Whether your little one is turning three or ten, a jungle themed birthday party is pat for any age and surprisingly easy to pull together. From the invitations to the decor, here’s everything you need to pull together the perfect jungle birthday theme party.
The Invitations – Do-it-yourself jungle invitations are easy and affordable to make. Anything that is green or has jungle plants will work well; the invitations themselves can be shaped as leaves. Or create invitation “passports” and invite each guest on a birthday jungle safari. You can also use stickers of jungle animals such as monkeys, snakes, and panthers. Address guests as “explorers” and invite them to wear their favorite explorer outfits (e.g. khakis and bucket hats) or dress up as their favorite jungle animal.
Decorations – To create a jungle-like atmosphere, think bright green! Place green balloons, streamers, and gossamer all over the furniture, ceiling, and walls. Construction paper can be cut into large leaves and use a scene setter and life-size animal standees (found at most party supply stores) to instantly transform any room into an exotic jungle. Draw animal footprints on your driveway leading to the door and if you’re having the party outside or in the evening, use tiki torches to light the path. Throughout the party, play animal noises in the background (which can be downloaded online) including hippos, lions, monkeys, and more.
Activities and Games – Have the kids make their very own binoculars! Give each kid two Styrofoam cups or toilet paper rolls that are glued together. Let them decorate their own pair with stickers, markers, colored paper, paint, or anything else you want. Attach colored saran wrap at the end of each tube using rubber bands and a piece of yarn or string for the neck strap. Have the kids make their own monkey ears using old headbands and construction paper or invite someone to paint each child’s face a different jungle animal. Pin the tail on the monkey or a jungle pinata are always standby favorites.
The Cake – Unless you moonlight as a pastry chef, order a jungle themed cake from the local bakery. Or you can make jungle cupcakes, complete with green frosting and snakes (a.k.a. gummi worms) on top.
Goodie Bags – Don’t let the guests leave without a jungle souvenir! Fill goodie bags with jungle-themed or explorer items found at a local dollar store, such as binoculars, a safari pith helmet, animal stickers, and of course candy!
