Yesterday we hosted 7 fifth grade boys for my youngest’s 11th birthday party. My son goes all out in the planning of his parties and they have been somewhat elaborate in the past (see last year’s Pirate Party and the previous Harry Potter Party!)
This year he went with a dragon theme which was very fun! As you can see, the cake was decked out with plastic dragons and gold coins that went home with guests. We had the movie “How to Train your Dragon” playing in the background as guests arrived and during the party.
The craft activity is everyone’s favorite so a lot of planning goes into that. We decided to make Hatching Dragon Eggs, based on a craft that my aunt had made using eggs, plastic lizards and concrete mix.
The idea is to fill the egg with mixed concrete then stick lizard “parts” in the crack to create the appearance of a baby dragon hatching. The boys had great fun cutting up the lizards (go figure) while my husband and I mixed small batches of concrete to fill the eggs. It was pretty messy but any drips onto the egg shell were easy to wipe up with a damp paper towel. The boys set their eggs onto the cardboard tube stands while the concrete set. It took about 15 minutes for them to harden, so the kids washed up and had pizza while they waited.
As much effort as they are, these parties a great way for my son to be creative and share his love of making things. As a family, these parties are all hands on deck as we each have our role in making them happen. Every year I wonder if this will be the last time he’ll want this type of party. He’s getting older and I know they won’t last forever, so I try to enjoy them as much as possible.
Wonderful creativity! Yes – do enjoy it while you can. My son turns 25 on Sunday – we still celebrate to be sure, but it is different!
These are great Betz! So, was his 11th birthday on the 6th? I have a daughter that turned 11 yesterday too! Wow! Happy birthday to your boy. 🙂
Hi Teresa,
No, his bday was actually 12/28 but we had to push his party out a week!
Happy Bday to your girl!
Betz
The party sounds like a lot of fun – especially the hatching dragons, what a great idea! I’ve put together quite a few of these types of parties for my 2 kids too (from ‘dog’ themed where the kids ate cake from new dog bowls, to dinosaurs, tractors and even super heroes when I made capes for all the guests). We had a blast putting them together (so much creativity!), but those days are behind us now (ages 19 & 14), so definitely go all out while they still enjoy it! Wendy
Hi Wendy,
Those sound great! We also did a super hero party years ago and I too sewed capes for everyone. How can you resist? 🙂
Betz
Your son sounds similar to my 7 yr old daughter! She has had Gruffalo-outfots for all 3 of us made/Gnomes & Fairies-3 outfits made!/Mini beasts-2 outfits made
I had to make a Dragon outfit for World Book day (How to train your dragon)Always craft based!
She usually tells me at least a week after a party what theme she wants the following year…!
Your party looks FAB!
How fun! Our son plans waaay ahead as well for his birthday and for Halloween!
Betz
really inspiring! I still get to plan my daughters’ parties, for now. Although at 3, she might start telling me how it is. Either way, I think I will try and have all out parties for them both; and I agree crafts are a great way to make them memorable.
Awesome idea, I love the creativity of the project, that the boys got to use their imaginations and do theirs exactly like they wanted to. It sounds like a great party.
WOW I just love this craft idea. I amgoing to try making some of these as gifts for my dragon loving friends. Thanks for the idea !