Barbie Party Planning Guide

Party Planning Checklist

Barbie Party

A step-by-step checklist for a Barbie birthday. Quantities are for 8 kids, plus a few grown-ups.

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3–4 weeks before

Set the date, time and headcountA 2-hour party is the sweet spot for kids. Count the parents who'll stay too.
Send invitationsAsk parents to RSVP 1 week out and to note any food allergies.
Optional: dress codePink, of course! Or come dressed as a favorite Barbie career.
Pick the spaceIndoors or out. Set the backdrop up as the photo and fashion-show spot.

3–4 weeks before

Tableware for 8The party pack Prime Party covers this. Add 8 dinner plates, 8 dessert plates, lunch and beverage napkins and a table cover as needed.
CupsBarbie favor cups Prime Party.
Forks & spoonsGrab 20 of each: hot pink forks and hot pink spoons, or white forks and spoons. Prime Party
StreamersTwist bright pink, white and gold together for a Dreamhouse glow. Prime Party
Latex balloonsThe Barbie confetti balloon kit plus bright pink and white pearlized balloons. Prime Party
ConfettiSprinkle pink paper confetti down the table. Prime Party
DécorThe Barbie banner kit, pop-up centerpiece and scene setter backdrop with props Prime Party.
Birthday girlA Barbie sash Prime Party for the guest of honor.
Party favorsHeadbands, slap bracelets and the 48-piece favor mix Prime Party.
Favors (8)Barbie create-your-own favor bags Prime Party, one per kid.

1–2 weeks before

Order or bake the cakeA pink cake with white sprinkles and a Barbie topper, or pink-frosted cupcakes.
Plan the main coursePink pasta (tomato cream sauce), mini sandwiches and fruit.
SnacksStrawberries, pink popcorn and pink frosted cookies.
Plan the drinksMake Pink Dreamhouse Lemonade (the recipe is after the store list), plus juice boxes. Plan for 2–3 drinks per kid.
IceAbout 1 lb per person, so one 10 lb bag.
Check allergiesConfirm against your RSVPs.

1–2 weeks before

Buy prizes for every gameWinners pick from the prize basket (see the DIY games below). Plan on 20–30 small prizes so every kid wins something.
Dreamhouse fashion showSet out dress-up clothes and let each kid walk the "runway" in front of the backdrop.
TriviaPrint this guide and leave the trivia page on the table. It's at the end of this checklist.

1–2 weeks before

Number Scramble: make the numbersWrite one big number per guest (1–8) on half sheets of 8.5 × 11 paper and tape them to the floor around the house. Write the same numbers on slips of paper and put them in a bowl.
Number Scramble: how to playAbout every 15 minutes, ring a bell or play a Barbie movie song on a speaker. Everyone scrambles to stand on an open number. Draw a slip from the bowl, and whoever is standing on that number picks a prize. Set the winning slip aside so every kid gets a turn.
Lucky Plate: mark one plateBefore you set the table, draw a small pink heart on the bottom of one dinner plate.
Lucky Plate: the revealHalfway through the meal, announce that everyone should check under their plate. Whoever finds the small pink heart picks a prize.
Prize basketFill a basket with inexpensive prizes for winners to pick from: movie-theater candy boxes, lip gloss, hair clips, bracelets and stickers. Use it for every game. Buy more than you think you'll need. Leftover candy and toys make great thank-you prizes for your clean-up crew. 😉

1 week before

Buy favor fillers for 8Pieces from the 48-piece favor mix, a lip gloss and a hair clip.
Check for choking hazardsUse age-appropriate fillers if younger siblings are coming.

Day before

Fill the 8 favor bags
Make the Number Scramble signs and slips; mark the lucky plateTape the numbers down on party day so they don't get kicked around.
Hang the banners and wall décorPut the wall piece behind the food or photo area, and drape the banner over a doorway or the food table.
Inflate balloonsMix bright pink and white. Air-filled clusters last longer than helium. Hang the streamers and scatter the confetti on the table last.
Set out serving dishesFood goes in bowls and on platters, not on the printed plates, so the artwork stays visible.

Party day

3 hrs before	Pick up the cake and order the food.
2 hrs before	Table cover and 8 place settings.
1 hr before	Fill the cooler, set up the games, and tape down the Number Scramble numbers.
Arrival	Music on and drinks out while everyone arrives.
Every 15 min	Ring the bell for a Number Scramble round.
+30 min	Food. Lucky Plate reveal while they eat.
+1 hr	Dreamhouse fashion show.
+1 hr 40	Cake, candles and "Happy Birthday." Read trivia while they eat.
Goodbyes	Hand out the favors at the door.

Take this to the store

Everything here comes from the grocery or dollar store.

Signature drink (non-alcoholic)

A pretty pink lemonade with a sparkle. Alcohol-free and kid-approved. Makes about 12 cups, enough for 8 kids with refills. Time: 5 min.

Tip: Serve in the Barbie favor cups with a fancy straw.

Table talk

Leave this page at the table and read them out between bites. They make for fun conversations at the table, and kids love stumping the grown-ups.

What is Barbie's full name?
Show answer
Barbara Millicent Roberts
What year did Barbie first go on sale?
Show answer
1959
Which toy company makes Barbie?
Show answer
Mattel
What is the name of Barbie's boyfriend?
Show answer
Ken
What is Barbie's signature color?
Show answer
Pink
What is Barbie's famous house called?
Show answer
The Dreamhouse
Name one of Barbie's younger sisters.
Show answer
Skipper, Stacie or Chelsea
What is the name of Barbie's fictional hometown?
Show answer
Willows, Wisconsin
Who created Barbie?
Show answer
Ruth Handler
Barbie is named after whom?
Show answer
Ruth Handler's daughter, Barbara
What is Ken's full name?
Show answer
Ken Carson
Which sister is the youngest?
Show answer
Chelsea