Budget-Friendly

Birthday Party

Theme:

The Very

Hungry

CaterpillarFrom the party planning

team at Play Garden

First, plan the

menu

Author Eric Carle filled the pages of his book with healthy, kid-friendly foods. The Very Hungry Caterpillar munched his way through strawberries, oranges and watermelon. Set up trays so your guests can, too.

Next up:

decorations

Forget the ho-hum birthday banner. Grab your scissors, colored paper and letter stencils (or, if you’re pressed for time, alphabet stickers) and voila! A cute caterpillar sign your child will love. Colored paper plates also work well.

Create a mobileHang six paper lanterns (five green, one red) from ribbon or fishing line to create a Very Hungry Caterpillar mobile. For the face, cut card stock into oval-shaped eyes and a nose and glue on. Add two large pipe cleaners for the caterpillar’s antennas.

Easy-to-make cakeWith The Very Hungry Caterpillar theme, you can forego all those fancy cake pans, stands, color mists and sugary toppings. Simply arrange green-topped cupcakes and one small, round cake into the shape of a caterpillar. Add a few simple garnishes and you’re done. So easy. And so fun!

Don’t forget the

caterpillar crafts!

Set out paint, sponges, glue and scraps of colored paper your young guests can use to create their own hungry caterpillars and butterflies.

Take-home

goodiesSend each guest home with a goody bag stuffed with a lollipop and some “caterpillar chow” they can enjoy later, as they’re talking about what a terrific time they had at your little guy’s (or gal’s) fabulous

birthday bash.