How to plan a surprise scavenger hunt for your lady's birthday.
The hardest part about creating a scavenger hunt birthday is the planning. You have to be fairly detailed and the timing must be correct for the plan to work well. Here's our list of planning tips:
Steps
Round Up Accomplices:
Let all her good friends and family in on your plan and enlist their help. Designate one or two people to meet her at each location on the scavenger hunt who can help her out with the clue and take her to the next location.
Make a List of 8 Great Stops:
Take into consideration what she likes to do and where she likes to go, as well as places the two of you enjoy spending time. Try to keep everything within a short walking or driving distance, and narrow the list down to 6 places that make the most sense logistically for your final location list.
Some places that make great stops include: a spa, a nail salon, a coffee shop, a bakery, a favorite sandwich place and a store in the mall. Be creative, and pick places that are meaningful to the both of you!
Write Clues for each Location:
Pen clever clues she will be given by a friend to lead her to the next location. You can make them simple and easy, like "Head to our favorite coffee shop for a cup of joe" or more creative using more tricky clues.
Create an Intensive Schedule:
Map out a complete timeline for her birthday that starts in the morning with breakfast. Either make her breakfast or take her out, and at the end of her meal hand her the first clue.
Create the Clues:
Head to a stationary store and pick up stationary she'd like. Write one clue per card and label each envelope with the location and clue number for easy organization.
Pair Accomplices with their Clues:
For each location, plan to have a friend or family member (or two) meet her to hand her the clue. This person should be free to wait at the location until she arrives, spend time with her at that location doing the activity (coffee, nails, shopping) and have enough time to help her get to the next location with the clue they've handed her.
Meet up with the assigned friends and family ahead of time to give them each their respective clue for the big day.
Plan a Grand Finale:
For the second-to-last location, have a friend bring your girlfriend or wife to meet you at a restaurant for dinner. Of course, she will think this is the last stop. Little will she know that you have a Grand Finale up your sleeve for the final location.
Final Surprise Location:
After dinner, take her to a new spot to get dinner and drinks. Claim you have a reservation so she won't protest and try to go home early. Once you get there, surprise her with a party in her honor that includes all of the friends and family members who helped her with clues throughout the day, as well as her other friends. She will be completely floored with the final surprise.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Make That 30th Birthday Special
Many people feel that their 30th birthday marks the beginning of their lives as adults. They spend more time working or hanging out at home than they do partying with the old gang from school— usually because they have a new gang to spend time with in the under the age of five! However, while the party may not be quite as wild as it used to be, 30-year-olds still like to have fun. Try one of these ideas for a 30th birthday party:
Rent a hall and hold a traditional grownup cocktail party, but invite all the kids. Hire several child care providers to entertain the children with child appropriate food, entertainment and craft projects. Parents will be able to enjoy the party without any worry, since they don't have to find sitters and they can quickly check in on the kids, who are just a few feet away in another room in the same building.
Throw a practical party. Have everyone get together and finish up a project the birthday honoree has been trying to complete. Ask the guests to bring practical gifts, such as office supplies or that new toilet bowl gizmo everyone's talking about. Serve simple food, like hamburgers and hot dogs.
Rent a hall and hold a traditional grownup cocktail party, but invite all the kids. Hire several child care providers to entertain the children with child appropriate food, entertainment and craft projects. Parents will be able to enjoy the party without any worry, since they don't have to find sitters and they can quickly check in on the kids, who are just a few feet away in another room in the same building.
Throw a practical party. Have everyone get together and finish up a project the birthday honoree has been trying to complete. Ask the guests to bring practical gifts, such as office supplies or that new toilet bowl gizmo everyone's talking about. Serve simple food, like hamburgers and hot dogs.
Birthday Song Guide
You're all set to start singing "Happy Birthday" when someone asks whether you paid the fee to the copyright holder. Fee? Can't everyone sing "Happy Birthday" whenever they want? Actually, it is true that this song is not allowed to be performed in a public place without permission of the copyright holder for several more decades. However, at home, you can sing away to your family without any worries. If you are singing the song in a public place and don't want to worry about possible problems, there are plenty of other things you can do.
Make up a song and tune of your own. After all, the original only has a few words and the tune is very simple. Try putting birthday words to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" or a similar childhood classic.
Sing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" instead. This song is more traditional for retirement situations, but you will just have to start a new birthday tradition with your friends and family, instead.
Recite an ode to the birthday honoree that someone poetic has written. It can be silly or serious. Just don't forget to have a keepsake copy made for the birthday boy or girl!
Make up a song and tune of your own. After all, the original only has a few words and the tune is very simple. Try putting birthday words to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" or a similar childhood classic.
Sing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" instead. This song is more traditional for retirement situations, but you will just have to start a new birthday tradition with your friends and family, instead.
Recite an ode to the birthday honoree that someone poetic has written. It can be silly or serious. Just don't forget to have a keepsake copy made for the birthday boy or girl!
60th Birthday Party Themes
Sixty is one of those birthday years that often gets overlooked. The major bash for the 50th birthday was 10 years before and the retirement party is still a few years off. However, if you like to throw parties, a 60th birthday party is a great opportunity to squeeze another one in.
It may not be time to retire yet, but most people retire when they are in the 60th decade, so why not throw a pre-retirement birthday bash? Get the birthday recipient ready for the day he or she walks out the office door for the last time with a party that includes plenty of ideas for spare time pursuits. Ask guests to bring how to books, hobby supplies, or gift certificates for golf lessons or knitting and crochet classes.
Another 60th birthday party idea you might want to consider is choosing to throw a birthday bash that helps a local cause and still lets everyone have a good time. Rent space at the zoo, in the local boys and girls club or at the library. Then, have all the guests bring a cash donation to add to the fund instead of a big birthday gift. Make sure there is good food and music so everyone has plenty of fun. At the end of the event, ask the birthday honoree to present the donation to a representative for the cause.
It may not be time to retire yet, but most people retire when they are in the 60th decade, so why not throw a pre-retirement birthday bash? Get the birthday recipient ready for the day he or she walks out the office door for the last time with a party that includes plenty of ideas for spare time pursuits. Ask guests to bring how to books, hobby supplies, or gift certificates for golf lessons or knitting and crochet classes.
Another 60th birthday party idea you might want to consider is choosing to throw a birthday bash that helps a local cause and still lets everyone have a good time. Rent space at the zoo, in the local boys and girls club or at the library. Then, have all the guests bring a cash donation to add to the fund instead of a big birthday gift. Make sure there is good food and music so everyone has plenty of fun. At the end of the event, ask the birthday honoree to present the donation to a representative for the cause.
21st Birthday Party Ideas
The 21st birthday is such a big milestone. It is the day that children officially become grownups in many parents' eyes. For such a special day, there should be an equally special birthday celebration. Try one of these popular 21st birthday party ideas:
Throw a casino themed party. Print out currency with the birthday guest of honor's picture on it and hand out a stack of "dollars" to each guest. Have tables set up for different card games. For guests who don't want to gamble, you may want to provide tickets for prize drawings in exchange for the birthday dollars. If you like the idea, but it sounds like too much work, there are party companies that will come set up the whole theme and provide dealers for the different tables.
Set up a party centered on the future career choice of the 21-year-old. For example, if he or she is about to graduate with a major in premed, set up tables to look like exam tables, use medical bags to hold centerpieces and ask guests to bring medical supplies or money to be used to help pay for med school as gifts. Of course, if he or she plans to be a rock star, the party will probably be a bit more lively!
Throw a casino themed party. Print out currency with the birthday guest of honor's picture on it and hand out a stack of "dollars" to each guest. Have tables set up for different card games. For guests who don't want to gamble, you may want to provide tickets for prize drawings in exchange for the birthday dollars. If you like the idea, but it sounds like too much work, there are party companies that will come set up the whole theme and provide dealers for the different tables.
Set up a party centered on the future career choice of the 21-year-old. For example, if he or she is about to graduate with a major in premed, set up tables to look like exam tables, use medical bags to hold centerpieces and ask guests to bring medical supplies or money to be used to help pay for med school as gifts. Of course, if he or she plans to be a rock star, the party will probably be a bit more lively!
Etiquette For An Adult Birthday Party
If you’re attending an adult birthday party, it’s all the more reason to make sure you mind your manners. Following proper etiquette is not only good protocol, it’s a way of showing your appreciation for the hosts of the party. In case you’re a little rusty on what’s appropriate and what’s not, we’ve put together some etiquette guidelines for an adult birthday party:
Don’t come empty handed. Do bring a gift for the birthday guest of honor.
If you receive an RSVP on the invitation, do respond according to the instructions in a timely fashion.
Do compliment the host on the party – especially if you really are having a great time.
If you’re going out for a birthday dinner, unless it is a formal affair, do offer to pay and don’t assume it’s covered.
Don’t linger long after a birthday party is clearly over unless you’ve arranged to help the host clean up.
If you’d like to bring a guest to a birthday event, do check with the host if the affair is informal, but don’t bring extra people without making sure if it is okay.
Don’t come empty handed. Do bring a gift for the birthday guest of honor.
If you receive an RSVP on the invitation, do respond according to the instructions in a timely fashion.
Do compliment the host on the party – especially if you really are having a great time.
If you’re going out for a birthday dinner, unless it is a formal affair, do offer to pay and don’t assume it’s covered.
Don’t linger long after a birthday party is clearly over unless you’ve arranged to help the host clean up.
If you’d like to bring a guest to a birthday event, do check with the host if the affair is informal, but don’t bring extra people without making sure if it is okay.
Entertainment For Adult Birthday Parties
Hiring entertainment for adult birthday parties can be as straightforward as finding a DJ or band. However, there are alternate ways to entertain during adult birthday parties that can be just as engaging if not more so. Take a look at our suggestions for off-the-cuff entertainment for adult birthday parties.
Laser Light Show – Turn your home or party venue into a laser light show that moves to the music.
Hypnotist – Hire a hypnotist to turn guests into willing participants of the entertainment.
Live Acrobat Show – Entertain your guests with a live acrobatic show that will flip, twist, contort, and juggle their way around a birthday party.
Murder Mystery Dinner – Get birthday guests involved in crime solving with a murder mystery dinner. Guests get to mingle with the characters over cocktails and the scene unfolds during the course of the meal.
