This is the most fun I've ever had throwing a kid party. I think it was the fact that we are at that awesome age where Jude is super into helping. I didn't read the Harry Potter books when they came out because I wanted to wait and read them with my "someday" kids. Jude and I are now half way through book four and it was definitely worth the wait. I didn't expect to geek out on them as much as I have, but J.K. Rowling really does live up to the hype. So when Jude requested a Hogwarts themed birthday party I was all in.
We hosted at our house and spent very little money. In my opinion a child's birthday party need not break the bank to be special.
The invitation was disguised as an acceptance letter to Hogwarts. In the interest of not getting sued I have not provided free printables, but I will do my best to link to similar items wherever possible. You can find a similar invite here. I printed them on parchment-like paper and sealed them with a wax owl.
Most of the party was hosted outside but when the children arrived they were able to choose a wand from Olivander's wand shop, collect their very own Book of Spells, and sit for a photo under the Hogwarts banners. Jude and I made the wands by adding hot glue to these large chopsticks, once the glue handles where dry we painted them with craft paint and sealed them with clear sealant. You can find a more detailed tutorial here. Here is a version of the Hogwarts banners and Olivander's sign.
The main attractions were the classes being held outside. Each Book of Spells held a description and instructions for the classes on offer. My parents and grandparents played the role of professors. Signs for each class were hand drawn by Jude and me. Classes included Herbology, Potions, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, and Flying.
For Herbology we made magical seed bombs. The kids patted a small amount of clay (dug from my garden) into a pancake shape. They then sprinkled it with compost and wildflower seeds. They carefully folded up the corners and rolled the whole thing into a ball. We wrapped each one in muslin and tied it with string so that they could take them home and watch their magic sprout!
In Potions they followed their spell books to create Swelling Solution (slime) and Antidote to Common Poisons (baking soda and vinegar). For the Swelling Solution I premixed the borax and water (blended horn slugs) and glue and water (flobbreworm mucus) in correct proportions to make the slime come together more easily. The instructions for Antidote to Common Poisons were to combine ground unicorn horn(baking soda) and lethe river water (vinegar). Horklump Juice (food coloring) was on hand to make the potions more magical. Potion bottles and "cauldrons" where all gathered from the kitchen, no purchase necessary.
Care of Magical creatures was a easy and fun. The kiddos were invited to feed meal worms to the baby hippogriffs (we had very happy chickens that day) and carrots to the were-rabbit (Eva was a good sport).
My mom did an awesome job teaching Divination. The kids were served a small cup of sweet tea and then she helped them read the leaves. We used this cool printable as a guide (warning a few of these predictions are a little morbid, my mom just avoided them).
For flying lessons we made use of the trampoline! I created brooms out of pipe insulation and paper bags. To create your own simply cut the bottom out of a paper bag and slice up one side so that you have a long sheet of brown paper. Fold the bag many times and cut long strips up the bag leaving about three inches uncut at the top. Wrap the fringed paper around the base of a 4' length of pipe insulation or pool noodle and use packing tape to secure it. We made sure only two jumped at a time to keep it safe and fun!
After all the classes it was time to play quidditch! We made our goals by attaching dollar store hula hoops to pvc pipes. All you need to do is cut the hula hoop open, shove the ends into a 1/2" pvc tee, use a heafty amount of tape to keep it secure and upright and fit the tee onto a 1/2" length of pipe. The pipe can then just be shoved into the ground! The game itself was a little difficult to organize, the kids needed up taking turns trying to get the balls through the hoops!
A birthday party isn't a birthday party without cake! I made a chocolate cake with raspberry whipped cream frosting to mimic the cake that Hagrid brings Harry. I would have liked for the frosting to be more pink but red food coloring gives Jude a serious tummy ache. Other snacks included "Cauldron Corn" and "Cauldron Crisps" plus "Bertie's Many Flavored Beans" all washed down with "Butter Beer" and "Pumpkin Juice". I found the labels for the soda here.
And a Harry Potter party wouldn't be the same without the movie playing! The kids watched as the party wound down.
Each student was sent home with their wand, their seed bomb, a bag of beans, and their very own owl who was carrying their diploma. The owls were hand drawn onto white balloons and the the diplomas tutorial can be found here.
I hope these simple, budget-friendly ideas help you host a magical Hogwarts party!
