Monday, March 26, 2012

Scientist Birthday Party

My twins turned 9 this month. It's my official policy that they only get a birthday party every other year.  Except, I never enforce this policy.  After throwing their Harry Potter birthday party last year, I decided that this year they were going to do something simple for their birthday.  No more parties.  Too expensive, too much stress.  Right?

And then birthday time rolls around and I just have too many good ideas for a party.  :)  I threw them a Science Birthday Party this year.   I was reminded of my idea to throw them a science party (it was in the running for last year's theme) when I came across fun little science-y things (like safety goggles and test tubes) in the dollar section at Target.  I love the dollar section at Target, don't you?  So, I broke my rule (again) and told my boys that they could only invite a few friends each and that this was going to be a simple, cheap party.  And, it was.  I love parties that are cute, but also easy and inexpensive.

A science party is a perfect party theme for this age.  They're at such a fun age--they're so excited about everything. They're Cub Scouts and love doing fun scout things like building and experimenting. They were super excited about getting to do some science experiments with their friends.

In keeping with the must-be-easy rule, I didn't start from scratch.  For invitations, I used these adorable printable invitations from Living Locurto.

 


The favor bags contained the safety goggles and test tubes from Target, some gloves, Nerds (because scientists are nerdy, right?), and glow-in-the-dark slime!
 
For the slime (which we made at the party, in addition to the ones I put together before hand), I used this "recipe" at Science Bob.  I love Science Bob!  There are so many fun experiments there.   I added some glow-in-the dark paint to make it glow in the dark (though I'm not sure if it worked...).  I made my own labels, too.  


I packaged the favors in white lunch sacks, with Living Locurto's caution stickers.  


I went with basic cupcakes, with orange frosting to match the decor.  I pre-scooped the ice cream into cupcake liners, so I didn't have to scoop at the party.  Such an awesome idea, courtesy of Real Simple

The only decorations were the yellow tablecloth and "The Lab" poster that I whipped up by printing out words and clipart and gluing to a piece of poster board.  

The supplies for the experiments kind of worked with the color scheme, though.
 
 The experiments (demonstrations, really) were a huge hit with the kids, even with the kids who came in saying they'd be boring.  The Oobleck was a huge hit.  
 
 

The fireworks in a jar were pretty fun, too.  
 
 
My personal favorite was the one where we blew up a balloon with a bottle.  It's the same vinegar and baking soda experiment as the old volcano eruption project (did you do that one in 5th grade like I did?), except without the mess.  
 
It was a fun (and inexpensive--I only spent about $15) party.  And, of course, my favorite part was when one of the party guests told me it was the best birthday party he'd ever been to in his whole life.  :)

8 comments:

Kei said...

I chose you to pass the liebster blog award on to. Now you can pass it on to others, too! Check out the info here:
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I LOVE your scientist birthday party ideas! It looks like it was a lot of fun and gives me massive nostalgia for all the little kitchen experiments of childhood :)

Mon said...

This is really cool!!! :)

Meg said...

What an awesome idea for a party! I'll have to take a look at your Harry Potter party. That's what Jaide wants this year. We skipped birthday parties last year with all the craziness of selling a house and moving (and early pregnancy too). So it's ended up we've done something other than a party for both the girls' 4th birthdays. But this year, I'd better start preparing now!

Briana said...

Great work! I love the idea and all the science experiments you did as activities. (I have twins too and I kind of went over the top at their birthday party last year. I'm looking for something much simpler and cheaper this year. Mine are girls and they're only 2, so science and slime will have to wait! :-) Congrats - Briana (www.idoallmyownstunts.com)

Shooting Stars Mag said...

The clearance aisle of target is one of my favorite places. LOL That's awesome you were able to put on a fun, cheap party!!

-lauren

This Place is a Disaster! said...

YOU READ MY MIND!
I am planning a science party for birthdays this summer too! I can't wait. Thanks for the peek into yours!

Honey I'm Home Blog said...

It's my pleasure to feature this awesome post in my Fabulous Friday Favorites tonight. Thank you for participating & please feel free to take an "I Was Featured" button {if you don't already have one}.

Warmly, Michelle

Onna said...

This is such a creative idea/theme! I love it!

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