Castle & dragon party for 3 year old

ebba7

I'm planning DDs 3rd birthday and am thinking of doing a castle and dragon themed party at home (as there will be a mix of girls / boys so princesses and knights). I'm thinking of doing some craft and games, inside and (hopefully!) outside (although every year we think the weather will be great and every year it disappoints...!). Can anyone help me out with any moneysaving ideas on this theme?

Many thanks...!

PoppyToms

How about using cardboard and silver foil to make swords for the knights and tiara's for the princesses, they could decorate them by gluing on sequins as jewels.

gibson123

Knight School (dress up party) ! Use some lengths of gauzy material and plastic headbands for princess head dresses, and some gold or silver card to make the boys crowns. cut out some shield shapes and put a loop of cardboard at the back, let the kids decorate these themselves. Beg, borrow and charity shop for dress up dresses and shirts that can be fastened with a belt or tie. Buy some colourful sheeting (oranges, reds, blue) cut into kid sized rectangles, cut a slit in the material for the wee ones heads to go into and this is their cloaks, buy Easter eggs that are going cheap at this time of year and take them out of their cardboard, hide them and play hunt the dragons eggs in the garden. Play pin the tail on the dragon, what's the time mister dragon, and knight knight dragon (duck duck goose). Have fun.

ebba7

Some fab ideas - thanks very much! Not sure I know duck duck goose but will have to find out. I had thought of dragon's eggs but not the really big ones - will have to see what's on offer. I'm also hoping to make a giant cardboard castle (have seen how to do this using two fridge boxes joined by a tv box) - only thing is I'm not about to buy two new fridges and a tv!!! Hoping that a local shop might have some boxes they'll let me have.

sethsgran

I am sure that if You speak to someone at your local store they will have a box or 2 they can let you have. Could you also get some free rolls, cardboard, from a carpet fitter. You could add these to the corners for turrets.

sethsgran

Any ideas here.... http://www.thebusybudgetingmama.com/2011/11/my-girls-storybook-princess-party.html



Also these cute paper windmills would be lovely favors to take home... http://kinsereventcompany.blogspot.co.uk/2010/06/diy-4th-of-july-pinwheels.html

Don't forget every castle needs some bunting

MidLifeCrisis_3

If you've got some sand available what about making sandcastles with some different shape buckets: beg and borrow some if need be? Obviously best outdoors, but on a large plastic sheet somewhere indoors if not?

If you can't get the boxes from stores, try a truck company eg Scania, etc as some of their parts come in massive boxes and we have had some for pre-school that have become a fire engine or a bus. I'm sure they would put some aside for you as it beats filling their skips.

The little foil dishes that individual pies (not the family size ones) come in make excellent tiaras, cut out the bottom of the dish, then make triangular cuts to form a crown shape and the kids can stick on sequins, stickers, etc.

Good luck sounds like fun!

MLC

elsien

Just wanted to say as well, (as a traumatised tomboy who hated all things girly) can the princesses get to wield swords if they so desire? (and vice versa.)

MidLifeCrisis_3

Try this website too: http://www.birthdaypartyideas.com/

Totally love it! It can be a bit americanised and some of them are way OTT bless 'em, but I've used it for great ideas for invitations, games, decorations, food, etc and it's been invaluable. I note they have a Knights of the round table and absolutley tons of Princess sections. I especially like the fact that most of the ideas have an age listed so you can pick out the most appropriate ones.

Be prepared to spend ages reading, laughing and ahhing tho as it's quite addictive!

ebba7

Thanks for everyone who's posted such great ideas. I particularly love the giant cardboard castle on the weblink posted by Sethsgran and am collecting boxes to make one now - only problem being that a number of the stores I have spoken to recycle boxes immediately they are unpacked, and a lot of white goods these days come in polythene / plastic. However, I have a small collection to build on.

So far the plans are to make cardboard crowns, shields and swords (princesses too!), the giant cardboard castle to decorate and play in, and a sandpit where dragons treasure (chocolate coins, chocolate eggs and mini dinosaurs=baby dragons) are hidden.

Invitations to go out today...I'm looking forward to it :j(but as ever open to any other ideas!)

SneaksyWhippet

This sounds like a brilliant, original and good-old-fashioned fun party idea. I love how much thought and effort you are putting into it! So much more special than just paying to hire out a room somewhere etc.

I just want to wish you luck; hope it all goes well!