Children’s birthdays, while fun, can also be a real stressor for parents. Coming up with a theme that can’t survive is difficult. Luau parties are great for people of all ages, but they can be especially fun for children. Imagine a flight to a tropical island is always fun, and it can be done easily (and cheaply). Below are some ideas to make your kids luau party a blast!
Bright colors and flowers make the best luau decorations. Search the local dollar stores and you’ll find plenty of brightly colored tables, flags, plates, dishes and knickknacks to make your event ultra-Hawaiian. . You plan to have your outdoor party and hang as many different things as you can find. Have your child make a large sign saying “Name Luau” and hang it on the door. Tiki torches can be bought very cheaply – forget to put candles in unless faithful children of an age to avoid them – they usually make their way to the party area. Large and colorful paper-lanterns (once, for decoration only – no need to actually put on the lights) provide bright festive air Use lawn chairs for a beach atmosphere, and a large metal bucket (or a small watering can). Paper umbrellas make great decorations as they provide shade. Use toothpick umbrellas for drinks.
There are many varieties of games to play at a Luau party. Any game can be turned into a Hawaiian theme, as it is creative.
Fixing a coconut on a coconut tree: draw a Palm on tall paper (face a little taller than the oldest child can reach). Then paint/draw as many coconuts as there are children. Cut them out and attach tape to the back. Blind the kids, the strings, and see where the coconuts escape.
Limb: Forget holding a stick – make an easy stand-alone limb, turn on some music and join in the fun. Three dowel rods (approx. 1 each). Two dowel rods, two pound nails each. Make sure the nails on both rods are well aligned. Insert the rods into two five-gallon buckets filled with sand. Decorate the second rod, and you have a cheap rim system!
Flower Leis: The kids make their own flower leis. All you need is string, straw (cut into inch sections), and some flowers to make it. You could use silk, tissue paper, crepe paper, or even fresh flowers (they are great and cheap).
Grass Skirts: Kids can also make grass skirts out of tissue paper or brown wrapping paper (depending on how brave you want them to be ). Simply fold a few pieces into a long strip to create a centerpiece. Then tie or glue a long strip above the navel. Kids (especially girls) will love having long grass skirts.
Hula Dancing: Turn on some fun music (Hawaiian, or baby favorites) and let the kids show you how it’s done!
For a child birthday luau, simple food is usually the best. If you want more than cake and ice cream, chop fresh fruit, especially pineapple- and keep it sitting. in clear dishes or cleaned fruit shells. If you like to make a cake, try to follow a luau theme. Beach cakes are incredibly simple to ice make an ocean blue cake, and crush the graham cracker in the sand. If you have daughters, you probably need to decorate everything. Use the beach Barbie surfboard, have babies playing in the sand, watch your kids play with little toys and you will be amazed how professional looking you can make your cake!
Pinatas, although not necessarily Hawaiian, are really popular with kids. You can make a piñata yourself, but it’s hard to make a big one. And it is very difficult to see as you want. If there is time, think of each small child, a pineapple pinata of his own. You need to start about a week before the party to dry it properly. To do this, simply cover the medium with paper mache (distributed bundled sprinkled/dyed water mixture); leaving a candy hole on top. Apply two to four layers, drying thoroughly. Spray paint brown, and cover on one-inch, fringed sections of yellow tissue paper. Place some green tissue paper near the hole, put candy, and put a lei or flower in the hole. Instead, give from gift bags- that’s a lot more work, but the kids will enjoy having their pinatas. Just try not to cry when they throw them at their picture!
The most important part of a successful birthday luau is making sure the kids (and their parents!) have fun! Get creative, and make sure you have your camera ready – with this party, there are sure to be moments you won’t miss!
