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Warning: this isn’t your regular amazing Pinterest-perfect birthday party blog post. I was basically spoon-fed this entire party by my wonderful sister-in-law who throws the BEST parties. She found many of these Harry Potter party ideas from Pinterest and sent them to me. I’m paying it forward by posting all the direct links here for you!
Decorations and Invitations
My son saw pictures of this cute backdrop at his cousin’s Harry Potter birthday party. It was made from a plastic white table cloth and a sponge with red paint. You hang it above your doorway and cut a slit halfway up the middle. The kids can run through Platform 9 3/4 just like in the movie!
Brick Wall backdrop for Platform 9 3/4. Cut a slit in the center and let the kids run through!
I started making this backdrop first since I knew it would take a while. This actually was pretty easy to do, but it was time consuming. It also takes a while to dry. I let my boys help with some of the sponge painting and they had a blast. I followed some instructions found on this website which also included the printable Platform 9 3/4 sign which I glued onto this backdrop.
It turned out great and the kids loved it. However, if I had to do it again, I would probably just buy a Brick Wall Backdrop on Amazon like this.
I had to get our invitations ready quickly, so I opted to find something pre-designed on Etsy.
I found this invitation on Etsy and requested a “rush” and got the digital file very quickly. I printed it on cardstock and we passed them out to my son’s class. There is also simpler free invitation printable here.
I was given these floating candles by my SIL. Hanging them really added something fun to the room!
They are made with tea lights, paper towel holders or strong paper, and hung with fishing line and tacks. Find excellent instructions for the floating candles are here.
Activities
I wasn’t sure how excited nine year-olds would be about these activities, but they absolutely loved them!
Sorting
We started the party by sorting the kids into houses. My husband found this sorting hat pillow which we used while he shouted random houses from behind a curtain (a better idea would be to use walkie talkies and put one inside the hat). You could also get this talking sorting hat at Target (don’t forget to use Ebates if you order online!).
Wand Selection
Next we had each child choose their wand (or rather, their wand chose them). These were made by my SIL. Here is a great tutorial on how you can make your own. We flickered the hall lights when each child “chose” the right wand.
Classes
We had a series of “classes” for the kids to go through next. We did a quick charms class, a divination class, and a potions class.
Charms Class
We practiced a few spells using this guide to wand motions from this site with Harry Potter infographics and charts. We told the kids to practice “Wingardium Leviosa” by using their wand to keep balloons in the air.
Divination Class
I followed this tutorial where each child would learn their fortune by being surprised with different colors of drinks. All you need are clear cups, food coloring, and sprite (or similar beverage). I couldn’t find a printable sign like the tutorial showed, so I created my own. Download the PDF here.
Potions class
We followed this tutorial to make “Snape’s Magic Potion” with vinegar, baking soda, and food coloring. The tutorial comes with a free printable, too. The kids loved it– I’m pretty sure it was their favorite activity!
Food
I kept the food pretty simple for this party and basically just had snacks and cake. I found this food label printable online with really cute names for simple foods like “Huffle Puffs” for Cheeto Puffs.
The Golden Snitches were the most eye-catching item and were easy to make (although a bit time consuming). I used these instructions and printable for the Golden Snitch wings and glued them on with hot glue. You can buy the Ferrero Rocher chocolates in bulk from Costco.
I made “chocolate frogs” with this Frog Chocolate Candy Mold
I made these bags for party favors based on some images I found while googling, “Harry Potter party favors.” The drawing was rather simple and my son helped me color them. We didn’t finish, as you can see, but the kids still thought they were pretty cool!
My Harry Potter loving boy had the best time and so did his classmates. It was the perfect way to kick off the new year after moving to a new place. I usually don’t throw big or elaborate parties, but this was pretty easy with how much is already done for you online. I hope the links and examples I share make it easy for you, too!
Here are a few more sites that I came across that had pictures or other information that might provide you some extra inspiration for your Harry Potter party. Happy Planning!
- Party pictures and a brick wall
- 20+ ideas with party decor and more
- Happy Birthday Banner and decor printables
- Hogwarts Express ticket printable
- Photo props and printables for everything!
