Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Super Mario Birthday Party

So this was a tough birthday theme. Normally when my kids decide what they want to do for their party, I immediatly head to birthdaypartyideas.com to gather ideas. Unfortunatley, Super Mario is just not as popular as pirates, so there was almost nothing helpful. So I turned to Google and still not a lot of info or help out there but I did get some good ideas from some other helpful parents. So I decided that I would post all the details on the blog so a momma like me could find the info in their time of need. So for friends and family who read this blog (unless you are planning a Mario party), this may be to much info. Just look at the pictures and call it good.


As, I have mentioned in a previous post, I made these invites on Photoshop and it was a big stress in my life, but they turned out just as I had hoped.
Obviously, the theme is Super Mario and one of the kids favorite games is Mario Party and so that is what we decided to base the party on. For those of you unfamiliar with the game, it is kind of like a board game, where you roll and then move along the board. In between turns you play mini games to earn coins, which you use to purchase stars. The one with the most stars wins.
When the kids get to the party they will get a Mario or Luigi hat and moustache. This was the most expensive part of the party for me the hats were a little over a dollar each (from Oriental Trading). I just used white felt to make the M or L circles on the hat, which I glued on with fabric glue.


So I am using red and blue construction paper, which I will tape to the side walk and driveway to make up the board. I bought big fluffy dice for a dollar, for the kids to roll.
For the first mini game we are playing Get the Goomba (which is a character in the game). For this game I just bought brown balloons. Before I blew them up I put either 1 or 3 plastic coins (purchased from Oriental Trading) in each. The kids will pop the balloons to get the coins. Easy enough.


The next mini game is Yoshi's Egg Hunt. Think Easter only instead of candy in the plastic eggs we put plastic coins. What kid doesn't like an egg hunt. Yes, I painted these posters myself. I am no artist, but I thought they looked fine. I worked on them while my son was at school and when he got home, I said "Tanner look what I did!" Yes, I was excited and kind of proud how they turned out. His response, "Mom, they look funny." Alright, even my 6 year old thinks they look like crap. Yoshi, I do realize looks more like Baby Tad then himself, like I said I am not an artist.



The next mini game is Mario Madness. We have a small moon bouce jumper thing and I am going to put 144 bouncy balls in their and let the kids jump around and pick up as many balls as they can. Whoever gets the most gets coins, they all get to keep balls for the goody bag.

The next mini game is Save Princess Peach. With this game, I am sending the kids on a treasure hunt. They will all work together to find clues. I painted a poster of Peach that will be hiding in the playground (the final clue will lead them there). All kids will get coins.


The final mini game is Chain Chomp Bash. This is just a pinata filled with candy and of course coins. I saw the idea for this online and decided I would try to make my own. I have never made a pinata from scratch. I was at my local party store and they had some clearance items they were selling for a dollar. There I found a soccer ball pinata (with a big dent in the back). I brought it home and painted it and as long a you look at it from the right direction, it looks like what I wanted and it only cost me a dollar.

I needed the kids to have a place to put all their coins so I made these classic mario coin boxs out of yellow cardstock and a homemade question mark stencil. A little time consuming but overall easy project.

When the kids get to the end of the board they will pay 20 coins to get their star. For the stars I just bought some 5 inch carboard gold stars that I stung with gold curling ribbon to make necklaces.

For goody bags I just bought these bright colored bags with handles and printed off pictures of Mario and Luigi and I cut them out and glued them on the bag. Inside there are stickers (which were purchased from Ebay), crayons, homemade coloring books (I found pictues online), bouncy balls, star notepad. They will also get to take home their hats, easter eggs, and coins. With the pinata I figured I didn't need to add any other treats.

The cake has been a bit of a stress. Originally I had planned on buying a retired Mario Wilton cake pan, but decided I didn't want to spend $30 on it so I decided to try something called a buttercream freezer transfer. You print out a picture and put a piece of wax paper over it and then essentially paint it with frosting. Well my fisrst attempt I think I didn't use buttercream frosting, thinking it would work anyway. Well it did not, so we started over, and I think this time it will work. (A big thanks to Kris for the hours she spent helping me with the cake, what would I do without my cake expert.) Pictures will come later if and when the cake turns out.

