As my daughter, Anabelle’s fifth birthday was approaching, we were throwing around ideas of the theme of this year’s party. We traditionally try to find a theme that is gender neutral, especially due to the number of little brothers there are in our gang, as we did last year in her Finding Neverland party. Though Anabelle is a girly girl through and through, she can definitely hang with the boys! She adores the Disney “Toy Story” series and when the idea came up, she was dead set on having a Toy Story-themed party to ring in the big FIVE!
The challenge on my end would be to execute the theme, while avoiding making it overly commercial. With the three different movies and storylines, the possibilities were endless, but also a bit overwhelming! So, in talking with Anabelle, we decided to focus on the latest movie where the toys’ owner, Andy, is packing up and leaving for college and they are mistakenly donated to Sunnyside Daycare. I wanted to play up the use of cardboard boxes to represent the toys being boxed up, as well as throughout the decor. I also thought the use of color was really important to capture the vibe of a school, while also corresponding to the rainbow logo of Sunnyside.
Leave no toy behind with this Toy Story party inspired by the third movie in the animated movie series with DIY projects and inspiration!
The invitations set the mood for the party and when I envisioned them coming out of cardboard boxes, I knew I had to enlist the help of the incredibly talented Do from Piggy Bank Parties, who designs the most fabulous and creative printables and especially favor boxes! She made my dreams come true when she created these amazing box envelopes (with editable text!) for both the invites, as well as labels throughout the party! Too cute, right?! I found the most adorable illustration of a little girl (resembling Anabelle) dressed up as her favorite Toy Story character, Jessie, by the artist Carolyne Tillery in her Etsy shop oh hello dear! I utilized it in the design of the invitation, along with additional graphics from Kika Esteves.
Also included on the table were different types of candy, as we wanted to steer clear of any chocolate in the unusually hot weather of 95* that day! They were displayed inside clear paint cans and, as you can see below, in perfect arm’s reach for the kiddos!
I wanted the kids’ food to be exactly what a toddler would find in a packed lunch with a sandwich, apple slices, rainbow goldfish crackers, fruit snacks and juice. I found the Toy Story sandwich boxes, as well as the themed snack bags and tissues at the 99c Only Store, which were just perfect!
We set up an art area with easels, coloring pages and Sunnyside art boxes for the kids. Drawings from Andy’s room (printed from Pixar Planet Forums)were pinned across a string, while a blow-up bookworm from Oriental Trading welcomed the toys/kids.
We were so incredibly pleased when we hired Ms. Louisa last year to lead the children in activities that we contacted Soulfire Studios to have her back again this year! I cannot praise Ms. Louisa enough with her ability to capture the kids’ attention and bring so much joy in their imaginative play! We received such great feedback from not only the kids, but the parents who enjoyed watching their kids play, rather than run after them the entire time! She read them the Toy Story 3 book, warmed them up and dressed them in costumes that she brought.
Western dance to “You’ve Got a Friend In Me”! Yee haw!
Rockin’ the maracas and sombreros to “Ay Un Amigo En Mi”!
The kids went home with a set of Toy Story characters and the note quoting Andy in the movie, who just donated his toys to a deserving little girl as he departs for college:
“Now you gotta promise to take good care of these guys. They mean a lot to me.” So long, partner. ♥ Anabelle
Merci Beaucoup!
