Our cute and smart little man officially turned 2 years old! We are still in denial as to how fast this has happened. What they say about the days being long and the years being short is so true. In celebration of his second birthday, we got so lucky that some restrictions were lifted in our province just before his birthday so we were able to host an outdoor party for up to 10 people. We invited his closest little buddies and families and celebrated with a "Two Fast" second birthday party. If you are looking for some party inspiration, then you have come to the right place. I am sharing ideas on every detail for an epic race car theme party including decor, party favors, desserts and recipes.
Two Fast Birthday Party
The craze these days is all about birthday themes that focus around a pun based on the age of the child. Last year, we threw a "Wild One" Safari Birthday, so it was only fitting to follow in tradition and throw something fit for our two year old. We considered a few popular themes like a space theme (Two the Moon), a jungle party (Two Wild), and an ice cream theme (Two Sweet). But based on Kai's interests, we ultimately picked a race car theme (Two Fast, Two Fast Two Furious, or Do Not Grow Up Two Fast) as he is obsessed with all things cars and wheels.
If you have planned a themed party for your child, you know that it takes countless hours of research and planning to put it all together. The party was not as elaborate this year as it was last year (since I wasn't sure we would even be able to throw something for him this year), but nonetheless, it still took a lot of time to put together. Lucky for you, I am sharing every last detail with you so that you don't have to spend too much time planning.
Two Fast Dessert Table with Decor
>> Two Fast Car Theme Decor
Let's talk about the decor, aka the items that basically brings the theme of your party to life. I have linked everything I used for Kai's two fast second birthday party below (in affiliate links).
- Balloons - This year, I went with helium balloons instead of a balloon garland. I picked a race car themed balloon pack with a combination of red balloons, white balloons, and black balloons, with a large silver number 2 balloon in the middle, and secured with a red balloon weight. You can pump your own helium balloons using a helium tank, or get them pumped at your local party store.
- Checkered flags - These checkered flags are a great addition to a race car birthday. A checkered garland would also look amazing.
- Toy cars - I placed a few die cast toy cars on the dessert table to complete the look.
- Traffic signs - I used this traffic light from my son's train set. This set of traffic signs would also look great on the dessert table.
- Speed limit sign - I made a "Speed Limit 2" sign on the computer and printed it out. I cut it out and framed it in a clear picture frame.
- Traffic cone - I placed two of the checkered flags into a small traffic cone.
- Table cloth - A black tablecloth was perfect for this theme.
- Road - A great decor piece are these play tape black roads. You can stick them on the table, on the wall to create a backdrop, or anywhere else.
- Plates - Red plates fit well in the theme. You can also use white plates, black plates or checkered plates. And don't forget checkered napkins and checkered straws.
>> Two Fast Car Theme Desserts
The desserts are also something that needs to be carefully planned. These items are basically extra decorations on your dessert table.
- Cake - we purchased Kai's birthday cake from a local baker. We topped it off with a "Two Fast" cake topper and long thin silver candles. For a more economical option, you can make your own cake. You can adapt the following recipes to make a layered cake: vanilla cake, double chocolate cake, or lemon cake, and decorate with fondant. To decorate your cake in line with the race car theme, try using car fondant cutters. You could also top the cake with small race cars.
- Cupcakes - I made chocolate cupcakes with chocolate buttercream, topped them with an oreo, and called them "spare tires". I placed the cupcakes in striped cupcake cups. You could also top any cupcakes with race car cupcake toppers.
- Sugar cookies - we purchased two fast sugar cookies from a local baker, but for a more economical option you can make your own sugar cookies with royal icing.
- Cake pops - Cake pops are always a fun addition to any birthday party. Try our vanilla cake pops or chocolate cake pops. You will also need cake pop sticks and a cake pop display such as this wooden cake pop stand that we used last year.
Browse through following bite-sized desserts for more inspiration on some of my favourite bite-sized desserts and treats to serve at any birthday party.