Laser Light Show – Turn your home or party venue into a laser light show that moves to the music.
Hypnotist – Hire a hypnotist to turn guests into willing participants of the entertainment.
Live Acrobat Show – Entertain your guests with a live acrobatic show that will flip, twist, contort, and juggle their way around a birthday party.
Murder Mystery Dinner – Get birthday guests involved in crime solving with a murder mystery dinner. Guests get to mingle with the characters over cocktails and the scene unfolds during the course of the meal.
Adult Birthday Parties For The Young At Heart
Young at heart grownups will enjoy birthday parties free of fancy sit-down dinners at upscale locales. If you are planning adult birthday parties for the birthday guy or girl who’d rather be at play, we have some ideas for you:
High-tech scavenger hunt – Have a game the big kids will love. Participants play in teams, racing around the city to find items with the latest in high tech gadgetry, like cell phones and GPS systems. Actors come into play to make the game more realistic and fun. This is one adult birthday party event that won’t have a boring moment.
Water sport party – Have a picnic by the lake, rent a boat, jet skis, water skis, and a wakeboard. You’ll be in for an afternoon of water soaked fun.
Retro theme party – Take a step back a few decades or two and throw a retro theme party. Guests get dressed up in the decade of your choosing. Think poodle skirts and bowling shirts for the 50’s or bell-bottoms and psychedelic prints for the 70’s.
If you’re throwing a 50’s birthday party, make sure you have the appropriate gear. For ladies, try black stretch pants and an off the shoulder top a la Grease, the hit 1978 movie. Accessorize with a black sheer scarf and coordinating studded sunglasses. For men, dress up in rolled up dark blue jeans, a white t-shirt, and black leather jacket for the birthday party.
High-tech scavenger hunt – Have a game the big kids will love. Participants play in teams, racing around the city to find items with the latest in high tech gadgetry, like cell phones and GPS systems. Actors come into play to make the game more realistic and fun. This is one adult birthday party event that won’t have a boring moment.
Water sport party – Have a picnic by the lake, rent a boat, jet skis, water skis, and a wakeboard. You’ll be in for an afternoon of water soaked fun.
Retro theme party – Take a step back a few decades or two and throw a retro theme party. Guests get dressed up in the decade of your choosing. Think poodle skirts and bowling shirts for the 50’s or bell-bottoms and psychedelic prints for the 70’s.
If you’re throwing a 50’s birthday party, make sure you have the appropriate gear. For ladies, try black stretch pants and an off the shoulder top a la Grease, the hit 1978 movie. Accessorize with a black sheer scarf and coordinating studded sunglasses. For men, dress up in rolled up dark blue jeans, a white t-shirt, and black leather jacket for the birthday party.
Adult Birthday Games You Have To Play
Some games work best when played by adults. If you’re looking for adult birthday games, we have a few here that will keep the laughter flowing and the conversation going. Read on to find out which adult birthday games we recommend.
Name of the game: If you love me
Number of players: Minimum of 6
Goal: Get the other person to crack a smile.
Why you should play: This game is hilarious.
How the game is played: The group sits around in a circle.
One player starts by saying, “Baby, if you love me would you please smile?”
The next player responds by saying, “Baby, I love you, but I just can’t smile.”
Eliminate each player who smiles until you are left with the winner.
Name of the game: Famous names
Number of players: Minimum of 6
Goal: Guess the name of the famous person on your back.
Why you should play: This game helps to break the ice – fast.
How the game is played: Each guest gets a sticker on her back with the name of a famous person.
Every player will go around the room and ask yes or no questions to figure out what the name of the famous person on her back is.
Name of the game: I never
Number of players: Minimum of 6
Goal: Find out what people have never done in their lives.
Why you should play: It’s funny. Its’ revealing
How the game is played: All players start out with a number of tokens and sit in a circle.
One player starts by saying, “I never…” and tells about something he’s never done before, like go fishing.
All the remaining players who have “gone fishing” must give up a token.
The game continues clockwise, in a circle.
Each player who runs out of tokens, leaves the game.
The last player who still has tokens, wins.
Name of the game: If you love me
Number of players: Minimum of 6
Goal: Get the other person to crack a smile.
Why you should play: This game is hilarious.
How the game is played: The group sits around in a circle.
One player starts by saying, “Baby, if you love me would you please smile?”
The next player responds by saying, “Baby, I love you, but I just can’t smile.”
Eliminate each player who smiles until you are left with the winner.
Name of the game: Famous names
Number of players: Minimum of 6
Goal: Guess the name of the famous person on your back.
Why you should play: This game helps to break the ice – fast.
How the game is played: Each guest gets a sticker on her back with the name of a famous person.
Every player will go around the room and ask yes or no questions to figure out what the name of the famous person on her back is.
Name of the game: I never
Number of players: Minimum of 6
Goal: Find out what people have never done in their lives.
Why you should play: It’s funny. Its’ revealing
How the game is played: All players start out with a number of tokens and sit in a circle.
One player starts by saying, “I never…” and tells about something he’s never done before, like go fishing.
All the remaining players who have “gone fishing” must give up a token.
The game continues clockwise, in a circle.
Each player who runs out of tokens, leaves the game.
The last player who still has tokens, wins.
Unique Adult Birthday Cakes
You could order a standard cake with cream and colored frosting, but when there are so many more options for unique adult birthday cakes, consider trying one of these interesting choices. These unique adult birthday cakes almost look too good to eat.
Picture On A Cake – Have a photograph of your choosing reproduced on the adult birthday cake for the party.
Scenery Cake – Have an entire landscape, such as a rock cliff with waterfall, reproduced onto a cake.
Three-dimensional Cake – Does your birthday guest of honor like classic cars? Have a reproduction made into a cake, complete with chrome fenders and retro style seats.
Character cakes – If you’re throwing a party with a character theme, have their image reproduced on a cake. Have one designed three dimensionally, make a cake in the shape of the character, or reproduce a photo on the cake itself.
Architectural Cake – Got a favorite building or getting a new house this birthday? Have a scaled down reproduction made as a cake.
Theme Cake – Want to create a scene from a blockbuster movie like Spiderman or Pirates of the Caribbean? A skilled cake decorator can do the job for you.
Animal Cakes – Have a cake made of a koala in a tree or a bird about to take flight.
Picture On A Cake – Have a photograph of your choosing reproduced on the adult birthday cake for the party.
Scenery Cake – Have an entire landscape, such as a rock cliff with waterfall, reproduced onto a cake.
Three-dimensional Cake – Does your birthday guest of honor like classic cars? Have a reproduction made into a cake, complete with chrome fenders and retro style seats.
Character cakes – If you’re throwing a party with a character theme, have their image reproduced on a cake. Have one designed three dimensionally, make a cake in the shape of the character, or reproduce a photo on the cake itself.
Architectural Cake – Got a favorite building or getting a new house this birthday? Have a scaled down reproduction made as a cake.
Theme Cake – Want to create a scene from a blockbuster movie like Spiderman or Pirates of the Caribbean? A skilled cake decorator can do the job for you.
Animal Cakes – Have a cake made of a koala in a tree or a bird about to take flight.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Birthday Party Recipes
Lemon Coconut Balls
½ cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 ¼ cups flour
¼ teaspoon cream
½ teaspoons salt
¼ cup lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 cup moist shredded coconut, finely chopped
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Sift dry ingredients together. Add dry ingredients alternately with lemon juice and vanilla, mixing well after each addition ingredient added.
Chill dough, then form into balls about 1” in diameter; roll in coconut.
Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 12 - 15 minutes. Makes three dozen.
Chocolate Walnut Clusters
½ cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 cup flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 ½ cups broken walnuts
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in melted chocolate, and then mix in dry ingredients. Fold in nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Makes 3 ½ dozen.
Peanut Butter Crisps
½ cup butter
1 cup sugar
½ cup chunky peanut butter
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 ½ cups flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon soda
1 tablespoon milk
1 6-ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips or pieces, melted
Chopped salted nuts
Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in peanut butter, egg, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and milk, mix well. Chill dough at least one hour. Roll out on lightly floured surface; cut with various shaped cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Spread a teaspoon of melted chocolate in center of each cookie; sprinkle chipped peanuts on top. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Makes 6 dozen.
Chocolate Butter Flakes
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
3 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate, melted.
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 ½ cups flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoons soda
Cream butter till light-colored, then gradually add sugar and beat until fluffy. Beat in egg. Blend in chocolate and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition. Press dough through cookie press onto ungreased cold cookie sheet. Bake 350 for 8 - 10 minutes. Makes 7 dozen.
Sweet Milk Doughnuts
4 ½ cups flour
3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
¾ cup sugar
3 tablespoons soft butter
¾ cup milk
Mix together flour, salt, spices, and baking powder and set aside. Beat eggs and sugar together. Add vanilla, butter, milk, and dry ingredients. Make a soft dough and roll to 1/3 inch thick. Cut for doughnut thickness and drip in hot grease/oil (375 degrees). Serve plain or roll in powdered sugar.
Peanut Butter Fudge Squares
½ cup light corn syrup
¾ cup peanut butter
1/3 cup butter, softened
¾ cup chopped pecans
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups powered sugar
Combine syrup, peanut butter, butter, salt, and vanilla. Beat well. Gradually add sugar to make a very stiff mixture. Turn out on lightly greased board, knead until well-blended, working in pecans. Press into buttered 8-inch square pan. Chill until firm and cut into 2-inch squares.
½ cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 ¼ cups flour
¼ teaspoon cream
½ teaspoons salt
¼ cup lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 cup moist shredded coconut, finely chopped
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Sift dry ingredients together. Add dry ingredients alternately with lemon juice and vanilla, mixing well after each addition ingredient added.
Chill dough, then form into balls about 1” in diameter; roll in coconut.
Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 12 - 15 minutes. Makes three dozen.
Chocolate Walnut Clusters
½ cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 cup flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 ½ cups broken walnuts
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in melted chocolate, and then mix in dry ingredients. Fold in nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Makes 3 ½ dozen.
