Is your child a Pokemon maniac? Whether it's the TV show, the video game, or the trade cards that make your little one go wild, these Pokemon party ideas are the perfect way to bring Pikachu and Ash to your little one's special day.

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Boys and girls ages three through seven just love a Pokemon party.

Pokemon Birthday Party Planning

For peace of mind, begin planning your Pokemon party six to eight weeks in advance. Start by choosing a location for your party. You can throw your classic Pokemon party at home (and we'll give you lots of great ideas for decorations), or you could base your location on your child’s favorite Pokemon product. If he or she loves the video game, hold the party at an arcade. If your child is more into the movie, attending the movie theater or renting a projector and watching the movie outdoors might be more fun.

Once you've decided on a location, it's time to gather all the supplies that you need, including Pokemon party 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.

Pokemon Party Invitations

What better way to get in the party spirit than with homemade Pokemon party invitations? Here are some creative ideas for making them:

• Draw your child’s favorite Pokemon character on the front of a side-fold card. If drawing isn’t your strong suit, cut his or her favorite character out of a coloring book and paste it on the front of the card. Write all the party details inside and decorate with Pokemon stickers.
• Give each guest a Pokemon identity to assume at the party! Let them know who their chosen character is by pasting that image on the front of their invitation. Write “You are invited to [birthday child’s name]’s Pokemon Party… And You Have Been Chosen to Come as [character name]!!” on the inside of the card, along with the rest of the party details. Send your invitations with a name badge and an identifying costume accessory (such as Pikachu’s ears or Ash’s cap) to wear to the party.
• Punch a hole in the corner of a card-style invitation and attach it to a sheet of Pokemon stickers or a small Pokemon figurine.
• Cut round circles out of white card stock and color half of the circle red to resemble a pokeball. Draw on the details with black and silver marker. In the white space, write the party information. For a different take on this, purchase Styrofoam balls at the craft store and color one half red. Write the party details on the white portion of the ball and hand-deliver to your guests.
• Include creative wording for your party details, such as:
  
  [Birthday child’s name] chooses you!
  We gotta catch ‘em all!
  Join [birthday child’s name], Ash, and Pikachu,
  You’re gonna have a ball!

Or, if you're short on time, purchase personalized or pre-printed Pokemon party invitations.

Pokemon Birthday Party Supplies and Favors

If you plan to use paper tableware and Pokemon 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.

In addition to the basic party supplies (paper tableware, a tablecloth, streamers, and balloons) you may also want to consider renting or purchasing the following for your Pokemon party:

• Pokemon Trading Cards
• Pokemon DVD, Video Game, or Board Game

Send your Pokemon party guests home happy with some fun-filled goodie bags. Fill them with Pokemon party favors, such as a Pokemon DVD or game, wrist bands, candies, stickers and Pokemon cards.