Princess Birthday Party Guide

Shopping List

Princess party shopping list

Everything you need for a royal celebration, with prices and where to buy.

Tableware

Princess party plates (8-pack)$3-5

Available with crown and castle designs. Pair a licensed set for the main table with solid pink for the activity table.

Target, Party City

Princess cups (8-pack)$3-4

Gold-rimmed clear cups from Dollar Tree look just as royal for half the price.

Target, Walmart

Princess napkins (16-pack)$3-5

Grab two packs. Crown-making gets glittery and messy; you will need extra napkins.

Target, Walmart

Pink tablecloth$1.25

The base layer. Layer with a gold or purple runner for a royal banquet look.

Dollar Tree

Gold foil table runner$5-8

A gold runner over the pink tablecloth instantly elevates everything to castle-level elegance.

Amazon, Party City

Decorations

Princess birthday banner$7-12

Look for banners with crowns, castles, or 'Happy Birthday Princess' text. Gold glitter versions look premium.

Amazon, Party City

Pink, gold, and purple balloon arch kit$10-15

A 60-80 balloon kit in pink, gold, and purple. Add a crown-shaped foil balloon as the centerpiece for the arch.

Amazon

Tulle rolls (2-3 rolls)$3-5 each

Drape pink and white tulle across doorways, along table edges, and behind the cake table. Tulle is the secret weapon for princess parties.

Dollar Tree, Walmart

Crown-shaped foil balloons$3-5 each

Large gold crown foil balloons (30+ inches). Place one at the entrance and one behind the cake table.

Party City, Amazon

Pink and gold streamers$1.25 each

Twist pink and gold crepe streamers together for an elegant ceiling decoration. Takes 10 minutes and looks stunning.

Dollar Tree

Activities & Party Bags

Foam crown craft kits (12-pack)$8-12

Pre-cut foam crowns with adhesive gems and stickers. The main activity, every kid gets to make their own crown.

Amazon, Michael's

Princess wands (12-pack)$8-12

Star-topped ribbon wands. Double as a party bag item and an activity prop for the royal ball dance.

Amazon, Party City

Plastic jewels / gems (assorted bag)$5-8

For crown decorating and the jewel treasure hunt activity. Buy more than you think you need, kids love these.

Dollar Tree, Amazon

Costume tiaras (12-pack)$8-14

Backup tiaras for kids who want one instantly. Also great as party bag fillers.

Amazon, Party City

Decorations

Princess party decoration ideas

Six ways to transform any space into a royal castle, most using Dollar Tree supplies.

Tulle draping everywhere

Easy$4-8

Tulle is the single best princess party decoration material. Drape it across doorways to create 'castle archways,' along the food table for a royal banquet look, and behind the cake table as a soft backdrop. Pink and white tulle from Dollar Tree ($1.25/roll) goes a long way; three rolls can transform a room.

Castle entrance doorway

Medium$5-12

Turn your front door or the entrance to the party room into a castle gate. Use gray poster board to create turret shapes on each side of the doorway, and drape a pink or purple fabric curtain across the top. Add a sign: 'Welcome to [Child's Name]'s Castle.' Kids feel like they're entering a real castle.

Pink and gold balloon arch

Medium$12-20

A balloon arch in pink, blush, gold, and purple is the most impactful princess decoration. Use an Amazon arch kit ($10-15) and add a large gold crown foil balloon at the center. Position behind the cake table for a photo backdrop that makes everything look professionally decorated.

Royal throne chair

Easy$3-8

Designate one chair as the 'throne' for the birthday princess. Drape it with a pink or purple fabric, add a tulle skirt around the base, and tie a crown balloon to the back. Every kid will want to sit in it, so let each child take a 'throne photo' during the party.

Sparkle curtain photo backdrop

Easy$3-8

Hang a metallic gold foil curtain ($3-5 at Dollar Tree or Amazon) behind a table or on a wall. Add a few pink balloons and a 'Princess [Child's Name]' sign above. This becomes the photo station where kids pose with their crowns and wands throughout the party.

Fairy light canopy

Easy$5-10

String warm white fairy lights across the ceiling or around the party area. Drape tulle over the lights for a magical glow effect. This works especially well for afternoon parties or any indoor space. A 33-foot strand of LED fairy lights costs about $5 on Amazon and runs on batteries.

Timeline

Planning timeline

A 2-week countdown to a magical princess celebration.