Peanut Butter Crisps
½ cup butter
1 cup sugar
½ cup chunky peanut butter
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 ½ cups flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon soda
1 tablespoon milk
1 6-ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips or pieces, melted
Chopped salted nuts
Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in peanut butter, egg, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and milk, mix well. Chill dough at least one hour. Roll out on lightly floured surface; cut with various shaped cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Spread a teaspoon of melted chocolate in center of each cookie; sprinkle chipped peanuts on top. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Makes 6 dozen.
Chocolate Butter Flakes
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
3 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate, melted.
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 ½ cups flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoons soda
Cream butter till light-colored, then gradually add sugar and beat until fluffy. Beat in egg. Blend in chocolate and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition. Press dough through cookie press onto ungreased cold cookie sheet. Bake 350 for 8 - 10 minutes. Makes 7 dozen.
Sweet Milk Doughnuts
4 ½ cups flour
3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
¾ cup sugar
3 tablespoons soft butter
¾ cup milk
Mix together flour, salt, spices, and baking powder and set aside. Beat eggs and sugar together. Add vanilla, butter, milk, and dry ingredients. Make a soft dough and roll to 1/3 inch thick. Cut for doughnut thickness and drip in hot grease/oil (375 degrees). Serve plain or roll in powdered sugar.
Peanut Butter Fudge Squares
½ cup light corn syrup
¾ cup peanut butter
1/3 cup butter, softened
¾ cup chopped pecans
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups powered sugar
Combine syrup, peanut butter, butter, salt, and vanilla. Beat well. Gradually add sugar to make a very stiff mixture. Turn out on lightly greased board, knead until well-blended, working in pecans. Press into buttered 8-inch square pan. Chill until firm and cut into 2-inch squares.
Birthday Party Planning List
Four Weeks Before Party
Pick the date of party
Pick starting and ending time
Choose party theme
Make guest list
Order party supplies
Buy invitations
Two to Three Weeks Before Party
Mail invitations
Order cake (if not making cake at home)
Order helium balloons
Plan menu
Arrange help for party (such as family and friends)
Plan party games and activities
One Week Before Party
Confirm cake order
Confirm helium balloon order
Write party-day schedule
Two to Three Days Before Party
Call guests you have not heard from to ask if they will be attending
Wash any special clothes needed for party day
Shop for and/or check to make sure you have:
Film for camera
Tapes for camcorder
Batteries for camera and/or camcorder
Extra paper towels
Birthday Candles
Groceries for Menus
Day Before Party
Pick up cake or bake cake
Child-proof party area
Decorate for party
Prepare any food that can be prepared the day ahead
Set a keepsake plate aside
Day of Party
Prepare last minute foods
Have camera and camcorder in an easy access spot but out of
children’s reach
Place candles on cake
Enjoy!
Pick the date of party
Pick starting and ending time
Choose party theme
Make guest list
Order party supplies
Buy invitations
Two to Three Weeks Before Party
Mail invitations
Order cake (if not making cake at home)
Order helium balloons
Plan menu
Arrange help for party (such as family and friends)
Plan party games and activities
One Week Before Party
Confirm cake order
Confirm helium balloon order
Write party-day schedule
Two to Three Days Before Party
Call guests you have not heard from to ask if they will be attending
Wash any special clothes needed for party day
Shop for and/or check to make sure you have:
Film for camera
Tapes for camcorder
Batteries for camera and/or camcorder
Extra paper towels
Birthday Candles
Groceries for Menus
Day Before Party
Pick up cake or bake cake
Child-proof party area
Decorate for party
Prepare any food that can be prepared the day ahead
Set a keepsake plate aside
Day of Party
Prepare last minute foods
Have camera and camcorder in an easy access spot but out of
children’s reach
Place candles on cake
Enjoy!
Birthday Games
Egyptian Mummy Wrap
Divide the kids into pairs, with one the Mummy and the other the Mummy Wrapper. Give each wrapper a roll of toilet paper or crepe paper streamer. On the word "Go!" have the wrappers race to see who can wrap up their mummy first. The game is tricky because the faster they try to wrap, the more the tissue will tear, causing them to keep restarting!
Price Is Right
Here's a great wind-down game that also serves as the going-away favor. Buy inexpensive gifts for your guests, such as a big bag of candy, a small stuffed animal, a scary book, and so on. Distribute paper and pencil to each player. Hold up one item and have the kids try to guess how much it cost. Reveal the price tag and award the gift to the player who guessed the closest. That player is out of the game, while the rest continue guessing the prices of the gifts, until all of them are gone.
Pass the Parcel
Wrap a bar of chocolate (or some other gift), in a layer of paper. Now wrap it in another layer and repeat until you have about 10 layers. Finally wrap it in gift paper (so it looks nice).
Sit everyone in a circle and play a short snippet of music. When the music stops, the person holding the parcel removes ONE layer of wrapping. Repeat until the last layer of wrapping has been removed. The winner keeps the present
Balloon Bounce
Have a contest to see who can keep the balloon in the air the longest using only their head. The person who can keep it in the air longest without using anything but their head is the winner. (This game can also be played in teams).
Musical Chairs
This is another children's favorite. Set up chairs in 2 rows back to back. Put out one less chair than there are children. Start playing music, and have the kids walk around the chairs (not touching the chairs though!) until the music stops. When the music stops, the kids must each sit on a chair. The child without a chair is "out". Then remove another chair. If there is ever a tie, the child with more bum on the chair wins.
Musical Statues
This game does not need much explanation. Put a group of kids in a room, play some music, and watch them dance. Then turn the music off during the song, and they must freeze in their current position. If they move at all, then they are "out". The people who are still in the game continue to dance/freeze as you control the music, until one person wins.
Hot Potato
This game is an old favorite. Have all of the kids sit in a circle, as one kid is chosen as the "leader". Begin passing a potato (or other object) around the circle, while the "leader" turns his/her head with eyes closed. Everyone must accept the potato, and may not hold it longer than a second. At any point the "leader" can yell, "Hot Potato", and whoever has the potato is out. Continue to play until there is only one person left, and he/she is the winner.
Name That Animal
This is a fun game for small children just beginning to learn their animals. Pass out animal stickers or small stuffed animals, and have the kids imitate the animal they receive.
Divide the kids into pairs, with one the Mummy and the other the Mummy Wrapper. Give each wrapper a roll of toilet paper or crepe paper streamer. On the word "Go!" have the wrappers race to see who can wrap up their mummy first. The game is tricky because the faster they try to wrap, the more the tissue will tear, causing them to keep restarting!
Price Is Right
Here's a great wind-down game that also serves as the going-away favor. Buy inexpensive gifts for your guests, such as a big bag of candy, a small stuffed animal, a scary book, and so on. Distribute paper and pencil to each player. Hold up one item and have the kids try to guess how much it cost. Reveal the price tag and award the gift to the player who guessed the closest. That player is out of the game, while the rest continue guessing the prices of the gifts, until all of them are gone.
Pass the Parcel
Wrap a bar of chocolate (or some other gift), in a layer of paper. Now wrap it in another layer and repeat until you have about 10 layers. Finally wrap it in gift paper (so it looks nice).
Sit everyone in a circle and play a short snippet of music. When the music stops, the person holding the parcel removes ONE layer of wrapping. Repeat until the last layer of wrapping has been removed. The winner keeps the present
Balloon Bounce
Have a contest to see who can keep the balloon in the air the longest using only their head. The person who can keep it in the air longest without using anything but their head is the winner. (This game can also be played in teams).
Musical Chairs
This is another children's favorite. Set up chairs in 2 rows back to back. Put out one less chair than there are children. Start playing music, and have the kids walk around the chairs (not touching the chairs though!) until the music stops. When the music stops, the kids must each sit on a chair. The child without a chair is "out". Then remove another chair. If there is ever a tie, the child with more bum on the chair wins.
Musical Statues
This game does not need much explanation. Put a group of kids in a room, play some music, and watch them dance. Then turn the music off during the song, and they must freeze in their current position. If they move at all, then they are "out". The people who are still in the game continue to dance/freeze as you control the music, until one person wins.
Hot Potato
This game is an old favorite. Have all of the kids sit in a circle, as one kid is chosen as the "leader". Begin passing a potato (or other object) around the circle, while the "leader" turns his/her head with eyes closed. Everyone must accept the potato, and may not hold it longer than a second. At any point the "leader" can yell, "Hot Potato", and whoever has the potato is out. Continue to play until there is only one person left, and he/she is the winner.
Name That Animal
This is a fun game for small children just beginning to learn their animals. Pass out animal stickers or small stuffed animals, and have the kids imitate the animal they receive.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
21st Birthday Party Pub Crawl!
21st Birthday Decorations and Party Supplies
You’ve waited a long time to turn 21 and now it’s time to celebrate (responsibly) and in style. There are tons of great ways to celebrate a 21st birthday, but a night out on the town is definitely the way to go. Organizing a pub crawl is a fun way to get together with friends to celebrate. And while you cannot go wrong with good friends and drinks, adding a few personalized touches will take the party over the top!
21st Birthday Pub Crawl Invitations
A really special occasion deserves a truly special invitation and Creations for You can design a memorable one for just you. An invitation with a caricature of the birthday “boy” or “girl,“ doing a favorite activity or making a toast on it, will let everyone know that this will be a night to remember.
Another great choice are these great semi-custom caricature invitations. Using art that has already been drawn, we can add a photo face or a caricature face and personalize the message for you!
A backstage pass invitation will have all your guests buzzing. Not everyone receives a custom created invitation from Creations for You that looks just like a real backstage press pass. Include a photo or not – the choice is yours.
Or how about a personalized ticket invitation to the best party in town? Let Creations for You design an invitation in the color of your choice that looks just like a real concert ticket! You can even have it made with a magnetic backing so guests can put it right on the refrigerator. An invitation and souvenir in one – what could be better?!
If you want a more traditional invitation, be sure to check out all the invitations at the Creations for You Invitations Shop. There are so many themes to choose from, pick whichever one best fits your personality.
Pub Crawl Wearables
Since this is really a “mobile” party, you probably won’t have a lot of traditional decorations. But, you and your guests can decorate yourselves with fun hats, sunglasses, necklaces. For a “dapper, downtown look” there are fedoras in all colors and fabrics. Or for a more elegant look, try a top hat or two. Females in the crowd will love wearing tiaras (sequined, fur, even light up ones), crowns or newsboys caps.
