit from the character they love most, or play a game that is tied to the cartoon character they adore. They’ll never forget that you included their most favorite character in their special day!

The most important thing is that you take the time to understand what your kiddo loves most and find ways to incorporate that into their birthday. Our Party Professionals are dedicated to making your party the most special, personalized day when you celebrate with us, so find out how we can help with your next event at www.pumpitupparty.com.

6-8 Weeks Before the Event

☐ Pick Your Theme: Lean into your birthday child’s current interests and choose a theme to set the tone for decor, activities, food, invitations, and more.

☐ Guest List: Pull together a list of all your birthday child’s favorite friends and family members to invite to the big day

☐ Location, Location, Location!: Decide on a location! Pump It Up would love to be the host of your event and we recommend booking in advance to get your preferred date and time!

4 Weeks Before the Event

☐ Invitations: Issue invitations that include RSVP information and a deadline to respond. Consider using a design software to create a design that matches the theme and aesthetic that you plan to have at the event.

☐ Activities: Plan out your activities to entertain party-goers and gather any supplies you’ll need to run the games, crafts, and other activities on the agenda.

☐ Food & Drinks: Plan out your menu, leaning into the theme where you can! Also, make a plan for a special cake!

☐ Party Favors: Create a fun, creative goodie bag for the partygoers to take home to remember the event!

1-3 Days Before the Event

☐ Decorate the Space: Transform your event space with balloons, streamers, banners, and decorations that match the theme.

☐ Prep: Set up games/activities ahead of time, and bring in and prepare food, if applicable.

☐ Charge Up: Get all your devices charged up and ready to capture the memories of the event.

Party Day!

☐ Enjoy the Event: Focus on making memories and having fun with your birthday child!

☐ Be Flexible: Don’t sweat the small stuff! Things might not go exactly as planned and that’s okay. Be ready to roll with the punches.

☐ Capture Memories: Delegate photo/video capture to another adult attending the event to ensure you have memories to last a lifetime.

A party at Pump It Up gives you a team ready to handle your checklist from start to finish! From planning to execution, our team can help make it the best party on the planet! Many of the ideas we discussed above can be handled with ease by our party professionals! From an invitation system to fun games and activities, we can handle it all!

Find more information about our parties at www.pumpitupparty.com. For more information and ideas to plan your next event, visit www.pumpitupparty.com/blog.

Priorities for Your Little One

Amidst the planning and party prep, it’s easy to get caught up in the details. Remember, your baby’s comfort and happiness should be your top priority throughout the day. Schedule the party around your baby’s routine. This means planning nap times and feedings into the agenda to avoid meltdowns. Think about their usual wake-up time – morning parties can be a great way to get your guests home and settled early, leaving plenty of time for naps and quiet playtime afterward. Little ones have short attention spans, so a 1-2 hour party is perfectly adequate. Consider hosting the party at home to create a familiar and comfortable environment for your baby. This will help them feel relaxed and happy throughout the celebration, maximizing the smiles and giggles on their special day!

A Theme to End All Themes

Pinterest will surely be your best friend during the party planning process. First Birthdays historically have some of the cutest themes out there. Make sure to really lean into things your birthday kiddo enjoys to celebrate their unique personality. Many themes utilize ONE in a cute, fun way, such as Berry First Birthday, Wild ONE, One-der the Sea, My First Rodeo, First Trip around the Sun, One in a Melon, and more. With a little creativity, you can throw a bash that’s full of happy memories for your little one’s special day!

Agenda of Activities

The key to a successful bash is keeping the entertainment age-appropriate. For a littler crowd, active play is the way to go! A ball pit and a soft play area are timeless favorites that guarantee smiles and tired-out toddlers. A bubble machine and wands will have everyone giggling with delight! If your guest list has a wider age range, consider setting up a designated craft or coloring station for the older kids. The goal is to keep things simple, safe, and fun for everyone involved!

Food & Decor

Food is the highlight of all parties and little ones are no exception! Keep it easy with cut-up fruits, vegetables, cheese cubes, puffs, and Cheerios to keep their tummies full and happy during the party. Depending on your time of day, you can offer up appetizers, sandwiches, pizzas, or a brunch spread for your adults. Try to incorporate foods that parents can also safely share with their little ones, as well!

