Join Cricut and The Birthday Party Project to Make It Forward for kids in need

You might remember last year’s Make It Forward challenge, where the Cricut community came together to donate over 12,000 birthday projects to help kids in need. If you’re not already familiar, then we invite you to learn more about our partner, The Birthday Party Project. Their mission: acknowledge the life, dreams, and birthday wishes of children who wouldn’t otherwise be able to celebrate.

The way our community came together in 2021 to recognize these kids blew us away, and we’ve set our goal even higher this year – together we want to make 50,000 projects to help celebrate kids in need.

How does it work?

It’s simple. Make any project (or multiple projects!) from the Make It Forward page in Design Space and ship your completed project(s) directly to The Birthday Party Project. And for an added bonus, all projects and images in this collection are free to use from July 12, 2022, through August 15, 2022. Show us what you’ve made by sharing your creations on Facebook and Instagram with the hashtag #MakeItForward.

When you’re ready to ship your projects, send them directly* to The Birthday Party Project:

The Birthday Party Project
ATTN: Cricut projects
2143 Farrington Street
Dallas, TX 75207

*All shipping methods accepted.

But that’s not all. This year we’re introducing a giveback program, where Cricut will donate 10% of select material purchases to The Birthday Party Project from July 12, 2022 through August 15, 2022. Stock up and help The Birthday Party reach even more kids.

Plus you can join other members of the community to make together in two ways. Join a free live workshop and learn to make a birthday t-shirt. We’ve got options for beginners and more advanced makers alike. Or join us in the Cricut Official Facebook Group on August 6, 2022 at 9am MT, for a full-day making event where we’ll be sharing tutorials and running fun challenges to get everybody making.

The Birthday Party Project questions, answered

Why is Cricut partnering with The Birthday Party Project?

Both Cricut and The Birthday Party Project each have a mission to bring joy. We believe our community celebrates that mission too and will join us in helping craft amazing celebrations projects that bring joy to kids all over. The simplest projects can have a major impact and can encourage others to use their creative talents to make kindness too.

Where can I get more information about this organization?

Read more from their founder, Paige Chenault, about how the organization got started. You can also visit The Birthday Party Project website.

What are the projects you need me to make?

The Birthday Party Project has very specific needs that we want to help fulfill, which is why we’ve partnered with them to create the perfect project roundup. The specific projects needed are:

• T-shirts: “It’s my birthday” T-shirts in kids (6X-20) and adult sizes (S-XXL) to include older kids and teens
• Gifts: Custom water bottles, pencil kits, makeup kits (all ages), dopp kits (teens)
• Cards

All of the projects on our Make It Forward page in Design Space are free to make from July 12, 2022 – August 15, 2022.

How many projects can I make?

Even one project can make a difference, but we encourage you to create as many projects as you’re willing and able. For every two Cricut projects a member of our community donates, The Birthday Party Project will be able to create one birthday party for a child in a need.

What if I only want to make a specific type of project?

That is completely fine. We totally get it if you’re more comfortable making many of one type of project, like cards or t-shirts.

What colors for the projects should I consider?

We encourage using gender-neutral colors, images, and phrases, and welcome use of holographic and glitter materials as well.

What materials do you recommend for these projects?

The majority of materials used in these projects are paper, iron-on, and vinyl. We want to focus on projects that will ship mostly flat and arrive in good shape. In the projects recommended, you can find the exact supplies you need to make that project. When you shop from the Cricut.com Make It Forward collection from July 12, 2022, through August 15, 2022, Cricut will donate 10% of purchases back to The Birthday Party Project.

What size T-shirts should I make?

We need all sizes and are size-inclusive. We welcome youth sizes 6X-20, and adult sizes, S to XXL.

What if I want to make a different project to donate?

We appreciate your creativity and want to make sure you have room to make it special, but we’ve worked closely with The Birthday Party Project to define the exact projects needed to fulfill the needs of their kids.

How much time do I have to complete the projects?

The Make It Forward challenge for The Birthday Party Project is to create 50,000 projects in 5 weeks. You will have 5 weeks to create and make these projects. We also hope to continue working with The Birthday Party Project in the future to make projects for every season.

Do I have to pay for shipping?

Yes. We encourage you to ship at the lowest and most convenient cost to you.

If I want to share my project on social media, what hashtag should I use?

We love when you share your projects. Tag us and make sure to use #makeitforward and #cricut when you do.

If I’m not in the U.S., am I able to get involved?

If you don’t live in the U.S. but would like to participate, please do! We welcome our community around the world to participate. We hope to expand our support of other organizations globally over time.

What if I don’t want to make a project, but can donate materials?

Cricut is providing The Birthday Party Project with a large bundle of supplies so they can make with them at their Dallas headquarters. The real need is for finished projects that can be put into custom birthday bags for the kids.

What will go into the birthday party bags for kids?

Each kit will vary depending on different needs and ages, but we will focus on providing gifts, party décor, cards, and ready-to-play activities.

Can I use my own content for these projects?

Yes, you can use your own content, including images you upload directly to Design Space. You can also use any licensed content you’ve purchased in Design Space to make your projects.

What is the deadline to submit my projects?

You have until August 15, 2022 to make your projects and have them counted towards our 50,000 project goal. Projects made and shipped thereafter will still gladly be accepted as Cricut continues our partnership with The Birthday Party Project.