That's what Katrina asked me for. Her son Tyde was turning 3, she'd picked the sweetest theme, and she wanted it to sit calmly in the play nook. Softer palette, same adventure. I said yes before she finished the sentence.
Here's the thing nobody warns you about with a kids' theme: the play nook isn't a venue. It's the corner of your living room. It's where you drink your coffee at 6am and fold washing at 9pm. Most party kits don't care about that. They arrive in primary red and cobalt, they take over the room, and three days later you're still finding a neon banner behind the couch.
What I drew for Tyde
A whole kit, piece by piece:
- Bunting and flags
- Cone hats
- Gift tags
- Wrapping paper (yes, that too)
Every piece in muted tones. Sand and sky. Enough dust-blue and clay to read as a frontier, enough soft green to read as a little green man. Sitting on a plain play couch, the whole setup still looked like their home. Just their home, on a good day.
Katrina added the rest herself: a balloon 3 in champagne, a pale garland, a lineup of cowboys and aliens along the back of the couch like they'd been invited. Tyde spent the morning in his pyjamas working through a stack of presents, which is exactly what a 3rd birthday should look like.
The part I actually want you to hear
The party lasts 2 hours. The photos last forever.
You're allowed to want both a happy 3 year old and a room that doesn't overstimulate you. Those aren't competing goals. They only feel that way because most party decor is designed to be seen from across a hall, not lived in from the couch.
Pick the theme your kid is obsessed with. Then let someone soften the palette so you don't flinch when you walk past it on day 2.
Happy 3rd, Tyde. You were a joy to draw for. I've got a friend who's three, so I had a consultant on this one. ;)
Get the kit
The Cowboys and Aliens kit is now in the shop as a printable set, $19.99 AUD. Instant download, print at home or at your local print shop, no waiting on shipping.
Shop the Cowboys and Aliens kit →
If your kid's theme isn't in the range yet, I still draw fully custom kits. That's how this one started.
Note from Marie: This blogpost has been contributed to by Katrina of @fromtydetoreef