"Jungle" Birthday Party shopping list

Michael's, Joann's or any online Craft Store

• paper to print invites on - or just use whatever you have at home
  
• envelopes
• green, brown, maroon construction paper
• animal print ribbon - to tie the party favor bags and for misc use on the food table
• crayons and markers - unless you already have some at home? you certainly don't need to buy new especially because kids are really hard on them
  

Party Supply Store

• paper streamers - multiple shades of green
• plates - multiple shades of green
• napkins - multiple shades of green
• plastic cutlery - clear, leftovers can be used at your next party
• plastic cups - clear, leftovers can be used at your next party
• cellophane party favor bags - look for some with green stripes or an animal print
• roll of butcher paper - can be brown kraft or white
• something to put the cake on - cake board of cardboard or plastic

Party Rental Store

• tables - do you need kid size as well as grown up?
• chairs - do you need kid size as well as grown up?
  
• green cloth table cloths

Grocery Store

• cake mix - find some on sale and buy 4 boxes, you'll need enough for cupcakes too - remember, these have a long shelf life and buying extra will save you if/when you make a mistake (trust me) OPTION FOR A BIG PARTY: make the giraffe a double layer cake
  
• 3 cans of white frosting - (extra is always a good idea) for the giraffe and cupcakes
  
• food coloring - yellow/orange for giraffe body
  
• chocolate jimmies
• frosting in a tube (brown and green) - to trace the features of the giraffe and for the leaf shapes on the cupcakes... you can also use a pastry bag with a tip or I've seen icing syringes or plastic kits right there in the baking aisle at the market
• make sure you have eggs and oil for the cake
• EASY OPTION FOR THE CAKE - buy a plain, no frosting, 9x12 sheet cake from the grocery bakery and while you are at it get a dozen cupcakes as well.