Printable paper is one of the cheapest ways to make a birthday party look styled. One coordinated pack can supply the banner, favor bags, cupcake wrappers, cards and the scrapbook page afterwards, all in the same colors. Here are party projects with sizes and tips.
Pick a pack and a palette
Choose one pack and use three or four of its papers throughout the party: one bold pattern for the banner, one quieter print for favors, a stripe or solid for borders. Our birthday packs:
For a softer look, garden florals or bees from our everyday packs work well for brunch birthdays and tea parties.
1. Pennant banner
Cut triangles about 5 in wide and 7 in tall, two from each Letter sheet printed on 65 lb cardstock. Alternate patterns, punch two holes at the top of each pennant, and thread them on twine or ribbon. Add letters cut from a solid paper or printed in a bold font for the name.
2. Favor bags and boxes
- Fold a Letter sheet of text-weight paper into a small bag. Fill it and close it with a printed tag.
- Add a folded topper to clear treat bags: a 4 x 4 in printed piece folded over the top and stapled.
- Wrap small favor boxes in a patterned band with the guest’s name.
Folding steps are in DIY gift wrap.
3. Cupcake wrappers and toppers
Cut strips about 2 in tall and long enough to wrap a cupcake liner with a small overlap, then glue the ends. Toppers are 2-inch circles from coordinating paper glued to toothpicks. Keep paper from touching frosting directly by wrapping it around a baking liner.
4. Invitations and cards
A printed panel on a cardstock base makes a simple invitation, with details on a label or inside. For the birthday card itself, see our card ideas.
5. Table decor
- Place cards and food labels on folded cardstock.
- Straw flags: small double-sided flags taped around paper straws.
- A paper chain or confetti cut with a hole punch from leftover strips.
6. The party scrapbook page
After the party, use the same papers for the scrapbook page so the photos match the decor. Print the 12 x 12 file at a shop or use Letter-size sections, see how to print 12×12 paper. Keep a pennant or a cupcake topper and add it to the page as a memento.
Planning sizes
| Item | Per Letter sheet | Paper |
|---|---|---|
| Pennants (5 x 7 in) | 2 | 65 lb cardstock |
| Favor tags (2 x 3.5 in) | 8 to 12 | 80 lb cardstock |
| Cupcake toppers (2 in circles) | 12 or more | 65 lb cardstock |
| Favor bag | 1 small bag | 24 to 32 lb text paper |
Selling party printables?
Using our papers for your own parties is personal use. If you sell physical party decor you make, the Personal license covers up to 500 items per design. Selling printable party kits as digital downloads needs the Commercial license, as explained in can you sell crafts made with digital paper.
All three birthday packs come together in the Birthday Digital Paper Collection.