89 comments:

Kelli said...

how come I didn't get an invitation to this party?
You're the best mom and I think your posters look great.

Kendall said...

All I can say is WOW! Tanner is one lucky boy

J.J. said...

Wow, what a party and one lucky boy. You are so creative!!!

Sorry I have not written I have not blogged for awhile, but that should work for us, I just need to talk to Rick. Let me know when you hear from Nancy.

Kikibug said...

HELLO! It was great to see that you "visited". I love the blog world to keep us connected. I hope we keep in touch.

Cute party. Looks like you did a great job with little retail resource. Lucky kid. Judson's is in Aug, want to come do his?

Zoe said...

It all looks to AMAZING! I cannot believe the hard work that you did!! I might have to hire you for my next party. :)

Elizabeth said...

Hey that looks like a seriously fun party. I am so glad that you found me. Hope you don't mind if I pop over to your blog from time to time to see what is happening in your life too.

Galo Fab 5 said...

Holy Hannah! And that leads to the question- Why am I on the activities committee with you? I think you'd do great on your own. :) Awesome party decor.

Travis and Megan Liston said...

You are so talented! Wow, what a great mom!

Travis and Megan Liston said...

You are so talented! Wow, what a great mom!

a said...

Holy Crap that is AWESOME!!! I think your posters are great.

Juicebox said...

I am trying to plan a Mario party for my son's b-day in September and was having trouble finding things that weren't way over priced. I googled and found your blog and it turned out so cute. I can't wait to make one of my own. Thanks for the ideas!

Julie said...

great ideas! Can you let me know what clues you used for the Princess Peach treasure hunt game?

Bella said...

Thanks for sharing your ideas. I'm trying to plan a Mario party for my son. You've given me much more food for thought :)

Kristi Ann said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
dreamyeyes1293 said...

HELP .... I love the cake and there is no help out there at all .Please send me instructions on the whole wax paper and painting thing . ( down on my knees :) ) I have 3 weeks and i want to do a test cake so there is no suprises the day of the birthday ! anyone with usefull info - please .

jacsgalindo said...

wow...great party and super cool ideas..my son wants hes party to be all about super mario bros and you gave me the perfect idea..so thank you so much because i try to look all over the internet and nothing come out...i hope you dont get mad..but I'm using you ideas...thank you

jacsgalindo said...

wow!! well my son is going to have a birthday party on november 23..as you may know it all about mario bros, as many people i try to find some info in the internet but all my hope were loss until i found you it...thank you..i'm going to use all your great ideas... thank you so much

Alexa said...

I LOVEEEE your party. My son is having his 6th bday in December 14 and I really want to make him those question mark boxes....Can you tell me how or would you consider selling me the template. Thanks a million. I really do appreciate it as I know or can imagine everyone asking you. Dreamyaly1@aol.com...Thanks

The Ellis Family said...

Thank you so much for posting about your son's birthday party! I'm that mom that couldn't find any ideas for my son's Mario party! He's turning 6! I don't know if I will be able to be that creative, you did a great job!! You have a beautiful family too by the way!

~Chelsey *a random person that found you by googling :)

lori said...

WOW!!! LOVE THIS BLOG.FOUND IT AFTER COUNTLESS HOURS OF INTERNET REACH FOR MY SONS 6 BIRTHDAY IN MARCH.YOU ARE SUPER TALENTED.WOULD LOVE TO GET THE DIRECTIONS FOR THE BOXES.I HOPE YOU DONT MIND ME USEING ALL THESE WONDERFUL IDEAS.WOULD YOU BE WILL TO GIVE OR SELL THE DIRECTIONS THE ARE SO CUTE.AND THE POSTERS ARE GREAT DON'T SELL YOURSELF SHORT!!!!!!!!!

