Tater turned 3.
I feel like I just typed up her Lets Have A Ball 2nd birthday party post, and now she’s three. To say that "It Goes By So Fast" is like saying a ghost chili is "kind of spicy." I want her to stop growing up so fast, but I love this amazing tiny person she’s turning into.
All she wanted for her birthday was a Mickey Mouse party, save the Princesses for someone else, it’s all about the Mouse for this kid. For the past two years I’ve been making Candy Buffets, which are adorable, but let’s be honest, there are some issues. First: there is always leftover candy and that is no bueno when it comes to my lack of self-control. Second, they are always more expensive than I think. To buy enough candy to fill the cute jars, not to mention getting the coordinating colors you want, it can be up $100 (p.s. that’s too much to spend on candy for a kids party).
Also, most parents don’t get super excited about their kids leaving a party with a gigantic bag of kiddie crack. The favor bar worked out much better, it was cheaper, parents where happier and the leftovers haven’t cause me to gain even an ounce.
Here’s a list of what I bought:
For the banner I used this Red Polka Dot Banner from Oriental Trading for $3, then printed PRIZE BAR (using the free Mickey Ears font) on a regular printer, just glued the letters on using a glue stick. I downloaded FREE Mickey Mouse fonts to use for all the signs and the invitations. I also bought Mickey Party Hats and Minnie Ears (both of these are also available at Party City).
I bought small 1 ounce bubbles (about this size) really cheap. Because I was going to pull the labels off I bought the Class of 2012 bubbles on sale at a local party store.
I made these labels and glued them on with glue stick (I’ve posted the label below without my kids name, but I put her name on one side of the Mickey and is 3! on the other using the free Walter font.
For a printable PDF file, click here: bubbles printable
I also bought 24 small crayon packs for $5.25, because every mom can use some purse crayons. I also bought small Mickey coloring books at Party City for 30 cents each, Tater loves those so the leftovers are great for road trips and hanging at restaurants. I had Mickey Mouse temporary tattoos as well as stickers, that the kids seemed to love. I had some candy, but not a lot. I like the fake M&M’s from Simple Truth (sold at Ralph’s, QFC, Pay Less) because they don’t have any artificial food dyes.
For the bags I used these mini popcorn boxes ($6), hot glued on some yellow ribbon and buttons I had on hand to make really cute Mickey Britches Boxes.
All together, the favor bar cost about $32 for 22 kids (about $1.45 per kid) and the kids were able to pick out what they wanted. I had leftovers, but nothing that won’t get used at some point!
I also made the Easiest Mickey Cupcakes Ever, which require zero decorating skills. Not part of the favor bar, but part of the Mickey Party Extravaganza.
All you need is chocolate mini muffins (mini cupcakes), red frosting, plus 1 large dark chocolate candy melt, and two chocolate chips (per mini cupcake). Just make sure to press the pointed side down, and you are set. Cute and super simple.