Autumn is here, kids in full-swing back at school, and for most of us we're deep in juggle mode - cooking meals, drop offs, pick ups, friend dates, birthday parties, after school activities, shopping, the list goes on. The last thing that we're remembering to prep for is the upcoming midterm birthday, or how we’re supposed to entertain kids on the weekend once the sports season is over, or even worse, what happens when the dreaded flu hits and takes out the entire family.
But what if we told you that taking five minutes of your day now could solve all the above problems before they become overwhelmingly stressful?
The answer we all need is a toy-themed party!
Simple, engaging, and able to be tailored to any occasion, toy-themed parties will be your next go-to for entertainment. Do the activities with your own family when you need a day in, or go all out and follow the guide below to host the next birthday party of the year. And the best part? Just switch out the toys as your kids grow, and you can milk the idea for all its worth. Lego party one year, Barbie party another, the options are endless!
So, how do you plan a toy-themed party?
1. Set the Scene: Toy-Themed Party Decorations
- Toy-Inspired Decor
The first step is to create a playful atmosphere with toy-themed decorations. Some ideas include colourful balloons, toy car centrepieces, and teddy bear posters. If you have a specific toy theme for the party, how about going all out with matching cups and plates in a coordinating colour scheme?
- DIY Party Invitations
Get your kids together for a crafting afternoon to make party invitations for their friends. Get some good colouring pencils (we recommend our Crayola - Coloured Pencils 50pk) and let their imaginations whirl! Or you could download a toy-themed template online (or make your own if you’re tech-savvy!) and get your children to colour them in from there.
- Themed Dress Code
Another fun idea, whether your event is a full-blown party or a family activity, is to get the guests to dress up as their favourite toys or characters. Even better, they can bring the toy they dressed up as and share their favourite characters with everyone!
2. Fun Games and Activities for Kids
- Toy Scavenger Hunt
How it works: Hide small toys around the party area for kids to find, and make clues about their favourite toys. You could do this before the party starts or build anticipation by getting the kids in a different room while you place the toys for them to find.
Creative Ideas: To up the fun, you could create themed sections—like a "dollhouse corner" or "superhero toy zone"—for added excitement. This idea is especially good if you embrace the clue element, letting the kids progress to different areas for a tangible sense of accomplishment.
- Toy Crafting Station
DIY Toy Crafts: Set up a crafting station where kids can create their own toys. This could be a great quiet space amongst the party fun or an activity everyone can partake in to wind down.
Materials Needed: With markers, paint, stickers, and other safe materials, let kids' imaginations run free with endless opportunities to craft. A wooden doll or car could also be a fun edition to personalise here too.
For a more assisted approach, however, you could also get some DIY kits for kids to work on together, like our beloved Djeco sets, or, if your kids are a bit older, try some fun stem projects.
- Toy-Making Workshop
Interactive Learning: Similar to the above idea, you could have a toy making station where kids can assemble simple toys, like building a wooden car, creating a sock puppet, or making a sensory toy.
Takeaway Gift: This station produces tangible creations that each kid can take home as a party favour!
- Toy-Themed Relay Races
Active Fun: Another fun idea is to organise relay races where kids use toys as props—like racing with a toy car between their legs or carrying a stuffed animal during a race. You could also adapt classic games with toys for more fun, like replacing the egg in an egg and spoon race with a toy!
Team Play: Dividing kids into teams for the relay encourages friendly competition and teamwork, helping them connect and grow through fun.
3. Toy-Inspired Snacks and Refreshments
- Toy-Shaped Cookies & Treats
When it comes to food, you can keep it as simple or extravagant as you like. Have toys “serving” different plates, or have fun playing with treat names. You could also try to make food look like toys with toy block cookies, gummy bears, or themed cake pops. Another fun idea is to decorate cupcakes with small toy figurines or edible toy-themed toppers.
- Interactive Drink Station
Create a drink station with toy-inspired cups, straws, and ice cube moulds shaped like popular toys. Cut up fruit into water jugs for a fun twist on a hydrating drink too!
A toy themed party is all about creativity, fun, and building lasting memories, so why not get your kids involved as much as possible and see what ideas they come up with?
Also, remember to ensure all toys are age-appropriate and safe for the children attending the party and that there are enough eyes and helpful hands throughout the day if your kids are a bit younger.
Have you ever hosted a toy themed party? Connect with us on our socials to share the experience! Or, if you need more inspiration, check out our store here to find the perfect toys for entertaining, whether it’s just your kid or a whole classroom of them!