Secret Life of Pets Party
As we start planning Janie’s birthday celebration this year, we are looking back to when she was turning six and requested a Secret Life of Pets party. Janie, our passionate animal lover, saw the teaser trailer for the original movie and counted down until the movie was released. Of course, when she finally got to see the movie, she instantly loved it and was quick to decide on it as her birthday party theme that year. This party took place during her Kindergarten year and it was also the year her baby brother was not sleeping well, so I while planning this celebration I was searching for party elements that were easy to create while still giving her a lot of WOW factor to her guests.
Janie’s number one priority was the Adopt a Pet activity. It ended up being the most expensive element of the party but since I was able to use the different pet options as decorations and party favors. I purchased the Ty brand licensed plush Secret Life of Pets toys. At the time they were around $7.00 a piece, but that was 4 years ago so they may be harder to track down now . I purchased about 5 extra pets from the amount of guests invited so that each got to make a selection of their pet to adopt.
I found cute polka dot gift 6 inch gift boxes similar to these to use as pet carrier boxes and used an exacto knife to cut a window in the front so the pet could be seen when inside. I created a simple favor tag and pet adoption certificate using the Silhouette Design Studio software and my Silhouette Cameo electronic cutter. I can’t even express how much I love my Silhouette Cameo!! This cutting machine is so easy to use and allows you to make so many simple projects like this personalized Happy Birthday Janie banner, stickers for the milk bottles and treat cups, centerpiece elements and the cupcake picks. I love that you can purchase designs in the Silhouette Design Store or create your own. I have had the same machine for over 8 years and it still works like a charm.
We drew names to determine who got to select their pet first. We made a big ordeal out of each selection as we filled out the adoption certificate, which required a pet name and then allowed them to make a collar and select a toy for their pet.
In addition to their new pet and carrier, each guest got to take home some candy treats for themselves and some for their pet. The themed pet TREATS packaging was an Etsy printable design purchase that is no longer offered by the artist. But similar ones are available in the Etsy printable packages included below. I just cut out the bag toppers, filled the sandwich sized ziplock baggies and then stapled them on the top. Super easy!!
In order to give this event that extra pizzaz that most kindergarten kids love, we decided to run with the rainbow color scheme. I pulled in bright colors on the dessert table by using bright fabric from past parties that had been cut and trimmed with pinking sheers for no-sew table runners, and re-used the polka dot runners from Janies previous birthday parties the Classic Minnie Mouse and Woodland Fairy parties. I found these adorable rainbow striped napkins and coordinating matching silverware to bring all the colors together. Unfolding the napkins make for cute mini placemats perfect for our kindergarten guests.
The event was a big success for our sweet six year old and her wonderful group of pals!
Now that the movie has been out quite a while and there is even Secret Life of Pets sequel movie, many more party elements can be found to create a celebration with this theme, whether it is a birthday party or just a neighborhood movie night. Check out some of the links (photos) below to products you could used to create an adorable Secret Life of Pets celebration.
Did you know that you can order online from Dollar Tree? This feature is great for event planning when you need quite a few of something like vases or glassware. For a secret Life of Pets party, they might have themed toys or even small pet items, like collars, leashes, food dishes or toys that would make excellent accessories to the adopted plush pet.