Over 20 of the best Finding Dory birthday party ideas

Even though Finding Dory has only been out for a few weeks, she already has a ton of fans who are likely going to want her be the star of their birthday party (well, after the birthday child of course). So we’ve gone fishing for some of our favorite Finding Dory-inspired birthday party ideas from invitations, decor, food, and party favors. And we’ve even put them all in this one spot so you won’t forget anything, unlike you-know-who.

(Top image: The Kiwi in the Clouds)

Finding Dory Birthday Party Invitations

Tell your guests when to swim on over for the party with the free printable Finding Dory birthday party invitations from The Kiwi in the Clouds. You’ll need to sign up to their email list for access to this printable, but along with the invitation, you’ll be able to download and print a large Happy Birthday Banner, favor bag tags, cupcake toppers, and even a Dory coloring page.

The printable vintage movie-ticket style Finding Dory birthday party invitations from Digital Daliah is great whether or not you plan to include a viewing of the movie. Also like the apt wording on top, though we don’t think anyone will forget this party.

Prefer to send an e-card? Check out Punchbowl where you can personalize and send out Finding Dory birthday cards without leaving your computer. Cards are free if you don’t mind an ad attached to it, or become a premium member if you plan to use the website a lot and will get your money’s worth.

Finding Dory Birthday Party Decorations

Instead of needing tons of Dory-festooned decorations, we like how just a few printable Dory decorations pair with a bold color scheme to really make a table stand out, as shown at The Kiwi in the Clouds’ Dory party.

We also like how a big bold blue backdrop and tablecloth can really make a huge impact, like the Dory birthday party decorations shown on Shindigz Party Ideas. For a fun twist, cut your own birthday child’s name in those familiar block letters and that backdrop? Doubles as a cool photobooth backdrop too.

Take the “under the sea” motif even further with some strategically hung jelly fish, like these easy-to-make jellyfish decorations from Oriental Trading. Of course, you can add lots more from an under the sea theme, such as seashells, starfish, or plush Dory toys that can later be handed out as favors or given to the birthday girl or boy.

Your kids will want to wear their party hats all day long if they are as hilarious as these DIY Dory party hats from Kara’s Party Ideas. Not sure, but we think all kids will start speaking in whale as soon as they put them on their heads.

Turn a big beverage container into Dory herself with the clever DIY Finding Dory beverage dispenser idea from Kid Friendly Things To Do. Just make sure you fill it with a blue-hued drink.

Finding Dory Birthday Party Activities

Dory won’t mind finding herself in a fishbowl when it’s part of this squishy and fun sand craft activity from Lemon Lime Adventures. These make great little favors for your guests to take home with them too.

This printable Dory Bingo game from Sunshine and Hurricanes makes a fun and easy activity that all ages can play together. We love their suggestion for what to use as markers in this game, though you may want to buy some extra in case the kids are hungry.

Considering Dory spends the entire movie on her own special search, a scavenger hunt for your party seems quite apt. And the printable cards from Jolee Studio allow you to personalize your party’s hunt to be indoors or out and as easy or hard as you want to make it.

Settle the kids down before it’s cake time with the free printable Finding Dory activity sheets found at I am a Mommy Nerd. With coloring pages, dot-to-dot, and a maze, there’s enough for kids to do as many pages as they want.

Finding Dory Birthday Party Food

We’re cracking up over the funny and clever snacks served at the Finding Dory birthday party shared at Fandango. Love the silly turtle sandwiches and the wry Hank the Septopus which is really just an orange and some dried mango strips. If you’re handy with a piping bag, you can even make some cute cookie otters that your guests will gobble up.

An easy-to-assemble snack mix, in Finding Dory colors of blue (for Dory) and orange (for Nemo) is such a clever way to include a “themed” snack without breaking a sweat. Sunshine and Hurricanes recipe includes sweet and salty treats mixed together in a fishbowl-sized bowl.

Everyone’s favorite Septopus, Hank, shows up to the party in the yummiest possible way with this Finding Dory birthday party treat from Mrs. Kathy King.

Chocolate covered pretzel rods get dressed up for the party with these Finding Dory “under the sea” pretzel treats from Sunshine and Hurricanes.

Not all of us can sculpt a Dory out of fondant, so we love this Finding Dory cake that mixes some store-bought toys with an M&M bordered-cake that isn’t too hard to replicate. You’ll have to check out the incredible, but still doable, display on top, though we’d probably just stick a few toys on top and call it a (birth)day.

With some adorable Dory edible decorations and A Pumpkin and a Princess’ suggestions, it’s not difficult to make your own Finding Dory birthday cupcakes. Just keep swimming one of those beauties into our mouth okay?

The dozen Finding Dory fondant cupcake toppers from Bakers Love Bakery will turn plain homemade or store bought cupcakes into mini works of art.

Finding Dory Birthday Party Favors

A little Dory toy becomes a thoughtful party favor when attached to this free printable Dory card from Hello Splendid. We think our kids’ friends will be thrilled to swim off with one of these, don’t you?

If you want to wrap up your favors, check out this smart Finding Dory DIY favor bag from Catch My Party. Not too difficult, yet the finished product is so great, it’s the kind of craft project we really love.

Or send your party guests off with a few treats tucked into one of the personalized and reusable Finding Dory favor bags from Owlways Remember on Etsy. The bags themselves make such a nice momento, they may hang around longer than the treats inside.