Throw a Colorful Kids' Birthday Party

Rainbow Birthday Party Tout

These tips for throwing a rainbow birthday party cover all the elements of a crowd-pleasing bash: a cute invitation you can print out yourself, winning crafts and favors, kid-friendly food and a sweet finale. Even better, the cheerful, rainbow-inspired motif, unlike some kids' party themes, will appeal to boys and girls alike, so no one will feel left out. As for pulling it all off without busting your budget? Now, that's a piece of cake.

1. Spread the Word Tout

Let guests know all the party details with an invitation that echoes your theme. Click here to download this card.

2. Set a Colorful Table of Treats Tout

Use food and decorations to express the theme.

1. Start with a white tablecloth.
2. Lay 4 lengths of rainbow ribbon on top of it, 2 running down the length of the table 3″ from the edge and 2 across the width of the table 3″ from the edge, to form a border.
3. Fill tall drinking glasses with water, then add a few drops of food coloring—and a single spider mum—to each.
4. Set out a buffet of multicolor fruit and candy (licorice, orange slices, lemon drops, green jelly beans and blue M&M's), with small cups so kids can serve themselves.

3. Have Them Craft Crowns Tout

Pass out scissors, glue, tape and a stapler, along with sheets of patterned paper plus some colored tissue paper for embellishments—then let kids unleash their creativity. You may want to make a few examples in advance to help spark their imagination, and be ready to help fit and staple crowns for the younger children.

4. Give Guests Goodies Tout

Send them off with an oversize lollipop, plus colorful crayons they can help to whip up themselves.

1. Gather used or new crayons in an assortment of colors and remove wrappers, and break into small pieces (1″ or shorter).
2. Arrange them in a single layer in the cups of a silicone muffin pan with star- or heart-shaped molds.
3. Place pan on a foil-lined cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 175°F.
4. Remove pan from oven and let cool completely (to speed up the process, place the pan in the freezer).
5. Turn pan upside down, and pop out the crayons.

5. Plan a Kid-Approved Menu Menu

From Make-Your-Own Pizzas to kid-friendly finger food, use the menu below as your guide when planning your next birthday bash.