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!