I don’t know how many sword glow sticks I have purchased for my kids, but it’s a lot. Why I continue to do so, I have no idea, being that they are just plastic trash in my living room 24-hours later. However, glow sticks do have a rather cool application in the kid world; they make an awesome party theme. I mean come on, what’s cooler than a glowing birthday? I’d love to lie and say this is all just for the kids, but as a mom I irrationally love glow sticks as well. Here are a few cool ideas for a glow in the dark birthday outside of just putting glow bracelets, necklaces, swords, wands or sticks in the goodie bags. Note, all the options below will appear brighter under black light, plus complete darkness is no fun for a party. On your invitations, asking attendees to wear white or neon clothing can be extra fun.
Fairy and glow balloons and jars:
While you’d think this was a girl thing, fairy jars are pretty dang cool even if you’re a little boy. You’ll need some cheap jars with lids or balloons with a decent sized opening and glow sticks. Old spice or baby food jars work well because they are small, and clear balloons show color the brightest. For the fairy version, you also need glitter. Crack the glow sticks so they are active, then cut one end off and place it in the jar or pour into balloon, replace lid or tie balloon (in the balloons case fill with helium or blow up with air pump so you don’t get glow stick in your mouth), and shake, turn off the lights, and enjoy. For the fairy version just add glitter before sealing and shaking. I will warn, glow stick will cause skin irritation if it gets on your hands, and while not toxic per say, should not be consumed. Kids should always be supervised during glow stick projects, and if they jars or balloons go home, seal them with wax or let the child’s parents know not to let their child open the jar.
Glow Bubbles and wall art:
This one is best done outside, and you don’t want to use glow stick thanks to the irritant factor, instead you can either purchase glowing bubbles, or make your own by adding non-toxic glow in the dark paint to bubble solution. You can also use that same paint for art projects. For instance, cover a wall in poster paper and let the kids graffiti it up.
Glowing beverages and treats:
That black light that makes all of the above appear brighter and offers light for your party, also happens to make tonic water glow (must contain quinine). You can use tonic water and pale colored juice to make glowing sparkling juice party drinks, or freeze the tonic water and add to the pale colored drink of your choice for glowing ice cubes. Coincidentally, replacing the about a third of the water in Jello recipes with tonic water will also make glowing Jello, but again, choose lighter colors. You can also find a way neat tutorial on how to make glow in the dark frosting by clicking here.
You may also enjoy:
Birthday Party Trivia
More Uses for Empty Jars
6 Cool Bubble Projects