Day or night, everyone will look so cool in sunglasses. There are shades in every color, shape and style.
If you want to be “seen” as the sun goes down, make sure you incorporate all sorts of flashing items into your wardrobe. Glowing beads, bracelets, rings, they’re a perfect way to light up the night!
Entertainment
Besides drinking and dancing, there are some great activities you can incorporate into your pub crawl:
Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of items that everyone in the group needs to collect as you go from place to place. Some items you might want to put on the list are:
Coaster with a bird on it
Embellished toothpick
Purple swizzle stick
20 beer caps
Bar menu with stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer
A cocktail umbrella
Business card from a person whose name starts with J
Mini liquor bottle
Spork
Make the list as long and crazy as you like, but don’t forget to offer a prize to the winners!
Candy Shirts: Sew an equal number of Life Savers onto T- Shirts. Have team members put on the shirts before you head out. See what team can get rid of their Lifesavers first by having strangers bite them off the shirts.
As you party the night away, don’t forget to document your adventures with personalized cameras from Creations for You. It’s a great way to remember the evening’s activities, in case you can’t on your own!
For some extra fun, why not take along a new friend? A lifesize cutout of the birthday boy or girl from Creations for You would be a great addition to the party. Imagine the conversation and laughter when you bring him or her along?
21st Birthday Pub Crawl Party Favors
Celebrate your big day with your own commemorative bottle label. Beer, wine, water or champagne, Creations for You will design the perfect label for you. Make sure you have extras made, because everyone will want to take a bottle home.
There’s no better way to end the evening, than with a little bit of chocolate. A milk or dark chocolate candy bar covered in a personalized wrapper from Creations for You is a delicious way for your friends to remember your party.
You’ve waited a long time to turn 21 and now it’s time to celebrate (responsibly) and in style. There are tons of great ways to celebrate a 21st birthday, but a night out on the town is definitely the way to go. Organizing a pub crawl is a fun way to get together with friends to celebrate. And while you cannot go wrong with good friends and drinks, adding a few personalized touches will take the party over the top!
21st Birthday Pub Crawl Invitations
A really special occasion deserves a truly special invitation and Creations for You can design a memorable one for just you. An invitation with a caricature of the birthday “boy” or “girl,“ doing a favorite activity or making a toast on it, will let everyone know that this will be a night to remember.
Another great choice are these great semi-custom caricature invitations. Using art that has already been drawn, we can add a photo face or a caricature face and personalize the message for you!
A backstage pass invitation will have all your guests buzzing. Not everyone receives a custom created invitation from Creations for You that looks just like a real backstage press pass. Include a photo or not – the choice is yours.
Or how about a personalized ticket invitation to the best party in town? Let Creations for You design an invitation in the color of your choice that looks just like a real concert ticket! You can even have it made with a magnetic backing so guests can put it right on the refrigerator. An invitation and souvenir in one – what could be better?!
If you want a more traditional invitation, be sure to check out all the invitations at the Creations for You Invitations Shop. There are so many themes to choose from, pick whichever one best fits your personality.
Pub Crawl Wearables
Since this is really a “mobile” party, you probably won’t have a lot of traditional decorations. But, you and your guests can decorate yourselves with fun hats, sunglasses, necklaces. For a “dapper, downtown look” there are fedoras in all colors and fabrics. Or for a more elegant look, try a top hat or two. Females in the crowd will love wearing tiaras (sequined, fur, even light up ones), crowns or newsboys caps.
Day or night, everyone will look so cool in sunglasses. There are shades in every color, shape and style.
If you want to be “seen” as the sun goes down, make sure you incorporate all sorts of flashing items into your wardrobe. Glowing beads, bracelets, rings, they’re a perfect way to light up the night!
Entertainment
Besides drinking and dancing, there are some great activities you can incorporate into your pub crawl:
Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of items that everyone in the group needs to collect as you go from place to place. Some items you might want to put on the list are:
Coaster with a bird on it
Embellished toothpick
Purple swizzle stick
20 beer caps
Bar menu with stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer
A cocktail umbrella
Business card from a person whose name starts with J
Mini liquor bottle
Spork
Make the list as long and crazy as you like, but don’t forget to offer a prize to the winners!
Candy Shirts: Sew an equal number of Life Savers onto T- Shirts. Have team members put on the shirts before you head out. See what team can get rid of their Lifesavers first by having strangers bite them off the shirts.
As you party the night away, don’t forget to document your adventures with personalized cameras from Creations for You. It’s a great way to remember the evening’s activities, in case you can’t on your own!
For some extra fun, why not take along a new friend? A lifesize cutout of the birthday boy or girl from Creations for You would be a great addition to the party. Imagine the conversation and laughter when you bring him or her along?
21st Birthday Pub Crawl Party Favors
Celebrate your big day with your own commemorative bottle label. Beer, wine, water or champagne, Creations for You will design the perfect label for you. Make sure you have extras made, because everyone will want to take a bottle home.
There’s no better way to end the evening, than with a little bit of chocolate. A milk or dark chocolate candy bar covered in a personalized wrapper from Creations for You is a delicious way for your friends to remember your party.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Airplane
Here is a birthday party game for older children that is similar to pin the tail game. They'll love the suspense!
Before the game, cut airplane shapes out of cardboard for each player. Write each person's name on the airplane to avoid any confusion over who wins. Hang a map on the wall and mark "runway" spot somewhere in the middle of it.
At the start of the game, gather the players on the opposite side of the room from the map. Put several obstacles on the floor: wastebaskets, pillows, chairs, etc. (Be sure that the obstacles are not breakable or too small -- so the kids won't trip over them.) Give the children some time to study the placement of the obstacles and the "runway" spot.
Then blindfold the players, give them their airplanes, and get them to move towards the map without touching the obstacles and pin their airplanes as close to the "runway" as they can. Remind the kids to move slowly so they don't get injured.
If a child touches one of the obstacles, it's considered a plane crash and the player is out. If the player pins his plane on "water", it's considered a crash-landing. The player who puts his or her airplane on land close to the "runway" is the winner.
"Airplane" Variations:
*Offer paint, glitter, markers and similar supplies so the kids can decorate their airplanes before the game. If you have extra time, they can create their own "fantasy" map to use for the game.
*To make the game easier, have the kids focus on reaching the map only, without worrying about "landing" their planes on the water surface.
*For extra challenge, you can spin the kids around once or twice before they move in the direction of the map. (Just don't spin them too hard or too long.)
Before the game, cut airplane shapes out of cardboard for each player. Write each person's name on the airplane to avoid any confusion over who wins. Hang a map on the wall and mark "runway" spot somewhere in the middle of it.
At the start of the game, gather the players on the opposite side of the room from the map. Put several obstacles on the floor: wastebaskets, pillows, chairs, etc. (Be sure that the obstacles are not breakable or too small -- so the kids won't trip over them.) Give the children some time to study the placement of the obstacles and the "runway" spot.
Then blindfold the players, give them their airplanes, and get them to move towards the map without touching the obstacles and pin their airplanes as close to the "runway" as they can. Remind the kids to move slowly so they don't get injured.
If a child touches one of the obstacles, it's considered a plane crash and the player is out. If the player pins his plane on "water", it's considered a crash-landing. The player who puts his or her airplane on land close to the "runway" is the winner.
"Airplane" Variations:
*Offer paint, glitter, markers and similar supplies so the kids can decorate their airplanes before the game. If you have extra time, they can create their own "fantasy" map to use for the game.
*To make the game easier, have the kids focus on reaching the map only, without worrying about "landing" their planes on the water surface.
*For extra challenge, you can spin the kids around once or twice before they move in the direction of the map. (Just don't spin them too hard or too long.)
Chain Reaction
Child party games that involve dancing are a lot of fun! Kids will have a great time playing this game.
Before starting the game, choose one player to be "It" and have him leave the room. Pick another player to be the Dance Teacher and get the kids to scatter around the area.
When you start the music, get the Dance Teacher to initiate a dance move while everyone else imitates it. Then you invite the player who is "It" back to try to guess who is leading the dance.
The Dance Teacher must change the moves continuously throughout the song, little by little, without being too obvious that she is the leader. Tell other dancers to be subtle when they follow the Dance Teacher. They should only glance at the leader without staring, or they will give the person away too easily.
When the child who is "It" guesses who the Dance Teacher is, choose other players for the two positions until everyone had a chance to lead and to guess.
"Chain Reaction" Variations:
*To make the game more challenging, have the dancers stand in a circle, while the person who is "It" stands in the middle.
*For a quieter game version, have the kids pretend to be statues, with a game leader making very slight movements with the rest of the group imitating the new pose.
Before starting the game, choose one player to be "It" and have him leave the room. Pick another player to be the Dance Teacher and get the kids to scatter around the area.
When you start the music, get the Dance Teacher to initiate a dance move while everyone else imitates it. Then you invite the player who is "It" back to try to guess who is leading the dance.
The Dance Teacher must change the moves continuously throughout the song, little by little, without being too obvious that she is the leader. Tell other dancers to be subtle when they follow the Dance Teacher. They should only glance at the leader without staring, or they will give the person away too easily.
When the child who is "It" guesses who the Dance Teacher is, choose other players for the two positions until everyone had a chance to lead and to guess.
"Chain Reaction" Variations:
*To make the game more challenging, have the dancers stand in a circle, while the person who is "It" stands in the middle.
*For a quieter game version, have the kids pretend to be statues, with a game leader making very slight movements with the rest of the group imitating the new pose.
Mummy Wrap
This party game is a great icebreaker for children who don't know each other very well.
Split the group into pairs. One person is the "Mummy" and another - the "Mummy Wrapper." Get the Mummy Wrappers to race wrapping their Mummies using rolls of toilet paper as fast as possible.
To win the game, the Mummy Wrapper must wrap his or her partner from head to toe (except for the face). The children will soon discover that the toilet paper will tear, causing delays and do-overs. They will have a lot of fun rushing to be the first to complete the task.
Be sure to have enough toilet paper for the players to trade places, so everyone can have a chance to be "mummified."
