Little Jo is all about the ocean right now, and she loves reading about dolphins and seahorses. So it wasn’t a big surprise to me when she said she wanted an underwater-themed birthday party. She was very clear, too. “Ocean, Mommy. Not Finding Nemo or Little Mermaid, just ocean animals.” Alright then, I had my mandate.

Of course we’ll be sharing lots of party ideas with you for this theme, but today I want to show you the party favors we will be handing out. First, my aunt made monogrammed pillowcases for the kids out of really cute ocean-themed flannel. I promise a tutorial for these pillowcases in the near future. I love the similar pillowcases she has made my girls in the past, and the kids love how soft and fun they are.

The other party favor is a butterfly net that is acting as a fish net. I filled the nets with ocean-themed party favors and then used my Cricut and Animal Kingdrom cartridge to cut out fish shapes in coordinating colors, which served as name tags. I don’t usually personalize party favors, but in this case, there are two age groups attending and I have special toys just for the little ones, so I wanted to keep them straight.

That’s one party item scratched off the list. Now for the hundred more to come!

If you’re not sure what favors to put inside the net, you might be inspired by these Sea Life Sticker Sheets or Sea Life Blowouts. Or for no-fuss favors, check out these Sea Life Party Favor Boxes.