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Michelle says
OH MY WORD! This looks like the funnest party EVER! You thought of everything! AMAZING. Love the Ken’s fashion show walk — so clever! Your fondant masterpieces are so stinking perfect! Anabelle looks like she had a blast! FAB job, mama!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Merci beaucoup, Michelle! You are so incredibly sweet! And did an amazing job with Cami’s party as well! Thank you, thank you! ♥
Jenny from Crossing the Bugger-Dixon Line says
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, this is unfreakin’ believable! What a great way spin off of the Toy Story characters and theme. You KNOW I love the boxes and you probably have as many at your house as I do right now. I love the whimsical vibe and it looks like a super FUN day!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
My box twin! Thank you so very much, Jenny! I truly appreciate it and you know I just adored your son’s mail party! Merci beaucoup, sweet friend! ♥
Mayra Rivera says
You are amazing lady!! What a fantasy of a backdrop and dessert table! My favorite picture is Anabelle blowing her candle, she’s so beautiful; happy birthday!!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Merci beaucoup, Mayra! Thank you so much for your support! I love the candle pics, too! ♥
Southern Belle's Charm says
We had a blast hanging out at Sunnyside! Thanks for inviting us! It was magical!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Merci beaucoup, Natalie!!! Thank you so much for coming, friend! ♥
The Flair Exchange- Formerly Pom Flair says
You did a great job of staying true to the theme without being commercialized! I adore the expressions on their faces during story time. Looks like a super fun party.
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Merci beaucoup, Carmen!!! Thank you for the sweet comment! ♥
Piggy Bank Parties says
Brilliant, Sweet Cakes! It just proves that a cardboard box is the best thing in the world! Every detail is amazing and the cupcakes in the boxes…adore. Thanks for letting us be a small lil’ part of Anabelle’s special day! ♥ Honey Ham
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Thank you so, so very much, HH!!! Couldn’t have done it without you and your amazing printables! Hope you know how much we appreciate it! ♥
Party Box Design says
total rockstar!!!! love it!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Merci beaucoup, Jess!!! ♥
Unknown says
Wow!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Merci beaucoup!!! ♥
mindy starr cone says
oh. my. goodness. you are amazing! this party was sooo creative, cute, and FUN! i bet the kids had a blast!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Thank you so very much, sweet friend!!! ♥
Donna says
What a fantastic idea! Totally amazing!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Thank you so very much, Donna!!! ♥
ronisugarcreations says
so sweet„,everything is adorable„,feliz cumpleanos Anabelle…
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Muchas gracias, Roni!!! ♥
Dina - Deliciously Darling Events says
SO adorable Lynlee!!! So cute, so creative. Totally made me feel like I was there. Amazing job <3
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Oh, Dina! Thank you so very much for your sweet words!!! ♥
Linda Schwartz says
Lynlee!!!
I am dizzy after looking at all of the cuteness. I seriously stopped breathing when I saw the box envelopes, got in a quick breath, then stopped breathing again when I saw the huge blocks & cupcakes! Lol!!! You are SO stinkin’ talented & your daughter is one lucky petite fille!!! xo
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
You’re the sweetest, Linda! I absolutely agree with the box envelopes! Piggy Bank Parties did such a fab job! Merci beaucoup, mon amie! ♥
Laura { Eye Candy Event Details} says
LOVE it — this party was so well thought out & it showed! You did an amazing job my friend! =)
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Thank you so very much, Laura!!! ♥
Alejandra Morin (The Marshmallow Studio) says
What’s the word.….. hmmmmmmm.…. okay still speechless!
Seriously girl, OMG. You are amazingly talented and extremely detailed. You really thought of EVERYTHING possible and made it work soo well together. I am truly impressed with your party skills. Lucky little girl you have 🙂 Keep it up my friend, you are a true rockstar!!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
YOU leave me speechless, sweet friend! Thank you so incredibly much for your amazingly kind compliments and constant support! ♥
Brittany Schwaigert says
OOOO MMMM GGGG! LYNLEE! This party rocks my world. I cannot even handle how creative this is. The BOXES! Holy Cow. The “box” labels from Do! Not using a tablecloth and making it look like a rummage sale. I cannot even handle this. This party made my whole week. Seriously.
