Have a Go-Green Birthday Party! Easy ways to throw a bash that’s healthy, good for the planet--and one your child will love.

You’re Invited Go paperless with virtual invitations Make DIY invitations with recycled materials Use seed-embedded paper for plantable invitations

Go paperless with virtual invitations

Make DIY invitations with recycled materials

Use seed-embedded paper for plantable invitations

Yummy Treats Try organic mixes for cakes and cupcakes Provide allergy-free alternatives Bake from scratch with whole grain flour, natural sweeteners, and fresh fruit Nix artificial decorations in favor of edible flowers and plant-based food dyes Choose reusable when it comes to plates, cups, and utensils

Try organic mixes for cakes and cupcakes

Provide allergy-free alternatives

Bake from scratch with whole grain flour, natural sweeteners, and fresh fruit

Nix artificial decorations in favor of edible flowers and plant-based food dyes

Choose reusable when it comes to plates, cups, and utensils

Green the Scene Seek out earth-friendly decorations made from recyclable materials Choose candles made from natural beeswax rather than paraffin

Seek out earth-friendly decorations made from recyclable materials

Choose candles made from natural beeswax rather than paraffin

Fun and Games Have kids decorate their own pot with nontoxic paint, then fill with dirt and plant seeds Make rag dolls out of old t-shirts, string, fabric scraps, and nontoxic glue Try simple, classic games like Hide and Seek or Charades Have a food- or cooking-themed party by preparing dishes made from natural, organically-grown ingredients

Have kids decorate their own pot with nontoxic paint, then fill with dirt and plant seeds

Make rag dolls out of old t-shirts, string, fabric scraps, and nontoxic glue

Try simple, classic games like Hide and Seek or Charades

Have a food- or cooking-themed party by preparing dishes made from natural, organically-grown ingredients

Unwrap New Possibilities Encourage guests to give experiential gifts like museum passes or certificates to a cooking class Encourage your child to choose a charity in which gifts can be donated in her name After your child has received new birthday gifts, help her sort through old items she no longer wants for donation

Encourage guests to give experiential gifts like museum passes or certificates to a cooking class

Encourage your child to choose a charity in which gifts can be donated in her name

After your child has received new birthday gifts, help her sort through old items she no longer wants for donation

Budget-Friendly Tips Have a home-based bash, or go to a local park Turn your party activity into a favor Schedule the party between meals to serve only snacks Team up and throw a double party with a friend who’s birthday is close by

Have a home-based bash, or go to a local park

Turn your party activity into a favor

Schedule the party between meals to serve only snacks

Team up and throw a double party with a friend who’s birthday is close by