Planning a kid’s birthday party can be stressful. Not to mention, how expensive over-the-top themed parties can get and how much garbage they can create. Here’s some innovative ways to keep the fun count super high and the litter count at absolute zero:
Go Bandanas!
Instead of paper napkins, set out bandana napkins which can later double as a take-home gifts. You can also hot glue a bunch of bandanas together to create a table runner or a tablecloth. These days balloons and single-use decor are not environmentally friendly. To make reusable decorations, tie bandanas together to create a streamer-like effect.
Go Bananas!
If you’re hosting a party where the main activity is jumping on the trampoline and running around playing hide and seek, fuel the kids up with banana smoothies. They’re super easy to whip up and are a great alternative to sugary drinks. Serve them in reusable plastic cups and skip the straw!
Get Fruity!
Yes, juice boxes are amazingly convenient, and yet so incredibly wasteful. For something even more fun, go for a punch bowl, which does double duty: drink stand and great centerpiece. Fill it with homemade lemonade, fruit punch, or ice cold water. Decorate with fruit and edible flower infused ice cubes. Serve in reusable plastic, stainless steel or enamel cups.
Go Foodie!
Eating a sit down meal is one of the last things kids want to do at a party. Instead, think finger foods! Put out lots of colourful fruit and veggies – skip the dips. Carrot, celery and pepper sticks, cherry tomatoes, grapes and berries are always fan favourites. Keep the main meal super simple; for example, mini sliders, hot dogs or pizza slices. Take note that most kids don’t actually like big slabs of cake, so you can instead go for mini cupcakes or cookies.
Get Groovy!
Older kids like the challenge of scavenger hunts, geocaching or an activity that doubles as a take-home gift. Making tie dye t-shirts is always a party favourite for boys and girls alike. Depending on your budget, you can tie dye hoodies, towels or something as simple as socks.
Get Booked!
One of the latest low / no gift trends includes asking each guest to bring an unwrapped book. At the end of the party, each child gets to pick a book. This activity cuts down on wrapping paper, bows and ribbons, and the excessive plastic packaging that many toys are strapped into. Plus, now you’ve also got a great green alternative to loot bags!
Photo by Markus Spiske