2 weeks before

Order only after checking the seller's current delivery estimate and return window
Send invitations (use Party Parrot for easy RSVP tracking)
Plan food menu and activity lineup
Order or reserve the birthday cake (request a castle or crown design)
Buy foam crown kits and plastic gems for crafts

1 week before

Confirm guest count from RSVPs
Shop for food, drinks, and snacks
Buy tulle, streamers, and any remaining decorations
Prep crown craft station supplies (lay out gems, stickers, glue)
Hide plastic gems around the party space for the treasure hunt (test the hiding spots)

Day before

Inflate balloon arch (latex balloons last 12-18 hours)
Hang tulle draping, streamers, and fairy lights
Set up the castle entrance, throne chair, and photo backdrop
Assemble party bags
Make-ahead food: crown cookies, pink lemonade, cut fruit for wand sandwiches

Morning of the party

Set out food trays and drink station
Set up the crown crafting table with all supplies
Hide gems for the jewel treasure hunt
Queue up the princess music playlist
Do a final walkthrough. Take a photo of the setup before guests arrive

Party day schedule (2-hour party)

0:00-0:20: Arrival: crown/tiara decorating craft + free play
0:20-0:35: Jewel treasure hunt
0:35-0:50: Royal ball dancing with wands
0:50-1:10: Food and drinks (the royal feast)
1:10-1:25: Birthday cake + singing
1:25-1:40: Princess obstacle course or Kiss the Frog toss
1:40-2:00: Free play, party bags, goodbye

Activities

Princess-themed party activities

Six royal activities that mix crafts, dancing, and adventure for a perfectly balanced party.

1

Crown / Tiara Decorating Craft

What you need

Foam crown kits (1 per kid)
Adhesive gems and jewel stickers
Glitter glue pens
Markers and stickers

How to run it

Set up a crafting table with foam crowns, gems, stickers, and glitter glue. Each kid decorates their own crown to wear for the rest of the party. This works best as the arrival activity; kids start crafting as they arrive instead of waiting around. An adult can help attach gems that need extra glue. Once crowned, every kid is officially a princess (or prince) for the day.

Tip: Pre-cut elastic chin straps and attach them to the crowns before the party so they stay on little heads during active games. Put down a Dollar Tree tablecloth on the craft table for easy glitter cleanup. Budget 15-20 minutes; kids get focused on decorating.

2

Royal Ball Dancing

What you need

Speaker with princess/Disney music
Princess wands for each kid
Open floor space

How to run it

Announce that it's time for the Royal Ball! Play Disney princess songs and let kids dance with their wands and crowns. Mix in freeze dance rounds: when the music stops, everyone must freeze in their best princess pose. The silliest pose each round gets a round of applause. For a structured version, pair kids up for 'royal dances' where they spin and bow to each other.

Tip: The Disney Princess playlist on Spotify is perfect for this. Mix upbeat songs ('Let It Go,' 'How Far I'll Go') with slower ones for variety. Let kids twirl, spin, and be dramatic; the more theatrical, the better. This activity burns a ton of energy before food time.

3

Princess Obstacle Course

What you need

Hula hoops
Pool noodles (to step over)
Cones or markers
A 'castle' finish point (decorated box or chair)

How to run it

Set up 5-6 stations: hop through hula hoops ('stepping stones'), walk a balance beam (tape line on the floor), crawl through a tunnel (blanket over chairs), step over pool noodles ('the moat'), weave through cones ('the enchanted forest'), and reach the castle at the end. Each princess must complete the course to receive their royal decree (a small sticker or ribbon).

Tip: Walk through the course once with all kids before starting so everyone understands the path. Keep stations close together so waiting kids can cheer. For kids under 4, simplify to 3-4 easy stations. Time older kids for a competitive element.

4

Jewel Treasure Hunt

What you need

Plastic gems and jewels (50-100 pieces)
Small bags or pouches for collecting (1 per kid)
Indoor or outdoor space with hiding spots

How to run it

Hide plastic gems around the party space before kids arrive. Give each kid a small pouch and send them on a royal treasure hunt to find hidden jewels. Set a 10-minute timer and let them search. For younger kids (3-4), hide gems in obvious spots. For older kids, make it challenging. Each kid keeps whatever they find. Award a small prize to whoever finds the most gems.

Tip: Buy a bulk bag of acrylic gems from Amazon ($5-8 for 100+ pieces). Count how many you hide and write down the number so you can find any stragglers afterward. Use different-colored gems for different age groups. Hide 8-10 per kid for the right pace.

5

Royal Decree (Princess Simon Says)

What you need

No materials needed, just a confident adult announcer

How to run it

One adult plays the Queen or King and issues 'Royal Decrees.' 'The Queen decrees... curtsy!' 'The Queen decrees... wave to your subjects!' 'The Queen decrees... spin three times!' If the Queen doesn't say 'The Queen decrees' first, and a kid follows the command, they sit on the 'royal bench' until the next round. Last princess standing gets to be the next Queen.

