How To Have The Perfect Goosebumps-Themed Halloween Party
The "Goosebumps" books scare and entertain readers in the best way possible, which is why they've gone on to become multiple films and even a TV show. "When I write, I try to think back to what I was afraid of or what was scary to me and try to put those feelings into books," author R.L. Stine once told Scholastic. He definitely succeeded!
Due to the popularity of these tales, this is a great theme for a party — more specifically, a Halloween party! From Slappy the dummy and a nightmare-ish camp to creepy wishes, ghosts, and masks, there are plenty of iconic elements that can help create a one-of-a-kind celebration.
Decorations that look like the book covers, foods that look almost too gross to eat (yet taste amazing), games centered around the spirit of these stories and this holiday — all of this and more is listed out below, in detail, allowing anyone to throw the perfect event based on "Goosebumps."
Decorate with Goosebumps book covers
Even those who were not and are not avid readers of the "Goosebumps" series likely recognize the book covers, with their vivid imagery and slime-like font. That being said, a banner can be made by using old covers of these books or copies of the covers. As instructed by children's birthday party specialist Wonder Kids, you can simply string them together and hang them up around the venue. These prints could also be hung up on the walls, put into frames on tables, and/or turned into a tablecloth or place mats.
The most memorable characters from these stories can also be turned into templates, allowing those throwing parties to trace the shapes for invitations, costumes, and pumpkins. A go-to activity at a Halloween party is carving jack-o-lanterns, and R.L. Stine fans will love making spooky works of art inspired by "Goosebumps." Plus, everyone will enjoy getting to take home their masterpiece.
Try these tasty Goosebumps-inspired treats
A big part of any party is the refreshments, and for a "Goosebumps" theme, you will want food and drinks that are a bit strange and maybe look a bit gross.
Some ideas from Play Party Plan, a blog full of party resources, include monster cupcakes with candy eyes, coke floats made with mint chocolate chip ice cream for a fun green color, a Ferris wheel with little cups of candies and popcorn, and gnome chocolate bark.
In the "Goosebumps" movie, there's a scene with lawn gnomes, and it inspired some unique and yummy chocolate bark. To recreate this for your party, melt some chocolate and spread it out onto some parchment paper. Top it with M&Ms to represent the gnomes' clothes, shredded coconut for the gnomes' beards, and candy eyes. After that, freeze the bark for 30 minutes to 2 hours, remove it from the freezer, break it into pieces, and serve!
Give these Goosebumps activities a go
While decorations set the mood of an event and snacks provide something for guests to munch on, activities are needed as well. While carving jack-o-lanterns is an on-theme activity, another idea would be to watch an episode of the "Goosebumps" show or stream a flick. Alternatively, you could have storytime and read portions of the books.
Additionally, everyone could do a science experiment together, since these books are full of curiosity and sci-fi elements (bonus points if it includes green slime); play board games, such as those centered around these tales or with a scary vibe like an escape room-style game; or participate in carnival-style Halloween games like ring toss and corn hole. "The most important thing is keeping the kids busy," party planner Seri Kertzner told Care.com.
When attendees are heading home, ensure more fun by giving away party favors. Some suggestions perfect for R.L. Stine fans include coloring books, stickers, and cups that show off classic characters. Your "Goosebumps" party will be so fun, you'll want to throw it again year after year.