Embrace your inner DIY spirit and create decor that aligns with your theme. DIY a balloon arch and a painted sign on butcher paper to welcome your guests. You can often repurpose items you already have to make centerpieces or other decor or hit your local discount store for affordable supplies. All that matters is the memories you’ll make after all!

Your local Pump It Up is geared up and ready to host kiddos of all ages and can make your 1-year-old’s big bash the best day ever! Let the pros handle the set-up, clean-up, and everything in between. Get more information at www.pumpitupparty.com and find new ways to plan the best birthday ever at www.pumpitupparty.com/blog.

Memberships for Activities

Looking for a gift beyond the toy box? Consider giving a membership to your favorite kiddo! Zoos, aquariums, play centers, museums, and other public spaces often offer memberships that can be purchased monthly or annually. These memberships are the gifts that keep on giving, offering multiple visits and exciting experiences throughout the year. Most places with memberships will also have an educational component, making it a chance for kids to delve into their interests and learn while they have fun. These memberships create memories that will last long after the birthday has passed.

Subscription Boxes

Subscription boxes have exploded in popularity in recent years, and kids are in on the fun too! These boxes cater to a variety of interests, like STEM boxes that spark curiosity and exploration in science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on activities. Craft boxes provide all the supplies for a new creative project each month and can foster creativity and fine motor skills. And for the little bookworms out there, book boxes deliver a curated selection of high-quality books right to your doorstep, opening the door to a world of new stories and nurturing a lifelong love of reading.

Fostering Hobbies

Looking to nurture your child’s budding hobbies? The perfect birthday gift might be right under your nose – the tools they need to explore their passion further. Whether it’s new cleats to elevate their soccer game, a bat to hit home runs in baseball, or a starter camera to capture practice their photography skills, these gifts provide the perfect opportunity to fulfill their hobby dreams. Some other fun ideas include painting kits to unleash creativity, crochet or knitting supplies, gardening tools to create a dream garden, or even a telescope to explore the night sky. By gifting the tools for their hobbies, you’re not giving a present, you’re investing in their future exploration of hobbies.

A “Yes” Day

Create unforgettable memories with a birthday kiddo’s dream day! This “yes day” is all about celebrating them and making their wishes come true (within reason, of course!). Whether it’s a breakfast of champions followed by a movie marathon and ending with a shopping spree, or a mall adventure, library visit, and ice cream dinner, this special day is all about quality time and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Forget the toys – this gift is all about fun, connection, and celebrating your amazing kiddo!

Your local Pump It Up may have great options like gift certificates, punch cards, or annual passes to gift to the birthday kids in your life.* Or, make Pump It Up a stop on their “yes” day and bring them and a friend to play at an Open Play session. Explore more ideas and find tips to planning the best birthday party ever at www.pumpitupparty.com/blog

*Gift options will vary per Pump It Up location. Please find your local Pump It Up for offerings.

Garden Party

Get kids’ hands dirty with a Garden Party this summer! Let them unleash their creativity by painting and decorating their own plant pots. It’s okay to get messy – that’s part of the fun! Set up a potting station outdoors and provide everything they need. Fill the pots with soil and guide the kids through the planting process. Lean into the theme with a delicious dirt pudding dessert or buttercream flower cupcakes to satisfy all appetites. Send your little gardeners home with a personalized watering can and let them choose 2-3 seed packets to plant something new at home, creating a lasting memory of their garden party adventure!

Going-for-the-Gold Party

This summer will be filled with excitement at watching your favorite athletes compete in Paris in July! Plan a Go-For-The-Gold party for your active little one. Start with a craft station with markers, crayons, and construction paper to create their own team flags. Hand out noisemakers and create a torch from construction paper cones and tissue paper for the Birthday Kid to lead the party in an Opening Ceremony. Set up a series of obstacle courses and relay races for the guests to participate in. Build a podium out of boxes or furniture you may have on hand and give your guests each a custom medal to celebrate their successes during the Games!

Create-Your-Own Pizza Party

Pizza is the universal meal at every birthday party, so why not let your guests make their own? Outfit each of your little chefs in custom kids’ aprons to minimize messes. Pre-set a station with pizza bases, pre-chopped toppings in bowls, and a designated area for creating custom pies. Turn the kids loose and unleash their inner chefs! Let them create their own culinary masterpieces.
After the pizzas are served, save a few extra slices for a pizza relay race in the yard. The first team to finish with the pizza still on their plate takes the win! Send the kids home with their aprons and a chef’s hat, a tasty reminder of their pizza-making adventures.