MeanMommyQueen said...

Thank you so much for sharing your ideas about the Mario party you threw! I have been listening to my son ask for a Mario party and the first site I fell upon was yours. Great great ideas, I am going to CASE(copy and steal everything)! They say its the best form of flattery, right? Thanks again!! ~The Mean Mean Mommy Queen

Gail said...

Hi! I know you don't know me or that you couldn't care less about my son's 6th bday party but I was wondering if you would be willing to share your invite file with me so I could replicate your invites (editing the important info, of course)? Is that a weird thing to ask? If so forget it...anyway, very cute party and invites! Oh and cute blog and family! ;)

Unknown said...

May I just say, You are SUPER FABULOUS!
Auntie Dawn

Anonymous said...

Hi, I love your blog, very nice. I was wondering if you would be willing to share the template for the invitations and the boxes.
They wuld be great for for my son's 6th birthday party next month.
TIA
Mary
Ladefly@aol.com

aynrandfan said...

Thank you so much for posting your fabulous ideas! I found your blog quite by accident, and am so glad I did. We'll be having this exact same party this November - and judging from how much effort you put into this, I'll need that much time to get it right!

Anne said...

I, too, am "that mom" who came searching for Mario ideas! God Bless Google!

I fully plan on copying your ideas (hope you don't mind-ha!) and cross my fingers it turns out as cute as yours! SOOOOO fun!

Anonymous said...

I'm just a random mom who found your blog via Google. My son is in love with Mario Kart and his birthday is in two weeks. Like you, I couldn't find anything of much use online and to purchase a 'party pack' is too expense for 30+ kids. You have definitely started the creative wheel turning! Thank you for the ideas and for being a wonderful mom!!!

God Bless!

P.S. Your family is beautiful!

Unknown said...

For Grandmas as well, I was very excited to see the pictures of your blog, I googled Super Mario party ideas and the first site I visited I believe had a response from you (text only)...I loved them all but NOTHING compared to seeing the pictures. I am a grandma that loved doing Theme parties for own when the kiddos were young and having the internet has put a whole new spin to the ideas...Thanks for taking the time to inspire!

JayneinMichigan said...

My son's 6th birthday is April 25th. Thanks for the wonderful ideas. I went to Birthday Express for goodies. I am using sponge visors. My good friend is making the mario cake. I'm planning scavenger hunt, balloon pop and pinata. Pray for good weather in Michigan.

Unknown said...

Thank you for taking the time to post these wonderful, creative ideas! The party sounded like a blast! I really appreciate it, since it looks like I am about to plan a Mario party myself for one of my little boys. You really inspired me, thank you!

MomToOnlyOneSon said...

All I can say is WOW!

I am yet ANOTHER mom whose son is a Mario & Luigi fan - and wants his birthday party for his 6th - to be in this theme.

From one mom to another - THANK YOU so much for being so creative and WILLING to share all your great creations and ideas!

I am hoping to make my son's birthday a fun and memorable one (without having to submit to the retail giants!) :)

Thank you again.

Unknown said...

You are AMAZING! I'm going to try to pull this party together in a short amount of time, I've only got abotu 4 weeks. Would you be willing to share the template for the invitations via email? If so, my email is jessigirl75@gmail.com

Thanks so much for all of the great ideas!

mariannakoulias said...

Thank you so much for sharing the ideas. We are hosting a Luigi party for my six year old next Sunday and will be adapting your ideas. My kid likes your games.

Unknown said...

Thank you so much for posting this! My son just informed me he wanted a Super Mario Galaxy party for his bday in October. I'm so glad I found your blog! I plan on trying to incorporate your fabulous ideas into the "Galaxy" game/theme. Again, THANK YOU!! Love it. AND, for what it's worth..I think your posters are pretty darn good! :)

Miss Organized said...

