Brown Bear, Brown Bear Birthday Party

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.

I was up all night getting these cakepops ready for the party!

I painted a piece of paper to match the Eric Carle theme and used my Silhouette to cut the 1 out.

I added a couple of other Eric Carle books to the table.

I had my oldest son paint the background for the Blakey Bear frame.

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.

The kids really enjoyed their cakepops. I think they each had a couple (I ate a few myself)!

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!!

What a cute idea for a table display (love the polka dot cups)!

I love the look of the gumballs! The kids really enjoyed them as well. I think they were sneaking them throughout the party.

I really enjoy adding touches of polka dots throughout my parties. This ribbon is by far my favorite touch.

By adding some ribbon and stickers I found in the coloring books, really made these look great. Plus all the colorful goodies inside!

I added some washi tape around the bottled waters. What a great idea (and so simple).

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 :)

You can't go wrong with a crafting table at your party!

What great printables!

Baby food jars are a great way to hold crayons for parties.

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.

I had alot of fun making these bithday banners. I found the bear ribbon at JoAnn's and knew it would be perfect.

I'm really proud how these turned out. We all did a great job!

They look great on my Art Wall. I don't want to take them down.

This is one of my favorite crafts I've done with the boys. I had to add it to my craft wall. I don't think I'll ever take it down.

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.