Once upon a time I started my very first blog. Although that one is retired, it was a wonderful learning experience and gave me the confidence to start the two sites that I manage today. Rather than filing all the old posts away, I’ve decided to bring a few back from the archives, including one of the most popular children’s party posts – The Little Mermaid – Under the Sea Birthday Party Ideas. Enjoy!
PARTIES & ENTERTAINING
Little Mermaid Birthday Party Ideas
July 20, 2013
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Let's Plan a Little Mermaid Birthday Party!
Planning a children’s birthday party is one of our absolute favorite things to do. When you are surrounded by creative friends, the ideas are endless. If you have a darling daughter who loves Princess Ariel or mermaids in general, you are going to love this Little Mermaid – Under the Sea Birthday Party.
This specific party was for a dear friend’s daughter who is just smitten with mermaids and princesses, so a little mermaid party was an obvious choice. Along with the décor and picks used for this party, we will also help you plan with additional under the sea party ideas including invitations, mermaid birthday décor, food ideas, and games.
A Little Mermaid party is a perfect theme for an outdoor pool party. If the party is for younger children, a local splash pad would also be a great location to host it. And as true birthday party traditionalists, you can’t go wrong with a house party.
This Little Mermaid Under the Sea birthday party took place poolside at a beach house. My very creative and crafty friend had been working on the party for weeks in advance. The party was filled with several DIY décor projects including an “oyster” portrait station, festive wreath, and hanging jellyfish. The theming continued throughout the food table including a colorful candy bar and (my favorite addition) the shark shaped watermelon.
Little Mermaid Birthday Party Invitations
Before the party even begins, it is time get guests excited about this under the sea birthday bash with a fun invitation. Online invitations and Facebook events are easy alternatives to the traditional invitation, but what kid doesn’t like getting something in the mail? And for mom and dad, it’s a physical reminder that you have a party coming up!
These are some of our favorite “fill-in-the-blank” mermaid party invitations.
Mermaid Birthday Party Décor
Once the invitations are selected, it’s time for the real party planning to begin. Whether you are crafty parent ready to tackle all of the Pinterest-worthy projects or someone looking for pre-made goodies, we’ve got a selection of little mermaid birthday party décor ideas that will make your celebration fin-tastic.
When guests arrived at this party, they were greeted with an oyster portrait station. This type of decoration prop works two-fold as an adorable picture setup as well as a large party décor piece. It also kept guests from going up the stairs to the front door of the beach house since the party was held out back.
To create this in your space, you will need blue sheer organza fabric for the backdrop, painted poster board for the shell, and shiny white satin fabric for the oyster. You can also make paper starfish for additional decorations or these white scalloped shells for a more realistic look.
Hand painted jellyfish signs directed guests to the party spot. These specific ones were cut out of wood and connected to PVC pipe. Pink, blue, and purple tulle really made the jellyfish tentacles stand out.
Balloon arches have become mainstream at children’s birthday parties and the easier the better as far as we’re concerned. The all-in-one balloon arch kits are super easy to make and usually less expensive than trying to piece it together yourself. In pastel purple, pink, and turquoise, this 119-piece mermaid tail balloon garland kit is the perfect match for a Little Mermaid Birthday Party. And don’t forget the balloon pump! This is one purchase that we have used over and over again. Who has time (or oxygen) to physically blow up that many balloons?
A balloon bouquet would also make a great centerpiece. This mermaid birthday balloon kit includes two seashell balloons, a mermaid tail balloon, two round happy birthday mermaid balloons, and a large number balloon. This balloon bouquet would make a fabulous backdrop for a photo station, at the front entrance where it will welcome guests to the party, or somewhere near the cake table as a décor piece.
Another fun (and super easy) mermaid décor idea is to hang a garland behind the cake or dessert table. This iridescent rainbow garland features mermaids, jellyfish, seashells, starfish, and pearls.
If the party is for a child’s first birthday, the company above offers a themed photo banner in the same style, perfect for displaying 12 months of growing up!
Jellyfish paper lanterns are one of our favorite décor pieces at a mermaid party. This could be an easy DIY project, but these jellyfish lanterns are pretty reasonably priced should you decide to save your time for something else.
Don’t forget the banner! This sparkly mermaid birthday banner will have your guests ready to shell-ebrate!
If you’d rather purchase everything in one haul, there are many all-in-one mermaid décor options for your birthday party that can really elevate your theme. For inspiration, below you will find the original Disney Little Mermaid birthday decorations, the 2023 Disney Little Mermaid birthday decorations, and a colorful mermaid party décor kit with a backdrop included.
