Once Annabel settled on the My Little Pony theme for her party, I really wanted to get her involved in the planning. We sat down together and went through Pinterest, and she showed me the things she liked. What became clear to me right away was that she was very focused on her friends’ enjoyment. She’d say things like, “Oh, my friend M loves that kind of fruit, we have to have it!” or, “T and L and I play unicorns at school, so can we please make unicorn horns I can give them?” She wanted to make sure her friends had a good time.
This year’s party was pretty low-key, at least for me! Because Annabel only wanted to invite girls, that really cut down on our guest list. We also had the party start at 2:30, allowing me to skip a big meal and instead put out basic snacks like veggies, chips, dips, and jelly sandwiches, plus maybe the saddest fruit rainbow I’ve ever made, LOL:
I was sure to include M’s favorite fruit.
When they arrived, every little girl got a set of wings, a unicorn horn headband, and clip-on pony ears.
I used my own tutorial for the wings (except I sewed the elastic straps on), this tutorial for the ears, and I modified this tutorial for the horn (I made the horn half as big, and I combo sewed/glued it onto a headband).
They were a big hit. I like giving kids things they can use after a party is over.
I had a few activities planned, and mentally ranked them in order of importance because I knew that the girls would likely end up making their own fun. Every girl loved (I mean seriously LOOOOOVED) making their own ponies. I shopped around on these for ages, and the cheapest option was on Hasbro.com. Either order them in bulk (10+ ponies) or sign up on their site and wait for them to send you a coupon code. You’ll save so much. I thought it was a good bang-for-my-buck activity – cheaper than a bounce house (which we don’t have room for anyway) and they got to take ’em home!
I put out paints, markers, glue, glitter, glitter pens— basically every craft supply I had— for the girls to use on their ponies. Their end results were amaaaazing.
My friend Amanda was also on hand to give every girl a glitter tattoo.
I also had hair chalk and a ton of different nail polish colors, but only a few girls took advantage. The other big thing we did was a piñata, one of Annabel’s favorite party activities.
After the piñata, it was cake time!
The girls decided that instead of playing Pin the Cutie Mark on Pinkie Pie, a dance party/chase each other/squeal a lot game was the way to go. It looked fun (parents were not invited to participate).
In all, I’d say the party was a big success. Every girl left smiling, but none of their smiles were as big as Annabel’s. That girl is in her element when she’s surrounded by her friends.
She’s pretty happy with us, too.
edited, because so many asked:
I got my sweater through my local swap group (such a lucky find!), but it’s still sold here (Annie’s Pinkie Pie dress is from the same shop). I found Mike’s on Amazon!
Ashley says:
Okay, so everything looks amazing, but Mike’s shirt is epic.
Erin says:
So I totally need that shirt you are wearing….totally love the rainbow, like irrationally so and Amanda, yay!!!!!
DefendUSA says:
Those Parent T-s are fan-freakintastic!! You guys are gonna have to move to a bigger house to keep all the teens away from the cool parents!!
Tracy says:
Mike’s. Shirt. I can’t even.
(Looks like another amazing party!!)
Jerilynn says:
Yes, Mike’s shirt had me in stitches-LOVE IT! Can I also just tell you that when I saw the unicorn horns and wing, I squealed as if I was five. GREATEST. IDEA. EVER.
I definitely think you need to take the party planning on the road. Awsome job.
miriam says:
Yes! I said after some other party – you need to be a professional party planner….
and, was M’s favorite fruit – marshmallows?
Nellie says:
I’m like a little kid, I live for your Birthday party themes and details – you never cease to amaze!!
It’s because of YOU that I try my best to make every birthday for my daughter a memorable one…thank YOU! Because clearly, I do not have your kind of talent.
Jackson says:
I am so impressed with your amazing talent.
Damita says:
I’ve been waiting not so patiently for this post and it did not disappoint! You outdid yourselves this year. And yes, Mike’s shirt is AMAZING! LOL.
*please tell us where you got your cute sweater from!
Heather says:
I got mine through a local swap group, but I see it’s still sold at http://www.welovefine.com/7352-rainbow-dash-knitted-sweater.html#.VMpja3B4rZk
Mandy says:
Will you please tell us where the shirts came from? Yours & Mike’s? LOVE THEM BOTH…I want so bad to show this to my 4 year old Anna – but I will refrain so she still thinks that her momma throws cool parties. If she saw this I’m pretty sure I would fall into the lame category!
Heather says:
So, I got mine through my local swap group (such a lucky find!), but it’s still sold here: http://www.welovefine.com/7352-rainbow-dash-knitted-sweater.html#.VMpja3B4rZk And I found Mike’s on Amazon http://amzn.to/1KbChkK !
Glenda says:
Awesome!!!
ldoo says:
I love your shirt, Heather!
Nanette says:
Such a great party, as always! And Q loves wearing the unicorn horn on her nose. “I’m a narwhal with wings!”
Julie says:
OMG I laughed out loud at Mike’s shirt! #priceless
Denise says:
Thanks for the link for the ponies! I have been looking for something like that.
Beth says:
You are an amazing mom. BEST PARTY EVER!!
Jordan says:
Mike, you are OWNING that Brony shirt.
I love how much thought and enthusiasm you put into birthdays, from your on-theme attire to the activities and decor. You make things so special and fun! It’s such a sweet memory for them to have as they get older.
Skye says:
You throw the best parties!!
Jeanie says:
What a great party! Love your shirt!!
Kat says:
YES!!! Love the pony girls, love the top, love the bronies…love it all!!!
Meg says:
Looks like such a great party! I love the wings and headbands – so much more fun than the “goodie bags” that are sometimes just full of terrible candy and plastic choking hazard sized toys.
Jess says:
I’m 33 years old, and I had a My Little Pony birthday party when I turned 5, complete with unicorn hats made by my mom! Thanks for the blast from the past. Looks like your girl had an awesome time! It’s crazy how toys trends just keep circling back.
sarah says:
haha you DO know what a “brony” is…right?
It doesnt have the best association with it! They are quite the group of guys….. ha