Icebox Cake
Fresh Fruit Tart
Vanilla Cake
Strawberry Cupcakes
Crepe Cake
Chocolate Layer Cake
Millionaire's Shortbread
Homemade Glazed Donuts
Peanut Butter Balls
Palmiers
Chocolate Sugar Cookies
Nutella Cookies
Chocolate Covered Oreos
Monster Cookies
Chocolate Whoopie Pies
S'mores Bars
Strawberry Muffins
Rice Krispies Treats
Brownie Cookies
Robin's Egg Cupcakes
Italian Easter Cookies
Red Velvet Cupcakes
Oreo Brownies
Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
Madeleines
Lofthouse Cookies (Soft Frosted Sugar Cookies)
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cranberry Orange Muffins
Homemade Chocolate Pudding
Pecan Pie Brownies
Jello Jigglers
Apple Cake
Blueberry Cake
Cherry Crumb Bars
Lemon Curd Cookies
S'mores Cookies
No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake
Sugar Cookie Bars
Vanilla Pudding
Banana Pudding
Mango Sago
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
French Macarons with Vanilla Buttercream Filling
Italian Rainbow Cookies
Nutella Mousse Cups
Easter Bark
Easter Blondies
Persian Love Cake
Flourless Banana Brownies
Chocolate and Vanilla Marble Cake
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Truffles
Caramel Brownies
Soft and Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
Butter Cookies
Individual Apple Crisp
Applesauce Bread
Mango Frozen Yogurt
Blueberry Cinnamon Rolls
Glazed Lemon Blueberry Scones
Moist Vanilla Cupcakes
Fudgy Brownies
Lemon Sweet Rolls
Easter Egg Sugar Cookies
Raspberry and White Chocolate Shortbread Cookies
Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Pecan Snowball Cookies
M&M Christmas Cookies
Peanut Butter Thumbprint Cookies
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Spooky Halloween Chocolate Cake Pops
Caramel Pecan Pie Cheesecake Bars
Chewy Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Chocolate Chunk Peanut Butter Cookies
Blueberry Yogurt Muffins
Baked Jelly Donuts with Strawberry Jam
Easy Small Batch Almond Biscotti
Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Cookies
The Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Vanilla Cake Pops from Scratch
Easy Homemade Apple Hand Pies
Caramel Cheesecake Brownies
Chocolate-Dipped Shortbread Heart Cookies
Jam-Filled Thumbprint Cookies with Almond Glaze
Four Quick and Easy RITZ Cracker Recipes
Persian Rice Cookies with Poppy Seeds (Nan-e Berenji)
Mother's Day Vanilla Cupcakes with Rose Petal Buttercream Icing
The Best Soft and Chewy Peanut Butter Cookies
No Bake Butterscotch and Peanut Butter Bird's Nest Cookies
Food and Snacks for a Car Themed Birthday Party
When it comes to birthday parties, it's all about the finger foods and dips (the less messy the better right?). Swipe through my favourite hand-held party food recipes below. Don't forget some squeeze pouches or crackers for any little ones.
Shrimp Tacos with Lime Crema Slaw
Cheeseburger Sliders
Pico de Gallo
Guacamole
Ricotta Crostini with Peas and Mint
Sweet Potato Tater Tots
Homemade Baked Potato Chips
Cheese Board
Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Pizza Fries
Caprese Skewers
Cauliflower Tots
Homemade Taquitos
Cheese Quesadilla
Chicken Meatballs
Baked Chicken Quesadillas
Toasted Ravioli
Sheet Pan Quesadillas
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Homemade Kettle Corn
Turkey and Cheese Sliders
Cheesy Baked Zucchini with Marinara
Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
Zucchini Bites
Homemade Ranch Dip
Green Bean Fries
Lobster Rolls
Tortilla Strips
Shrimp Cakes
Deviled Eggs
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Cauliflower Bites
Chicken Salad
Spinach Cheese Rolls
Chicken Nachos
Pizza Dip
Vegetarian Quesadillas
Pizza Crescent Rolls
7 Layer Dip
Greek Fries
Chili Nachos
Homemade Popcorn
Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
How to Make a Charcuterie Board
Veggie Tray
Tex Mex Egg Muffins
Candied Pecans
Homemade Applesauce
Grilled Cheese Roll Ups
Caramelized Onion Dip
Fish Stick Tacos
Homemade Fish Sticks
BBQ Chicken Pizza
Mango Salsa
Homemade Pickles
Fig Crostini with Goat Cheese and Pistachios
Vegan Chickpea Tacos
Mexican Ground Beef Tacos
Baked Cauliflower Nuggets
Sticky Honey Garlic Meatballs
Pesto Hummus
Sweet Chili Chicken Bites
Sheet Pan Nachos
Pepperoni Pizza Rolls
Baked Coconut Shrimp
Tomato Bruschetta with Balsamic Glaze
Whipped Ricotta Dip
Whipped Ricotta Crostini
Homemade Tater Tots with Bacon
