The party theme for first and second birthday parties are usually completely up to the parent. You don’t have to cater to cartoon characters quite yet if you don’t want to, and there’s no begging to have the party at one of those places with an animatronic mouse, bad pizza and deafening amounts of noise. So with all the options open, what do you pick? Personally, I’m a huge huge fan of parties based on books. It encourages little minds to read (the same book over and over and over), and book details give so many options for party inspiration.
Fairy tales are great fodder for party themes. The Three Bears, The Frog Prince, Rapunzel, Three Little Pigs, Hansel and Gretel and The Princess and the Pea are all full of magic that can easily be brought to a party atmosphere with a few clever story-related items.
There are so many books that are infant and toddler staples—Pat the Bunny and Goodnight Moon come to mind immediately. I have well-worn copies of both as proof! Paper socks and mittens hung over the fireplace like bunting and a moon, cows and stars hung for decor would be so easy and so perfect to carry through the theme.
Photo Courtesy of Hostess with the Mostess
Books are also great themes for older kids. My daughter was crazy over Pinkalicious and Fancy Nancy when she was younger. These books make for great, easy parties as they only require everything be pink or be “fancy.”
Photo Courtesy of Mon Tresor
There are plenty of great books for boys as well. One of my internet favorites is the garbage party based on the book I Stink by Kate and Jim McMullan.
Photo Courtesy of Southern Belle’s Charm
Any book is great for a children’s party theme, so get to your local bookstore or library and be inspired!
Comments
Melisa_PN
I knew I should have done “Good Night Moon” for my son’s first birthday. Regret it a bit now.
dandelion
This just gave me an idea for my daughter’s next birthday party. Would love to try this storybook theme. No, it’s not going to be the somewhat overused Alice in Wonderland theme.
Zen
I’m now thinking of Fancy Nancy! It’s my little girl’s fave book!
Tasha Cune
Storybook parties sound great. My kids have their own favorite stories. I just hope the other kids are familiar with these stories, too. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be fun if only my kids can relate to the theme.
Antoinette
Where can I find the pinkalicious brithday banner