However, have you ever tried to find goodnight moon themed items for parties? Apparently, this book hasn’t reached massive commercialization. I found some good items on Etsy but instead of purchasing I decided to DIY it. Never underestimate the power of a scanner!
One of the most notable parts of the book is the color scheme. Can we say “Great Green Room”? The shades of green, red, yellow, and blue are unmistakable. I used those colors as the base for my decorations. We purchased matching plates, napkins, and silverware in a mix of those colors.
Since I wasn’t using the book for my own commercial gain I felt inclined to scan away and looked through google images to find source material. I printed out some of my favorite scenes to place in frames and make a centerpiece for the buffet. I also sat out the tattered copy of Goodnight Moon and Our World (the companion book). Adam, filled out that buffet space with lots of yummy grilled items!
Obviously, at a Goodnight Moon theme party you will need a moon of some sort. I looked through my cardstock stash and found some metallic white and silver paper. I used a plate to make a nice circle and cut out a moon and then hand cut lots of stars. The cutting took a bit but it was fun. I lightly drew lopsided stars in pencil and then cut out a couple of sheets at a time. The book has all kinds of wonderful and playful star shapes so my hand cut items matched perfectly. I simply taped them to fishing wire and hung everything from the light fixture Adam hand crafted.
No first birthday party is complete without CAKE! Well cupcakes in this case. You may think what you like but I ordered them from Sam’s Club. They were super helpful matching the colors and they tasted great. To make them extra special we printed out tiny scenes from the book and made toppers with similarly colored toothpicks. Keaton got a special moon on top of his too! I would say he very much enjoyed his treat!
Finally, I made a fun game for both the adults and kids in attendance. I printed out 10 1/2″ images of the elusive mouse from the books. I then took the tiny mouse and taped him throughout the downstairs to windowsills, doors, Keaton’s highchair, etc. Everyone spent the day trying to find all 10!
With just a little ingenuity and a lot of Goodnight Moon inspiration we were able to come up with a creative and affordable theme party to celebrate the last first birthday in our house. Well that is until we have the grandkids. :) If you are not into DIY like we are or wanted some great gifts Amazon has some adorable merchandise. Affiliate links below.
Brianna, LOL isn’t it funny that everyone that commented here loved the book and read it to their children? You would think it would be a little more commercialized than it is. But maybe that’s the big charm of it. That and we bloggers are a pretty classy crew. LOL
I love what you did, all of the Touches for the party were really special and the game of finding the 10 mice taped around the house was a great idea. Everyone could play and have a good time.
It looks like a good time was had by all. Happy birthday Keaton.
It is funny how everyone reads it but the merchandising isn’t huge. Classic part of childhood!
This is just too cute. I love when books come alive in the form of a party. My kiddos love Goodnight Moon.
I am wondering what other books I can turn into themes now! Thanks for your kind words!
All of my kids loved this book when they were babies and toddlers, and you did an amazing job with the theme — love it! Thanks for sharing at Merry Monday! :)
Goodnight Moon was a favorite book in our home. I really like how you incorporated the pictures on the cupcakes. Too cute! Thanks for sharing at the Friday Favorites :)
I really was not a huge fan of the book at first but it really grew on me over time!
This was one of my favorite books to read my kids when they were little.I love this theme for a little one’s birthday party. You did such a great job!
Thanks so much!
Oh wow, you did a beautiful job! I love this book, it was the first thing I read to my second son, while he was in the NICU. It really does have a unique color scheme too, lol! :) Maybe that’s why babies love it?
I think it is the black and white mixed with the saturated color. Kids really love it!
What a wonderful, engaging party and I love that is was based on books! We are avid readers in our family. Great job!
Thanks so much!!!
It makes my heart so happy to see this… In a world of licensed stuff for kids, something 100% book based that catches their eye is just perfect. :) – Jerusha, ThePositiveYear.com
Thanks so much! I really appreciate the sentiment. Books are a big deal in our house and while all the boys love their super heroes etc we always take time to read in the evenings. There is an entire creative world in books.