<a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-10.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1382" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-10.jpg" alt="cookie monster cupcakes" width="331" height="500" /></a>I CANNOT believe my little girl is 3 already.  There is nothing like a birthday to remind you that, "the days are long, but the years are short."  Last February, shortly after her <a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/800-tea-for-two">Tea for Two </a>party, O decided that she wanted a cookie monster party for her 3rd birthday.  Much to the surprise of many of my friends, she adamantly stuck with her request for the whole year, and we did indeed have a very successful cookie monster party.
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-2-Copy.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1377" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-2-Copy.jpg" alt="pink monster cupcake" width="431" height="500" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The girl is still OBSESSED with pink.  So, when it became clear that her cookie monster party was going to be a "blue" party, she got a bit distressed.  Our compromise was that she could have her very own, special, PINK monster cupcake, but all of the other details were going to match our furry blue friend.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-3.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1378" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-3.jpg" alt="cookie monster dessert buffet" width="500" height="276" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In addition to cupcakes, we made a variety of cookies to send home as favors: chocolate chip cookies that were baked instead with blue M&amp;Ms, <a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/21-christmas-cookies-on-girls-guide-to-the-galaxy">spritz cookies</a> with blue sprinkles, <a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/articles/2008/09/03/oatmeal_raisin_cookies/">Aunt Carol's famous oatmeal raisin cookies</a> with blue sprinkles, and O's favorite - "C is for Cookie" iced <a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/824-shortbread-cookies">shortbread cookies</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1387" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/photo.jpg" alt="cookie monster balloon wreath" width="496" height="500" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">One of the ways I was able to tighten the budget on this party was to reuse items from past parties.  This balloon wreath was originally from my friend, Kelsea's, <a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1169-sprinkle">sprinkle</a>.  I simply removed the "It's a Boy!" ribbons and added cookies and monsters.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-9-Copy.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1381" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-9-Copy.jpg" alt="cookie banner" width="500" height="242" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I already had these blue papers on hand from my mom's "<a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/1083-when-im-64">When I'm 64</a>" banner.  I was even able to use some of the pre-cut pendants.  To match the cookie theme, I found this<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/408490628675990811/"> free printable cookie</a> and used it many places throughout the party.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-5.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1379" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-5.jpg" alt="cookie guess" width="500" height="331" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">This was one of the 3 games we had.  I was shocked when my brother guessed the exact number correctly!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-12-Copy.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1384" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-12-Copy.jpg" alt="cookie toss game" width="331" height="500" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Once again, I converted our bean bag game into a party game.  I jokingly called this one "Toss your Cookies!"  It was a blast.  2 of the partygoers had 3 shootouts to determine a winner.  In the end, we were anxious for cake, and they both ended up getting prizes.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-11-Copy.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1383" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-11-Copy.jpg" alt="pin the cookie" width="500" height="331" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Pin the cookie was equally as adorable, but some of the younger revelers were hesitant to put on a bandana.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-19-Copy.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1385" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-19-Copy.jpg" alt="custom cookie monster stickers" width="500" height="331" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Once again, Etsy was a part of my undoing, as I could not resist little details like these <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/177787650/set-of-20-cookie-monster-stickers-175?ref=favs_view_13">custom stickers</a> on the favor bags.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-thank-you-1.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-1386" src="http://www.karolineskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/cookie-thank-you-1.jpg" alt="" width="389" height="500" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As much as it pained me not to order the blue cookie monster tutu set, I was able to restrain myself and go with a blue party dress and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/79394779/sesame-street-cookie-monster-loopy-hair?ref=favs_view_14">cookie monster barrettes</a> (again from Etsy).  The birthday girl was thrilled, and she got exactly what she "NEEDED" to complete her collections.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">I'm already looking forward to next year!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">For more great party ideas, check out my board on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kgboehm/cookie-monster/">Pinterest</a>.</p>