"Mummy Wrap" Variation:
*Have the "Best Mummy Contest." Award prizes for the "scariest," "freakiest," or "most silly." You can decorate the room in Halloween style and play scary music in the background.
Split the group into pairs. One person is the "Mummy" and another - the "Mummy Wrapper." Get the Mummy Wrappers to race wrapping their Mummies using rolls of toilet paper as fast as possible.
To win the game, the Mummy Wrapper must wrap his or her partner from head to toe (except for the face). The children will soon discover that the toilet paper will tear, causing delays and do-overs. They will have a lot of fun rushing to be the first to complete the task.
Be sure to have enough toilet paper for the players to trade places, so everyone can have a chance to be "mummified."
"Mummy Wrap" Variation:
*Have the "Best Mummy Contest." Award prizes for the "scariest," "freakiest," or "most silly." You can decorate the room in Halloween style and play scary music in the background.
Copy Cat
If you're looking for indoor party games that allow the kids to copy each other, try this one!
The children sit in a circle. One player starts the game by making a body movement such as wiggling nose, clapping hands, shaking head, shrugging shoulders, etc. The next player must repeat the first player's move and add a new movement. The third player must copy the first two movements in the order they were made, and then add her own movement.
Play continues in this fashion around the circle. If a player can't remember the movement or repeats the movements in the wrong order -- he is out of the game. The last player remaining in the circle, wins.
"Copy Cat" Variations:
*Instead of making body movements, kids can say words, make animal or silly sounds, and so on.
*The first player can start a story, with other kids adding their own lines to the story as they get their turn. There won't be a winner, but the game will still be a lot of fun!
The children sit in a circle. One player starts the game by making a body movement such as wiggling nose, clapping hands, shaking head, shrugging shoulders, etc. The next player must repeat the first player's move and add a new movement. The third player must copy the first two movements in the order they were made, and then add her own movement.
Play continues in this fashion around the circle. If a player can't remember the movement or repeats the movements in the wrong order -- he is out of the game. The last player remaining in the circle, wins.
"Copy Cat" Variations:
*Instead of making body movements, kids can say words, make animal or silly sounds, and so on.
*The first player can start a story, with other kids adding their own lines to the story as they get their turn. There won't be a winner, but the game will still be a lot of fun!
Ha Ha Ha
Some child party games will bring a lot of laughter -- this is definitely one of them.
Have the kids sit or stand in a circle. One of them begins the game by saying "Ha," as solemnly as she can. Then the next player says "Ha, Ha" and the third person says "Ha, Ha, Ha." The game continues with each child adding a "Ha" during his or her turn. All the players in the circle must keep a straight face during the game.
Anyone who smiles or laughs goes out. But now they have a chance to make silly faces and noises trying to get the kids in the circle to laugh. They can make the facial expressions or sounds, but can't touch the other players. The child who keeps a straight face the longest is the winner.
"Ha Ha Ha" Variations:
*For even more fun, you can have the kids lie on the floor with their heads resting on someone else's tummy. It would be difficult for them to keep a straight face when someone has a "belly laugh."
*Have the kids wear funny hats and fake noses. That might make it harder for them to control the urge to laugh.
Have the kids sit or stand in a circle. One of them begins the game by saying "Ha," as solemnly as she can. Then the next player says "Ha, Ha" and the third person says "Ha, Ha, Ha." The game continues with each child adding a "Ha" during his or her turn. All the players in the circle must keep a straight face during the game.
Anyone who smiles or laughs goes out. But now they have a chance to make silly faces and noises trying to get the kids in the circle to laugh. They can make the facial expressions or sounds, but can't touch the other players. The child who keeps a straight face the longest is the winner.
"Ha Ha Ha" Variations:
*For even more fun, you can have the kids lie on the floor with their heads resting on someone else's tummy. It would be difficult for them to keep a straight face when someone has a "belly laugh."
*Have the kids wear funny hats and fake noses. That might make it harder for them to control the urge to laugh.
Snatch!
While the players wait in another room, put several small items on the table. Make sure that the kids don't see the items prior to game's start. (You can arrange the items any way you wish.)
Invite the kids to gather around the table. Have them take a look and remember the items. Next, a chosen player closes her eyes and turns away from the table. Meanwhile, point to another player to snatch one item from the table and hide it from view.
Then the first player opens her eyes. She gets several tries to guess which item was taken and who snatched it. If she doesn't get it right, the culprit confesses and reveals the stolen item.
Put the item back on the table prior to the next round. The player who snatched the item last time closes his eyes and faces away from the group. Pick another person to get the item off the table. Keep playing until everyone had a chance to snatch and guess.
"Snatch!" Variation:
*For older kids, you can place a lot of various items on the table. They will like the bigger challenge to identify the stolen item and to find the culprit.
Invite the kids to gather around the table. Have them take a look and remember the items. Next, a chosen player closes her eyes and turns away from the table. Meanwhile, point to another player to snatch one item from the table and hide it from view.
Then the first player opens her eyes. She gets several tries to guess which item was taken and who snatched it. If she doesn't get it right, the culprit confesses and reveals the stolen item.
Put the item back on the table prior to the next round. The player who snatched the item last time closes his eyes and faces away from the group. Pick another person to get the item off the table. Keep playing until everyone had a chance to snatch and guess.
"Snatch!" Variation:
*For older kids, you can place a lot of various items on the table. They will like the bigger challenge to identify the stolen item and to find the culprit.
Surprise Package
This is one of the party games that requires some preparation. But it's fun and well worth the effort.
For the game, you'll need boxes of various sizes. Before the activity, place a grand prize in the smallest box. Then wrap it with gold gift wrap. Label it "The Grand Prize." Place the gold box inside a larger one.
Then repeat the process until all the boxes have a gift inside, are wrapped and set inside one another. For gifts, it's a good idea to choose generic items that either boys or girls will enjoy. (You can give out small toys, candy, and so on.) You're going to end up with a large box containing smaller boxes (with prizes) inside of it.
The game starts as the kids sit in a circle and pass (or push) the box around while you play music in the background. When you stop the music, the person holding the box opens it and leaves the circle with the gift. (Don't tell the children that there are gifts inside the box.)
The game continues in this manner: you start and stop the music and players leave the circle with their gifts. Soon there will be only 2 children left. The player who opens second-to-last box, takes the gift, and passes the gold box to the remaining child. That kid is the winner, and he or she gets to keep the grand prize!
"Surprise Package" Variations:
*If you have a theme party, have prizes related to the theme. For example, for a pirate party, have eye patches, pirate coloring books, stickers, bandannas, and so forth.
*You can get the kids to close their eyes while they pass the box. They can open their eyes when the music stops to see who got the prize. This can add an extra surprise to the activity.
For the game, you'll need boxes of various sizes. Before the activity, place a grand prize in the smallest box. Then wrap it with gold gift wrap. Label it "The Grand Prize." Place the gold box inside a larger one.
Then repeat the process until all the boxes have a gift inside, are wrapped and set inside one another. For gifts, it's a good idea to choose generic items that either boys or girls will enjoy. (You can give out small toys, candy, and so on.) You're going to end up with a large box containing smaller boxes (with prizes) inside of it.
The game starts as the kids sit in a circle and pass (or push) the box around while you play music in the background. When you stop the music, the person holding the box opens it and leaves the circle with the gift. (Don't tell the children that there are gifts inside the box.)
The game continues in this manner: you start and stop the music and players leave the circle with their gifts. Soon there will be only 2 children left. The player who opens second-to-last box, takes the gift, and passes the gold box to the remaining child. That kid is the winner, and he or she gets to keep the grand prize!
"Surprise Package" Variations:
*If you have a theme party, have prizes related to the theme. For example, for a pirate party, have eye patches, pirate coloring books, stickers, bandannas, and so forth.
*You can get the kids to close their eyes while they pass the box. They can open their eyes when the music stops to see who got the prize. This can add an extra surprise to the activity.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Balloon dare
First, you buy enough balloons so everyone at the party can have one. Then, you write different dares on little pieces of paper, one for every balloon. The dares should be good for the ages group, such as kiss your stuffed animal for little kids and tell someone's dad he's cute for older kids. Then, fold up the paper so its really tiny and put them in the balloons. Set the up as decorations, and tell the kids to pull them down after dinner and tell them to pop them. This could get a little noisy. They all have to do the dare that is written on the piece of paper. This was a big hit at my b-day party!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Funny Birthday Party Idea Hints
You want to have the guests rolling in the aisles and the birthday honoree laughing so hard he or she can't talk. However, you need some funny birthday ideas to get things started. What can you do to make this party a humor-filled event?
Try salting the guest list with actors and comedians who do funny things out of the blue. Having people do something completely off the wall can really catch people off guard and get them laughing. Consider asking them to break into song, tell great jokes or work with another actor to set up entire zany scenes.
Consider pranks, but be careful. A prank that ruins someone's attire or is potentially dangerous, like pulling someone's chair out from under him, is not funny. Pranks like peculiar food or disappearing gifts are much better choices.
Bring back the simple games of childhood and there should be plenty of fun and laughter happening naturally. Simon Says, Red Light, Green Light, Statues and Hide and Seek are all games that should help guests have a fantastic time. For guests who are feeling a bit less energetic, Go Fish, War, Old Maid and other children’s card games are a good option.
Try salting the guest list with actors and comedians who do funny things out of the blue. Having people do something completely off the wall can really catch people off guard and get them laughing. Consider asking them to break into song, tell great jokes or work with another actor to set up entire zany scenes.
Consider pranks, but be careful. A prank that ruins someone's attire or is potentially dangerous, like pulling someone's chair out from under him, is not funny. Pranks like peculiar food or disappearing gifts are much better choices.
Bring back the simple games of childhood and there should be plenty of fun and laughter happening naturally. Simon Says, Red Light, Green Light, Statues and Hide and Seek are all games that should help guests have a fantastic time. For guests who are feeling a bit less energetic, Go Fish, War, Old Maid and other children’s card games are a good option.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Bolt Birthday Party
When planning your next birthday party, use these Bolt party games, activities and Bolt party supplies to help you out --And your kids will think you’re nothing short of a superhero!
Disney has released another blockbuster movie, BOLT and kids are giving it rave reviews!