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Homemade Calzones
Baked BBQ Chicken Wings
Baked Spinach Dip
Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
Baked Apple Chips
The Best Egg Salad Sandwich
Vegetarian Spring Rolls
Easy Tzatziki Sauce (Yogurt Cucumber Dip)
Korean Beef Steak Tacos
Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
Vietnamese Salad Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce
The Best Breaded Fried Chicken Wings (Air Fryer)
Classic Hummus
Curried White Bean Crostini with Toasted Pepitas
Back to School Turkey Pinwheels
Baked Mashed Potato Spring Rolls (JOEY Copycat)
Baked Mozzarella Sticks
Crispy Baked Asian Chicken Wings
Baked Turkey Meatballs
Szechuan Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Spicy Mayo (Cactus Club Copycat)
Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Cracker Bites
Tomato and Mozzarella Tart
Four Quick and Easy RITZ Cracker Recipes
Fish Tacos with Lime Crema
Some of the most popular recipes that are always a hit with kids are:
- Pepperoni Pizza Rolls - Easy pepperoni pizza rolls are crispy on the bottom, tender and chewy inside, packed with pepperoni and cheese, and baked until bubbly. A total crowd pleaser!
- Homemade Tater Tots - Homemade tater tots with bacon are golden and crispy on the outside, yet soft and tender inside. They're packed with flavour and a total family favourite.
- Fried Mac and Cheese Balls - Fried mac and cheese balls are crispy on the outside, creamy and cheesy on the inside, and have the perfect crunch. Best way to use leftover mac and cheese.
- Baked Mozzarella Sticks - Crunchy, cheesy, and paired with an awesome dipping sauce, these baked mozzarella sticks are just as amazing as what you would find in a restaurant!
- Homemade Calzones - Homemade calzones are delicious little pizza pockets filled with cheese and toppings and baked until golden. This Italian favourite is easy to make at home.
- Egg Salad Sandwich - The best egg salad sandwich is a quick and easy picnic classic loaded with perfect hard-boiled eggs, mayonnaise, a touch of dijon mustard and green onions.
In line with the race car theme party, label little tent cards with creative phrases to describe the food such as:
- spare tires
- pit stop
- fueling station
- service your engine
- dip sticks
- transmission fluid
- nuts and bolts
Birthday Party Drinks
You can't have a birthday party without some juice. Serve some refreshing lemonade or iced tea, or even some bubble tea.
Car Party Favors
For the party favors, I created little portable fuel tanks for each child using a red favor box with a black nozzle rolled out of black construction paper and tape onto the side. I then used black alphabet stickers to stick on the words "Gas" on top of each box.
I filled each box with 2 ballons, car themed stickers, a small car, and a pack of play-doh. To complete the look, you can add a car thank you sticker on the other side of the favor box. For the display, I create a tent card with the phrase "fueling station".
PrintRecipe
Two Fast Second Birthday Party
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
Description
Throw the best two fast second birthday party with ideas on every detail for an epic race car theme party including decor, party favors, desserts and recipes.
Ingredients
- 3-4 finger foods
- 1-2 dips
- 3-4 desserts
- 1 drink
Instructions
- Full recipe. Check each recipe for full ingredient list and recipe instructions.
- Make ahead and store. You can make or prepare almost all of the desserts ahead of time. You can store most of them at room temperature for a few days, in the refrigerator for up to one week, and in the freezer for up to 3 months. Most of the snacks can also be prepared ahead of time. Check each recipe for exact storage details.
- Reheat. If you would like to reheat any of these recipes and serve them warm, just place the in a 300F preheated oven for 5-10 minutes. If heating from frozen, let it thaw first and then reheat.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Party
- Method: Assemble
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 150
Katie says
Such a cute and great idea! Thanks for the tips and tricks.
Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says
You're so welcome!
Ashley says
This is such a cute idea. Saving this for future birthday!
Sam Hu | Ahead of Thyme says
Thanks Ashley!