Hi, I just happened across your blog after searching the net for Mario Brothers invitations and your party looks like it was SO much fun! I printed out a TON of stuff from another blog, but the lady REALLY went crazy with homemade stuff. She even made a paper mache pinata! I just don't think it's going to be doable with my schedule. Your party seemed like it was fun yet simple enough for someone like me to feel like I can do this! Thank you SO much for taking the time to post all of this stuff! Your family is beautiful and your kids have one GREAT mamma!
~Kathleen

Memi said...

Hi Audrey, Fabulous Super Mario Birthday party ideas!!! my newphew Elijah really wants the same theme for his party. I was wondering if you would send me any templates you have for the boxes, inivitation or pics etc and what type of clues u used for the princess peach game. I am not as crafty as u and would really love any assistance you could give me to make my nephews party a Hit!!! You could email me at mermemi@hotmail.com.

Rosario said...

Hi! You are so talented!! Awesome ideas!!! I am also planning a Super Mario birthday party for my son and I was wondering if you would send me any templates you have for the invitations, boxes, and whatever else you have to share. This is exactly what I am looking for. My son would love it! Hope to hear from you soon...I would appreciate any help I can get. His birthday is in October. You could email me at rosario.delgadillo@yahoo.com
Thanks!!

Annette said...

I have to tell you, as I am sure you already know...that I have been looking for awhile now for ideas for my sons Mario Bday. We just moved to SC from PA and am unsure of different places around here...but your amazing ideas give me the confidence that I can do this and make most of the things...
I was wondering if you could tell me how you did the ? Boxes..I think that is a wonderful idea. I already purchased the coins from oriental trading, but could not find anything i like to put them in.
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!
annette.oswald@gmail.com

lina de los ángeles said...

Greetings! How did you make the palm plants in the first picture? Thank you so much for this wonderful post. Super Mario Birthday is two months away, so we'll be working on all of your projects...

Anonymous said...

Hi, like all the others thanks for sharing..I too have a son obsessed with Mario but have less than 2 weeks to pull this off. If you could help with templates for boxes or invitation, anything that would help..I too would greatly appreciate the help. Send to colleenh@nbnet.nb.ca..Again thanks for sharing, you have got my wheels turning and I know if my son Ethan has half the fun of your son it will be a success..the weather here is always a challenge though..winter and all...

Unknown said...

INCREDIBLE. Everything you created for this party is amazing. I am planning my son's "Mario Themed" party and your site was a huge help. You have really great ideas and I sure hope your party was a huge success !!

Jessie Riley said...

YAY!!! Just what I was looking for. SERIOUSLY. my guy is just a TAD obsessed. Would you mind emailing me the PSD file from that invite? I could take the time to do it... but would REALLY love it if I didn't have to! If not, it's ok... thanx for the idea's... thejessieriley@gmail.com

I'm AMAZED by all of this. I will be copying almost every single thing!!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

glamgal said...

Hi There,
I think you set up a wonderful party for your son, I am envious of your skill and creativity.
My son will turn 4 in February and he has requested a Mario Party.
I was just wondering if there is anyway you could or would want to set up the games and ship them to me? If so can you please e-mail me and we can discuss cost? jessicamueller050984@yahoo.ca
Thank You.

swampbaby said...

I came across your blog from the web googling Mario party ideas. Thank you for the ideas! You are a lifesaver. These are great!

Mikaela said...

Thank you!!!!!

Unknown said...

That was a good party I am going to do it this year thanks.:):):):):):):):):):)B)

Unknown said...

That was a good party I am going to do it this year thanks.:):):):):):):):):):)B)

Jennifer said...

I came across this after I bought a bunch of stuff...but I am now going to try to make some of the things you suggested here. Awesome!! Thanks for the tips!!!

Unknown said...

hi do you have a templete that you share or sell for the invites?

Unknown said...

Just came across your site. My son will be 5 and wants a super mario birthday. YOur site is the first where I get to take notes for realistic games we can actually do and I bookmarked! Thank you for sharing your "real mom " ideas!