Backyard Cinema Extravaganza

Cozy up under the stars with your birthday child’s favorite movie, snacks, and treats to celebrate with their friends! Build a cozy setup with blankets and pillows around the yard where all the kids can sprawl out and get comfortable. A few strings of fairy lights will set the mood, and bug spray will be necessary to keep the critters at bay. Set up a popcorn bar with all the candy and treats to make it really feel like you’re at the movies to see the newest blockbuster. Project a movie on a sheet or the side of your house while you relax under the stars for a birthday party you won’t forget!

Love these ideas but want to beat the summer heat instead of bask in it? Bring the party to us at Pump It Up! During your private party in the arenas, set up a sports-themed obstacle course for your partygoers. Ask your Party Professionals to help host a pizza-passing relay at the tables in your dedicated party room, or send your guests home with all the supplies to decorate your pots and grow your own flowers at home, or all the fixings to have a movie night at home! To find more ideas and the ultimate guide to the best birthday party ever, visit www.pumpitupparty.com/blog

Jamaica

Did you know that in Jamaica, they have a super fun birthday tradition called “antiquing.”? It’s where the guest of honor gets covered in flour, unexpectedly, of course! After the “antiquing” surprise, there’s usually either a planned or surprise party to celebrate the special day. Delicious Jamaican food and cake are served, and everyone sings a Jamaican version of “Happy Birthday” to the lucky person. And in Brazil, they take “antiquing” to the next level by throwing eggs! How hilarious is that?

Ireland

In Ireland, there are many fun traditions! One of them includes “bumping” the birthday child. There are a few variations of this. In one variation, an adult turns the child upside down and bumps their head very lightly on the floor. The number of bumps equals the age of the child, sometimes with an extra bump for good luck in the coming year. During the celebration, many friends and family members gather to enjoy delicious Irish dishes and treats. When someone turns 21, they are given the “key of the house,” which symbolizes their transition into adulthood and the freedom to come and go as they please.

Norway

Norwegians know how to throw a party. Birthdays are a big deal in Norway, and if a child’s birthday falls on a school day, they get to celebrate in class! It’s a time for food, dance, music, and all sorts of fun. Seafood, fresh fruit, and sweet treats are just some of the yummy treats you’ll find at a Norwegian birthday bash. And let’s not forget the cake — it’s usually either chocolate or vanilla or a delicious fruit-and-cream creation. When Norwegians turn 18, it’s a really big deal, marking the transition into adulthood. And the best part? Everyone gets to sing the Norwegian birthday song, “Hurra for Deg“!

Canada

When a child celebrates their special day in provinces like Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland, their nose gets greased for good luck! Yes, you heard it right! The birthday child’s nose is greased to make them too slippery for bad luck to catch them. This awesome tradition is believed to have originated in Scotland and was brought over to Eastern Canada.

It’s never too late to adopt birthday traditions in your own family.! Your child can grow, have their own children, and pass on a tradition that you started this year. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? For more awesome birthday ideas, check out www.pumpitupparty.com/blog/.

Picture Perfect Backdrop

Nowadays everyone wants that picture-perfect moment. The best way to help your guests capture that moment is to have an Instagram-worthy backdrop! Backdrops can be made from tons of different decor but a popular option is birthday balloons. You can use various sizes of balloons that fit your color scheme to create a great backdrop for photos and fill the room with birthday pizazz. Adding streamers in the middle or overhead can add to the look. Another way to use balloons is by creating a beautiful balloon arch. These aren’t as simple as your other DIY projects but guests will love it and it adds a touch of elegance to any room.

Not loving the balloon ideas, try creating garland out of different materials. Tassels can easily be tied to a string to create colorful garland. Paper fans are another great option for hanging vibrant colors around the room. Does your kiddo love sweet treats? Get creative and make a garland out of ice cream cones and cupcake liners! Maybe a paper chain creation fits your party better. This backdrop can be made just out of your birthday kid’s favorite colored paper. Check out the paper chain design here. There are so many DIY backdrops for parties to choose from.

Easy Centerpieces

DIY centerpieces are some of the most fun decorations to make for your child’s birthday party and can be made to fit all kinds of party themes. This is because you can really personalize them and they often can be made for a very low cost. If you want something already made but for a low price, flowers are a nice traditional centerpiece option. Keep in mind you can use fake or real flowers but real ones will cost you extra. Paper lanterns are another centerpiece that you can buy at your local craft store already made or you can make them yourself if you have time. Lastly, one of the best DIY products is a mason jar. You can buy different sized mason jars to fill with candy, candles, or confetti and have several cute pieces to put around the room.

