If you have a little boy, having a Hot Wheels birthday party is a no-brainer. The cost of themed party goods can add up fast, so with a little planning and a few tips, you can throw a memorable bash that won’t cost several car payments.
Tip #1 Create a Fun Invitation
I love clever invites, and this one is so easy, the guest of honor can help. All you need are mini car buttons (I found mine in the sewing section at Jo-Ann’s), road washi tape (I found mine at my Paper Source, but you can find it online at shops like Cute Tape), and your choice of cardstock or construction paper. Your child can add the tape, and you can remove the button shanks with a wire cutter and hot glue the buttons on.
Tip #2 Set the Tone and Use Solid Colors for Everything Else
Purchase a few Hot Wheels items to set the tone (such as the paper products) and use solid, coordinating colors to round out everything else. For example, you can purchase Hot Wheels plates and napkins and set the table with red or black cups and a tablecloth.
Tip #3 DIY, DIY, DIY
As you saw in the first tip, you don’t have to be Martha Stewart to become a DIY pro. Making your own invitations and homemade treats, and having guests make crafts are all great ways to personalize your party and save money. For our Cars party a few years ago, I wrapped square boxes in pink wrapping paper, punched out circles, and turned them into fuzzy dice.
I love how Hank & Hunt decorated her walls with black crepe paper roads and hung red, yellow, and green circles to mimic stoplights.
The biggest party question is always how to keep guests entertained. At another party, the kids painted and detailed pull-back wood racer cars and raced them down a simple track we made with plastic tarp and white tape. The best part? It doubled as their party favor, which leads into my final tip…
Tip #4 Send Them Home with Something They Will Really Use
I know those overpriced plastic character goody bags filled with junk that will end up all over the car or in every toy bin in the house are convenient, but when it comes to favors, think quality over quantity. Like our painted cars, a craft does awesome double duty as an activity and take-away.
Are you (or someone you know) a baker? Check out SimoneMadeIt’s baked and bagged up car-shaped sugar cookies for her racing party.
Another great favor idea is reusable water bottles. At her son’s M&M Racecar party, my friend added a cute tag, and guests used them during the party. It’s a great way to cut down on half-finished, wasted plastic water bottles.
Hot Wheels cars can be had for less than a dollar each, so if you have a small group of guests, send them home with a few cars. One can never have too many!
I hope these tips inspired you to put together the hottest Hot Wheels party on the block!
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