How to Host a Squid Game Party! Game Decor & Costume Ideas!

Want To Host a Squid Game Themed Party?

As THE most popular Netflix series EVER, it’s no surprise that people would be interested in hosting a Squid Game themed event!  After all, the world was obsessed with this show! But how do you host squid games without having to kill your guests and how do you play to the end if you don’t have as many people needed for team rounds? Moreover, how do you make a squid themed party more family-friendly? Those were the questions I was faced with when my husband told me he wanted to throw a squid game party. Read on for my tips and ideas!

Image from Netflix

Obviously, a Squid Game themed party revolves around games. Luckily, the game concepts are simple enough for anyone to play and for anyone to execute. Popular amongst school kids, the games featured in the movie mostly take some patience, luck and minimal skill. Since it’s been a while since most of you probably watched the movie, let me remind you of the

6 games featured in the show:

1). Sugar cookie cutout

(A round cookie in a tin with embossed shape in the middle must be carefully cut out with a needle without cracking the cookie and before the time limit). The cookie is called a dalgona cookie or sometimes called a honeycomb cookie.

Photo credit-Netflix

How to: Purchase the tin kits here. It will include everything from the base from which your cookie is formed, to the lid from which it is concealed (so your guests blindly choose their indentation shape), to the needle that you poke the cookie out with.

Use this 2-ingredient recipe to make the sugar cookie. The hardest part is timing the inner shape indentation piece just right and taking it out before it cools and sets in there permanently. But don’t worry if this happens like it did with my first round, you can crack and crumble it, add it back to the pan and start over. This will overly brown your resulting cookie but it’s not important to get the color correct as it’s just about creating the cookie challenge and game. Once your players have blindly chosen their (closed) cookie tin, set the timer and rank who finishes getting their cookie out the fastest before time runs out!

TIP- It’s great to kick off your game series with this one since it doubles as an ice breaker. Contestants can easily chat while sitting and sharing some laughs while competing AND not even breaking a sweat! 😆.

TIP! Motivate players by pre-event asking adult contestants to each agree to pitch in a set amount of cash!  Each of our adult contestants put in $20 each making a grand prize total of $120. While far from the movie’s 2.2 billion won amount, you’ll be surprised how (any) lump sum of money will incite the greed out of all your guests and increase the stakes for everyone! (You could also punish your guests along the way by requiring losers to drink after each round which we did not do because a couple of us were allergic to alcohol and likely could have actually died playing this version of Squid Games). lol.

Family-friendly TIP! We had adults competing against one another and found ways to get kids involved throughout the day. Most kids haven’t seen the movie and will simply enjoy watching parents get silly playing kiddie games and or have fun playing a 2nd round themselves. Because the cookie cutting game involves a needle though, you can ask the kids to judge while the parents compete and have them provide live commentary. OR, you could encourage them to try and draw one of the iconic movie characters while you do this particular game.

2). Marble game

There are tons of ways to play and you could replace marbles with whatever small balls you have around the house. In the movie though, a player holds a number of marbles in their hand. The other player guesses if the number is odd or even. If the player guesses correctly, he gets the same number of marbles as he’s holding (his wager).

Because we were using a ranking and point system to prevent having to eliminate players from playing further rounds, we kept score and didn’t let players “die off.” Also, because we didn’t have marbles, we decided to tweak this by gathering small balls to roll across the lawn. Whoever got it closest to the end point (wall in our case), without actually hitting the wall won and got the high score. If you hit the wall you got disqualified and subtract points off your total score. Person with the most points at the end of all game rounds wins!

3). Glass floor

In the movie, players had to cross a glass bridge but some of the glass squares would cause the player to fall through. In our version, paper squares were laid down and the backs read real glass or fake glass. “Fall” or “safe” could have been written too and instead of paper squares, cardboard boxes (some stable with something under them to be able to hold a human up vs some empty so the person falls when they stand on top would be great too). But we didn’t have enough cardboard boxes nor did we want to store that many for the game.😅.

TIP- to decide on order of who goes first, you could randomly draw numbers, give priority to those who ranked best from the last game, or have the kids each represent a # and have the parents each choose a child to find out what order they go in.

Image from Netflix

4). Red light green light

Probably the most memorable and iconic squid game from the movie (thanks to the unforgettable larger-than-life, head swiveling doll leader), is a fun one for all ages to try! Again, we had the adults compete against one another. Kids took turns saying the famous green light red light song in Korean (while dressed in soldier red) and holding a soldier (water-filled) gun. Each child was assigned an adult to watch and was instructed to squirt them if they saw them move when they weren’t supposed to.  The power evidenced in these kids’ eyes when we told them all this was ridiculously scary!  haha This was the of course, the kids’ favorite part of the party!

