We celebrated Dash’s fifth birthday this past weekend with a Home Depot Handyman party that might go down in the history of Hampton kid parties as one of my top five favorites, but that’s a tough call. It’s just that little boys in hard hats and tool aprons slay me.
Also, my dad and Gary played a huge part in making this party memorable as they designed a building activity for the kids where they got to use tools to create a playhouse together. The sight of my dad teaching the kids how to hammer nails and letting them work the power saw will forever keep this party extra special in my memory.
We did a breakfast party again which I’m loving because it’s easy to plan the food, the moms huddle over brunch treats in my kitchen (which I love–it’s like two parties in one), and we still have the entire day when the party is over. Plus, the kids are happy and well rested in the morning, so there’s way less chance of a party meltdown.
We served egg cups (basically my egg casserole mix poured into cupcake tins), fresh fruit cups and donuts (cupcakes later), and I set up a bagel station where guests could toast and prepare their own bagel concoctions. I’ll totally repeat this menu for breakfast parties to come because it’s easy, and everyone finds something they like.
Dash wanted “tool cupcakes,” so I found these tool candy molds as well as a nuts and bolts one and used colored candy melts to make chocolate cupcake toppers. We found the chocolate rocks at Hobby Lobby (I’ll add a list of all the party goods with links and sources at the end of this post). I’m so happy with how they turned out.
The Dollar Tree had the best selection of handyman supplies, so each of our party guests got a toolbox filled with safety goggles and a tape measure.
And Home Depot had the little tool aprons for only $.97 a piece. We slipped in two screwdrivers–a flat head and a Phillips, for all their handyman needs.
Free party decor = raid the garage.
Dash began counting down for this party two weeks ago, announcing the amount of days left until his party first thing every morning after he woke up.
My favorite part was watching the handymen go off to work…
My dad and Gary had everything planned perfectly. The first station was a hammer lesson. They set up a 2 x 4 with rows of roofing nails already started, so the kids got to take their turn with the hammer, seeing how many “bang-bangs” it took to drive the nail all the way in.
On the other end of the board were pre-drilled holes and screws ready to be tightened. The boys used their screwdrivers to secure the screws.
Next up was measuring. Using their tape measures and pencils, they took turns marking off assigned measurements…
…then carried the boards over to the saw station to be cut for the playhouse beams.
Once the beams were cut, the kids worked together to add the walls (pre-measured and cut by my dad before the party) and secure them all in place with screws, taking turns with the power drill.
You could certainly use weather-proof wood to build a real playhouse, but since we just wanted a fun party activity, we went with the cheapest building supplies–external siding. It will be repurposed for some signs my dad needs, so it’s not a total waste.
My face hurt from smiling when it was all built. Cutest thing ever, and the kids were so happy and in their element, proud to be given the opportunity to do some good hard work with grown-up tools.
Then there was the crew too little to get their contractor’s licenses, so they stayed in the house and played.
Nella could have assisted building, but there was a baby in sight, so…game over.
Dash was thrilled with all of it and so ridiculously happy to have his friends celebrate his day with him. I told Brett later, “This is the year. This is the one where his birthday means more to him than it probably ever will again.”
Also…no injuries! No flying hammers! Now if I could just put these little handymen to work on my bathroom that needs help. Here, let’s see how you work a sledgehammer.
Loving so much where we are at five years old…his little voice and daily inquiries and creative mind that does not stop. So thankful for this boy and everything he is.
Party Sources:
Tool Candy Mold: Amazon
Nuts and Bolts Candy Mold: Amazon
Chocolate Rocks: Hobby Lobby
Tool Sticker Albums: Amazon
Toolboxes and Tools: Dollar Tree
Plastic Hard Hats: Amazon
Orange Construction Vests (set of 3): Amazon
Tool Aprons: Home Depot
Dash’s Overalls: Target (no longer available, but these Dickies ones are and are handyman worthy)
Lesley says
What an awesome party. My son will be 5 in Aug might have to steal some of these ideas.
Lauren says
So adorable!!! Selfishly I was hoping you’d throw a pirate party because that is what my son wants this year and I love seeing all of your ideas!!
What time do find works best to start a morning/brunch party? 9am??
Kelle says
9:30 works great for us!
Micah | Home faith family says
I love this party idea! Thank you for sharing where you purchased your party favors and the price. Planning and having a party for the kiddos always feels more doable when there is a small budget. =)
Oda Karoline says
What an amazing party! You are such an inspiration 🙂 I love checking your blog every time I have a creative block, because it always helps me get out of it!
Hugs from Norway
Reenie says
I say this every birthday party you have for your kids…. you have the cutest ideas. So fun! Love the cupcakes and the chocolate toppers. Your Dad & Gary did an awesome job with the kids.
Happy Birthday Dash!!
Illona Kitchen says
Oh my goodness! Every little boy’ sand man’s dream party.. What a creative idea! Look at all those happy faces and such energy to complete their project.. Love your breakfast menu.. Another great idea to add to the day.. Happy Birthday, Dash.. What memories you have stored away.. What fun you all had.. I have some repairs to be done in my house.. When will you be available? ????????????✏????????????????????
Illona Kitchen says
Oh my goodness! Every little boy’s and young man’s dream party.. What a creative idea! Look at all those happy faces and such energy to complete their project.. Love your breakfast menu.. Another great idea to add to the day.. Happy Birthday, Dash.. What memories you have stored away.. What fun you all had.. I have some repairs to be done in my house.. When will you be available? ????????????✏???????????????????? Thank you for sharing!
Laura Ortiz says
Love it, the kids look really into it, amazing idea. Congrats and happy birthday to Dash!
Rosie says
I have to say how much I love this morning party idea!! I was so very tempted to make my sons last bday party (also 5) a morning party but had never been to one before and wasn’t sure how other the moms would react?? But it makes so much sense for kids of this age group. They are up early and at their best!!
Kelle says
I think the moms love it too. This is the second time I’ve done it, and several moms have commented that they love that they still have their whole day to do family stuff.
Kristin A says
Happy Birthday, Dash! What an awesome party! What special memories for all of you! Love, love, love the breakfast idea. Our most recent party for my son (1st grader) we actually did on a weekday after school, which worked well. I am so tired of mid-day Saturday birthday parties.
Kelle says
Yasss! Mid-day Saturday parties put a crack in the whole day. I have a friend who did a party right after school on Friday, and it was awesome!
Alison says
Weekday after school parties are really hard for working parents though. Having a party then would exclude a lot of my daughter’s friends, I’m sure.
Lisa M. says
Genius as usual, Kelle! 🙂
Rosanna says
Today my little guy turns five so this is very inspiring! Happy Birthday Dash!
Oh, and Nella with the hard hat and the baby is too awesome!
Robyn says
Such an awesome Birthday party! I can tell they all loved it…even your dad and
Gary lol.
Lauren Hill says
Wow, I’m blown away! The attention, detail and LOVE that brought this birthday celebration together is so impressive. What a lovely family; such a blessing! I would have been terrified to have those tools anywhere in sight, let alone in the hands of those eager little boys. Teamwork made dream work though, right. So…. The Best Mom Award goes to Kelly Hampton! And the Best Grandad award goes to Rik and Gary!
Joanna says
An inspirational idea. Your dad & Gary are so wonderful & as for Nella, her hat & a baby!
Gameimake says
Nice blog. Lots of handy man ideas are available. kids are learning all kind of activities. Its unique concept for celebrate a birthday party.