Whenever I throw my kids’ birthday parties, I like to set up a craft station so they can enjoy themselves and take something home. It adds an extra layer of fun and creativity to the event, and the kids always seem to love it.
Piper recently turned six, and we threw her a simple backyard party with a bounce house, pizza, cupcakes, and otter pops! The kids had a blast jumping around and indulging in treats, but I was stuck on what to do for a craft for her party. Last year, we painted seashells, and for Rowan’s 2nd birthday, the kids decorated mini wooden cars (I wrote about it here). So, I needed something new and exciting for Piper’s big day.
One day, while scrolling TikTok, I stumbled on a video of a mom putting together an Easy DIY Stoney Clover Lane craft party. In the video, the girls could decorate a cosmetic bag or a fanny pack for their own Stoney Clover dupe bag. It looked like so much fun and an excellent way for the kids to express their creativity.
I wasn’t about to spend $15+ on bags for each girl to decorate, but I thought I could make the idea more age-appropriate and budget-friendly. I also wanted to fit the activity into my daughter’s personality; she loves notebooks and arts and crafts.
Long story short, I put together a craft station for her party so the girls could decorate kraft notebooks and small canvas bags. Here’s how I did it:
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1. Planning the Craft Station
First, I made a list of all the supplies I would need:
- Kraft notebooks
- Small canvas bags
- Fabric Markers
- Washable Markers
- Adhesive Patches
- Stickers (lots of them!)
- Glitter glue
- Decorative washi tape
I ordered most of the supplies on Amazon, taking advantage of deals and coupons. This helped keep the costs down while ensuring we had plenty of materials for all the kids.
2. Setting Up the Craft Station
On the day of the party, I set up a long table in a shaded area of the backyard. I laid out all the supplies in organized sections, making it easy for the kids to find what they needed on the table and a rolling cart. Each child got their own kraft notebook and canvas bag to decorate. This is a great way to keep them engaged and let their creativity shine during the birthday celebration.
I also made sure to have a few examples on display to inspire the kids and give them ideas on how to use the different materials. Having bright colors and fun designs on the examples helped get the kids excited about their own projects.
3. Craft Time Fun
Once the kids finished bouncing around in the bounce house, they eagerly gathered at the craft station. It was beautiful to see their faces light up with excitement as they picked out stickers and markers. Some kids spent a long time meticulously decorating their notebooks, while others enjoyed adding fun designs to their canvas bags.
The craft station turned out to be a huge hit. It entertained the kids for a good chunk of the party, and they were all so proud of their creations. Plus, it was an excellent way for them to take a piece of the party home with them.
Craft activities like this can be an excellent idea for keeping young guests engaged and happy. Whether you’re hosting an outdoor celebration or an indoor party in your living room or dining room, a craft station can easily be adapted to fit the space and the party theme. It’s also a perfect way to add a personal touch to the party favors.
4. Tips for a Successful Craft Station
- Keep it simple: Choose a few core supplies and avoid too many options to prevent overwhelming the kids. Essential items like markers, stickers, and glue can go a long way.
- Organize the materials: Group similar items together and make sure everything is easily accessible. This helps the party guests find what they need quickly.
- Provide examples: Show a few completed crafts to spark the kids’ creativity. Having examples on display can give them ideas and help them get started.
- Supervise: Have a couple of adults or older kids available to help out and keep things running smoothly. This ensures that everyone is having fun and staying safe.
Additional Party Activities
In addition to the craft station, plenty of other fun activities can make a child’s birthday party memorable. Here are a few more birthday party ideas to consider:
- Scavenger Hunt: A scavenger hunt can be a great way to get the kids moving and exploring. You can tailor the clues and items to the party theme, making it an interactive and exciting game for the kids.
- Bounce House: My daughter requested a Hello Kitty Bounce House this year and she loved it!
- Friendship Bracelets: Provide materials for making friendship bracelets. Kids can take this excellent craft activity home as a keepsake. It’s a fun way for them to create something personal and memorable.
- Treasure Hunt: Similar to a scavenger hunt, a treasure hunt involves finding hidden items based on clues. You can hide small toys or treats around the party area for the kids to discover.
- Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with props and a fun backdrop. This is a great way to capture memories of the special day. Kids love dressing up and posing for pictures, and it’s a fun addition to the party.
- Musical Chairs: This classic game is always a hit at birthday parties. It’s a great way to get the kids laughing and having fun together.
- Face Painting: Hire a face painter or set up a DIY face painting station. This is a creative way for kids to express themselves and add a bit of flair to the party.
Choosing the Perfect Party Venue
The venue can make a big difference when planning a child’s birthday party. Here are some options to consider:
- Local Park: A nearby park is an excellent place for an outdoor party. It provides plenty of space for games and activities, and kids can run around freely. Plus, it’s often a free activity or has a minimal rental cost.
- Indoor Playground: An indoor playground can be a perfect birthday party venue if the weather isn’t cooperating. Kids can enjoy various play structures and games in a safe, enclosed environment.
- Private Party Room: Many restaurants and entertainment centers offer private party rooms. This can be a convenient option, as they often provide food and entertainment packages, making it easier for the party host.
- Interactive Children’s Museum: A museum with hands-on exhibits and activities can be a great place for a birthday party. It combines fun with learning and offers plenty of interactive experiences for the kids.
- Play Street Museum: Similar to an interactive children’s museum, a play street museum offers various themed play areas where kids can explore and use their imaginations.
- Private Parties at Home: Hosting a party at home can be a great way to create a personalized and intimate celebration. Depending on the weather and space available, you can set up different activities in various rooms or in your backyard.
- Indoor Venues: Other indoor venues, like community centers or rental halls, can be great options for hosting larger parties. These spaces can be decorated to fit any specific theme and provide plenty of room for different activities.
Additional Party Planning Tips
- Colorful Invitations: Send out colorful invitations that match the party theme. This sets the tone for the party and gets the kids excited about the event.
- Food Table: Set up a table with snacks and treats that fit the theme. This could include themed cupcakes, cookies, and other goodies.
- Birthday Banner: Create a birthday banner to hang in the party area. This adds a festive touch and makes the guest of honor feel special.
- Goody Bags: Prepare goody bags for the kids to take home. Fill them with small toys, candies, and craft supplies related to the party theme.
- Movie Night: Consider hosting a movie night as part of the party. Set up a screen and projector in your backyard or living room, and let the kids watch their favorite movie together.
- Special Events: Incorporate special events or activities into the party, such as a magic show, puppet show, or petting zoo. These can add an extra element of excitement to the celebration.
- Pool Party: If you can access a pool, a pool party can be a fun and refreshing celebration. Make sure to have plenty of pool toys and floaties for the kids to enjoy.
- Art Party: An art party can be a great way for the kids to explore their creativity. Set up various art stations with different materials, such as paints, clay, and collage supplies.
Conclusion
Craft stations are a fantastic addition to any kids’ birthday party. They’re fun and engaging and allow children to express their creativity. Piper’s 6th birthday party was a huge success, and the craft station was a big part of that. I hope this inspires you to set up your own DIY kids’ craft party for your next celebration!
Do you have any favorite craft ideas for kids’ parties? Share them in the comments below!
