Oliver’s Vehicle Party
When it came time to celebrate Oliver’s 4th birthday, there was no question what kind it would be. He is car and truck OBSESSED. So a vehicle themed backyard bash, it was!
We’ve had these tables and stools for years. They’re perfect for kids activities and parties.
For the Paint Tracks station, I picked up some plastic trays, acrylic paint (in the color scheme), large white card stock and monster trucks and let the kids run wild. It was a huge hit.
Hands work too. Keep plenty of wipes nearby!
There was, of course, a themed tattoo station.
And a car wash! These tables have also been worth their weight in gold. I’ve used them at parties and throughout the year outside for just my kids and play dates. The opportunities are endless- kinetic sand, water beads, paint, play dough… I switch up the size bins. Shallow for things like sand and deep for water or storage. I had them at Oliver’s puppy party for both melting ice cubes with little dogs in them and for a dog spa. Kids love playing with soap and water. Easiest- and most-affordable activity. I picked up colorful sponges from the dollar store but you can also find them here.
We made little garages out of wood and PVC pipe (and then spray painted the entire thing white) and had a Car Run made. There were supposed to be stilts so the kids could stay but the handy man missed that memo. The kids didn’t know any different and still had a blast.
I got a bunch of wood cars and wheels, spray painted them in the colors of the party and just threw them on the picnic table for the kids to use them how they wished.
I turned our play house (that we DIY’d and love to trick out for holidays and parties) into Oliver’s Auto Body shop. I called a local tire shop and asked if they had any old tires and they gave me one for free that I, shocker, spray painted. I love a good can of spray paint. My hands, nails, pants, lungs… not so much. One day, I remember to wear gloves. I put cars, tires and tools in there too.
We had a small dig (Kinetic rocks in one bin and sand in the other, both with construction vehicles)…
…and a Big Dig. I had a sandbox built and purchased these excavators, which were another massive attraction. There was always a line for who went next.
And my favorite part… The Race Track. It was Zach’s least favorite because even though we used chalk paint and I told him it would wash right off, the road remained on our driveway for a good six months after. Oops. Continued fun for Ollie and friends…
…his big sister too, apparently.
The paper goods are what sold me on the party theme from the start. There’s nothing my boy loves more than cars and trucks so it was definitely happened but I wasn’t that jazzed from a decor stand point until I saw this collection. I love the vintage vibe, whimsy and color palette. I’m also a sucker for a laser cut napkin. (Car plates, cups and napkins and dump truck plates and construction napkins.)
The cake was an ice cream cake from Baskin Robbins that I asked to be plain white icing on top because I bought teal and white fondant and was going to make a road. But, of course, I left it to the last minute. It was perfect weather and then an hour before down poured so I was busy running outside to save the signs, party goods, put the cushions up… and text friends to push it back a bit. No road and a sad looking cake. There’s always something! Just added some cupcake toppers and a 4 candle at the last moment.
I sent a woman from Etsy photos of the paper goods and she custom made these sweet cookies.
A piñata makes for easy, fun decor. Too bad the 4 didn’t stand well. Another wonky item on the dessert table. Adds character! That’s what I’m telling myself.
It’s not a good party unless we’ve stressed Zach out a few times! The piñata almost set him over the edge. The kids loved it, of course. And that’s all that matters. Right, Zach?
