Aloha.
My daughter Maggie (age 6) wanted to get in on the current luau craze by having a hula girl birthday party. The fact that her birthday is in late November made me hesitate but I love a good birthday party challenge so we went for it anyway. Follow the steps below and you can have a hip-Hawaiian-bash any time of the year.
Step 1: Activities
We started by planning a craft; hula skirts. Armed with a about $20 and an idea we went to the craft store to find streamers, flowers, and ribbon. The ribbon was cut into strips long enough to fit around a child’s waist (with room to tie). Next, we took 1 roll of green and 1 roll of yellow crepe streamers and cut them into 2 ft strips.
When the kids arrived they simply grabbed some streamer strips and taped them to a piece of ribbon. Next they took a few small faux flowers and used double sided tape to stick them to the ribbon as well. Viola, a grass skirt is born.
Step 2: Games
Rummaging through our CDs we were able to put together a mix of upbeat tropical tunes. If you want to save time there are plenty of Luau CDs for sale at party stores and on the internet. I was trying to stick to a tight budget so we used our own music and the CD burner on my computer. This music mix became the base for most of our party games.
My daughter was in charge of the limbo stick. She decorated a piece of PVC pipe from the hardware store using stickers and more streamers. My 4 year old got involved as well and it really turned out great!
Once the craft was completed we turned on the tropical tunes and had a game of Freeze Hula Dance. That was followed by several rounds of Limbo. The kids enjoyed this so much we almost ran out of prizes. Then we put the music back on and had hula hoop contests. My goal: keep them moving!
Step 3: Food, Glorious Food
Is there anything more satisfying than turning off the lights and watching all those little eyes sparkle as they stare at the birthday cake? I know the cake was a deal-breaker when I was a kid so the pressure was on to come with something great.
My idea was to adapt the classic doll cake and make her into a Hawaiian beauty. I didn’t want to purchase a special doll-cake mold so I used a 2 quart Pyrex bowl instead. A bundt pan would be another possibility. I used a doll pick (upper body only) from a craft store for my hula girl; much easier than trying to shove Barbie’s legs into a cake or even worse…amputate them.
The next step was to decorate the cake with green frosting and drag a fork down the frosting to make it look like a wavy grass skirt. Flower shaped candies were placed around the waistline and a small silk flower was pinned to the doll’s hair. I made a delicious bikini top out of fruit leather and then sprinkled crushed graham crackers onto the platter to look like sand.
Mission accomplished. My daughter’s party was a huge success and we didn’t break the bank to do it. Everyone had a blast and the cake was definitely the highlight of the whole event. In the end I think you have as much fun getting ready for the party as you have during the party!
Related Articles
Fun and Creative Party Game Ideas for Kids
By: kaydee Grant | 13/02/2007 | Home and Family
There are several great game ideas for kids of all ages that won’t break the bank, can encourage teamwork and bonding, are exciting, challenging, and educational, and are sure to put smiles on the faces of all of your party goers, whether it be at the next birthday party, slumber party, family get-together, class party, holiday party, or other event.
Planning a Child’s First Birthday Party
By: nick rauge | 03/07/2007 | Art and Entertainment
Planning the child’s first birthday party is always exciting for parents probably more than it is for the little one. Traditionally, baby’s first birthday is done with just a diaper on and they have a chocolate cake that is sure to create a huge mess. Birthday parties have not changed much as this is still a practice for many parents. The pictures are cute and wait until they grow up and see the pictures.
Find Out the Reason for Bedwetting in Children
By: nick rauge | 06/07/2007 | Home and Family
Bedwetting has most people believing it is hereditary. Doctor’s believed that if a family member wet the bed, then it could pass down to the next generation. Although no one can say for sure, there are health problems that can cause bedwetting and you need to address this problem right away. If your child never wet the bed before and suddenly starts, there has to be an underlying problem.
Why it is Important to Vaccinate your Child
By: nick rauge | 16/07/2007 | Home and Family
Nobody wants to take the new baby to the doctor for a shot that is going to make him or her cry. New mom’s feel the pain their babies are feeling and want to protect them from pain. A minute or two of pain will help to protect him or her from childhood diseases as well as adult diseases when they grow older. It is very important to your infant’s health that they receive the proper vaccinations.
10 Tips for Great Kids' Party Games
By: Ian Lowe | 05/01/2008 | Home and Family
Organizing kids' party games can be a daunting task, but with these tips you can save money and make friends by doing it yourself
Preparing your Toddler for School
By: nick rauge | 19/07/2007 | Home and Family
There are inevitabilities when it comes to being a parent, and one is sending your child off to school for the very first time. For many kids, their first experience with school is actually play-school, where the structure is relaxed and most of the learning centers on how to share with others.
Planning - the Secret to Organizing the Perfect Birthday Party for your Child
By: Shawn Chua AKA Captain Amazing | 08/01/2008 | Parenting
Planning is the TINY secret to organizing a the perfect birthday party for your child. Here are a number of key points that you should cover when planning your party from a professional birthday party host from Singapore.
Spring Birthday Parties Come Rain or Shine
By: Joanna Bennett | 14/03/2007 | Home and Family
Three simple suggestions for planning springtime parties can help parents as they prepare for their children's birthday celebrations. Planning early, preparing for spring weather, and choosing an appropriate spring theme will help set the stage for creating lasting birthday memories.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Wording for a birthday invitation
By: Atlertx | 14-05-2008
How can I word an invitation to a 50th birthday for 2 people (they're married). I would like something funny.
Who and where are the sexy women in Honolulu, Hawaii?
By: compuman2153 | 12-05-2008
Who and where are the women in Honolulu, Hawaii who just want sex ,with no strings(relationships attached?)
