Festidy
Plan a party

Birthday theme

A woodworking party

A workbench, a pencil behind the ear, and a project to take home.

Plan this partyFree printables

Woodshop 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.

Woodshop invitation, Workbench designWorkbenchUse this designWoodshop invitation, Blueprint designBlueprintUse this designWoodshop invitation, Wood burned designWood burnedUse this designWoodshop invitation, Tape measure designTape measureUse this designWoodshop invitation, Shadow board designShadow boardUse this designWoodshop invitation, Shavings designShavingsUse this design

Ideas for your woodshop party

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

Decor

  • Kraft brown, mustard and cream foil balloons
  • Craft paper table covers drawn like a workbench, with a ruler border
  • Rulers, pencils and paint stirrers in coffee cans as centerpieces
  • Safety goggles at every place, with a name tag on the strap

Food

  • Pretzel rod "logs" stacked like a woodpile
  • Cheese and crackers on wooden cutting boards
  • Vanilla pudding cups with graham cracker "sawdust"
  • Apple slices with cinnamon yogurt dip, and cold cider

Cake

A sheet cake with wood-grain buttercream lines, a fondant ruler along one edge and a pencil on top.

Favors

Optional. Something small and edible travels best.

Colors

DeepBrightPopSoft

Pick one bright color for balloons and napkins, and keep plates plain.

Activities for your woodshop party

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

Sand and paint a birdhouse

Ages 6 and up · 30 min

Each builder gets an unfinished birdhouse kit. With a grown-up beside them, sand the edges smooth with a sanding block, wipe off the dust with a damp cloth, then paint it with non-toxic paint. The grown-up glues it together once the paint is dry.

You’ll need: Unfinished wooden birdhouse kits, 1 per guest, Sanding blocks, Non-toxic acrylic paint and brushes, Damp cloths, Wood glue (grown-ups only), Newspaper

Nail-free build

Ages 6 and up · 25 min

Teams get a wooden kit that slots together with no nails or hammer, like a car or a small bench, and a picture of the finished build. First team to build it and stand it up wins.

You’ll need: Slot-together wooden model kits, 1 per team, A picture of the finished build

Measure it

Ages 7 and up · 15 min

Give each team a tape measure and a list: find something 12 inches long, something 6 inches high and something 2 feet wide. Measure each to the nearest inch, and the team closest overall wins.

You’ll need: Tape measures, 1 per team, A printed list, Pencils

Name that tool

Ages 7 and up · 15 min

Hold up a picture card of a hand tool. Teams write its name and what it's used for. Real tools stay put away for this one.

You’ll need: Printed tool picture cards, Paper and pens

Shop the woodshop 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 woodshop shop

What to do and when

The plan for a birthday party, counted back from the party day. Festidy puts real dates on it. See the full birthday party plan.

  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 or a look
    • Lock in the location and a rain plan
    • Note food, accessibility, and comfort needs

  2. 4 to 6 weeks out

    • Decide on music and one main activity
    • Book rentals if you need them
    • Decide: cater, order trays, or cook
    • Collect photos and messages from friends
    • Book a photographer or pick a friend to shoot
    • Send the invitations
    • Order the cake or dessertsCake idea: A sheet cake with wood-grain buttercream lines, a fondant ruler along one edge and a pencil on top.
    • Ask helpers and give them roles
    • Make one contact and confirmation list

  3. 2 to 3 weeks out

    • Order decor, tableware, and favorsDecor idea: Kraft brown, mustard and cream foil balloons
    • Plan the menu and check allergiesMenu idea: Pretzel rod "logs" stacked like a woodpile
    • Plan the one or two moments that matterActivity idea: Sand and paint a birdhouse kit
    • Follow up on RSVPs
    • Plan drinks, including good non-alcoholic options
    • 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 3-hour party starting at 2 pm.

  • Final setup and safety checkSetup crew gets food, activities, and the entrance ready.
  • Arrivals and drinksGreeter welcomes guests and handles coats.
  • FoodFood lead opens the food and keeps it stocked.
  • Toasts and slideshowCo-host introduces two or three short toasts.
  • CakePhotographer gets the candle moment and a group photo.
  • Music and dancingEntertainment lead turns up the playlist.
  • Quick resetCollect gifts and check the space for left-behind items.

Free woodshop printables

Print at home on letter paper or card stock.

You're invitedFill-in invitationTwo to a sheetThank youThank-you cardsFour to a sheetWelcomeDoor signOne full pageBingoWoodshop bingoFour cards and a calling sheet

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