Get buggy for your child’s next birthday party! These fun garden-themed party ideas– including invitations, activities, recipes, and more – will have all your guests loving life as a little garden creature. Whether your child loves butterflies or ladybugs, we've got the party ideas for you!

Best for

Boys and girls aged three through eight love the fun and excitement that comes with these little buggy critters.

Party Planning

For peace of mind, begin planning your bash six to eight weeks in advance. This will allow you time to gather all the supplies that you need, including decorations, gifts, and menu items. Planning ahead also gives your guests time to RSVP and make travel plans, if needed. Don't panic if you find yourself short on time; you can still plan a great party! Planning ahead simply reduces the risk of conflicts with guests' plans and may increase your party’s attendance.

For invitations, use white card stock or construction paper folded in half, and decorate it with glitter glue and shiny bug-theme stickers. Or, if you’re short on time, purchase personalized or pre-printed garden-themed invitations online. We recommend mailing your invitations three to four weeks prior to the party—any sooner and your guests may forget, any later and your guests may already have plans.

To simplify the rest of the party planning process, check out our Party Planning Timeline, take a look at our When & Where to Have the Party page, and read the paragraphs below for information on selecting decorations, supplies, activities, and more for your child's party.

What You’ll Need

If you plan to use paper tableware and themed party supplies, our Suggested Party Supply List may be quite helpful. Please note that you may not need everything on the list; it is intended only as a guide.

For this party, think white, pink, and lavender for a girl's butterfly-themed party or blue and black for a boy's icky-bug party. And don't forget green to give your home a garden theme. Decorate your party with balloons and streamers. For goodie bags, purchase toy bugs, butterfly-themed favors, a pail and shovel, rubber spiders, candies, and other fun treats. Place all of these items inside clear or printed cellophane bags, and tie the bags closed with ribbons. Or just purchase a ready-made, bug-themed party favor set.