Barbie Birthday Bash

First of all, this is my only child, so you might say I go a little overboard on parties. But I figure there is a small window of opportunity before she doesnt want in-home parties any more. I also want to say that once we decided the theme, about 7 months in advance, my radar was up and looking for anything pink when I went on my 'treasure hunts' at our local thrift shops (Goodwill, Savers, ARC), and I will admit I am a little obsessive when I get an idea like this. ;) Additionally, almost all the ideas came from inspiration on Pinterest and Catch My Party. I have a whole Barbie Birthday Bash Pinterest page with ideas, some I never used.

We went with the "Barbie in a Box" photo booth idea for the main fun. Each girl giggled with excitement as they grabbed something to dress up in for the picture. Took pictures and had them developed at Walgreens during the party. The girls took the pictures home in plastic frames from the Dollar Store. The box came from UHaul - less than $12 - but you need an SUV or long car to get the box home. Instructions on how to make one are on Pinterest. Then I used wrapping paper to cover the box. The Barbie and Mattel logos came from a friend but I know she ordered them on Etsy.

Next we played Barbie Bingo (I made up the template on the computer and printed off sheets) using Barbie shoes as markers. You could do Hershey Kisses too. I bought a 'lot' of shoes on eBay. Was going to use them for a 'guess how many shoes are in a jar' game but decided to use for bingo instead. The birthday girl was the bingo 'caller'. Also, I made sure each guest received a prize from the games.

Next we played pin the bow on Barbie and ended with Design a Dress. A friend made the dresses and charged me $5/dress. It all adds up though! The girls decorated with adhesive gems from Michaels craft store.

After gifts we ended with Barbie cake, ice cream and pink lemonade in the dining room. Got most of the paper products from a local party store. Decorated the dining table, entryway and mantel with Barbie dolls, including Skipper and princesses Anna, Elsa, Rapunzel. Had some, borrowed some and bought some pink dresses too off of eBay (my obsessiveness and personal love for Barbie).

As for her outfit, I found the cute birthday girl shirt on Etsy "Step aside Barbie theres a new girl in town". So freaking cute! I couldnt resist. Also, the headband was something I saw on Etsy too but a local friend made it for me. She has a small side business so if you want her contact info, please email me.

Lastlymy advice is to have a friend be the official photographer and take pictures during the party. There is no way you can do it all. I was lucky enough to have a friend do that and she captured great memories and images I could not have done myself.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions. I love to share ideas and help others be inspired. :) Party On!! Monica

• What People Ate

  Cake, ice cream

• What People Drank

  Pink lemonade with cake, small bottles of water during activities

• Desserts

  Barbie cake

• Party Favors

  Bag of goodies - Barbie travel pouch with toothbrush, kleenex, nail file + Barbie puzzle and pink candy

• Activities / Games

  Photobooth, Barbie Bingo, Pin the Bow on Barbie, Design a Dress