5Th Grade Holiday Party Ideas

You could play the games from the show "Minute To Win It." They even have ones for Christmas. You can find the information on NBC's website.

one thing we did, was buy a package of red, green, blue (for Hanuka kids) and white pipe cleaners, some plastic pony beads and jingle bells.

Then, we gave each kid 5 bells and a small handful of beads and they strung them on a pipe cleaner to make a jingle bracelet. Simple, easy, cheap and they loved it.

Reindeer headbands... make the headband with and color construction paper, then cut out 2 antlers and glue on. Then use glitter glue to write the child's name on the front of the headband. Here is one that comes with all the pieces:
http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/browse/processRequest.d...

or this idea uses has a printable pattern for the antlers, or some people use the child's handprint:
http://www.thebestkidsbooksite.com/craftdetails3.cfm?Craf...

Oh, also bring undecorated sugar cookies, then give each child a frosting table and little candies and sprinkles to decorate their cookies. A fun craft activity and treat at the same time.

Here is a cute list of lots of kids Christmas crafts:
http://www.tipjunkie.com/activities-for-kids-christmas/

Pin the nose on rudolph?

I am in the same boat, mama! I think we are going to play some games like "Holiday Dance Party"
1) You have something to play holiday (lively) music on
2) You draw slips of paper with different 'dance' styles- make them as wacky as you can, like Reindeer Dance or whatever

Another is Stuff the Santa- divide into teams and one person is Santa with oversized red sweatshirt and sweatpants over their clothes. Kids have to blow up balloons and race to 'stuff' Santa's suit. Whoever finishes first wins.

Christmas Gift Wrap

teams each have a box, wrapping paper sheets (precut or not) and tape. One at a time, they must go up to the desk and wrap the box, (you layer the paper over and over) Teacher must decide if t is neatly enough- it has to actually look nice like a gift) and then whichever team does it first wins.

Good luck- lol, I am going to be reading your responses for ideas too!

one fun idea would be to decorate x-mas cookies, and maybe even a low budget gift exchange

You could do game shows like "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader" and have parents be the contestants and let the kids be their cheats. You could do something like "Don't Forget the Lyrics" or "Name That Tune." Just use songs the kids are more familiar with and they will have a blast.
Good luck and have fun!
Christi

Make fake snow: http://chemistry.about.com/od/chemistryhowtoguide/ht/fake...

Make bird feeders out of pine cones and peanut butter and seeds.

Make tissue paper snowballs for games (a snowball fight, or have buckets that they have to throw into for points).

You could also do something where the kids could learn something about giving during the season. Maybe they could make something that woudl be donated to a local group? Anything from the local animal shelter (make homemade animal treats), to cards for a retirement home, or pack boxes for the troops...

Have fun!!!

Decorate gingerbread houses. The fifth graders did this with my sons class and made some really neat ones. You could have a gift exchange.