Guest Author - Alissa Moy
Begin your preschooler's Webkinz birthday bash by inviting each child to bring a favorite Webkinz. Once everyone arrives, have a short circle time where the children can introduce their furry pals to everyone. Next, use the website linked at the end of this article to have the children make crowns. This is a quick and fun craft that is easy for all children to do. Get sparkly pipe cleaners for an added royal effect.
After the circle time and craft, move onto a fun outdoor game. Try Webkinz tag-where the person who gets tagged must say a name of an item found in the W shop. To ensure quick rotation of the child who is "it", you may want to have the person tagging give a first letter for the W Shop item. For example, "C" might be carrots or corn. Once everyone is exercised and ready for a refreshing drink, gather the children to make a "Smoothie Moves" Smoothie. Assemble fruits and juices on a table and have the children choose their items for a super smoothie. Borrow a blender or two from a neighbor and start the smoothie process! You can also make a "Berry Smoothie" for all of the children. The recipe for this is at the end of this article, and everyone is sure to love it. Whatever you choose, do act prudently and check with parents for any food allergies amongst their children.
Have a Jellybean Jar handy for a guessing contest, just like on Webkinz! Goody bags can be replaced with a fun spin for each child on "The Wheel of Wow". This can be created by buying either a game board spinner template from a craft store, or creating your own. I used an old bingo spinner, and repainted the cardboard to replicate the Wheel of Wow for a classroom project. Prizes can be as simple as jellybeans, gumballs (like "Operation Gumball") or Candy (like in "Candy Bash"). LilKinz can be offered as heftier prizes, but be sure to have enough to accomodate all of the spins!
Another idea is to give each child "Kinzcash" to spend at the "W-SHOP" to purchase treats for their goody bag. Use play money and make it into "Kinzcash" with some creativity. A "Wheel of Wow" cake is a must for the birthday boy or girl, too. Follow the recipe link below for a super fun cake that's easy to make!
