Mario Party Favors

Aidan's party is this Saturday, and I am trying my very hardest to go against my procastinating nature and get through as many of the preparations in advance so I don't end up with a terrified look in my eyes while I desperately try to hang balloons while the doorbell rings. I've been there, done that, and it's overrated. (Was it rated highly to begin with? I hope not.)

Last night I finished the party favor boxes, and I'm pretty happy with how they turned out.

They were really easy to put together. I made some graphics to recreate the iconic Mario question mark boxes, and bought some really inexpensive 4x4 mug gift boxes at Michael's.

 A fabulous twitter friend recommended that I use Elmer's paper gel glue to help avoid glue bumps, but I couldn't find it anywhere, so I bought some Elmer's glue that said "no wrinkle" and it worked pretty well.

I'm filling them with chocolate coins in true Mario fashion, but I'll add a few extra things like Mario gummies and maybe a red bouncy ball (hellooo, Mario throws fireballs!)

Here are the files if you want to make your own question mark box:

{click to enlarge, save to your computer and print -- yours should print closer to the full 4x4 size of the box than mine did}

Each party guest is also going to get to have a moustache and one of these...

...that I made using red hats from the dollar store, a single piece of adhesive backed felt and a template using this font. I didn't make any green Luigi ones only because I thought it would be faster and simpler come party time if the boys only had one choice! Last Halloween I shared a great and easy way to make Mario & Luigi hats using fleece, but for the party I opted for quick and easy!

I hope that when Saturday comes I will be (relatively) relaxed as I get the last minute details ready for the party. I'm a little unfamiliar with this crafty person who gets things done ahead of time, and I'm sure she won't stick around forever, but I'm happy she's visiting this week.

Now back to the cupcakes, if I don't pop these babies in the freezer soon I fear I won't have any left.