Having a 'green' kids birthday party

[mjantz]

My kids have a joint family birthday party every summer. I'd really like to make it a bit more environmentally friendly than it has been in previous years. I was wondering if anyone had any recommendations for tableware, party favors, etc. I'm looking at using a cloth tablecloth & bandanas for napkins but any other ideas appreciated.

 

[kiddisney]

for my daughter's birthday we did a flower power party - actually it was years ago but I was tired of the regular candy and game parties - so in trying to be environmentally conscious our activity was having the girls paint flower pots and we planted plants for them to take home with them - we used real table cloths for the party - our reusable glassware rather than paperware - the girls liked it so much that we did it a second year in a row -

for my son's friends we found solar car kits and had them construct them so that they know how the sun powers things -

for both it actually cost less than buying all of the party goodies - it kept them occupied for a long time - and they were able to go home w/an environmentally friendly 'goody'

 

[HGD24]

You could buy the tablecloths that have cloth on the bottom and vinyl on top. You can easily wipe off any messes. We bought a bunch for a family party and ended up giving them to people who wanted them after the party was over.

Most stores now carry paper products made from recycled paper. Just type "recycled paper plates" or "biodegrable paper plates" in google and you'll find tons of sites offering recycled or biodegradable products.

Love the idea of painting flower pots. We gave potted plants as a shower favor once and everyone loved them.

 

[kidsicet]

Another take-off on the flower pot idea. My DD 12 went to a party recently, and came home with a clay flower pot that she made a "cup of dirt" out of. It was an activity for the kids where they made chocolate pudding, and put it in the pot, then added crushed oreos and some gummi worms. It looked so cute! After she ate it, I got the pot to use for a plant.

I think using real silverware and plates is a wonderful idea if you have enough for all of the kids.

The goody bags are really what drives me nuts. We have so many of those little trinkets that are just laying around collecting dust. They're expensive, and the kids really lose interest in them fast. Maybe doing a theme like a "spa" or something, and giving the kids a washcloth, nail polish and things like that would be an idea.

 

[jkstewart1800]

Instead of :

paper plates we used glass

plastic table cloth we used fabric

wrapping paper I made cloth gift bags

balloons we used paper aisian circular lanterns

gift bags I took a picture of my son with each of his friends and printed it out

during the party so each kid could take it home with them

decorations we asked each kid to draw a picture for my son and to bring it to the party - we hung them all around the walls

hope this helps