James’ Level Up Gamer Birthday Party
Hey Loves!
I can hardly believe what I am about to type but James is six. I mean, didn’t I just share his birth story? How is this even possible?
Regardless of my disbelief, he, in fact, had a birthday. A birthday he has been very aware of. Like, 9 months before his birthday he started asking for a Star Wars birthday party. Now, there is nothing wrong with this but James has never seen a Star Wars film. At this point, he hadn’t even read a Star Wars book. I’m not sure if this what the cool kids are into but this was out of my depth. Still, I committed. After countless hours of research (Pinterest and IG searches are research), I realized just how out of my depth I was and something in fact had to shake. Despite my attempts to gently present alternative themes his mind was made. So, I activated daddy.
Yup, with no shame, I sent a text to my husband telling him to suggest to James a video game theme birthday party. It worked like a charm. I am a mastermind genius.
He was ecstatic! Elated! Over the Moon! Now, all I had to do was execute it… in a pandemic. Feeling like a “pandemic party planner vet”, I dusted off my shoulders and got to work. I started by ordering this decor set from Amazon and a few items from the Dollar Tree like plates, napkins, treat pails, etc..I topped that off with a curbside order from Party city for more plates, napkins and table cloths.
I should pause here and inform you that we planned on renting a video game bus for him, his brother and and 2 friends (our quranteam). Then, I realized it would be like $300 for 2 hours with a groupon… So, with the advice from my mom friends and donations from god parents, we bought him a Nintendo Switch. This was a leap for me… I have been very anti-video games because my husband plays them and let’s just say it has not been great for our relationship. That was my issue though and I could not let that effect James learning to play them responsibly and with supervision.
Because this was the most expensive thing he has gotten, I used this printable to have him hunt for it.
We started the day with a Pac-Man Waffle breakfast. Then, with a tub full of snacks, we let him play with his friends and go to town. We set up our projector inside and made a viewing seating with cushions, nugget comfort and anywhere chairs. For lunch, we feasted on “Super Sonic Dogs” followed by a Mario Pizza Party.
For an added effect, I whipped these up:
All Access Gamer VIP Pass: Using Canva, I designed them quickly, printed on card stock, laminated, and added these lanyards.
Personalized Snack Tins: Using my silhouette, I cut Playstation style controllers on grey vinyl and added text with a free font.
Water bottle labels, snack bag toppers: I used canva and specified the dimensions. I used the same photo, text and graphics to keep the asethic congruent.
Switch Island Cover: I saw this idea, and had to try and replicate it. It was very easy. Using plastic tablecloths, painters tape and construction paper, our kitchen island was turned into a very large Nintendo Switch replica.
The end. My baby is a whole kid and I am so stinking proud of him I have no words. Also, I am done with birthdays for 10 whole months and oh how my soul and wallet rejoice!
Love you! Mean it!
Liz Nieman
Thanks for sharing that you used our printable! Hope your kiddo had a super birthday. 🙂
the mrs.
Thank you so much! It was an awesome day!