Happy #ThrowbackThursday, folks! I figured I would take you back to my little She Rex’s DINOmite extravaganza! When you’ve got a sassy little almost three-year-old who tells you “mama I want dinosaurs,” you make it happen. I love that there has been a recent surge in the amount of “girly” dino gear. I’m starting to see so many cute options for girls, and I was super excited to challenge myself with a dinosaur party for my daughter. My husband made mention of wearing a Jurassic Park costume to the party–to which I replied “we are going for more of a Land Before Time theme here.” Can you imagine how a party full of toddlers would have reacted to a 6 foot 4 inch Jurassic Park T-REX????
I personally LOVE choosing the perfect invitation. To be honest, I probably spend way too much time on this, but it is the first peek into a party, and I love to choose the fun details. I went with this fun watercolor design. It was so easy to have it customized, and then printed at Office Depot. I also feel like there’s something nostalgic about letting her “pass out” invites to friends, and sending them to family via snail mail. #sorrynotsorry
Our little She-Rex slayed in a lime green top that read “Today I want to be a Princess Dinosaur,” and a black tutu. Raegan is a total tutu enthusiast, by the way. This had to happen. She also rocked a pair of silver T-Rex earrings, and the cutest dino-inspired hair twists (thanks, Gam Gam)! Her daddy and I complimented her with matching “Mamasaurus” and “Dadasaurus” shirts. Baby sister adorably donned a “Cuteasaurus” bubble! Partygoers were greeted with the option to wear their very own dinosaur masks!
The main table was so much fun for me! I wanted it to be: playful, prehistoric, and PINK! The backdrop was made with (a freaking lot) of vinyl strips. I got those adorable rose gold mylar letter balloons on Etsy. I had never seen that particular lettering before, and was drawn to it. Did I mention how adorable my Raegan’s RAWR is? We topped it off with some extra color coordinated latex balloons. I’m a sucker for party balloons.
The inflatable dinosaurs were a MUST have! There can’t be a dinosaur party with no dinosaurs! They were both less than $10 and are currently still ridden on played with by my girls. I also placed gold spray painted Dollar Tree toy dinosaurs around the party. I placed the inflatable brachiosaurus on the Dinosaur Adoption table AKA the party favor table. I added some prehistoric jungle flare to this table by zigzagging the green tablecloth. I also sprinkled dinosaur confetti here.
Those fab little party hat wearing dino favor bags were a Target find! Each child left with a their own “grow your own dino” kit and a snack. In lieu of a guest book, I always have guests sign a storybook for the girls. I thought “Tea Rex” by Molly Idle was fitting for my dinosaur princess. (For Zarie’s First Fiesta the storybook was “Dragons Love Tacos” by Adam Rubin) I like to keep these sweet messages for the girls to read when they are older.
The menu for this summer party was super easy. BURGERS! Brontosaurus Burgers to be exact! We grilled up (about a million) tiny beef patties and placed them on Hawaiian rolls, to make sliders. We also had dinosaur chicken nuggets on the “Carnivores” side of the food table. For the “Herbivores” we had Volcano Veggies, Dino Scales (chips), and fruit. The dinosaur shaped melon was made by using metal cookie cutters. The individual veggie cups were an assortment of carrots, cucumber, broccoli, celery, snap peas and cherry tomatoes, in either hummus or ranch dip.
I think Raegan’s fossil cookies are probably my favorite of all time! Cookie Cutter Cookies did an AMAZING job of making girly dino dreams come true. I mean, have you ever seen such pretty fossils? We also had “dinosaur egg” donut holes from Dunkin’ Donuts. Our “prehistoric punch” was pink lemonade, and we also offered water, juice boxes, and beer for the adults.
Raegan’s birthday cake was a gem from good ole’ Publix! I decided on pink ombre rosettes, and topped it with a fierce golden T-Rex! Our guests were served their own pink rosette cupcakes. Each of which was sprinkled with gold sugar crystals, and topped with a mini dino.
After the eats, it was time for LOTS of play! We had to have a fossil excavation site for our little paleontologists! It was as easy as: filling a kiddie pool with sand, dino bones, and shovels! I am pretty sure that every child at the party enjoyed this. Party games and entertainment don’t have to be complicated or expensive. This was so simple, and provided hours of entertainment.
My talented sister is responsible for Raegan’s beautiful birthday chalkboard, as well as the dinosaur adoption sign. I also scored the perfect themed gift wrap rolls during a trip to Home Goods. I am that person who is always searching through the gift wrap bins, looking for something that fits my occasion. You should see my Christmas tree…there isn’t one gift bag.
Thanks for taking this trip down memory lane with me. Age three has already been a whirlwind! Lots of sass, roaring, tutus, messes, and learning! I am looking forward to watching my beautiful girl continue to grow. I wonder what party she will ask for next year….
XOXO, Shakira
Vendor Credits:
Invitation: Party Invites and More
Custom Shirts: This N’ That Designs
Photography: Thomas Windley Photography
Cookies: Cookie Cutter Cookies
Chalkboards: Shakale Moyer
