My UFO spotting & backyard camping kids party was full of out-of-this-world decor and fun alien-themed keepsakes like these DIY UFO spotting kits, that did double-duty as the party invite! A UFO spotting kit fits in with the retro Roswell and Area 51 vibe and starts a fun night of star gazing! A mysterious alien party would also be the perfect unique not-so-scary Halloween party theme for kids. Read on to see how I created these DIY UFO Spotting Kit Party Invites!
How to Create UFO Spotting Kits
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This is more than just an invitation – I wanted it to be an experience, as well as something the boys could keep long after the sleepover. A UFO spotting kit is perfect as a fun invite that can be used at the party, and beyond to hold special treasures and memories.
What You’ll Need:
- Boxes (I found 3 vintage slide cases on e-bay that were perfect, but you can use any case or box you find)
- Metal Prints (for party invite details)
- Flashlights (for late night UFO spotting)
- Gemstones and/or Geodes (moon rock I’m sure!)
- Galaxy style marbles
- UFO spotting props (I found old film reels that I felt added to the retro vibe, but you could use anything you find – these Area 51 badges or these “Believe” Alien wristbands would be fun)
Step 1: Select a photo or design for the party invite
The first thing I did to create this kit was have my lovely friend Kim of Small Moments Design create a fun party invite for me. I wanted a design that captured the fun spirit of the party and gave the details of the sleepover.
I had already spotted the cool metal prints on Mixbook. So, I asked her to make the party invite details look like a part of a UFO ship, a piece of metal on metal! The other keepsake portion is brilliant – cows being sucked up into UFO’s. It fit perfectly with the DIY centerpieces (see them HERE).
You can also load your own designs, a photo or use one of Mixbook’s party invites.
Step 2: Order the metal prints
This was the first time I have ordered from Mixbook. I spotted their galaxy photo books when I was planning this sleepover and it naturally caught my eye! When I saw they made metal photo prints I knew I had to go for them. Does it get any better in terms of UFO memorabilia?! I have to say it was so easy. Kim gave me .jpg (photo) files and it was literally 4 clicks to order the prints!
The only steps in addition to this are to add a discount code (they seem to be generous in making those available) and to enter your payment & shipping details.
Step 3: Add decals to the outside of the box
While you wait for your metal prints to arrive you can decorate the outside of the metal boxes. I used my Cricut to create an “Area 51” and some alien-style decals in a fun foil. You can also use stickers.
Step 4: Add the party invites and keepsakes to the box
Yay! The party invites arrive! There are 2 for each boy – one print for each design as the metal prints only print on one side. They are aluminium, about 3 mm thick and look so sleek, I love them! They also have metal stands attached to the back. This is perfect, the boys can have them up in their rooms if they want. Harrison has the cow one up, pride of place!
I put these into each box and add the trinkets and keepsakes I had gathered for each. Then it is time to deliver the party invites!
The best bit was when the boys turned up UFO spotting kits in hand, full of the treasures we had delivered so far. By the end of the night they had added alien-inspired fidget spinners, area 51 keys, and candy! You can see the party favors we provided HERE.
I hope you enjoy making a very special keepsake party invite for your child’s best friends. Something they can both use on the day to put special treasures inside, and take home to remember that special backyard camping adventure!
Make sure to check out my UFO Spotting & Backyard Camping kids party and DIY UFO spotting themed crafts (including personalized t-shirt’s with DIY alien-spotter merit badges, and a DIY Creepy Alien Prop) for even more UFO spotting kids party inspiration!
And check out my Amazon shop to grab most of what you need to recreate this all for yourself!
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