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Planes, Trains, & Automobiles Birthday Party

A couple of months ago I was asked by HGTV.com to share some DIY ideas for kid’s birthday party favors and decor.  I was thrilled to be part of the feature for their site and decided I would put together something very simple for the beginner party planning mom.
  • My theme was Planes, Trains, and Automobiles inspired by the classic wooden toys I found in the $1 isle of Target. 
  • The train made a great centerpiece to hold a personalized birthday banner, and the airplanes were hung from above to create a “mobile” over the table.
  • Coordinating scrapbook paper with monogram stickers were wrapped around juice boxes and will remind the kid’s which drink is theirs.  Traffic signs found online were simply printed and cut out to make cupcake toppers.  I know we are so familiar with party printables, but I wanted to show how you could decorate a party if you are not familiar with them. 
  • Finally, a different vehicle was placed at each place setting and makes a great take-home favor.
  • Speaking of favors, I put together small take-out boxes filled with play dough, an easy themed activity book, another vehicle, and cotton candy “clouds.”  The ‘clouds’ tag and birthday banner were both created in Picnik – super easy!
You can see this children’s party featured on the HGTV website, in a gallery alongside some other pretty amazing party gal’s designs.
Just goes to show you can create a cute party without spending a fortune, or hiring a planner (but shhhhh, that’s just between you and me).
 

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sunny says

    Hi, just a quick question on where you found the white cotton candy.
    Thanks,
    Sunny

    • Chris says

      Hi Sunny, I found it at Dollar Tree, but it’s one of those items that’s sometimes there and sometimes not.

  2. Petit Artiste, Beatriz Azevedo says

    Chris. This caught my attention because next July will be my boy
    4th birthday and once again he wants a Thomas and friends themed party (as the one he had when he turned 2!). I guess I'll be using some of the ideas here. Thank you.

  5. Kori Clark says

    So Sweet and I love how it shows that a party with out all of the fuss can still be amazing!!

  6. Kate @ Love and Kate says

    Oh my goodness — this is super cute! LOVE the theme and everything you did! Awesome.

  7. Amanda Parker at Shindig says

    Cute- Cute! Love a simple and inexpensive but creative party, and this one fits the bill. Love those cupcake topper signs and the juice boxes, too.

  9. Natasha @ Fête Fanatic says

    LOL! Love that comment at the end. SHHH!! Lol! This theme is too cute! Congrats on your HGTV feature.. can't stop you!!

  13. Katy says

    Wow, thanks for sharing! This is the theme I plan to do for my son's 2nd bday party next Fall and its soo nice to see your ideas!

  15. Bird says

    LOL!! Shhh indeed! 😀

    LOVE it!! Shows you don't need a huge budget to throw a stylish party that the kids will love too!

    Way to go party fairy!