Back to school Birthday party

[Laneysmom]

My 7 yr old DD wants a "Back to School" theme for her birthday 1st wk of Sept (I'm getting an early start). One thing we are going to do is, in lieu of birthday gifts, ask guests to bring school supply donations to be given to needy children in our area.
I have purchased two "football" pinatas and am trying to tie in a football/cheerleader/school theme. But the pinatas are as far as my brain has taken me. Any ideas out there for decorations and treat bags? Craft activity ideas welcome as this is a crafty bunch!

[kathleen]

For crafts, here are some ideas that I hope will help:

(1) Make and Decorate Book Covers -- using markers, stencils, stickers, etc. You could start with a brown kraft paper bookcover.

(2) Decorate a canvas lunch sack with fabric paint. I believe you can buy canvas lunch sacks at Wal-mart or somewhere like JoAnn or Han**** Fabrics.

(3) Decorate a school-themed picture frame. Oriental Trading Company has a kit that makes 12 frames that look like school busses. OTC has lots and lots of craft kits. I get a catalog, but they also have a website. (You can also have pencils printed with a special saying on them through OTC).

(4) For a craft that can also be a party favor, you could have them decorate cardboard or plastic "school boxes" that hold school supplies.

How about a chalkboard and colored chalk that can be part of the decorations, but also used to play a game on or the girls can just draw on it.

For other decorations, something in the school colors/mascot. Paper partyware in the school's colors might work...Hope this helps.
kathleen

[netmechwife]

Where do you live Laneysmom... I have some great back to school decorations...

[Ryleigh]

My dd went to a similar party a couple of years ago. In place of treat bags each child was given a canvas pencil case, (that they got to decorate with fabric paints at the party) inside were a couple of fancy new pencils and a fancy eraser. Two milky pens, a regular pen pencil sharpener, stickers. and mini note book.
They also collected 'candy & gum' treats from the apple shaped pinata.

[Laneysmom]

Thanks, Kathleen and Ryleigh, for the great ideas! I'm ready to jump back in and finish planning the party. And Netmechwife, I live in Georgia...thanks for the offer. E-mail info to me re the decorations and perhaps we can do business!
I apologize for the delay in responding, but we had a death in our family. Thanks for your patience!
I like this forum...everyone so ready to share and learn!