Pokemon Party (Although I Have No Idea What Pokemon is About.)

  About 15 years ago, my nephew was very into Pokémon (as were several of the boys in my classroom) when it was in its heyday. Many years later, it's funny that at the beginning of third grade this school year, my son picked out a Pokémon backpack and had no idea what the show concept was. He just knew he liked what he saw on that backpack.  He does know now what it's all about now, thank you Netflix. When his birthday finally rolled around in May, I asked what kind of party he wanted.  The answer, of course, was Pokémon.

           It's Pikachu!!!!

I didn't really understand what Pokémon was all about 15 years ago, and to be honest with you, I really don't get it now.  But I learned enough to put together a kick butt Pokémon party for my son and three of his friends.  Two years ago, we stopped inviting the whole class because:
1. Hardly anyone RSVP'd until the day before - kind of late to help with purchasing stuff for the party.
2. This gave me all kinds of anxiety that no one was going to show up at all until the day before the party.
3. You can do more with just a few close friends who you know are coming.
 
I found all kinds of good ideas for a Pokémon party on Pinterest. Oh, how I adore my Party Ideas Board on Pinterest.  You can follow my board HERE if you would like.  My son wanted to go to our local Children's Museum with his friends, so we did that first.  This was so much more economical than formally having a party at the same venue in the "party room".  At $5/person we paid $35 for the admission for the boys and my husband, daughter, and me.  We had held his party in the "party room" at the Children's Museum several years ago when he was in first grade.  Beware of the "party room" in birthday venues.  They are ridiculously expensive for a basically what is just a room with tables and chairs - more if you want them to provide the "extras" like the cake and goody bags. We also hit the free zoo playground that is right next door to the museum afterwards.

After the museum and playground, it was back to our house for pizza and cake.  But not just any pizza - Pokeball pizza!

I don't really know that much about Pokémon or understand the significance of the Pokeball.  I think  the Pokémon guys come out of it?  Maybe.  Anyway, the nice people at Papa Murphy's pizza were nice enough to copy the pictures I found on Pinterest of these pizzas.  I had bought a Papa Murphy's fundraising card from a former student, so I actually got two Pokeball pizzas for the price of one! 

Only having a few kids makes it easier to do a nicer goody bag.  I made these from yellow bags I found at Dollar Tree (2 for $1, so only $2 for the bags).

Inside we put a Pokémon t-shirt from Target (my son already had this one), some candy that may or may not have been bought on super clearance after Easter in these yellow cups I got at Dollar Tree (6 for $1), 

And these:

Oh, yeah.  You know what's coming next!


Nerf gun war!

This was epic!  At least that's what one of the boys said.  I don't know that I've ever heard such a ringing endorsement of a party activity before.

The boys stayed until about eight in the evening.  During that time, they also played basketball, baseball, soccer, and kickball.  They all went home sweaty, exhausted, and happy.  If that's not the hallmark of a good party, I don't know what is.  Apparently, it doesn't matter if the hostess understands the nuances of the theme.

Kim