When you ask your toddler what party theme they want for their birthday, be prepared for a string of changing ideas. That’s exactly what happened when I questioned my soon-to-be three-year-old. At first, he was destined to repeat his Construction Zone Party from the previous year, then there were some zoo ideas, back to the Space Party idea, and finally landed on a Shark Birthday Party.
But not a baby shark birthday party! That was a huge NO from him.
Shark Birthday Party Invitations
This shark party invitation was created with a combination of fonts and graphics from Creative Market, and printed at our local FedEx Office Print & Ship.
My favorite part about these shark birthday invitations is the shark bite cut-out. Just a few quick snips with scissors and that shark bite effect is there.
Shark Birthday Cake
I used the same highly recommended egg-free chocolate cake recipe that I made for my son’s 2nd birthday party. It was a no-brainer since it was such a hit the previous year, plus he requested a chocolate cake.
There were four layers of cake with dark chocolate hummus in between the layers.
The chocolate shark was a 50 cent Valentine’s Day clearance item at Party City. I cut a slice out of the top cake layer and placed the shark right into the cake.
The shark birthday cake was frosted with a tub of Betty Crocker Cream Cheese Frosting that I dyed blue with gel food coloring. A little undyed, white frosting was set aside to add some white caps to the wavy frosting technique. A few blue sprinkles “bubbles” were added on top.
I pulled some fake boulders from the toy shelf and surrounded the base of the cake with silver rock candy. The small shark toys were easy to place around the layers of the cake.
He loved naming all the different types of sharks surrounding the cake, and then eating it.
Shark Birthday Party Games & Activities
You can’t go wrong with a few simple games and sending kids home with a party favor. These are easy party game ideas that bring the whole shark party theme together.
Feed the Shark Game
A bag of small plastic fish toys and a shark photo prop turns into a game great for young partiers. I called it the “Feed the Shark” game.
Have the kids fill a cup with fish and get a turn at feeding the shark as many fish as they can. And then do it again and again and again!
Scavenger Hunt + Shark Puzzle
This was a shark-themed re-creation of a similar store-bought scavenger hunt puzzle I saw at Party City.
Using the same shark graphic from in the party invitation, I printed a poster-size version and had it laminated at FedEx. After cutting out the whole shark shape, I traced an outline onto a large piece of paper. I then cut the shark into several large pieces to create a puzzle.
The puzzle pieces were scattered around the party room for the kids to seek out. I used painter’s tape on the back of the puzzle pieces to place them around the room, and also to attach them to the puzzle background. Another option would be to add velcro strips to the back of the pieces and onto the shark outline.
The kids loved gathering the shark puzzle pieces and assembling it together. We played this game several times after the party too.
Shark Tattoos
One thing I’ve learned from being a mother is that kids like lining up for “their turn” of any activity. Set up an adult or two (the perfect task for Grandma!) with a wet rag and start applying temporary tattoos. You can find a large pack of inexpensive shark tattoos on Amazon.
Shark Birthday Decorations
When deciding on shark birthday party decorations, think sharks everywhere! We hung streamers across the ceiling from wall to wall to give the illusion of being under the sea. Balloons in shades of blue and white add to that party vibe.
A shimmery doorway streamer curtain is always a must at kids’ parties. It may not last long, but the smiles are worth it.
An extra-large number balloon and theme-related balloons are a birthday tradition at our house. We got a big 3, apirate shark, and a few large sphere balloons from Party City.
Shark party plates, blue cups and napkins, a blue plastic table cover, and curled ribbons are an easy way to decorate the party table.
Grab a pack of small sharks to put EVERYWHERE and call it a shark infestation. They work great for the shark birthday cake accessories, table decorations, party favors, and tinker toys for little hands.
A large shark banner hung behind the party table.
Shark Birthday Party Favors
Each party-goer went home with fresh shark tattoos and an inflatable shark.
Our little guy is already brainstorming what his fourth birthday party theme will be. Though he’s switched party theme ideas, he’s set on having a lemon birthday cake next year.
I hope these shark birthday party ideas have inspired you for your kids shark party. Leave a comment below if you used any of these ideas, I love hearing from you :)
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