Have you even seen these new Disney invites from Paperless Post? I love the simple themes and how all the artwork has a vintage look. I love that you can personalize the invites with a photograph. And I really love that these invites produce no waste. It's super easy to keep track of the RSVPs right on the Paperless Post site and these invitations are very affordable too -- usually less than $1 each. Just about the price of a postage stamp. Or even FREE. Paperless Post works on a "coin" system -- with the pricing of the Disney invites starting at 2 coins each. You can purchase 20 coins for $6 on the site. OR, you can use the 25 coins you receive for FREE just for signing up for a Paperless Post account online. You can learn more about the pricing here. It's so fun to receive a beautiful invitation in your email inbox. Just like getting a lovely card in the real mailbox, amidst all the junk mail (but again -- no waste! And no postage fees!)
I especially love the Pooh invites from this new line. I was slightly obsessed with all things Winnie the Pooh when I was a kid (OK -- I kinda still am) and the art on this invitation reminds me of the simplicity of how kid birthday parties used to be. A few decorations, some simple games, cake and ice cream, and of course -- friends! I know I'm not the only one who feels that the modern one-upmanship surrounding children's events has gotten out of hand.
Anyway, this invite got me thinking about a simple Hundred Acre Wood party that could actually take place in the woods. A very "green" party, much like the invitation itself which produces little waste and is very affordable. It could be held at a local park, hiking trail or someone's wooded backyard. The venue itself would require a simple approach -- you're not going to be able to bring a ton of stuff out into the woods. A few simple games, some easy snacks, and a few decorations. Similar to the parties we remember so vividly for the little details -- not for the bouncey house, the DJ, the laser tag. For the time well spent with family and friends. Here are some ideas for a rustic and affordable Pooh Party:
- Send the kids around the wooded area to search for sticks. Lots of sticks for playing Pooh Sticks (if your venue has a stream) and also for making a game out of trying to build a house for Eeyore.
- Print out some simple honeybee trail markers to place on trees and send the kids on a Hundred Acre Wood explore. Pooh and his friends are always exploring (hiking) through the woods and discovering new adventures.
- Print out a map of the Hundred Acre Wood and see who can find the homes of Pooh, Piglet and Rabbit. Which tree belongs to Owl? Where is Gopher's hole?
- The kids can sit on picnic blankets for their simple snacks of veggies from Rabbit's garden and honey cupcakes. While eating, they can listen to a Pooh storybook -- there are hundreds to choose from. Encourage attendees to bring their favorite Pooh stuffed animal to share in the teddy bear picnic.
- Host an acorn hunt -- who can find the most acorns for Piglet?
- Leaf rubbings provide a simple craft. All you need are some leaves, plain paper, and crayons.
- For simple decorations, hang a flag banner from two trees, bring a few balloons, and some party hats. Pooh and his friends love party hats.
- Bear shaped bottles of honey provide a fun (and consumable) party favor.
There are too many cool ideas from around the web to share them all, but here are a few that caught my attention:
I really hope Faith wants a Hundred Acre Wood themed party...too bad I have to wait a year to host it. She just turned three last week! I love that this collage is a reminder that the magic of childhood comes from the simple things. Here's to lots and lots of magic!
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