Cake Decorations

Everyone loves a good birthday cake, but it can also be hard to make and decorate the cake on your own. Once you find a recipe to follow, you can then start thinking about the cake decorations. One thing you should consider is DIY cake toppers. You can make these out of printed photos of your birthday king/queen’s favorite memories and place those photos on clothespins to set on top. You can also create your own candle topper! Check out this site to see how to make a candle topper to match any party theme.

Besides the top of the cake, you have to worry about the bottom! What’s the cake going to stand on? There are plenty of glass or plastic cake stands at your local bakery or craft store that you can paint your child’s favorite color or even spray paint with glitter. If you don’t have time to worry about creating your own decorations, try adding some personal touches to store-bought candles. You can add rhinestones to any candle quickly and they will steal the show. See this blog for more cake decorating tips.

Elevate Balloons

Like we mentioned before, there are lots of party decorations but balloons are always a classic, affordable and fun option. But why not take those ordinary balloons and elevate them? You can buy white balloons and fill them with confetti to have tons of colors floating around. Take some streamers and use them in place of plain string for a fun twist. Are you looking for an activity to do while guests are at the party? Have the kids paint their own balloons and supply tissue paper for them to decorate them with. Maybe your birthday kid wants to shine bright and create glitter balloons. These are definitely a messier DIY party decoration but are worth it. All you need is some classroom glue and different colored glitter. You can create designs using the glue as a type of paint or cover a large part of the balloon with the glue and dip it down into the glitter.

All of these DIY birthday party decoration ideas vary in amount of effort, time, and budget, making it easy for you to choose what fits your venue and party theme best. For more awesome birthday ideas check out www.pumpitupparty.com/blog/.

Go Nuts for Donuts!

Although most of us think of cake when we think of a birthday treat, there are plenty of other sweets that can make for a fun and yummy party, like donuts! You can have a donut themed birthday party from top to bottom, starting with the invites. There are various options for invitations that have donuts on them or even shaped like one, that can be found online or possibly in your local party store. For decorations, you can create a donut wall, blow up donut balloons, and have tablecloths to match.

For food, you can still stick to the theme without only serving the sweet pastry. Try thinking of your kid’s favorite food and see if there’s a way to shape it as a donut. If that’s too difficult, go with other round food to match the shape, such as pizza, meatballs or sushi. As for dessert, you can make small donut towers to place around the party venue or one giant donut “cake” that makes for a great centerpiece.

Ice Cream Social

Another great idea for a birthday boy or girl with a sweet tooth is an ice cream themed birthday party. This theme allows for a lot of DIY for your guests and allows for a fun activity- ice cream sundae table! Go ahead and place all types of toppings and ice cream flavors on one table and have everyone concoct their own creation. For more substantial food, incorporate the theme by placing food in ice cream parlor shaped dishes or ice cream cones.

You can go retro for this decor and place “old-school” parlor signs out front and make up fun sundae menus with all the toppings and flavors available. You can also create a fun and easy backdrop for photos, with some poster board cut in the shape of an ice cream cone and some balloons.

Trip to the Carnival

The carnival has great rides and games but I think we all know the best part of the carnival is…the food! This theme is great if you want to provide lots of options for an affordable price. Corn dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and pretzels can be bought in large quantities for low prices and are carnival themed birthday party staples. Feeling adventurous? You can go all out for this party and try making some deep-fried carnival classics like deep-fried Oreos or funnel cakes.

This theme also has plenty of options when it comes to decorations. White and red banners throughout the venue or your home will add to the theme and provide easy set-up and clean-up. Some other fun items that you can make yourself or buy are: classic popcorn boxes, tent-shaped centerpieces, colorful signs, etc. And of course, don’t forget to include some classic games like ring toss and duck pond.

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Candy Crazy

A candy-themed birthday party is another idea that is great for DIY parents on a budget. You can find all types of candy from chocolates, lollipops to gumballs in large batches for relatively low prices at your local candy or party store. These places provide various options in several colors so you can pick your favorite. Plus the food can also be the decor! Buy some clear mason jars and fill them up with all the different sweets to create cute table pieces or a “candy bar”.