Tip: Keep commands physical and silly: 'blow kisses to the crowd,' 'walk like you're wearing a giant gown,' 'practice your royal wave.' For ages 3-4, skip the elimination and make it a fun follow-along. Ham up the royal voice; kids love when adults go all-in with the character.

6

Kiss the Frog Toss Game

What you need

Green beanbags or soft balls ('frogs')
A bucket or basket ('the pond')
Tape or chalk for a throw line

How to run it

Set up a basket or bucket 5-8 feet away from a throw line. Give each kid 3 green beanbags (the 'frogs'). They toss the frogs trying to land them in the 'pond.' Each frog that lands in the pond is a frog that got its princess kiss and turns into a prince. Keep score or just make it for fun. Adjust the distance based on age, closer for younger kids.

Tip: If you can't find green beanbags, stuff green socks with rice and rubber-band them closed for instant frog beanbags. For a cute twist, put gold star stickers on a few beanbags. If a kid lands a starred frog, they win a bonus prize. This game works great as a side station while other activities happen.

Food Ideas

Princess-themed royal feast

Elegant food fit for royalty that kids will actually eat. Plus prep tips so you can enjoy the ball too.

Princess wand sandwiches

Use a star-shaped cookie cutter on sandwiches (PB&J, ham & cheese, or cream cheese) and insert a pretzel stick as the wand handle. Arrange standing upright in a tray of rice or a foam block covered in foil. Kids think these are magical.

Prep tip: Cut sandwiches the morning of the party. Use a sharp star cutter on slightly frozen bread for clean shapes. Assemble 2-3 per kid. Insert pretzel sticks right before serving so they stay crunchy. Cover with plastic wrap until party time.

Crown cookies

Sugar cookies cut with a crown-shaped cookie cutter and decorated with pink or gold royal icing. Dust with edible gold glitter for a sparkle effect. Display on a tiered stand or cake plate for a royal bakery look.

Prep tip: Bake cookies 2-3 days ahead and store in an airtight container. Make royal icing the night before and flood the cookies, let them dry overnight on parchment paper. Pre-made sugar cookie dough from the store works perfectly here. Each cookie takes about 2 minutes to decorate.

Pink lemonade

The signature princess party drink. Serve in a clear pitcher or drink dispenser with lemon slices and fresh raspberries floating inside. Add a sign: 'Royal Pink Lemonade' or 'Princess Potion.' Instant elegance.

Prep tip: Mix a large batch the morning of using store-bought pink lemonade concentrate. Keep cold with frozen raspberry ice cubes, they keep the drink pink and don't water it down. For sparkle, add a splash of lemon-lime soda right before serving.

Castle cake

A princess castle cake is simpler than it looks. Order a pink sheet cake from your bakery ($25-40) and add cone-shaped waffle cones upside-down as castle towers. Frost the cones with pink icing and add a small flag topper to each. Instant castle.

Prep tip: Order the bakery cake at least a week in advance with a pink/purple color request. Add the waffle cone towers yourself the morning of, frost them at home and press them gently into the cake. Buy small paper flags ($2 on Amazon) for the tower tops.

Crown fruit cups with yogurt dip

Layer strawberries, quartered grapes, pineapple chunks, and blueberries in clear cups for a pink-purple-gold color scheme. Arrange the cups in a crown shape around a bowl of vanilla yogurt dip.

Prep tip: Cut the fruit and fill the cups the morning of the party. Keep them refrigerated until serving. Plain vanilla Greek yogurt works on its own as the dip, which keeps the ingredient list simple for allergy checks.

Royal tea party sandwiches

Finger sandwiches cut into small rectangles with crusts removed. Fill with cream cheese and cucumber, strawberry cream cheese, or classic PB&J. Arrange on a tiered serving tray for a proper afternoon tea vibe. Add a 'menu card' listing each sandwich type.

Prep tip: Make sandwiches the morning of and cover tightly with damp paper towels and plastic wrap to keep bread soft. Cut crusts before filling; it's faster and cleaner. A batch of 20 finger sandwiches takes about 15 minutes. Three types is plenty.

Party Bags

Princess party bags

A royal party bag for $2-4 per kid. The handmade crown from the craft station is the star piece!

Item	Cost per kid	Where to buy
Mini tiara or crown	$0.70-1.15	Amazon (12-pack), Dollar Tree
Princess sticker sheet	$0.25-0.35	Amazon (bulk pack)
Jewel ring or bracelet	$0.30-0.50	Dollar Tree, Amazon
Mini lip gloss (kid-safe)	$0.50-0.75	Dollar Tree, Amazon
Princess temporary tattoo	$0.20-0.30	Amazon (bulk pack)
Pink gift bag + tissue paper	$0.40-0.50	Dollar Tree
Total per bag	$2.35-3.55

Budget Breakdown

Total cost for 10 kids

Here's the real cost of a princess birthday party when you add everything up.