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Oh, Brittany! You know your compliments mean the absolute world to me! Thank you so incredibly much, sweet friend! ♥
Artes d'Imaginação says
Just gorgeous!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Muito obrigada!!! ♥
Soulfire Studios says
SOOOOOOO Cute!!! Every detail was so beautifully done! Thank you so much for having us be a part of Anabelle’s special day!!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Thank you so very much again! We adored having Ms. Louisa help us out! ♥
Tini Posh says
Love, Love , LOVE!!!! OMG Lynlee!! Seriously what a FUN and AMAZING party. Every detail is beyond perfect. Annabelle is the CUTEST! She is super duper lucky to have you!! Great job AGAIN!!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Thank you so, so much, sweet Claudia!!! ♥
Cakewalk says
What a FUN party!!!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Merci beaucoup! ♥
Frog Prince Paperie says
Simply amazing, Lynlee. I expected nothing less, and this is so much more! Again, your details are incredible!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Oh, Paula!!! What an incredible honor coming from you, friend! Thank you so very much!!! ♥
Maddycakes says
I seriously think this is one of the most creative and original parties I have seen in a while. I love everything about this party! You are simply amazing!
Michelle
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Oh my goodness, Michelle! Thank you so, so much for your incredibly kind words!!! ♥
A To Zebra Celebrations says
Holy amazing!!! So original!! loved it Lynlee!!!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Merci beaucoup, Nancy! I truly appreciate it, friend! ♥
Mariah says
I love this party and it looks like everyone had an incredible time!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Thank you so very much, Mariah! ♥
Rebekah {A Blissful Nest} says
what a fabulous and refreshing party theme! I love it. Great job!!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Merci beaucoup! ♥
Ebony of Sparkling Events & Designs, LLC. says
I CAN NOT get over how absolutely ADORABLE THIS IS! The love is truly in the details. I love how much fun this looks like for the kids… I love those blocks..I love I love I love!!!
Ebony
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Thank you, thank you, thank you, sweet Ebony!!! ♥
Jennifer Tetreault says
I have always been a “think outside the box” kinda girl, so this “out of the box” party completely stole my heart! Love, love, LOVE your attention to detail and how it all came together! Anabelle is one lucky little girl! 🙂
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Oh, my sweet friend! Thank you so incredibly much, Jen!!! ♥
kikalicia says
Anabelle birthday party looks amazing, I love every single detail. It was super great the job you and your father did with those big alphabet boxes…perfect! 🙂
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Merci beaucoup for your sweet words! ♥
Amanda's Parties TO GO says
It’s really hard to be original these days with so many talented, wonderful ladies in the party business but, girl, YOU HAVE DONE IT! So adorable! So unique! And best of all, it looks like the kids had a blast! Thank you so much for sharing your amazing party with us:)
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
What an absolute honor, Amanda! I can’t thank you enough for your sweet words!!! ♥
Sculpted Sweets! says
WOW! You really out did yourself! Looks like a lot of work but such a wonderful payoff! The kids look like they had a wonderul time! Everything is perfect! I bet the parents were just floored! Great job!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Thank you so incredibly much!!! ♥
Natalie {the knock-knock factory} says
Lynlee,
You KNOW I just LOVE your parties but this may be one of my favorite to date:)
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Oh, Natalie! Thank you so, so much, friend! ♥
lennisenid says
Saludos desde puerto Rico. Simplemente, ESPECTACULAR, te felicito!!!!, No habia visto que alguien se dedicara a complacer verdaderamente a los ninos!!!! Muchas bendiciones!!!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Muchas gracias!!! ♥
Birds Party says
One of the most clever, stunning and absolutely lovely party I’ve seen in w while!! LOVE every detail, and your ADORABLE little girl is to die for!!
