Pokemon Birthday Party Ideas

Pokemon couldn't be more popular if it tried, thanks to that addictive 'Pokemon Go' app. Kids are wanting Pikachu this, Jigglypuff that, but there's a problem. The UK market isn't quite up to speed on the Pokemon merchandise. So, what do you do when your child wants a Pokemon themed party? Make your own decorations, games and goodies.

Don't worry, it can be really simple and doesn't have to cost you the earth for it to be effective.

1. Make a Pokeball Pinata: This is soooo simple to do and the kids will go daft for it!

What you'll need:

• Round Paper Lightshade*
• Glue Sticks*
• Black, Red and White Tissue Paper*
• Scissors
• Lots and lots of sweets, party toys or whatever else you want to fill it with.

How to make it:

• Cut up your tissue paper into little strips. Try and get them as similar in size as possible. Keep a reasonable sized bit of the white (we will need this later).
• Glue the tissue strips to the paper lantern with red on the top and white on the bottom. Use the black as a belt around the middle of the ball and remember to do the circle in the middle.
• Fill the inside with as many goodies as possible. Don't be stingy! Having said that, this won't take a massive amount of weight inside, so pick lighter sweets like Flumps etc.
• Now you need to cover the bottom. To do this, cover the opening with layers and layers of white tissue paper. It needs to be secure enough to hold all the good stuff inside once hung up but easy enough to break when struck.
• If you don't fancy having them to hit it, until it bursts open, you can use card and make a pull-string version. Cut a square of white card, bigger than the opening. Fold in half and punch holes through, so there's one on each side. Then tie some string onto it. Slot the card inside and ensure the string is on the outside. Just pull to release the contents.
• These also make tremendous decorations too!

2. Dodge Pokeball: That's right - one half of the party are the 'Catchers' with their Pokeballs and the other half are the Pokemon!

What you'll need:

• Cheap lightweight Footballs or smaller Balls*
• Spray Paint in Black, Red and White*
• Masking Tape
• Party Game Prizes

How to Make it:

• Use the masking tape to section the black belt around the middle, not forgetting that central circle.
• Spray the belt and circle shape black.
• Let this dry completely. This is very important.
• Once dry, peel off the tape.
• Cover the black belt part with masking tape.
• Spray paint the top half red and the bottom half white.
• Leave to dry and remove tape.

To play the game, just split the children into two different groups. Give the balls to one of the teams and let the other ones be the hunted. The winner is the last one not to be hit (or caught) by one of the balls. Get the teams to swap over.

3. Pin the Tail on the Pikachu: Think of that party game classic 'Pin the Tail on the Donkey', but with Pikachu.

What you'll need:

• A big piece of Cardboard (use the side of a box if need be)
• A small piece of Cardboard
• Black, Red, White and Yellow Paint
• A Pencil
• A Craft Knife
• Blu Tack*

How to Make It:

• Trace a Pikachu shape (without the tail) on the large piece of cardboard.
• Use the Craft Knife to cut out your Pikachu.
• Trace and carve a 'lightning bolt' shape tail out of the small piece of cardboard.
• Paint both with the yellow paint - on the Pikachu, paint on a mouth and eyes with the black, red and white paint.
• Once dried, you can blu tack the Pikachu to a wall (drawing pins are more secure though). Stick a blob of blu tack onto the tail and you're ready to go.

To play, blindfold one of the 'party goers' with a scarf or mask. Spin them around and get them to stick the tail on Pikachu. The one who gets it in the right place (or nearest to) is the winner.

4. Pikachu Balloons:For nice and easy decorations or to play with at a party.

What you'll need:

• Yellow Balloons
• Red Sharpie Pen*
• Black Sharpie Pen*

How to Make It:

• Blow up the balloons.
• Draw on Pikachu's eyes, mouth and nose with the black pen.
• With the red Sharpie, draw the tongue.

5.Pokeball Oreos: These look so yummy and are for those of you that aren't too great in the kitchen. Honestly, you cannot mess these up!

What you'll need:

• Packet or two of Oreos
• Red Candy Melts*
• White Candy Melts*
• Wooden Sticks or Lolly Sticks
• Block of Black Royal Icing

How to Make Them:

• Melt the Red Candy Melts, in the microwave, on a 30% setting.
• Dip each Oreo into the melted Candy, only covering half.
• Slot the Wooden Stick in gently, into the centre so it looks like a lollipop, and allow candy to set.
• Whilst that is drying, roll out your black icing thinly. Cut into a belt, then cut some small circles. These will be the detailing on your Pokeball.
• Melt your White Candy Melts, in the microwave on a 30% setting as you did with the red.
• Dip the uncovered half of the Oreo inside.
• Once done, and still wet, gently place your black icing belt around the centre of your Oreos to cover where the two coatings join. This should dry to the White Candy Melt.
• Leave to dry completed and then dampen slightly the back of your little black icing circles and stick to centre of the belt. If they don't stick, us a little smear of jam.

Why not print off some special Pokemon Invites?