Little Mermaid Birthday Party Cake
The star of this specific Little Mermaid Birthday Party was definitely the dessert table, where guests were treated with many colorful confections. The main item on display was most certainly the cake. Three tiers of under the sea fun, this Little Mermaid birthday cake is the dessert princess dreams are made of! It was custom-made by a local bakery and they did a phenomenal job with this one.
While the cake above is stunning, not everyone wants to shell out the funds for a cake worthy of a beach wedding. No worries! You can easily create a semi-custom look by purchasing a standard store-bought cake (or making your own) and adding mermaid decorations to embellish it. We really like these sets of mermaid cake décor (here and here) and this Little Mermaid cake topper. The second option could also be used for cupcake toppers.
Whether making a cake or cupcakes, you can’t go wrong with sprinkles. These purple, pink, and turquoise mermaid sprinkles are the perfect blend for your soiree.
Little Mermaid Birthday Party Food Ideas
Unless your party is mid-afternoon, you’ll probably want to include more food options than just cake and candy. Depending on the age of your guests, your menu for your Little Mermaid party can be as elaborate or simple as you desire.
Star or clam shaped cookie cutter sandwiches are a fun addition that stays with the theme. You could also make chicken salad sandwiches on croissants with toothpick “eyes” on top to resemble little crabs. Hot dog “octopuses” would also be a cute entrée. Goldfish crackers or Pirate’s Booty puffs are an easy side dish while skewered green grapes made to look like seaweed add a healthy addition to the menu.
If you’re really crafty, this Shark shaped watermelon was our favorite item on the food table at this Little Mermaid Birthday Party. A blue punch was also served which definitely gave off ocean vibes. You could even drop a Swedish Fish or two in it to really get the kids excited.
Mermaid Party Games and Activities
If your party takes place in the summertime, anything with water is sure to entice your guests. A pool party would be a great idea for this type of theme. For smaller guests, a splash pad party would be a perfect spot to celebrate. If you don’t have a pool or access to one, a waterslide blow-up rental is sure to keep your guests entertained for hours.
Another fun option is to book Princess Ariel or a mermaid from a princess party company. Many companies offer “princess visits” that usually include a book or activity as well as pictures with the princess/mermaid.
Here are a few other mermaid birthday party ideas and activities to keep your party guests entertained:
Water Balloon Games
Whether going the traditional route with hundreds of self-sealing water balloons (thank you Bunch O Balloons – where were you during my childhood?) or the newest water balloon fad – reusable plastic “water balloon” balls (these things really are amazing), kids of all ages will enjoy a classic water balloon toss (or fight – depending on the kids).
Pin the Tail on the Mermaid
Younger guests will enjoy this under the sea spin on the classic pin the tail on the donkey game. There’s also a pirate version with an adorable parrot pirate if you would like to go that route.
Treasure Hunt
Guests of all ages will enjoy a good-old-fashioned treasure hunt. You could create a treasure map with clues or choose to make it riddle style. Either way, this is one activity that is always a hit. Make sure your treasure chest is full of goodies!
Mermaid Sticker Sheets
If you’re planning an indoor party or need a backup activity in case of rain, these DIY mermaid sticker sheets are a fun and inexpensive way to keep guests entertained.
Mermaid Bracelet Making Kit
A mermaid bracelet making station is another great indoor or sit down activity that also serves as an adorable party favor.
Mermaid Piñata
There’s something about a piñata that makes kids go wild. Whether it’s the anticipation of the treats inside or the fact that they’re able to hit something without repercussions, piñatas have always been a big hit at parties. This mermaid tail piñata is perfect for a little mermaid party activity or can simply be hung up as party décor.
Mermaid Birthday Party Favors
When it comes to under the sea birthday party favors, there is an abundance of adorable options for the perfect sendoff gift. There are several all-in-one mermaid party favor supply kit options if you would like for each guest to receive multiple trinkets. These could be placed in favor bags or could be used in a treasure chest or beach bucket for the ultimate in ocean vibes.
This mermaid party favor kit has an abundance of sparkly and fun accessories for 12 guests including mermaid bracelets, necklaces, rings, hairpins, tattoo stickers, keychains, and gift bags are included!
These mermaid tail sequin coin purses are both cute and functional. The colorful assortment can be purchased in sets of 10 purses or 24 purses. Unlike a throwaway or single use party favor, this is something that guests will be able to use again and again.
You could also choose to build your own mermaid party favor bags. Here are a few candy and item suggestions to get you started!
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