Yo Gabba Gabba Birthday Ideas

This ultra-cool and retro kid's television show airs on Nick Jr. It is directed towards a younger audience, but older audiences also enjoy it. It stars DJ Lance Rock and a bunch of creatures, each with their own dramas and who teach lessons of life while singing and dancing. It's a very entertaining television show! Because of it's refreshing charm, retro sets (think Atari graphics and 80's pop synth music), guest appearances including Jack Black, and its overall fun vibe, it's not only popular among children, but also with adults.

Yo Gabba Gabba is a great theme for parties, particularly kids birthdays. With the fun, primary colors, cardboard cut-outs comprising the set design and retro music, it makes for an easy and creative party. Check out some ideas below, and we also talk about the show's history and famous guest appearances.

The idea for the show was created by two unlikely characters -- a couple of guys who knew nothing about the format of children's television. Christian Jacobs (part of the rock band The Aquabats), and Scott Schultz, are childhood friends who had become disillusioned by the quality of kid's shows after becoming parents. They wanted TV to offer more to children. So, they gradually dreamed up the concept of Yo Gabba Gabba - a smart children's television show that combines dance moves, life's lessons and creative imagery that would spark the imagination of those who watch it. (For instance, kids can replicate the cardboard cut-outs used on the show - something that can't be done if they passively watch a CGI cartoon.)

By featuring an energetic host (Lance Rock), as well as musical artists and actors, these two dads have come up with a show that catches (and keeps) the attention of children and offers them something in return - imagination! The show features short cartoon segments and motivates children to stand and sing and dance their little hearts out (it works - I have two daughters who move with the beats!) Mixed into all this singing and dancing are helpful lessons that little kids can understand and appreciate.

Jacobs and Shultz came up with the idea for the show a decade ago, but was rejected by most studios. In 2006, the show started getting some serious attention after they circulated it online.

Jared Hess, director of Nacho Libre and Napolean Dynamite, was one who caught the sensation. He passed it on to an executive at Nickelodeon, who shared it with the other executives. Loving the show's honest and unpretentious style, they picked it up. A hit had been born!

College students really like the show because of its Indie music influence and the show's retro styling.  It's pretty common now to see young 20-somethings wearing Yo Gabba Gabba tees and gossiping about the latest musical guest appearance.

Even parents have gotten into the show, singing and dancing right along with their kids! The show was nominated for a Daytime Emmy in both 2008 and 2009 for Best Costume Design. The stylish outfits/costumes and bright, colorful sets keep its audience interested.

Fun music, fun sets, and interesting characters?  Well, of course we love this show!

*DJ Lance Rock is the host of the show. He carries an 80's style boom-box, a bright orange one-piece jumpsuit, and some "all business" sideburns. Portrayed by Lance Robertson, who is a Los Angeles musician, he starts each show off with the now famous words, "Yo Gabba Gabba!"

*Muno is a cyclops--and probably the nicest one you'll ever meet!  Muno can sometimes be impatient and is known to be a bit klutzy, but at the end of the day, Muno loves to learn and is a very friendly monster.

*Toodee sees herself as a very independent woman and can kind of be a prima donna. She has tons of energy and gets excited quickly.  All of her friends are really good about keeping her "grounded" if she starts to show her selfish side.

*Brobee is the character in the group with the self-esteem issues (we all have one of those!)  But, whenever he gets to sing and dance, it builds his confidence up.  So, needless to say, he sings and dances a lot!

*Foofa is your typical "girlie-girl"!  She likes to "have it her way or the highway" and her friends do a good job of reminding her that it can't be like that all the time.  Basically, she needs to be reminded that the world does not revolve around her!

*Plex is a robot, and you could consider him the "hard drive" of the group because he is the one who holds everything together. He is great at solving problems and even processes some magical powers.  His brains and his magical powers enable him to help teach life lessons, share music with everyone.  He can even transport people out of their world and into the world of Yo Gabba Gabba Land!