TIP, draw a chalk line for start and finish. Have only one child take turns at a time and say the famous phrase at a time, “Mugunghwa kkoci pieot seumnida.” And find water guns at your local dollar store! Next time, I’ll not only have the kids dress in red like the Squid Game soldiers but I’ll have the adults all dress in green like the Squid Game contestants!

5). Tug of war

We opted to skip this game in fear of someone getting hurt. But it can easily be replicated with any rope and a soft landing spot (grass or sand).

6) Squid game

It’s a game of tag with offense, defense and teams. We had a small, unbalanced male to female group, so making teams didn’t make sense and being that this was a more complicated game to explain the rules for, you may want to skip it too. For full rules and explanation, click here.

How To Create the Ambiance

Here’s a link for a kid’s red soldier costume, here are our masks, here’s a kiddo green soldier costume and here’s an adult green soldier costume if you wanna get real extra!  Having these costumes at the party will bring the theme to life when you can’t exactly replicate all the movie sets.  Wouldn’t this theme party be so fun for Halloween??

And if you want to decorate, go with a black white and red theme. Check out the themed balloons here. You can also easily create gift bags or backdrops by drawing in or taping the simple triangle circle and square symbols.

 

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Thanks for reading! Follow me on Instagram where I post more fabulous inspiration for celebrating the everyday in a stylish way. It’s where I also have saved video highlights from past parties that I’ve thrown! Or search “party” here and get more in-depth tips and ideas!

Rainbow Unicorn Party Ideas Sure to Make Your Party Magical

unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeRAINBOWS and UNICORNS!

Know a rainbow or unicorn obsessed kid?  It seems every little girl goes though a unicorn loving stage and who doesn’t love a good rainbow?  So I wanted to share some fun party ideas to incorporate the theme throughout your event.  On Instagram, I had detailed how I used dollar store items to create an affordable, custom-look with a little DIY.  So check that out if you haven’t already.  And see below for some inspirational images and let me know what your favorite parts of the party were.  All party partners are linked below so if you’re in the SoCal area, you’ll want to make sure to follow and bookmark these amazing vendors.  They were truly spectacular in service and a great addition to ensuring memories were made.

RENTALS

To fully transform our backyard into a venue, it was important to add in some themed rental pieces.  unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeRenting these pieces really takes the ordinary into the extraordinary and helps transport you into a different scene!  Luckily, we were able to partner with Isabella’s Special Occasions.  They are based in San Diego and had such a cute collection of party rental backdrops, props and figurines like the rainbow and unicorns you see here.unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party theme

Additionally, they will custom paint these items to match your party colors which was an incredible offering and something that really elevated the party and made exploring the space full of surprises!

unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeENTERTAINMENT

Entertainment at the party came in 3 forms.  Besides the pretend tea party sets, fidget toys and Jenga that were scattered in stations throughout the backyard, guests could bounce around with plush unicorns in Sky High Jumper’s beautiful white bouncy castle.  unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeunicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeIsn’t this such a sight?  The modern take on the usual, eye sore of a kids’ bouncy house was much appreciated and such a fresh take on kiddie entertainment!  The team was so wonderful in answering my many questions about install and safety issues.  And they arrived promptly on time to handle the setup as promised, making sure to disinfect everything too.  They were very professional, reliable and priced at the most competitive prices around town being a new start up business.  I’d highly recommend them to anyone in the LA area!!  The bouncy house will wow all of your guests, most of whom have never seen an all white one like this before.  You won’t regret it.  It’s simply SUCH a fun focal point at the party.

unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party theme

We dressed it up with rainbow colored balloons as another way to carry the party theme through.  I have no idea how this was attached and created so quickly, but with the professional help of Tara from South Bay Balloon Bar, that was one worry, I could take off my already full plate.  I am so glad I decided to offload this task (cuz yes, I did consider trying to blow up all these balloons myself and then learning how to create and attach the garland).  But I’ve learned from past trial and error that sometimes these things are best left to the professionals!!

Inside, you’ll see that Rainbowcorn plushies, (which were sent to us from Zuru toys) greeted the happy guests. What a perfect tie-in to a rainbow unicorn themed party huh? unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeThey were playfully thrown around inside the bouncy house and really added to the atmosphere and theme. My daughter loves these!  Check this link because some of them are scented, some of them parrot what you say and they all come in the most adorable packaging you’ve ever seen.  It makes for a great gift!

