Multi-player online games are huge with my kids and their friends. I don't pretend to understand how they are "playing together" when I find them all looking at their screens and not each other, but I do know they love it. For this party I wanted to incorporate all of their favorite games rather than tailor the party to one specific game. This way the party appeals to fans of Fortnite, Roblox, Legend of Zelda, Mario Kart, Minecraft, NBA2K, Madden and more. I took fun, recognizable elements from the games and incorporated game consoles to create a birthday "Game Zone" all gamers are sure to love.
Creating the Game Zone
First, (this bit is going to make you super popular!) set up the party table with full access to a screen and gaming console. Alternatively, place stands on the table for the kids' iPads or phones, whatever they use to play their games.
Time to power up and get the table set up. Download the all of the FREE printables for the table HERE.
The Game Table
Use an Artificial Grass Roll to create a table runner and place mats. Lay these out in a pixel pattern, similar to the shape of the creeper most Minecraft fans are familiar with. Make the most of your child's love of gaming. Use controllers to create a centerpiece for the table and collectible gaming toys as decorative elements on the table.
Place Settings
Start with a Premium Clear Plastic Dinner Plates and layer with a Black Round Paper Dinner Plate and Gold Foil Paper Dessert Plates. Next, add the cutlery and place a White Rock Candy Lollipop across the top of the plate; a "diamond" that is found in several games and is far more tasty in real life.
Download and print the free place cards HERE. Lean the place card against a Brick Stress Toy and place a collectible toy on top as a fun element the kids can take home afterwards. The Roblox figures have hilarious avatar accessories for you to dress them in. We had fun playing "guess the gamer" before putting these on the place settings!
Add a sprinkling of coins, V-bucks and hearts to each setting. These elements are all valuable commodities in the gaming community!
Potions and med kits are some other valuable elements that gamers must collect. These also make great favors! Find out how to make these and other fun favors HERE.
The Loot
While the shopping cart is a mode of transportation in Fortnite, I always think of it as the mom call for more online currency and in-game spending!
I borrowed my daughter's toy shopping cart and filled it with birthday loot; Inflatable Pickaxes from Fortnite, a Minecraft Pickaxe, and favorite games!
The Plush Pixel Pals were a fan favorite across the board!
Heated Competition
One thing gamers love to do is win! Find out how to create your own DIY Gamer Leader Board so guests know their stats and see how the competition is fairing!
Make sure to download the VIP All-access Gamer Pass HERE that guests can wear during your party.
These will make them feel super special and are a fun keepsake for them to take home too!
Enter The Game Zone
The dessert table and a slice of cake may just be the only thing to tear guests away from their games! Mark the spot with dynamite and pickaxes! Learn how to create this DIY Game Zone Backdrop Banner HERE.
The loot llama is one of the most recognizable elements from Fortnite. I created this one using a Small Boho Llama Piñata.
First, remove the tassels and fringes, then paint the llama purple. Use card stock to create the new layers of fringe around the llama's body. Then use a brown paper bag to create the saddle. Finally, cut out a new eye and mouth to give the llama the startled look it is known for.
The llama is on top of my medicine box from home, a simple white box will do if you don't have one at home. I used card stock to create the larger red strip and white cross around the box.
Place additional DIY Gamer Favors on top of game consoles. We had a retro Atari console that looked great as a dessert table prop.
On the other side of the dessert table I used a yellow Pixel Pattern Treat Bag to create straps around a Treasure Chest Piñata. Download the FREE printable heart and lock HERE. Print and attach to the piñata so that it matches the treasure chest favors. Place chocolate coins inside the gap to give it the look of overflowing with loot.
Use a Boy's Minecraft Zombie Half Mask to elevate the cake above the loot props on the table. This gives the table more dimension and ensures the cake remains the focal point. Decorate the bottom trim of the cake with a collectible toy insert.
Tip: Place a book or other solid object under the mask to hold the weight of the cake.
Use more collectible toys and chocolate coins as a cake topper your gamers are sure to love.
Tip: Place cling film under the wrap and toy props to ensure all elements are food safe.
Game On!
Time for the guests to start competing! Competition will be high...expect trash talk!
Thanks For Playing
Luckily, there are favors to take home as well as potions that might help in future battles!
Photography: Photography Hill
