The Birthday Fairy

Fairy Crafts: 23 Enchanting Toys,
Gifts, Costumes, and Party Decorations

The origin of the birthday fairy is unclear. I haven't been able to find an explicit reference to the term in any of the folklore with which I'm familiar. Wherever it came from it now seems embedded in our Western culture and provides the theme for many a party, both for kids and adults.

Good or Evil?

Fairies and other magical folk have always been associated with children and especially the birth of a new baby.

Sometimes the fairy presence is a benign one, as in the legend of Sleeping Beauty where three fairy godmothers bring the young princess gifts. However there are also darker tales involving fairies and children, such as the legend of the changeling.

It would appear that some time in the last few centuries the fey folk cleaned up their act - changeling reports are now rare indeed. This change may date back to the fairy tales of Charles Perrault, where the stories of Cinderalla and the Sleeping Beauty were first widely popularised. Perhaps the fairies saw a positive role model they could adopt?

Birthday Parties

Whatever the origin, the idea of a birthday fairy is now a popular one with young children, especially girls. Many kids parties follow a fairy theme, often with the birthday girl in appropriate costume. Even where there is no explicit fairy theme, many a party goer has waved a sparkling wand.

If you're planning a fairy themed birthday party then there's a huge amount of stuff you can buy, from full costumes to smaller supplies such as invitations, decorations and cards. Don't forget the cake!

If the guests are going to include boys you might want to consider including thematic variations such as elves, wizards or maybe even a handsome prince or two.

Happy birthday!