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Julian said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Liz said...

Thank you so much for all the ideas! My 4 year old is dying for a Mario party and you've given me a lot to work with! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

We're having a Mario birthday party for my daughter turning 6. I'm looking around for ideas and these are wonderful! Sounds like a great party!

Unknown said...

Just want to thank you for all your ideas, they were great. Hope mine turn out just as good.

kate said...

Hi there! Love the ideas! Just wondering how you made the moustaches and the coin boxes?

kate said...

Love, love your Mario party ideas! Just wondering how you made the Moustache and the coin boxes?

Alison said...

Hi Audrey. Great party ideas - thanks. I realize it was a long time ago now, but do you still have your scavenger hunt questions?

Unknown said...

Hi Audrey,
Ditto to most of the other comments. i loved your ideas and they are so use-able for any age! I too would like to know what clues you used for the treasure hunt game if you don't mind. I really want to do a similar Mario party for my son, but I am lacking in the creativity department. Would it be possible to get your treasure hunt clues?
Thanks so much! Great job!
Erin

Jana Sohm said...

What fun ideas. You just relieved my stress level by 90%. Thanks! Along w/ the last couple of comments, I would love a copy of your treasure hunt clues. I am having a party for my son on Friday afternoon. He is turning 8, and thinks this party is going to be "the bomb". Thanks for your fun game ideas! My e-mail is: jana@sohmdesign.com. My name is Jana if you are able to send your clues. Thanks!

Rachel said...

Thanks for all these fabulous ideas! My son just informed me this morning that he would like a Mario themed birthday party in less than two weeks. (We had been planning a small family party, so I'm sort of scrambling.) I'd love the template for the boxes, if you have it available and would share. The treasure hunt is a great idea too!

And I'm definitely getting balloons and filling them up with gold coins. Fantastic. Simple and fun! (How did the kids pop them? It looked like they were sitting on them in your pictures.)

Thanks again for posting this.

If you can send any templates my way, let me know, and I can send you my email address.

Unknown said...

Hi! I am interested in how you did those Piranha plants. Is it possible for you to share the materials, template for them? Thanks!

Unknown said...

Hi. Is it possible to know how you did the piranha plant? i'd love to make those for my son's birthday party

Anonymous said...

I love all your ideas!!! I’m having a super mario party for my son’s 5th bday in April. I’ve have been searching for decor everywhere and haven’t found much. If you have any other ideas can u email me and let me know.

Mario Kart Party Supplies

Unknown said...

Hi. Sharing a bit of the elements we used for our sons' joint birthday party last January

http://supermariobrosparty.tumblr.com/

Gina said...

Hi there! We're also from Utah but that's neither here nor there. Just wanted to let you know I googled "mario and luigi party" and your blog was #1. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing but wanted to give you a heads up, one blogging mom to another!
My son is turning 6 and desperately wants a mario party! I hope I can get as creative as you (or pay someone to do it!) Thanks for the tips!

Jessa-Lynn Mua said...

i absolutely love the Mario theme although they don't have many decorations but i love what you did i created a few things for my sons 3rd party in April i think they should have more out being that Mario is popular. Well take care.

xoxo Jess

Unknown said...

Wow you re one awesome mom! Your ideas were practical and creative and very very helpful. Im planning a a birthday party for my son in 2 weeks and found your blog very helpful. Cant wait to hear about what you do next! : )

Caroll said...

Thanks for the great ideas! My son turns 5 on Tuesday and I have been lost with trying to get party ideas together for him. If you still have your scavenger clues, could you PLEASE e-mail me at copy? Thanks for all the fun ideas and help! Caroll (cfuhriman@hotmail.com).

darcilew said...

Impressive! I did a Star Wars party for my son last year, and this year, it is Mario Brothers. Thank you SO much for posting your ideas. You are helping moms around the world! If you are willing, I would love to have the template for your invites and/or hints for your scavenger hunt. Thanks for considering it! darcilew@cox.net

J-Meister said...

