Animal Theme Party - Top 7 Reasons Why This Is A Great Birthday Celebration Idea For Your Child

When you're planning a party with your child for his birthday, consider going with an animal theme. It's sure to be a hit. Need convincing? Here's the top seven reasons why this is a great idea for your son or daughter's celebration.

1. Kids love animals.  Just look at a the expression on a toddler's face when they see a puppy or kitten in a pet store window. Or watch children's reactions when they gaze at the different creatures at the zoo.  It's easy to see that the little ones respond and relate to our furry friends.  If you're looking for a party theme that is sure to please all your young guests, this one can't miss.

2. It's good for both boys and girls.  A birthday party with a fireman's theme might thrill the little guys, but  the girls may not have as good a time.  The girls may love a princess party, but the boys might feel out of place.. If you're inviting a mixed crowd of kids to the celebration, an animal theme will be appreciated by all.

3. It appeals to all ages.  Whether you focus on soft, cuddly critters, farm animals or go with an all out jungle theme, this is a party idea that can be adapted to any age group.  And if your child has older or younger brothers and sisters or cousins that attend his birthday festivities, they would all get a kick out of this celebration.

4. It's inexpensive.  Of course, if you pulled out all the stops, you could spend a lot of money on this party. But you don't have to empty your wallet to do this right.  Borrow a CD of animal sounds from your library for background music.  Hang varying lengths of green crepe streamers or craft paper from the ceiling to look like you're in the jungle.  Place your child's stuffed animals all over the room for atmosphere.  Cut out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with animal cookie cutters.  Decorate a plain sheet cake with green frosting and then add little plastic animals to the top from the party or dollar store.

5. Supplies are easy to find. Every brick and mortar or online party store will have a large selection of items for this theme. If you're looking for animal party invites, you'll have a mind boggling choice, including photo invitations that feature your child's picture.  Everything from decorations to stuff to put in the goodie bags will be readily available.  You'll have lots of options, so it will be quick and easy to put together just the right elements for your child's birthday celebration.

6. You can use it as an opportunity to teach conservation.  Have the party at a nearby zoo. Then steer the kids toward exhbits that focus on endangered species and what is being done to preserve these magnificient creatures. 

7. It's fun!  Set the mood with face painting the kids to look like their favorite beast.  Have games like pin the trunk on the elephant. You could do a bean bag toss into the cut out mouth of a big lion head painted on poster board.  Hide little animal prizes all around the room and then send the little ones on safari to find them.  Quiz them on animal facts and reward the child with the most correct answers.  Or bring them all to a local farm to see cows, horses, pigs and chickens up close.

Whether you arrange for your teenage daughter and a few of her friends to take riding lessons at a stable, or have a house full of toddlers pretending to be tigers, an animal theme party will be a big success.  Run wild with this fun, inexpensive and easy idea and you'll be sure to give your child a very happy birthday.