Bolt the brave and slightly naïve dog , Rhino a fearless hamster and Mittens a spunky streetwise cat… all have what it takes to create a fun-filled and exciting Bolt birthday party theme.
BOLT PARTY SUPPLIES
Our partner Birthday In a Box carries a complete line of Bolt party ware, favors and even personalized items such as a Bolt party banner and invitations.
Build your Bolt party box here and then add the party ideas below to
complete your theme.
BOLT BIRTHDAY PARTY GAMES
when hosting a two hour party for kids, it's customary to prepare 2-3 games and a craft or quiet activity. If you are going to see the Bolt movie and then return home for a celebration, you'll just need to plan one party game, cake and ice cream and time for opening presents.
Rhino Bowling
Of course I would NEVER suggest using Rhino or any real hamster for a bowling game ,
but a toy hamster and a hamster ball can be used for some entertaining party games.
You’ll need:
Three- Ten (it’s your choice) 1 liter empty pop or seltzer bottles
Markers
Tape or glue stick
Masking Tape
Images from the movie – you can print some from the internet or use a coloring book
To make the bowling pins and play the game:
Draw, print or color images from the movie onto sheets of paper. Then wrap the papers around the bottles and secure with tape. When hosting small children, you may only need three pins.
Older guests will be entertained by the challenge of knocking down more pins.
Now, place strips of tape to create your bowling alley and set the pins. Each of the children will take turns knocking down the pins.
Across the Country Scavenger Hunt
Create a “cross country” adventure of danger and intrigue with Bolt, Rhino and Mittens…
With some preparation and a little time this is a very entertaining party activity.
Write and hide clues with a US theme. Each clue will need to another until the kids find their party bags, birthday a cake or prizes to share.
Bolt Meets a Challenge
If you have the space this theme lends itself well to an obstacle course.
For an indoor course consider using pillows, couch cushions, tables and chairs. Can the players be as agile as Bolt the super dog?
Play the movie soundtrack while the kids run the course.
Need a quiet activity?
Coloring sheets
Try printing out coloring sheets or maps for the kids to color.
Dog Tags
Purchase metal dog tags at the craft store and bead collars or necklaces with pony beads.
BIRTHDAY PARTY FOOD AND TREATS
Bolt Party Cupcakes
Create dog paw print cupcakes using chocolate wafer cookies and chocolate mint candies like Junior mints. Or you can decorate the top with a lightning bolt made with yellow decorator frosting.
Serve Dog bone shaped sandwiches and or cookies and send the kids home with a bag of Puppy chow for Humans (not for dogs!)
Disney has released another blockbuster movie, BOLT and kids are giving it rave reviews!
Bolt the brave and slightly naïve dog , Rhino a fearless hamster and Mittens a spunky streetwise cat… all have what it takes to create a fun-filled and exciting Bolt birthday party theme.
BOLT PARTY SUPPLIES
Our partner Birthday In a Box carries a complete line of Bolt party ware, favors and even personalized items such as a Bolt party banner and invitations.
Build your Bolt party box here and then add the party ideas below to
complete your theme.
BOLT BIRTHDAY PARTY GAMES
when hosting a two hour party for kids, it's customary to prepare 2-3 games and a craft or quiet activity. If you are going to see the Bolt movie and then return home for a celebration, you'll just need to plan one party game, cake and ice cream and time for opening presents.
Rhino Bowling
Of course I would NEVER suggest using Rhino or any real hamster for a bowling game ,
but a toy hamster and a hamster ball can be used for some entertaining party games.
You’ll need:
Three- Ten (it’s your choice) 1 liter empty pop or seltzer bottles
Markers
Tape or glue stick
Masking Tape
Images from the movie – you can print some from the internet or use a coloring book
To make the bowling pins and play the game:
Draw, print or color images from the movie onto sheets of paper. Then wrap the papers around the bottles and secure with tape. When hosting small children, you may only need three pins.
Older guests will be entertained by the challenge of knocking down more pins.
Now, place strips of tape to create your bowling alley and set the pins. Each of the children will take turns knocking down the pins.
Across the Country Scavenger Hunt
Create a “cross country” adventure of danger and intrigue with Bolt, Rhino and Mittens…
With some preparation and a little time this is a very entertaining party activity.
Write and hide clues with a US theme. Each clue will need to another until the kids find their party bags, birthday a cake or prizes to share.
Bolt Meets a Challenge
If you have the space this theme lends itself well to an obstacle course.
For an indoor course consider using pillows, couch cushions, tables and chairs. Can the players be as agile as Bolt the super dog?
Play the movie soundtrack while the kids run the course.
Need a quiet activity?
Coloring sheets
Try printing out coloring sheets or maps for the kids to color.
Dog Tags
Purchase metal dog tags at the craft store and bead collars or necklaces with pony beads.
BIRTHDAY PARTY FOOD AND TREATS
Bolt Party Cupcakes
Create dog paw print cupcakes using chocolate wafer cookies and chocolate mint candies like Junior mints. Or you can decorate the top with a lightning bolt made with yellow decorator frosting.
Serve Dog bone shaped sandwiches and or cookies and send the kids home with a bag of Puppy chow for Humans (not for dogs!)
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Pool Party
Colors
Choose a person to be "it". "It" stands on the side of the pool with their back to the other swimmers who are lined up in the water on the same side of the pool as "it". Players choose a color and keep it to themselves. "It" begins to call out colors one at a time. If a players color is called out they must try and make it to the other side of the pool as quietly as they can. If "it" hears them swimming then they can dive into the pool and try and tag a player. If "it" turns around and the players still have a hand on the side of the pool then "it" must take a step away from the edge and start again. If "it" catches a swimmer then the swimmer becomes the new "it".
Octopus
Choose a person to be "it". They stand in the middle of the pool. Players line up on one side of the pool and try and swim to the other side without being tagged. The players who are tagged hold hands with "it" and for the next round all the players holding hands try and tag the swimmers as they try and make it to the other end of the pool. Keep going until all players have been tagged -then choose another "it" and start again. Lots of fun!
Noodle Joust
Select 2 players to sit on a blow up raft in the middle of the pool. Give each one a pool noodle and have them joust with the noodles and try and get each other off the raft. The winner takes on the next player.
Marco Polo
Choose someone to be "it" They close their eyes and try and tag the other players. Whenever "it" calls out "Marco", the players must answer "Polo". If "it" tags a player then that player becomes "it". If you allow players to get out of the pool while playing the game then if "it" calls out "Fish out of water!" and there is someone outside the water then that person becomes "it". If there is more then 1 person outside of the water then "it" gets to choose who takes their place.
Jump or Dive
Players line up on the side of the pool and one person stands away from them in the water. All players must jump into the pool on the word "go". The person in the pool calls out "Jump!" or "Dive" and the players must try and obey the command while in the air. If they do the wrong command they must sit out.
Water Tag
Use a splash ball or large sponge for "it" to tag other players. Throw the ball or sponge and whoever "it" hits becomes the new "it".
Ping Pong Scramble
Players form a large circle in the pool and scramble to collect ping pong balls and place them in their container. Dump a large container of ping pong balls in the middle of the players circle. Whoever collects the most balls wins! Have them collect them in different colored laundry baskets or buckets that are placed on the edge of the pool. Great for individual or team play. Variation: Before the party use a permanent marker to give each ping pong ball a point value. The team with the highest score wins. Or place a small colored dot on each ball in different colors. Teams must only collect the balls with their color.
Soaked Shirt Relay
Fun relay for all ages. Teams line up on one side of the pool. They must put on a large t-shirt and swim to the other side of the pool and back. Then take off the wet shirt and the next player must put it on and swim to the other side of the pool and back. Keep going until all players have completed the task - first team done wins. The shirt is very hard to get on and off while it is wet. Variation: Add other items that the players must put on such as a diving mask, flippers, shorts, bathing cap, nose plugs, pool ring ... etc.
Watermelon Push Relay
Funny relay race for individuals or teams. Players must push a watermelon from one end of the pool to the other without touching the bottom of the pool with their feet.
Water Freeze Tag
Choose a person to be "it". "It" tags players and once tagged the player must freeze where they are. Other players can unfreeze them by swimming under their legs. When all players are tagged then "it" chooses a player to be the new "it".
Water Balloon Toss
Water balloon tosses are even more fun in the pool. Separate players into teams and have them toss water balloons back and forth. Start with players close to each other and after each round have each player step back. If the balloon pops then that team is out. (Be safe -- pick up broken balloon pieces right away and keep away from small children.)
Crazy Catch
Line players up in a single file line. Have an adult stand at the side of the pool (or in the water) and throw a beach ball up so that the players must jump to catch it. Variation: Have the adult call out an animal and the kids must act out that animal while they try and catch the ball. Lots of fun.
S-E-A-H-O-R-S-E
Played just like the basketball game H O R S E only using a water basketball hoop.
Relay Races
Make up fun relay races for 2 teams of players to complete. Players take turns going from one side of the pool to the other doing crazy requests such as:
Swimming backwards
Riding a pool noodle
Walking on their hands
Doing summersaults in the water
Twirling
Crawling on the bottom of the pool
Choose a person to be "it". "It" stands on the side of the pool with their back to the other swimmers who are lined up in the water on the same side of the pool as "it". Players choose a color and keep it to themselves. "It" begins to call out colors one at a time. If a players color is called out they must try and make it to the other side of the pool as quietly as they can. If "it" hears them swimming then they can dive into the pool and try and tag a player. If "it" turns around and the players still have a hand on the side of the pool then "it" must take a step away from the edge and start again. If "it" catches a swimmer then the swimmer becomes the new "it".
Octopus
Choose a person to be "it". They stand in the middle of the pool. Players line up on one side of the pool and try and swim to the other side without being tagged. The players who are tagged hold hands with "it" and for the next round all the players holding hands try and tag the swimmers as they try and make it to the other end of the pool. Keep going until all players have been tagged -then choose another "it" and start again. Lots of fun!
Noodle Joust
Select 2 players to sit on a blow up raft in the middle of the pool. Give each one a pool noodle and have them joust with the noodles and try and get each other off the raft. The winner takes on the next player.
