A book party

Bookworm invitations

Free designs with an RSVP link that tracks every reply. Tap one to start yours; your names, date and place fill in, and you can change the design any time.

LibraryUse this designBookplateUse this designMargin doodlesUse this designPage birdsUse this designPop-up bookUse this designStory stackUse this design

LibraryUse this designBookplateUse this designMargin doodlesUse this designPage birdsUse this designPop-up bookUse this designStory stackUse this design

LibraryUse this designBookplateUse this designMargin doodlesUse this designPage birdsUse this designPop-up bookUse this designStory stackUse this design

Ideas for your bookworm party

Pick one or two from each and keep the rest simple.

Games and activities for your bookworm party

How to play and what you need. Pick them in your plan and the supplies go on your shopping list.

Name that book

Ages 6 and up · 15 min

Read the first line of a well-known book, or hold up a cover with the title hidden. Teams write down their guess, and the team with the most right wins. For little ones, use picture-book covers.

You’ll need: Books to read from, Paper and pens

Story chain

Ages 5 and up · 15 min

Sit in a circle. The first person says one sentence to start a story, and each person adds one more. A grown-up writes it down and reads the whole story back at the end.

You’ll need: A notebook and a pen

Picture book hunt

Ages 2 to 5 · 10 min

Hide a few board books around the room at toddler height. Kids find them and carry them to the reading nook, where a grown-up reads one aloud.

You’ll need: Board books, 6 or more, A basket, Pillows

Notes in the cover

Ages 10 and up · 15 min

Each guest writes a short note inside the cover of a book they brought, for the guest of honor to keep. Read a few aloud before cake.

You’ll need: Books brought by guests, Pens

Shop the bookworm look

Plates, decor, favors and a cake idea in the theme's colors. The Shop counts each one for your guest list.

PlatesCupsNapkinsBannerBalloonsFavor bagsPhoto propsCake

Open the bookworm shop

What to do and when

The plan for a birthday party, counted back from the party day. Festidy puts real dates on it. Plan it free with Festidy's birthday party planner.

1. 6 to 8 weeks out

   • Pick a date, a start time, and a backup date
   • Set a budget and choose your big two
   • Write the guest list
   • Choose a theme together
   • Lock in the location and a rain plan
   • Note food, accessibility, and comfort needs

2. 4 to 6 weeks out

   • Decide: hire an entertainer or run your own games
   • Book rentals if you need them
   • Send the invitations
   • Order the cakeCake idea: A sheet cake frosted like an open book, with the title and the age in icing.
   • Ask helpers and give them roles
   • Make one contact and confirmation list

3. 2 to 3 weeks out

   • Order decor, tableware, and favorsDecor idea: Brick red, gold and cream foil balloons in loose clusters
   • Plan the menu and check allergiesMenu idea: Mini sandwiches cut into book-size rectangles
   • Plan 3 or 4 activities, plus a backupActivity idea: A story circle with a favorite picture book read aloud
   • Follow up on RSVPs
   • Build your one-stop shopping list

4. The week before

   • Confirm every vendor
   • Lock the headcount and shop for food and drinks
   • Prep favors, decor, and a playlist
   • Write the party-day schedule
   • Send the final party note

5. The day before

   • Pick up the cake and set up what you can
   • Pack a party-day kit
   • Charge devices and share the run sheet
   • Make the final weather and space call

6. Party day

   • Set up an hour before
   • Run the party and finish on time
   • Reset the space and check for left-behind items

7. After the party

   • Share photos and settle any remaining balances
   • Send thank-yous
   • Save photos and notes for next year
   • Leave a quick note for your future self

Party-day run of show

For a 2-hour party starting at 2 pm.

• 1:30 pm
  Final setup and safety checkSetup crew gets food, activities, and the entrance ready.
• 2:00 pm
  Arrivals and free playKid wrangler greets kids and keeps an eye on arrivals.
• 2:30 pm
  Main game or entertainerEntertainment lead runs the planned game or entertainer.
• 3:00 pm
  Snacks and drinksFood lead puts out snacks and checks dietary labels.
• 3:20 pm
  Cake and candlesPhotographer gets the group shot before serving.
• 3:35 pm
  Craft, favors, and goodbyesThe host ends on time while energy is still high.
• 4:00 pm
  Quick resetCollect gifts and check the space for left-behind items.

Free bookworm printables

Print at home on letter paper or card stock.

More kids' birthdays themes

DinosaurSpaceUnicornMermaidRainbowOceanSuperheroConstructionJungle safariPirateGarden tea partyRace carArt studioWinter wonderlandSportsBerry sweetPrincessVideo gamePop starBowsPuppySpa dayRodeo roundupFarmBugs and butterfliesGlowBubblesSleepoverSlimeCampingWizardParisDiscoCircus and carnivalDetective mysteryLuauPool partyFiestaLittle pumpkinBackyard cookoutWildflowerCelestialPicnic in the parkTeddy bearBuilding bricksCode clubWoodlandSunshineFairyThrowbackGame night