party: the giving tree

STEP ONE
Who: Children
What: Small – Medium
Why: to have fun and learn about giving

STEP TWO

Theme: The giving tree

Menu:
Choose child friendly foods like:
-make your own pizza
-vegetable tray and dips
-fresh fruits
-ice cream sundae bar for dessert
-water, juice, natural soda or make-your-own-soda

Atmosphere:
-decorate with an undecorated tree, an evergreen or a tree branch (children will make a few crafts at party which can be hung on tree until time to take home) Children will be asked to bring a gift to be donated to homeless shelter and will place them under a tree.
Invitation: small wrapped gift box with invitation inside or printed on cardstock cut-out of a tree

Entertainment:
-make your own pizza (if working with dough: have child pat out dough, top with sauce and toppings of their choice. Adult will bake them.)
-make your own sundae
-make hand print tree ornaments
-make photo ornament (requires a digital camera & printer)
-find fun craft ideas in books in your local library or at familyfun.com
-arrange for “Santa” to pick up the gifts or for enough drivers to deliver the gift (everyone has a seatbelt)
-read the book “The Giving Tree” (check it out at your local library when gathering craft ideas there.)

Misc.
-Supplies: large plates for their individual pizzas, cups, bowls for sundaes, pizza and sundae toppings, all supplies needed for crafts, etc.
-Parking:
-Capture the moment: If someone picks up gifts or you deliver them take pictures! Make a copy and send to each guest about 1-2 weeks after the party with a thank you note! Thanking them for giving a gift to a child that might not have gotten one otherwise and attending the party.