How I’m Planning the Most Magical Toy Story-Themed Birthday Party for Rae

Rae’s 3rd birthday is just around the corner, and I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate with a theme that’s as fun, adventurous, and heartwarming as she is. Yep, we’re going all-in on a Toy Story party with the tagline: “You’ve Got a Friend Who’s 3!” Let’s dive into how I’m planning this magical day while keeping it stress-free, budget-friendly, and unforgettable.

Simplicity is the Name of my Game

When it comes to party planning, I firmly believe in keeping things as simple as possible. Birthdays are about celebrating, not stressing, so I’ve taken a strategic approach to make sure Rae’s party is magical without turning me into a frazzled mess. My mantra? Outsource what I can, DIY what I have time for, and find affordable ways to bring the theme to life.

Etsy and Amazon: My Party Planning BFFs

Etsy and Amazon have become my ultimate lifesavers for party planning. Once I landed on the Toy Story theme, I headed straight to Etsy for a digital invitation download. While I adore printed and mailed invites, I just don’t have the time to go that route this year. Instead, I’ll be sending out a charming Toy Story-themed invite via Facebook—simple, quick, and still on-theme!

Next up was Amazon. I created a dedicated Toy Story party list to keep everything organized. Here’s what I’ve been adding to my list:

Decorations: Think Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and all the gang on banners, tablecloths, and plates.
Balloons: A mix of latex balloons in primary colors and some foil character balloons.
Party Favors: Toy Story-themed goodies like stickers, mini figurines, and little treat bags.
Games: Ideas like “Pin the Tail on Bullseye” and a Toy Story scavenger hunt.

Having everything in one place on Amazon makes it easy to buy items gradually instead of facing one massive expense all at once. Bonus: Prime shipping is a dream for last-minute planners like me!

Food That’s Fun and Fuss-Free

Let’s talk about food. Rae’s party is happening at home with family and close friends, so I’m keeping it simple and kid-approved. Here’s the plan:

Pizza Planet Pies: Ordering pizza and dubbing it “Pizza Planet” is an absolute must. It’s a nod to the movie and ensures everyone’s fed with minimal effort on my part.
Snacks: I’ll include themed treats like “Slinky Dog Pretzels” (pretzel sticks), “Alien Cupcakes” (green frosted cupcakes with candy eyes), and “Jessie’s Roundup Trail Mix” (a mix of popcorn, M&Ms, and pretzels).
Drinks: Simple juice boxes for the kids and a big pitcher of lemonade labeled “Woody’s Lemonade Stand.” For the adults, maybe a coffee bar or some “Buzz Lightyear’s Rocket Fuel.”

Outsourcing What I Can

While I’m all for a good DIY project, there are some things I’m happy to hand off to the pros. This year, I’ll be:

Hiring Help for the Cake: I’m ordering a custom cake with Toy Story characters. It’ll be the centerpiece of the dessert table and something I don’t have to worry about baking.
Photo Backdrop: Instead of assembling a DIY photo backdrop, I’m purchasing a ready-to-go Toy Story-themed one from Amazon. Add a few balloons and props, and it’ll be perfect for capturing memories.

DIY Projects I’m Tackling

Of course, I can’t resist getting a little crafty. Here are the DIYs I’m taking on:

“You’ve Got a Friend Who’s 3” Sign: I’ll be making a cute welcome sign with the party’s tagline.
Goodie Bags: While the contents will be Amazon finds, I’m decorating the bags myself with Toy Story stickers and stamps.
Table Centerpieces: Using Toy Story toys Rae already owns, I’ll arrange them with themed table scatter for an adorable and budget-friendly centerpiece.

Pool Party Fun

Since Rae’s birthday is in March and we’ll be heating the pool, this Toy Story party will have a splashy twist! I’m incorporating some poolside fun with:

Toy Story Beach Balls: Perfect for games in the pool.
Pool Floats: I found some cute floats that fit the theme (hello, alien floatie!).
Towels and Sunscreen Station: A practical touch for parents, labeled “Andy’s Pool Essentials.”

Budget-Friendly Tips

Let’s face it: birthdays can get expensive. Here are a few ways I’m keeping costs down:

Reuse What We Have: Rae’s toy collection is doubling as décor—practical and sentimental!
Amazon Gradual Purchases: Spreading out purchases over weeks makes the party feel more affordable.
Simple Food Options: By sticking to pizza and easy snacks, I’m saving on catering costs.
DIY Decorations: A little creativity goes a long way in creating a festive atmosphere.

The Countdown to Party Day

With just a few weeks to go, here’s how I’m staying on track:

Four Weeks Out: Finalize the guest list and send out digital invites.
Two Weeks Out: Order any remaining Amazon items.
One Week Out: Assemble goodie bags, set up decorations, and confirm food orders.
The Day Before: Decorate, pick up the cake, and do a quick party supply inventory.
Party Day: Relax, celebrate Rae, and soak in all the fun!

Wrapping It Up

Planning Rae’s Toy Story-themed 3rd birthday party has been such a joyful experience. By leaning on my trusty planning tools—Etsy, Amazon, and a sprinkle of DIY—I’ve been able to keep things simple, budget-friendly, and totally magical. I can’t wait to see Rae’s face light up as she’s surrounded by her favorite characters and all her friends.

Remember, when it comes to party planning, it’s not about perfection—it’s about creating memories that will last a lifetime. To infinity and beyond!