One of my main goals when I plan parties for my kids is to make sure the party really fits their little personalities. Rilo has recently become "obsessed with gum"...her words, not mine! Sometimes I'm mortified because it's often the first thing she asks for upon seeing someone. So the gumball idea worked! I used the tubes of gum balls from Kara's Party Ideas as the color inspiration. I liked the rainbow color theme because Rilo says that every color is her absolute favorite. She can't pick just one to save her life!
I also used the gumball tubes as inspiration for the invitations. I used the colorful dots all throughout the invites and party. I cut out a little bit of honeycomb paper to make a popup "gumball" when you opened up the invite. Then I put them in a bright pink envelope, sealed it with rainbow washi tape and then placed it in a small red box. And just for added flair, I threw in a few gum balls in the box. More tape, a tag and some string and they were finished!
I'm not much of cake maker or decorator so I asked The Mighty Baker to make the cake and macarons for me. The salted caramel buttercream filling was SO good. I'm still eating that delicious cake...it's worth not losing that baby weight. I wanted to keep this party pretty simple, so I ordered some 5" honeycombs, and filled a few glass jars with gum balls and called it good!






I created a gum ball craft with dot paints and pom pom balls and a few of the kids played Pin the Gum on the Gumball Machine.




For the food, I had circle shaped peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the kids, and a build your own sandwich bar for the adults. Rainbow goldfish, veggie chips and a rainbow fruit and veggie platter rounded out the food. We sang happy birthday and had cake and ice cream!


Thanks to Kayti from @thebeyoutybureau for this cute photo of Rilo blowing our her candles!

I sent the guests home with a gumball tube and a goodie bag with a mini colored pencil set, Hi chews and little smiley face stickers!

I loved this little party and most importantly my Rilo Jane loved it too! Here is my big 4 year old, in all her cheesy smile glory!

Sources:
Cake and macarons- The Mighty Baker
Plates, cups, straws, favor bags, confetti balloon- Shop Sweet Lulu
Gumball tubes, party hats and other party favors-Kara's Party Ideas
Honeycomb paper- Devra Party Corp
5" Honeycomb Tissue Circles- Factory Direct Party