Activities for kids?
By: sexilexi | 12-05-2008
My 6 year old niece is coming to visit me for a couple of days and I need some fun activities to do with her. Does anyone have any art projects for kids or activities that anyone can suggest?
Hitting
By: INLOVE4236 | 11-05-2008
I am a day care teacher and i have one child that comes from a broken home and she hits me what should i do about it
Digital camera that takes action shots
By: teeth9 | 10-05-2008
What is the best digital camera to take still pictures and action shots of soccer without spending over $300
Girlfriend car service too expen$ive
By: phubenthal | 10-05-2008
Looking for advice on how to reel in a senior about to graduate who is being chauffer to girlfriend at our cost. $691. gas bill last month. I just had surgery, haven't worked for two weeks. He will not listen and acts like a tyrant. Girlfriend seems to be in the drivers seat. Now he takes her to the coast "her favorite place to go." He is not working and has learned to take his last paycheck to a cash advance place and didn't contribute a nickle to gas. I am fed up. How do I stop this chauffer service without jeopardizing his fin ishing high school?
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Home and Family Articles
The Baby Of The Family
By: Scarlett Capelli | 17/05/2008
When adult siblings are asked how they feel about the youngest child, most will generally describe these "babies of the family" as being spoiled, lazy, and as "having the ability to get away with everything." Parents describe these same children as being affectionate and sensitive. Both these descriptions are accurate....
Directbuy of Fresno Provides Tips on Setting Up Your Home Office
By: Steve Dubin | 16/05/2008
FRESNO, CA…Not too long ago, the home office used to mean the corporate headquarters of a company.
Childhood Obesity-getting Your Kids Off The Couch
By: Scarlett Capelli | 16/05/2008
In today's society, childhood obesity is becoming a growing concern. In this age of fast-food dinners and video games your child may be eating foods that are high in fat and calories and then sitting on the couch for hours on end playing video games. It may be time to...
Five Ways To Build A Relationship With Your Future Mother In Law
By: Tiffany R. Wright | 15/05/2008
After years of working on weddings, there is one character that I have come to pity: the mother of the groom. Most of the attention at weddings, aside from that given to the couple, is placed on the mother and father of the bride. The parents of the groom are...
Directbuy Locations in and Around San Francisco Provide Tips on Garage Organization
By: Steve Dubin | 15/05/2008
FAIRFIELD (NORTH BAY), PLEASANTON (EAST BAY), MOUNTAINVIEW (SILICON VALLEY), SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA …As you're tripping over paint cans and bumping into old bicycles, you may not realize that your garage could be the most functional space in the house.
Directbuy of Providence Offers “play” Areas for Parents and Kids
By: Steve Dubin | 15/05/2008
WARWICK, RI…By purchasing directly from the manufacturer, DirectBuy members can not only save a lot of money, but enjoy the process as well.
Pick the Best Moving Van Companies
By: Jason Howard | 15/05/2008
When it is time to move be sure to check a few of the moving van companies. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Ten Tips to Raising Financially Literate Teenagers
By: Vince Shorb | 14/05/2008
Dicover how you can prepare your child for the financial challenges of the 21st century. Would you of liked to of leared about money when you were younger? Give your child that advantage by reading this article now.
More from Michelle Normand
How to Meditate When You Can't Sit Still
By: Michelle Normand | 10/04/2008 | Alternative Medicine
So you know you should meditate, maybe you've even tried, but you can't seem to do it. Well, maybe you just haven't found the right type of meditation. Active Meditation may be what you are looking for.
Feed your Face: Top 5 Foods for a Better Complexion
By: Michelle Normand | 20/02/2008 | Anti Aging
They say you are what you eat. No amount of cosmetics or mail-order, miracle creams can fix a complexion damaged by unhealthy habits. Keep reading to see what you can do to feed your face a healthy diet and get the skin your body deserves.
Celtic Symbols: Finding Meaning in Celtic Art
By: Michelle Normand | 20/02/2008 | Art
Thanks to the popularity of Celtic Women, Riverdance, and the Irish Tenors, there has been a rise in interest in all-things Celtic. Celtic art, with it's mysterious symbolism and ancient history is peaking the interest of everyday Americans. This article reveals some of the meanings attributed to the most noteworthy Celtic symbols: i.e knots, spirals, etc and hopefully gives some insight into the beauty and spirituality of these ancient people.
The Mandala Cure: End Anxiety Today
By: Michelle Normand | 21/09/2007 | Wellness
Learn about an ancient art form that has been used for centuries to guide meditations, increase awareness, and treat anxiety. Open up to the simple power of mandalas and close the door on panic, stress, and pain.
Turning Back the Hands of Time
By: Michelle Normand | 21/09/2007 | Cosmetics
Fraxel your Freckles. Hot trend in skin recovery, the fraxel laser may be the best thing to happen to the cosmetic surgery industry.
You Say Yogurt, I Say Yiaourti. It's All Greek to Me
By: Michelle Normand | 21/09/2007 | Nutrition
You think you've had yogurt before but you've never experienced the taste sensation of Greek yiaourti.
Easy Meditation Through Active (coloring) Meditation
By: Michelle Normand | 31/08/2007 | Meditation
If you can color, you can meditate. Have you have ever wanted to meditate but struggled to sit still (or even stay awake)? Then read on...
Great for beginners, coloring as a form of active meditation is an enjoyable way to achieve a relaxed state. Reap all of the benefits that meditation has to offer by using this simple, and enjoyable technique.
The Meaning of Color
By: Michelle Normand | 29/08/2007 | Alternative Medicine
Could a splash of red cure your case of the blues? If every color has a meaning, what do your favorite hues say about you?
Home and Family 