Marco Polo
Choose someone to be "it" They close their eyes and try and tag the other players. Whenever "it" calls out "Marco", the players must answer "Polo". If "it" tags a player then that player becomes "it". If you allow players to get out of the pool while playing the game then if "it" calls out "Fish out of water!" and there is someone outside the water then that person becomes "it". If there is more then 1 person outside of the water then "it" gets to choose who takes their place.
Jump or Dive
Players line up on the side of the pool and one person stands away from them in the water. All players must jump into the pool on the word "go". The person in the pool calls out "Jump!" or "Dive" and the players must try and obey the command while in the air. If they do the wrong command they must sit out.
Water Tag
Use a splash ball or large sponge for "it" to tag other players. Throw the ball or sponge and whoever "it" hits becomes the new "it".
Ping Pong Scramble
Players form a large circle in the pool and scramble to collect ping pong balls and place them in their container. Dump a large container of ping pong balls in the middle of the players circle. Whoever collects the most balls wins! Have them collect them in different colored laundry baskets or buckets that are placed on the edge of the pool. Great for individual or team play. Variation: Before the party use a permanent marker to give each ping pong ball a point value. The team with the highest score wins. Or place a small colored dot on each ball in different colors. Teams must only collect the balls with their color.
Soaked Shirt Relay
Fun relay for all ages. Teams line up on one side of the pool. They must put on a large t-shirt and swim to the other side of the pool and back. Then take off the wet shirt and the next player must put it on and swim to the other side of the pool and back. Keep going until all players have completed the task - first team done wins. The shirt is very hard to get on and off while it is wet. Variation: Add other items that the players must put on such as a diving mask, flippers, shorts, bathing cap, nose plugs, pool ring ... etc.
Watermelon Push Relay
Funny relay race for individuals or teams. Players must push a watermelon from one end of the pool to the other without touching the bottom of the pool with their feet.
Water Freeze Tag
Choose a person to be "it". "It" tags players and once tagged the player must freeze where they are. Other players can unfreeze them by swimming under their legs. When all players are tagged then "it" chooses a player to be the new "it".
Water Balloon Toss
Water balloon tosses are even more fun in the pool. Separate players into teams and have them toss water balloons back and forth. Start with players close to each other and after each round have each player step back. If the balloon pops then that team is out. (Be safe -- pick up broken balloon pieces right away and keep away from small children.)
Crazy Catch
Line players up in a single file line. Have an adult stand at the side of the pool (or in the water) and throw a beach ball up so that the players must jump to catch it. Variation: Have the adult call out an animal and the kids must act out that animal while they try and catch the ball. Lots of fun.
S-E-A-H-O-R-S-E
Played just like the basketball game H O R S E only using a water basketball hoop.
Relay Races
Make up fun relay races for 2 teams of players to complete. Players take turns going from one side of the pool to the other doing crazy requests such as:
Swimming backwards
Riding a pool noodle
Walking on their hands
Doing summersaults in the water
Twirling
Crawling on the bottom of the pool
Monday, March 30, 2009
Coolest Circus Kids Birthday Party Ideas
Get ready for the Greatest Show on Earth with these cool circus and carnival kids birthday party ideas.
Three Ring Circus Supplies
JoJo the Clown Supplies
ShindigZ Circus Supplies
Coolest Circus Party Trinkets
Circus Invitations
The invitations can be 'Admit One' tickets to your circus.
You can cut them out of red or orange construction paper. On the front with a black permanent marker write "Admit One" and on the back write all the needed party information. You can write things like "Ladies and Gentlemen, children of all ages, appearing one day only, (Last Name) Family Circus is in town!! See the amazing Billy as he attempts outrageous stunts such as... turning a year older, consuming impossible amounts of junk food, and of course, the fiery, death defying birthday candle blow!! RSVP to the Ringmaster", "Greatest Show on Earth", "We'll be Clownin' Around!!", etc.
In the envelope you can include an inflatable shoe and write something like "Only you can fill this shoe at Billy's Circus Birthday Party. The other shoe will be waiting for you!"
Another one of those cool kids birthday party ideas for invitations is to blow up a big balloon, write all the party information on it with permanent markers (don't tie the balloon, just close the end in a huge book while you write on it), deflate, put in an envelope and add confetti
Make sure you also check out this excellent printable birthday games collection with over 40 original printable games! (The hardest part is choosing which one to play ;-)
Circus Decorations
There are lots of very cool kids birthday party ideas for decorations. To start off, use lots of colorful balloons and streamers. Once kids arrive have them step up to a kid-sized ticket booth to take their tickets (like this cool Ticket Booth). You can also make your own ticket booth by using PVC pipes. Cut plastic pipes (from a local hardware store - it's pretty cheap) in the lengths that you need and then duck-tape them together when you get home. You can then use poster board to write "Ticket Booth" and decorate with colorful wrapping paper, construction paper, tablecloth, etc. You can wrap the poles with streamers and hang balloons from them.
You can make game booths and snack stands the same way. For instance, a hot-dog stand, lemonade stand, snow cone machine, popcorn stand, cotton candy machine, etc.
You can give out fake money to the kids so that they can "purchase" food on their own. Here's a really nice Popcorn Standee which comes with lots of yellow and white balloons (popcorn) that you can put inside. You can also make your own by taking a big cardboard box (which you can find at appliance and furniture stores), paint with red and white stripes, cut the rim in a zigzag, with big letters write "POPCORN", and put lots of yellow and white balloons inside.
One of the coolest kids birthday paty ideas for this theme is to set up something that looks like a carnival tent. If you don't have a yard, take long streamers and pin one side to the middle of the ceiling and then the other side tape to the walls (about a fourth down from the ceiling). If you do have a yard you can either set up a camping tent which you can decorate with streamers, balloons and flags (put lots of toys inside so that the kids can play with).
Circus Tent - Click to Enlarge Or, with a little more time and effort create the top of a tent that really looks like a circus tent.
For this you will need to purchase a big piece of stretchy fabric (like lycra), a big pole and string. Once you have such a tent up you can set up little tables and chairs for the kids to eat on.
Decorate the whole party area with clown and circus pictures, posters, and clip art. You can even take posters of people, color on their face and write things like "Strong Man", "Bearded Lady", and other such oddities you would find at the circus. You can also blow up a picture of a clown, tape it to cardboard, cut out the face and put on a stand so that the kids can put their faces in the hole and be an instant clown (best for photographs).
For more unique kids birthday party ideas, you can hang paper towel holders with string (connected to both ends) as little trapezes and hang stuffed animals on them. Best if you hang these higher than the kids' height so they won't fool with them. It can also be fun to take bubble wrap and put on the floors of the party area so that when the kids walk they pop bubbles . You can also purchase sheets of shiny mirror paper and hang them on the walls (just like those funky mirrors you look at in carnivals - ones that makes you short, tall, twisted, etc.).
Costumes
Once the kids come you, one of the funnest kids birthday party ideas is to send them to the "face painting" table, where you can have a few people paint on kid's faces (or even better, let the parents get involved and decorate their kid's faces). You can provide pictures of all kinds of simple images (rainbow, balloons, smiley face, animals, etc.) so that they can copy them.
Take a look at lots of our own face painting tips.
You can also have a dress-up area where you can provide kids with clown clothing: oversize shirts and shorts, gloves, suspenders, jumbo glasses, red sponge clown noses, bow ties, clown wigs, etc.
Homemade Clown Costumes Take a look at lots of visitor-submitted clown costumes with photos and how-to tips.
And, finally, here's a complete page with more tips for creating your own homemade clown costume.
Circus Icebreaker Activities
Catch the Bead
Take plastic 9-ounce cups and punch a hole near the tops of each cup. Give each guest a cup, a piece of yarn 30 inches long, and a large round bead. Let the kids decorate their cups with markers and stickers. Show them how to tie the yarn tightly into the hole of the cup and on the other end of the yarn tie a large round bead. The kids then need to jerk and wiggle their cups to make the beads land inside of the cup.
Bubble Mania
This is one of those kids birthday party ideas that's always tons of fun. You can designate a section to be the bubble section. On a small table put out bubble liquid and accessories (you can put fly swatters, little bubble wands, take metal hangers and sculpt them into a circle with a handle, etc.) and let everyone make their own huge bubbles. Here's our very own bubble recipe page for super-sized bubbles!
Balloon Animals
Balloon Making - Click to Enlarge A fun thing to do is blow up lots of long balloons beforehand and put them all in a big empty (and clean) trash can.
Place the balloon can in a corner of the party area. This is where the kids can come with their parents to make balloon animals.
Little booklets with directions to making balloon animals usually come with Balloon animal kits such as this one. Take a look at this page with detailed instructions on making balloon animals.
Party Hat Decorating
Set up a table and place precut cone-shaped paper hats (take large square or rectangular shaped patterned papers and roll them into a cone, staple it to hold and trim the edges so that the brim is even). Then you can give the kids all kinds of things to decorate with, such as markers, glitter, pompoms, etc. After the hat has dried from the decorations seal the seam with tape and staple on an elastic cord to put under the chin.
Clown Faces
Staple together two paper plates - one on top of the other (the top parts facing each other). Cut out triangles beforehand for the clown's hat. Provide kids with markers, glitter, glue, construction paper, yarn or cotton balls for hair, red pompoms or little red balloons for noses, etc. so that they can decorate the plates to look like clown faces (best if you make one first so that they have an idea of how it looks).
Homemade Circus Cakes
Check out the cool Circus theme party cake ideas on coolest-birthday-cakes.com, the Web's largest gallery of homemade birthday cakes. You'll find thousands of cakes submitted by visitors like yourself with photos, how-to tips and even more Circus kids birthday party ideas.
Carousel Cakes
Clown Cakes
Tents
JoJo the Clown
Here are a few more kids birthday party ideas for Circus cakes:
Ferris wheel cake: Bake two round cakes. Leave one of them whole (for the body of the Ferris wheel) and out of the other cut a triangle. Then, put the round cake on a cake board and below it the triangle for the base of the wheel. Frost the whole cake and with licorice make a star shape on the wheel. The baskets will then sit on each of the star's points. Cut the tops of ice cream cones and then cut them in half length-wise. Take each one and press on the sides of the cakes as baskets. You can also stick some gumdrops on each basket to look like little people. Put an Oreo cookie in the middle of the wheel.
