Last year NYC based mom Ellen Hwang threw an amazing transit-themed birthday party, that we wrote about here. This year she did a candy-themed party. The invite looked like a stick of gum, wrapped in foil, and even smelled like mint! There were candy themed games like a pixie stick drop, pass the Lifesavers, and a gumball obstacle course. There was also jewelry making, using enamel and resin charms of tiny cake slices, gummy bears, jewel-like gum drops, cupcakes (all purchased on Etsy). And the big hit was the candy button game, where kids had to answer a candy trivia question (like name 5 Lifesavers flavors…) and when they got the answer correct they got to punch a “button” and there was a prize inside. At the end, the kids filled their favor bags with whatever they want from the candy/treat station.

And if you’re wondering how to do any part or all of this, Ellen wrote about how she did the whole party, on her blog. There’s even a step-by-step post for the candy button game. And truly, it doesn’t seem impossibly complicated.

(By the way, we’d love to see your pictures—preferably horizontals—of silly, funny, clever, or otherwise show-stopping birthday cakes you or someone you know has made. And if you’re further inspired, we’d love to see the whole party. Send us an email to info@momfilter.com. Please include your name, how you would like to be credited, the occasion, the recipe, and the inspiration or story behind the cake. Images must be 550×380 pixels wide.)