My youngest son just turned one and we celebrated by having a Brown Bear, Brown Bear party. I’m a huge fan of the Eric Carle books.
We had a Very Hungry Caterpillar party for my middle son’s first birthday last year.
This was a great party to plan for. I really wanted to make everything myself and refrain from buying stuff online or from Etsy. Don’t get me wrong, they are great places to get your party supplies from. But I personally love the challenge of making everything myself, AND on a budget!!
…I personally love the challenge of making everything myself, AND on a budget!!
Display Table
I always want the display table to be my main focus of the party. When people walk in, I want them to be “wowed” by it. I really spent a lot of time (a couple months) planning for this party.
Once I picked out my backdrop, it made setting up my display table a lot easier.
That’s where I usually start with all my parties, picking out the backdrop. This backdrop is made from wrapping paper I found at TJMaxx. I lined the sides with brown ribbon.
Cake Pops
I loved the idea of making cake pops to match all the animals in the book. I used colored chocolate I got from Michaels. Wal-Mart, JoAnns and most crafts stores sell it as well.
I found all these frames at Ikea for $1.00 (total bargain) and used my Silhouette Cameo to cut out the names of each animal with vinyl.
I found print outs of all the animals in the book at Pandabump. I cut each one out, and layered it on cardstock. I used my “Handy Dandy” Creative Memories trimmer to make the fancy edges.
I displayed all my cake pops on styrofoam squares I got from the Dollar Tree. I covered each one in white wrapping paper and trimmed it with ribbon. I used my “Trusty” X-Acto knife and made 4 holes at the top to slip each cake pop stick in to.
Snack Table
I found the idea for the goldfish on Hostess with the Mostess and had to make one for my party. I just LOVED the idea and it was super cute!!
While browsing Michaels on one of my many weekly trips, I came across some Eric Carle coloring books and sticker books. I loved the idea of using the stickers for the party.
I did something similar with my oldest son’s superhero party with the cupcake toppers.
Crafting and Reading Time
As for all my parties, I had to have a craft table (because I LOVE crafting)!! I think crafts make the party more memorable :)
I went on the Eric Carle website and found all these great printables. If you know me, you know I LOVE some free printables. PLUS, I was able to cut out some of the animals from the printables and use them for my banners!!
Before I had the kids color their pages, I read the Brown Bear, Brown Bear book to them. I really think they all enjoyed it. I know it’s hard for a bunch of 4 and unders to sit still, but I think they did a great job.
Party Favors
With this party, it was really hard for me to think of what favors to give everyone. I didn’t want to spend a lot, but I wanted everyone to go home with something nice.
I was walking through Michaels, and saw these sand buckets on sale for $1.00. Plus, they had a coupon going on 25% off your entire purchase including sale items!
The best part…they had a bucket in every color, except white. I used my Silhouette to add the animals and names on the front. I added some crayons, chalk and more of the printables.
Birthday Banners and Art Wall
I really found my Silhouette was a big help with this party. I used it to make these birthday banners. This was another craft I made using the stickers I found. I cut out the bears from the printables.
The crafts of all the animals were a family project. My hubby came up with the idea. I had my son paint all the colors of the animals. Then my hubby drew out each animal, I know what a crafty guy!
Then, I used my X-Acto knife and cut out each of the animals. I marked the spots where my son needed to added more colors like on the bird and duck (I will have a tutorial up soon explaining the craft a little better).
My Little Bear on His Big Day!!
My little bear had such a great time at his party. He had all his little buddies there. One of the main reasons I did a brown bear party is because we call all our kids little bears.
We’re the bear family to all our friends. My oldest son’s first birthday was a bear theme as well.
This was such a fun party to make. I hope I gave everyone some great inspiration for their next party.
Check out my Pinterest page for some more great Brown Bear parties that I’ve pinned. Make sure to follow me to get more of my parties I’ve done and pinned!!
Love, Courtney