Christian Jacobs, one of the co-creators of the show, is actually in a band of his own called The Aquabats. Music has always been a big interest to him, and you can see this appreciation for music reflected in Yo Gabba Gabba. You can probably see the intense concentration (and love) for music by all the musical guests, costumes and props, and the fact that the host of the show, DJ Lance Rock, is himself a musician!

Because of the roots of the show, it appeals to many musicians from what is called the Indie genre. Independent music is a genre that represents bands and musicians who have not been signed by any major record labels and want to keep it that way.  These musicians are not interested in glamor and fame and prefer to not be considered "sell-outs".  They play music because they love to play music--it's as simple as that

Well known within their niche of the music industry, these musicians are excited with the opportunity to be a part of the show.  Not only because most of these musicians like the show, but also because no musician is going to pass up a "gig"!

*Elija Wood, most known for portraying Frodo from The Lord of The Rings movie trilogy, appeared on the episode "Eat"

*The Roots appearing on the episode "Family"

*Mos Def also appearing on the episode "Superhero"

*Jack Black of Tenacious D appearing on the episode "New Friends"

*Sarah Silverman, actress and stand-up comedian, appeared on the episode "Circus"

*The Shins appearing on the episode "Imagine"

*Anthony Bordaine, famous food critic and television personality, appeared on the episode "Doctor"

*Weezer appearing on the episode "Bugs"

*Tony Hawk, professional skate boarder and video game icon, appeared in the episode "Move"

*Devo appearing on the episode "Superhero"

Party Decor

Yo Gabba Gabba is a great theme for a party because of the fact that it appeals to such a wide audience. Decorating for the party is easy, because as long as you use bright colors, you really can't go wrong. Using balloons, colorful confetti, and streamers, you can transform any space into Yo Gabba Gabba Land. All of these supplies can be found at any party store or purchased online. In fact, stores like Walmart, Kmart, and target will also have decorations you can use for the party.

Use your imagination! You can construct 1980's style robots , prop a boom-box up on your shoulder, and pull out some old 80's clothing (We all know we saved some!). Use primary colored tablecloths, cups, plates, and napkins. You can even find numerous Yo Gabba Gabba window decals and print-outs to plaster on your walls and windows. The Nick Jr. website has a bunch of activities, games, and posters you can print out. Click here to find them.

Food and Drink

I would recommend buying a Yo Gabba Gabba Party Supply Pack. Click here to see different options.

To go along with the bright colors associated with Yo Gabba Gabba, serve-up fresh fruits and vegetables. Different colored tortilla chips served with salsa, sour cream and cheese dip will satisfy everyone's taste buds. And to satisfy everyone's sweet tooth, brightly colored candies like jelly beans, Gob Stoppers, gummy worms, and M&M's will fit the bill. Macaroni and cheese, grilled cheese and tomato soup, and pizza is always fun for little kids.

Another idea which is always fun is popping your own colored popcorn. By using just a few drops of different colored food dye for each batch, you can make multi-colored popcorn which will be sure to thrill the little ones.

And of course, let them eat cake! Most grocery store chains offer at least one, if not many, Yo Gabba Gabba themed cakes . Or if you're the creative type and want to give it a shot, you can make your own cake or even cupcakes designed like all the different characters.

To drink, fruit punch, juices, brightly colored soda, and even Kool-aid will work!

Entertainment

What is the best activity to do at a Yo Gabba Gabba party? Sing and dance of course! Either play a CD in the background or have a DVD of the show on the TV and let the kids "do their thing"! Here are some other fun ideas:

*Hitting a Pinata. You can buy character-themed pinatas online or at most party supply stores.

*Pin the Tale on your favorite character! Well, they don't all have tails, but I'm sure you can improvise!

*Make Play-Doh characters! Even adults will find this fun--being creative and artsy!

*DJ Lance Says! Just like Simon Says, but dance moves instead!

And, of course, some craft time: coloring, painting, sticker books, etc.