Way to go on another fabulous party my dear!! Your creative skills and incredible fondant art just put a HUGE smile on this big kid’s face!! 🙂
XOXO
Bird
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Muito obrigada, amiga! I truly appreciate all your incredible kindness and amazingly sweet words! Beijos! ♥
Shawna says
So amazing–the details are off the charts–wow, I am speechless!!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
What an incredible compliment, Shawna! Thank you so very much! ♥
Michelle says
Really awesome party!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Merci beaucoup, Michelle! ♥
Kim @ Party Frosting! says
Love all the details! The games and activities and the little boxes on the table are just genius! super great job!
hugs! Kim @ Party Frosting!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Thank you so very much, Kim! I truly appreciate it! ♥
Kim @ The Celebration Shoppe says
Such an incredible party and the details are just amazing! I hope you don’t mind, but I linked you up to my new Wednesday link party and I’d love to feature it one day if you’re up for it! 🙂
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
What an incredible compliment, Kim! Thank you so very much for the link and I would be honored if you featured the party! ♥
Not Just A Mommy! says
How the devil did I miss this amazing story? You did an absolutely amazing job and being the Toy Story series is my all-time favorite, it’s even more special! Can I link in a future Fiesta Friday feature?
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Oh, Dawn! Thank you so incredibly much!!! I truly appreciate it and would be honored if you linked it!!! ♥
Jess from Coxs Corner says
I am featuring your party today at Cox’s Corner! http://www.travisandjessicacox.com
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Oh, I’m just seeing this! Thank you so very much, Jess! I truly appreciate it! ♥
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tamishia F. says
WOW!!! I am starting to think you are not human because you creativity and genius is just OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! I clicked a link from another site and was brought to your world and I couldn’t be happier. You are truly amazing and I love every party idea and execution I have seen so far. WOW is all I can say!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Lynlee's Petite Cakes says
Oh my goodness, Tamishia!!! I cannot even begin to express how grateful and humbled I am by your incredibly sweet words! I am so very happy to have you here! Merci beaucoup for your support and graciousness and I truly hope I can continue to provide inspiration! I appreciate it so very much! ♥
Cheryl says
Oh my gosh — this is amazing! My son LOVES Toy Story — we’ve seriously watched all three movies more times than I can count. I’ve been thinking about doing a Toy Story Theme for his next birthday but since it’s still 7 months away I’m trying really hard to not start planning already. 🙂
Lynlee says
Thank you so, so much, Cheryl! We are also huge fans of the entire series! Don’t feel bad… we’re already planning my daughter’s next birthday and it’s 6 months away! Don’t tell anyone I’ve already purchased some items! lol! ♥
Tera Bare says
Hi! Awesome party idea and decorating! We’re making giant ABC blocks for our kid’s Christmas play and I was wondering where did you find the boxes? Were they all the same size when you got them or did you build them individually? Thank you so much 🙂
Lynlee says
Hi! Thanks so much for the sweet words! I actually ordered the boxes online from Home Depot because I needed quite a bit of them for the entire party. They were all the same size and I was specifically looking for square boxes. Hope this helps! 🙂
Bethany says
What size letters did you use? I want to use this idea for my friends twins baby shower for the babies names.
Lynlee says
Ooh, I want to say they were approximately 12″! I would look at the boxes you are planning to utilize and scale it down a bit from that size so that it sits nicely in the center. Hope this helps! 🙂
laci says
this party is AMAZING!!! my little girl wants a toy story party too and I am in love with your invites. I’m wondering, did you buy a print of the jessie painting and use it on the invites? or did you have a digital version?
Lynlee says
Thank you so, so much, Laci! I truly appreciate it! As far as the Jessie illustration goes, it is a digital version! If you scroll up to the top of the post, you will find the link to the Etsy shop. Hope this helps! ♥
Fortune says
Hi! Fabulous party! Where did you get those large ABC blocks from? I am looking for the same thing for my son’s Sesame Street birthday party. Thank you!
Lynlee says
Thank you so much! I actually made them with square boxes, painted wooden letters and colored duct tape! 🙂
Laurie Anderson says
Where on earth did you find those tiny boxes for the cupcakes ?
Lynlee says
Ooh, it’s been a few years, but if you look up small square gift boxes, you’ll find options from stores, such as uline.com. 🙂
Danielle says
Where can I find the sunnyside art box labels? You party looks great
Lynlee says
Thanks so much, Danielle! I made the labels with clip art from the various graphic vendors linked above! 🙂