Another fun way to include your theme throughout the party space is by creating life-size candy. All you need is some balloons and saran wrap to amaze your guests with large candy lookalikes. Gumball machines or pool noodle candy canes can also be made to make your party a real-life candy land. Want more ideas? Check this site out for invites, decor, and more all inspired by candy.

Fast Food

Everyone loves a home-cooked meal, but sometimes nothing beats a burger and fries from your favorite fast-food restaurant. If your kiddo loves these quick and easy meals, a fast food-themed birthday party is perfect for your family. This theme can be done by either picking common fast food items like burgers, fries, tacos, etc. or by choosing your birthday boy/girl’s favorite fast-food restaurant. If you choose to go the restaurant route, just make sure to check that they provide catering options.

For the decor, this theme is another one that lends itself to DIY projects. You can create hot dog and burger signs out of poster boards or make your own fast food restaurant logo to place on the buffet table. If you are looking for more store-bought ideas, try finding food-shaped balloons or even ordering a cake that looks like a burger! That dessert will for sure be a great photo op and centerpiece.

From sweet to savory, your food-themed birthday party will be a hit with your family and friends. For more inspiration and birthday ideas, visit www.pumpitupparty.com.

Start off Right

One of the most common mistakes beginner bakers make is decorating while the cake is still hot and fresh out of the oven. Doing this will cause the frosting to melt right off creating a sticky and runny mess. Try freezing the cake to avoid this mishap! Once cooled, go ahead and place the cake in the freezer until you are ready to decorate. This technique not only ensures the icing stays on but can also be a real-time saver. You may have some extra time during the week to bake the cake but are worried about it still tasting fresh on the day of the party…don’t be! Cakes can be frozen for up to a week and still taste fresh. By doing this, you used your extra time wisely and still have a tasty cake to decorate the day of or before the party.

Decorating Tools

A baker is only as good as their tools, so let’s go through some essential cake decorating tools. First, a turntable makes frosting your cake much easier and cleaner. Place the cake on top and slowly turn the table to evenly spread the frosting on all sides of the pastry. For the frosting itself, we recommend frosting bags. These can be made right at home for much less than the store-bought alternatives. All you need are quarter or gallon-sized storage bags, depending on the amount of frosting you are using, and a scissor. To see exact instructions or more cake decorating tips and tricks, check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGkbUR61cpc.

Lastly, piping tools are useful baking gadgets that will help you ice your cake with different styles and techniques. Piping tips have different designs that can be placed in your frosting bag. Your local grocery store will have various ones to choose from or you can often find them in cake decorating kits at craft stores.

Level and Crumble

When you are trying to make your own birthday cake, the hardest part is getting the fondant or icing to look nice and smooth like it does at professional bakeries. To help you achieve this, try the level and crumble coat method. The crumble coat acts as a layer of “glue” to seal in moisture and provide an even surface. To start, spread a thin layer over the cake, thin enough that you can still see through to the cake, and smooth it over the best you can. Then let that thin layer dry. Once it dries, continue icing the cake as you normally would. The crumble layer stops any crumbs from getting into the final icing and decorations and lets you glide the frosting across. To note- this tip is especially helpful for those looking to freeze their cake before decorating.

Frosting

Making your own frosting may sound difficult but it’s actually pretty simple! Look through some of your cookbooks or look up some recipes online to find which one you think would look and taste best. The easiest way to go is buttercream frosting- easy to make and a favorite for most people. Some other frosting tips include: starting at the top and working your way down to the sides and using a palette knife to smooth the final layer.

Piping Techniques

Practice makes perfect when it comes to cake piping techniques. As a beginner, you may want to practice on a piece of wax paper before placing it onto your pastry. This way you can get a sense of how much and how fast the icing comes out of the bag before you accidentally spill half all over your cake! This tip also helps you see which designs you like best.

As we mentioned before, you can also find plenty of helpful cake decorating videos online that will show you all types of different piping techniques and much more.

Easy Decorations

The main show of your birthday cake is the frosting so when it comes to cake toppers and other decorations, it’s best to keep it simple. Piping tips will help you create beautiful edges or patterns across the cake. Use other items, like sprinkles, kids’ birthday cake toppers, big number candles, party candles, etc., to enhance your cake with minimal effort.