Thank you so much for all of your Super Mario Birthday ideas! Do you know where I can get the template for the invitation? Thanks, Jill jill@sharkyspromo.com

Unknown said...

Can you let me know in more detail how you made the invitations?

Anonymous said...

Thank you for posting these great Mario Party ideas! I'm trying to plan a party this Saturday for my 7 year old son and would love to know how you made the pirrana plants! Thanks so much!

rhonda said...

Thanks for putting all this info on your blog. My son is turning 10 next month and we are doing a Mario themed pool party. I want to have a few Mario themed games outside and I got some great ideas from this post!

Kids Birthday Party Supplies said...

Awesome!!! Love the cupcakes!!
We are planning one for our little guy this year and still looking for super mario birthday party supplies. We found some but you gave us great ideas!!!
Super Mario Birthday Party Supplies

Isabel and Steve said...

WOW!!!!! You are amazing!!!!!! I was planning on just doing one activity, and then letting them play in the pool. You are super dedicated and talented mother!!!

Brittany said...

As with all your other commentors I think your Mario Party looked fantastic! I have a boy turning 5 next month and he has his heart set on a Mario Party! I love that your game ideas are simple yet fun! If you are sharing more details on how you did the invitations, and clues for the treasure hunt game I'd love to know more. Creativity is not my strong point! By the way, I think your paintings of the characters were great! My email is brittanymcguckin@hotmail.com

Jenn said...

Obviously this is popular, since you're still getting comments so much later, but I just had to say THANK YOU! You seriously saved my life with this, not to mention saved me hours of google searching, etc. You rock!

Sherree said...

Hi, I'm another mom from Utah rescued by your Mario party ideas. My son will be turning 8 and he loves Mario. The idea of making it like the game board is perfect. Thanks!

Sherree said...

BTW, Ben Franklin Craft stores has the thing that will cut out the box template and question marks for you, or if you have access to a Cricut cutter, some of the cartridges have box templates. Hobby Lobby has some premade boxes, too. Thanks again for the ideas!

Kylie Capshaw said...

Hahaha... I love Super Mario's party favors! The games allowed the kids to have fun while practicing their creativity, especially with Mario Madness and Save Princess Peach. Those games are very challenging!

Kylie Capshaw

Frank said...

I loved your ideas, I found a Mario Kart Wii party theme, but I will take from what you did to complement the decorations.
Frank

Dolce said...

Thanks so much! I also googled this and came across it randomly! So helpful, I'm planning my twins 6th birthday party and of course they want mario! Literally there is not much on the internet, so this blog was so helpful! Anthony and Giovanni will be in for a treat like Tanner- I hope!

TPratt said...

Hi--I have a Tanner that is turning 8 on March 31 that wants a Mario party...what a coincidence:) Great ideas!

Effie said...

Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your ideas. My son turns 5 this month, and I will be recycling some of your fab ideas. I live in London by the way, so you've gone international :-)

Rachell K. Reid said...

Thank You! Thank You!! Loved your ideas. My six year old can't wait for his birthday party!

Kendra | Our Homemade Happiness said...

I love your ideas! I used a couple of them for throwing my son a Super Mario birthday party. Here's my post. http://www.ourhomemadehappiness.com/2011/08/bradens-birthday.html

Joy said...

Such great ideas! My twins are turning 5 and they are obsessed with the girls of Super Marion bros. I am making a Toadette pinata and I did a pin the mustache on Mario game and a throw the fireballs at Bowser game. I love the idea of making them into minigames! I will definitely be using that idea!!! Thank you so much for blogging this!!! I found you randomly on the internet.

Leah said...

I never leave post on other blogs and I know this post it older but I'm starting to look for Mario party ideas for one of my sons. I noticed your pictures and your children's names. First of all, I have 3 boys and my daughter is the youngest just like your family. Also I have a Tanner AND a Noah for two of my boys names! How funny! Thanks for posting about your sons birthday party!