Category	What's included	Cost
Tableware	Plates, cups, napkins, tablecloths, gold runner	$16-25
Decorations	Banner, balloon arch, tulle, crown balloons, streamers, fairy lights	$28-50
Food & Drinks	Sandwiches, cookies, fruit, pink lemonade, cake	$35-60
Activities	Crown kits, gems, wands, costume tiaras	$20-35
Party Bags (10 kids)	Tiaras, stickers, rings, lip gloss, tattoos	$24-36
Total		$123-$206

The lower end uses Dollar Tree basics and simple crafts; the higher end includes premium decorations, a full photo backdrop, and elaborate party bags.

Keep planning the party

Got your princess theme sorted? These guides help with the rest of your planning.

Birthday Party Checklist

Week-by-week planning timeline

Party Games for Kids

25 indoor and outdoor games by age

Birthday Party Food Ideas

Budget menus kids actually eat

Birthday Party Ideas Hub

Themes, activities, and tips by age

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FAQ

Common princess party questions

What age is a princess birthday party best for?

The sample plan suits roughly ages 3-8, but build it around the birthday child's version of royal play. Younger guests may prefer dress-up, music, and a simple crown craft. Older guests can design costumes, write a royal mystery, or run a more challenging treasure hunt. Invite every child to choose a princess, prince, knight, ruler, or other role.

Where can I buy princess party supplies?

Check local party, craft, and discount stores for pink, purple, and gold basics, then compare current online listings for crown crafts or licensed character pieces. Generic royal colors are easier to reuse than a full branded set. Review age labels, pack quantities, and delivery dates before buying gems, wands, or wearable items.

How much does a princess birthday party cost?

The example shopping plan on this page totals $123-206 for 10 children. The lower end uses homemade draping, simple activities, and basic tableware. The higher end includes a fuller backdrop, more crown-craft supplies, and more elaborate party bags. Treat the range as a planning estimate and check current local prices before ordering.

What are the princess party colors?

The classic princess party color palette is pink (the dominant color), gold (for royal accents), and purple or lavender (for depth). White works as a clean accent. For a more specific princess, match the character colors: Cinderella blue, Rapunzel purple, Belle yellow, or Ariel teal. If you're going generic princess, stick with pink and gold; it reads 'royal' instantly and works with any princess character.

What food do you serve at a princess birthday party?

Pick a few foods with royal names: star-shaped sandwiches, crown cookies, pink lemonade, fruit cups with yogurt dip, or small tea sandwiches. For an easy castle cake, order a simple pink sheet cake and add waffle-cone towers at home. Check ingredients with caregivers and keep the presentation practical for the guests' ages.

What activities work at a princess birthday party?

The top princess party activities are: crown/tiara decorating (the main craft), a Royal Ball with freeze dance, a jewel treasure hunt (hide plastic gems and let kids find them), a princess obstacle course, Royal Decree (princess-themed Simon Says), and a Kiss the Frog toss game. Crown decorating works best as the arrival activity, the Royal Ball right before food, and the treasure hunt after cake for a natural flow.

How do I make a princess party work for boys too?

Easy: frame it as a 'Royal Ball' or 'Kingdom Party' instead of strictly a princess party. Offer both crowns and knight shields at the craft station. Boys can be princes, knights, or kings. Use terms like 'royal' instead of 'princess' for activities: 'Royal Decree' instead of 'Princess Simon Says,' 'Royal Ball' instead of 'Princess Dance.' Most boys ages 3-6 don't care and will happily wear a crown and dance at the ball.

Princess party planned? Now send the invites

Party Parrot sends invitations to both parents, tracks RSVPs in real time, and manages your guest list, so you can focus on draping that tulle and making crown cookies.

Start planning free

Princess Birthday Party

Princess party shopping list

Tableware

Decorations

Activities & Party Bags

Princess party decoration ideas

Tulle draping everywhere

Castle entrance doorway

Pink and gold balloon arch

Royal throne chair

Sparkle curtain photo backdrop

Fairy light canopy

Planning timeline

2 weeks before

1 week before

Day before

Morning of the party

Party day schedule (2-hour party)

Princess-themed party activities

Crown / Tiara Decorating Craft

Royal Ball Dancing

Princess Obstacle Course

Jewel Treasure Hunt

Royal Decree (Princess Simon Says)

Kiss the Frog Toss Game

Princess-themed royal feast

Princess wand sandwiches

Crown cookies

Pink lemonade

Castle cake

Crown fruit cups with yogurt dip

Royal tea party sandwiches

Princess party bags

Total cost for 10 kids

Keep planning the party

More theme guides

Need a venue for the plan? Browse by city

Common princess party questions

Princess party planned? Now send the invites