Fifth grade graduation parties are fun because they're probably the last time graduates will enjoy kids' activities. By the time they leave middle school, they'll be too old for pinatas and treasure hunts. So make the most of it: Create a fun theme for invitations, food and decor--and silly games like three-legged races and pin-the-diploma-on-the-graduate. Does this Spark an idea?
Theme
Use one of your graduate's interests as the basis for a party theme. A sport is always fun, whether it's soccer, swimming, baseball or lacrosse. Music, dance and plays make fun themes too. Incorporate a live performance into the event. Hire a band or take the kids to see a play or dance troupe before or after the party.
Invitations
Go to town on the invitations, which set the mood for the party. Personalize each invitation with the guest's name. Decorate the invites with themed stickers, available at discount and craft stores. Use free clip art from websites like HellasMultimedia.com.
Decorate
Have fun decorating without going overboard. Fifth grade kids will have a good time whether you spend $10 or 10 times that. Use streamers and balloons in the school colors, or hang themed sports, dance or music posters. Buy premade decorations from websites like Party411.com if it's in your budget.
Food
Serve your little graduate's fave foods. If hot dogs and hamburgers are at the top of the list, offer some extras like chili for chili dogs and bacon for burgers. Homemade food, like pizza and mac and cheese, is always fun--let the kids sprinkle on their own toppings. Serve fruit chunks on skewers as a side dish. And, of course, don't forget the cake.
Activities
Plan party activities, or buy packaged party kits at websites like SimpliFun.com. Allow the interest level to determine how far to go. Arts and crafts and treasure hunts are still popular with these kids, but if everyone is happy kicking around a soccer ball and playing on your swing set, that's a successful party, too. It's all about having fun and honoring the graduate.
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