Marshmallow Fondant

Did you decide to use fondant instead of icing to cover your birthday cake? Our last tip is for you! If you run out of fondant or can’t seem to make it lay flat on the cake, don’t panic. You can make your own pastry fondant with only a few common ingredients- marshmallows, powdered sugar, and water. You can add to the dough you already have to make more or add to premade fondant to make an easier texture for you to place on the cake.

There are plenty of kids birthday cake decorating ideas to choose from when making your own cake, just make sure to follow the recipe exactly and use these tips to make decorating fun and successful. For more birthday party ideas or tips check out www.pumpitupparty.com.

Choose a Race Car Theme

There are so many different choices when it comes to a race car themed birthday party. From Indy 500 to vintage classics to Fast and Furious, your birthday boy or girl can pick from all types of fast cars. Some other themes to consider: NASCAR, modern cars, Hot Wheels or even your child’s favorite car model! If you aren’t sure which theme you should choose, consider your child’s age. If they are turning one, a cute idea is to theme the party their “First Race” and have NASCAR decorations. Or maybe they are four and you want to do a “Four and Fast” theme. This theme allows you to incorporate all types of fast cars, new or classic.

Invitations

Invitations are the first presentation of your party’s theme to your guests…so make it memorable! Of course, you will need to include all the necessary details on the invitations, but you can also have some fun with it and use racing or birthday puns to make your guests smile. Try using the puns from above or create your own.

Also, if you are crunched for time, go ahead and check out your local party supplies store for race car themed invitations. They may allow for much personalization, but still get the job done for a reasonable price.

Speedy Decorations

Race car themed birthday party decorations can be a fun DIY project or found in stores depending on your family’s timeline and budget. As always, consider your child’s age, likes/dislikes, hobbies, the season and your venue, when planning for decor. If you are having the party at your private home, you have all the flexibility you need when it comes to hanging ribbons and banners, or having larger pieces throughout the space. If you rented a party venue, just make sure to ask the employees what you are allowed to bring in and what they already provide to you.

Need a simple option? Amazon has some great bundle packages for you to choose from that are race car themed. Check them out here! If you decide to go the DIY route, flags and cones are easy to make and don’t require much. If you want something more advanced, there are printable templates you can find online.

Refueling Station

Nothing makes kiddos and guests hungry like a big race! Your food and treats should also fit the racing theme and decorations. Consider what time of day your guests will be eating and also if the food is going to be only eaten by kids or if the adults are snacking too. If you only have the little ones to worry about, you can’t go wrong with “racing fuel” or juice boxes, brownie “stoplights” or dipstick pretzels. They are fun to eat and fit your theme. If you have older guests, have some heftier options and of course, ensure you have options for anyone that may have dietary restrictions.

And what would a racing themed birthday party be without its race car themed cake! There are some amazing cake shops that can make almost any car or racetrack come to life, but they can be spendy. An alternative option to this is baking your own cake. You can use a race car themed cake pan and decorate however you or the birthday boy or girl would like. Don’t want to bake a whole cake? Try buying store-bought cupcakes and finding race car themed toppers to personalize them.

Racing Activities

Besides food, the party activities are often what people enjoy and talk about the most. For this type of theme, you can either go really big or simple, depending on budget, venue and how long the party is going to last. If you are renting out an area, they most likely will provide you with different types of activities for various ages and price points. If you are having the party at home, you can get creative. Some fun games to play that fit your theme are relays, balloon races, sack races and red light green light. Most of these physical games can be played indoors if you have a large open space, but if the weather permits, take the party outside!

For activities that don’t involve too much running around, try looking up fun crafts for the kids to do or set up a racing game on the TV- Mario Kart is always a hit.

Race Car Themed Party Favors

After a full day of fun, leave your guests with a little something to remember this fast and furious day. Like the decor, party favors can be found at your local store or made at home. If you have a ton of people coming to the party, buying the favors in large packs may be the best way to go price and timing-wise. Plus, putting a few quality items together in a bag takes a lot less effort than making individual pieces for everyone. The best option may be to include both! Buy a few pullback cars and checkered flag tattoos and add your own “nuts and bolts” snack, a.k.a homemade trail mix, to the bag.

No matter who your little racer is cheering for or what they are wanting to drive, they will love this race car themed birthday party full of speed, snacks and photo-finishes. Have you held your own race lately? Send us pictures of you and the birthday boy or girl enjoying their fun-filled day. For more birthday theme ideas, visit www.pumpitupparty.com.