Entertainment also came in the form of painting unicorns and all things rainbow.  Thanks to our party partner, My Signature Timber, we had custom paint kits for all the little party people.  unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeMy daughter chose all her favorite wooden cutout designs from their vast selection (which included fun shapes like unicorn heads, rainbows and all her favorite desserts).  And then we showed them our party colors and they packed our shipment with all the coordinating paints, brushes and paint dishes that we would need.  It was amazing!  So convenient and SO cute.  Everything was delivered straight to my door and the painted crafts made for excellent favors! Each girl took home their paint kit and finished product. What a fun favor, right?  My Signature Timber also makes cute wooden signs which you can see on their Instagram page here.

unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party theme

We also entertained the girls with a live unicorn who surprised all the guests at the end of the party with its presence.  Its mane was rainbow colored and it too came with its own paint set (all non-toxic, and easily washable of course).  And the girls couldn’t believe their eyes (or luck).  Cuz who in this world gets to play with a unicorn AND paint it- right??! unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeAfterwards, the birthday girl got to ride the unicorn around the cul de sac and leave all the neighbors wondering whether they were hallucinating when spotting this wildly painted unicorn outside their window. unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeunicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeunicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party theme

The 2nd (back-to-back) party we hosted had another rainbow themed activity to entertain the guests.  Yes, I hosted 2 birthday parties in one day cuz of covid and wanting to keep the groups extra small..  unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeBijou Indochine, sent us these super cute jewelry making kits which were so perfect for these creative cuties aged 7-10.  unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeEach set came with such an extraordinary set of colorful beads and all the tools and materials needed to make customized bracelets and necklaces.  This really got their creative juices flowing and allowed for the birthday girl to not have to repeat the prior paint project from her earlier party.  Bijou Indochine has such pretty jewelry to purchase for adults too.  (This was a side offering they pivoted towards during the pandemic).  So check out their website for these party sets as well as more sophisticated designs and jewelry making kits for adults too!

FAVORS

Besides the activity favors (jewelry making kit or rainbow paint set above), guests also walked away with the Cutitos rainbow unicorn (burrito stuffy shown here) thanks to Basic Fun Toys, another party sponsor.

unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party theme  They were such a fun giveaway and treat that all the girls were talking about at school the very next day.  And of course, Juliet was super thrilled to add more unicorns to her collection!

PHOTOGRAPHY

I’m so thankful to Corrie from Lenn M Photography who provided the light and airy photos you see here. She captured such cute candids along with making sure to help document all the party details for me. unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeunicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeunicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeunicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeBeing in direct sunlight for much of this outdoor party made for challenging camera shots but she came through and also provided all the documentation that I needed from this event when my legs no longer wanted to stand after hours of party prep haha!  unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeThank God she was there to capture it all!  If you live in SoCal, make sure to follow her.  Her next spring mini-session is perfectly timed in time for mother’s day photos on May 1st.  So save the date and make sure to follow her on IG here for more!

JEWELRY

Thanks to Super Smalls who gifted Juliet her gem necklace and pearl bracelet. (And yes, we had a bunch of unicorn themed kiddie tattoos for each of our guests like you see here). unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeunicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeThe jewels gave her the glam and color she needed on this special day.  This also, is such a special gift idea for your fabulous fashionista.  The packaging feels so special and is such an eye-catcher when on display that I never throw the boxes out. Even Vogue magazine featured Super Smalls! kids jewelry, girl's jewelry, girl's necklaceThey’re just so happy and fun, don’t you think?  Juliet decked herself out in more Super Smalls at her next event…the Oscars!  Click here to see what I mean!

unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party themeFOOD & BEVERAGE

Lastly, here’s a quick round up of the foods and desserts that I prepared for our rainbow unicorn themed party. unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party theme

Make sure to follow me on Instagram @stylishlystella where I share daily inspiration for celebrating the everyday in style!

And to learn how I made this naturally rainbow colored grilled cheese to go along with the unicorn rainbow shaped pasta (which you can buy here), Click to download the Ibble app. I have a full tutorial there!!unicorn party ideas, rainbow unicorn party theme, unicorn party inspiration, unicorn theme, rainbow party theme

Thanks again to all the sponsors.  This event could not have been as memorable without you!  Cheers to year 9!

Click HERE for mermaid party theme ideas from her 8th birthday party.

Click HERE for a pink and gold themed princess party.

Click HERE for a budget friendly, Mickey Minnie party.

Click HERE for a party animal themed birthday party.

Click HERE for a Korean 1st birthday party on a budget.

Click HERE for 6 tips for planning a bunny themed party.

 

 

 

 

 

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