Merry-go-round cake: Bake a bundt cake and then frost and place sprinkles on top. Stick a few straws around the cake and have the straws hold a piece of paper (the top of the merry-go-round). Stick a few animal crackers all around the cake.
Clown Face cake: Bake two round cakes. Use one of them as the head of the clown. Cut the other one in half and take one of the halves and place it beneath the clown face (so that the round part is touching the clown face and the straight edge is facing the bottom - this is the clown's collar). Then take the second half and cut a large triangle out of it to put on top of the clown's face (for a hat). Frost the face with vanilla frosting, and frost the hat and collar with a different color frosting. Decorate the face with candies and cookies. For example, use half of Oreo cookies - the half with the cream- for the eyes (put a gumdrop in the middle for the pupils), a big red gumball for the nose and licorice for the mouth, etc. You can then take cotton candy and put on the sides of the head for the clown's hair. Decorate the hat and color with more candies (you can use colorful M&M's, gumdrops, runts, etc.).
Clown faces: You can make little clowns for each kid. On each plate put a big scoop of ice-cream (the color of the ice-cream will be the color of the clown's face). Then top each scoop with a sugar cone (the clown's hat which you can dip in chocolate and sprinkles beforehand). Then use candies for the clown's facial features (for example gumdrops for eyes, red gumballs for noses, licorice or banana runts for a mouth, cotton candy for the hair on the sides, etc.).
You can make your cupcakes look like a bunch of balloons. Take lots of cupcakes and frost them in all kinds of colors. Then arrange them on a large cake board, take ribbon and tape it to the bottom of each cupcake. Pull on the ribbons to one side and then from a top view it will look like lots of balloons with ribbons all tied together.
Circus Party Food and Drink
Kids Birthday Party Ideas for Party Food
For this theme, serve anything you would find at the circus or carnival, such as the following kids birthday party ideas for food:
Hot dogs
Corn dogs
Burgers
Chicken Strips
French Fries
Nachos and cheese
Chili
Corn on the Cob
Peanut Butter and Jelly-phant sandwiches (PB&J) - Cut in different animal shapes with animal cookie cutters.
Clown Face dip - Mix two cups of sour cream with two tablespoons of dry onion soup in a small bowl. Put the dip in the fridge for at least two hours to chill. Then spoon the dip into small round dishes. To turn each little dish into a clown face by adding green olives (the ones with the red inside of them) for the eyes, a cherry tomato for the nose, a happy face with a red pepper slice, and carrot and celery sticks for the clown's collar. Then add pretzel sticks on both sides of the head for hair and a tortilla chip hat. Serve with a platter of vegetables.
Kids Birthday Party Ideas for Party Drinks
Lemonade stand - Here's a good homemade lemonade recipe: In a saucepan combine one and 3/4 cups of white sugar with one cup of water. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Let it cool to room temperature and put in the refrigerator until it's well chilled. Before the party squeeze lemons (you'll need about one and a half cups), retain the pulp and put in a big pitcher. Add the chilled sugar syrup and 7 more cups of water (if you add chilled water you won't need to add so many ice cubes). You can add some mint leaves into the pitcher for a unique taste.
Soda Pop and juice boxes: Take big coolers, add lots of ice and stick in all kinds of sodas and juices so that the kids can choose what they like.
Tip: A day before the party, make colorful ice cubes by putting food coloring in the ice trays. You can also add fun things like gummy worms to the ice cubes (the ice will harden with a gummy worm half frozen inside). When you serve lemonade, or a clear soft-drink like 7-Up or Sprite, drop one of the colorful ice cubes inside and see how the drink's color changes!
Kids Birthday Party Ideas for Party Treats
Churros
Caramel apples
Soft pretzels
Frozen bananas on a popsicle stick (you can cover bananas with things like chocolate, caramel, sprinkles, nuts, rice krispies, etc.)
Peanuts (best with the shells)
Popcorn
Colorful candies (M&M's, skittles, gumdrops, jelly beans, etc.)
Colorful Popsicles
Tip: you can use upside down top hats as containers.
Circus Party Favors
Here are some cool kids birthday party ideas for favors.
You can use "popcorn" bags to hold all of the birthday party favors. Put inside trinkets such as red sponge clown noses, bubbles , plastic animals, crazy straws, mini slinks, card games, mini bouncy balls, pixie sticks, yo-yo's, bags of animal crackers, party horns, stencil rulers, clown and carnival stickers and tattoos, silly putty, paper air planes - Basically any toys you would normally find at a carnival or fair (you can find most of these things at the dollar store!)
Circus Games and Activities
Here's an entire page with the coolest kids birthday party ideas for: Circus and Carnival party games, such as:
Peanut Relay
Musical Clown Noses
Balloon Squish
Clown Relay
Tightrope Walkers
and many more (including visitor-submitted game ideas)...
Three Ring Circus Supplies
JoJo the Clown Supplies
ShindigZ Circus Supplies
Coolest Circus Party Trinkets
Circus Invitations
The invitations can be 'Admit One' tickets to your circus.
You can cut them out of red or orange construction paper. On the front with a black permanent marker write "Admit One" and on the back write all the needed party information. You can write things like "Ladies and Gentlemen, children of all ages, appearing one day only, (Last Name) Family Circus is in town!! See the amazing Billy as he attempts outrageous stunts such as... turning a year older, consuming impossible amounts of junk food, and of course, the fiery, death defying birthday candle blow!! RSVP to the Ringmaster", "Greatest Show on Earth", "We'll be Clownin' Around!!", etc.
In the envelope you can include an inflatable shoe and write something like "Only you can fill this shoe at Billy's Circus Birthday Party. The other shoe will be waiting for you!"
Another one of those cool kids birthday party ideas for invitations is to blow up a big balloon, write all the party information on it with permanent markers (don't tie the balloon, just close the end in a huge book while you write on it), deflate, put in an envelope and add confetti
Make sure you also check out this excellent printable birthday games collection with over 40 original printable games! (The hardest part is choosing which one to play ;-)
Circus Decorations
There are lots of very cool kids birthday party ideas for decorations. To start off, use lots of colorful balloons and streamers. Once kids arrive have them step up to a kid-sized ticket booth to take their tickets (like this cool Ticket Booth). You can also make your own ticket booth by using PVC pipes. Cut plastic pipes (from a local hardware store - it's pretty cheap) in the lengths that you need and then duck-tape them together when you get home. You can then use poster board to write "Ticket Booth" and decorate with colorful wrapping paper, construction paper, tablecloth, etc. You can wrap the poles with streamers and hang balloons from them.
You can make game booths and snack stands the same way. For instance, a hot-dog stand, lemonade stand, snow cone machine, popcorn stand, cotton candy machine, etc.
You can give out fake money to the kids so that they can "purchase" food on their own. Here's a really nice Popcorn Standee which comes with lots of yellow and white balloons (popcorn) that you can put inside. You can also make your own by taking a big cardboard box (which you can find at appliance and furniture stores), paint with red and white stripes, cut the rim in a zigzag, with big letters write "POPCORN", and put lots of yellow and white balloons inside.
One of the coolest kids birthday paty ideas for this theme is to set up something that looks like a carnival tent. If you don't have a yard, take long streamers and pin one side to the middle of the ceiling and then the other side tape to the walls (about a fourth down from the ceiling). If you do have a yard you can either set up a camping tent which you can decorate with streamers, balloons and flags (put lots of toys inside so that the kids can play with).
Circus Tent - Click to Enlarge Or, with a little more time and effort create the top of a tent that really looks like a circus tent.
For this you will need to purchase a big piece of stretchy fabric (like lycra), a big pole and string. Once you have such a tent up you can set up little tables and chairs for the kids to eat on.
Decorate the whole party area with clown and circus pictures, posters, and clip art. You can even take posters of people, color on their face and write things like "Strong Man", "Bearded Lady", and other such oddities you would find at the circus. You can also blow up a picture of a clown, tape it to cardboard, cut out the face and put on a stand so that the kids can put their faces in the hole and be an instant clown (best for photographs).
For more unique kids birthday party ideas, you can hang paper towel holders with string (connected to both ends) as little trapezes and hang stuffed animals on them. Best if you hang these higher than the kids' height so they won't fool with them. It can also be fun to take bubble wrap and put on the floors of the party area so that when the kids walk they pop bubbles . You can also purchase sheets of shiny mirror paper and hang them on the walls (just like those funky mirrors you look at in carnivals - ones that makes you short, tall, twisted, etc.).
Costumes
Once the kids come you, one of the funnest kids birthday party ideas is to send them to the "face painting" table, where you can have a few people paint on kid's faces (or even better, let the parents get involved and decorate their kid's faces). You can provide pictures of all kinds of simple images (rainbow, balloons, smiley face, animals, etc.) so that they can copy them.
Take a look at lots of our own face painting tips.
You can also have a dress-up area where you can provide kids with clown clothing: oversize shirts and shorts, gloves, suspenders, jumbo glasses, red sponge clown noses, bow ties, clown wigs, etc.
Homemade Clown Costumes Take a look at lots of visitor-submitted clown costumes with photos and how-to tips.
And, finally, here's a complete page with more tips for creating your own homemade clown costume.
Circus Icebreaker Activities
Catch the Bead
Take plastic 9-ounce cups and punch a hole near the tops of each cup. Give each guest a cup, a piece of yarn 30 inches long, and a large round bead. Let the kids decorate their cups with markers and stickers. Show them how to tie the yarn tightly into the hole of the cup and on the other end of the yarn tie a large round bead. The kids then need to jerk and wiggle their cups to make the beads land inside of the cup.
Bubble Mania
This is one of those kids birthday party ideas that's always tons of fun. You can designate a section to be the bubble section. On a small table put out bubble liquid and accessories (you can put fly swatters, little bubble wands, take metal hangers and sculpt them into a circle with a handle, etc.) and let everyone make their own huge bubbles. Here's our very own bubble recipe page for super-sized bubbles!
Balloon Animals
Balloon Making - Click to Enlarge A fun thing to do is blow up lots of long balloons beforehand and put them all in a big empty (and clean) trash can.
Place the balloon can in a corner of the party area. This is where the kids can come with their parents to make balloon animals.
Little booklets with directions to making balloon animals usually come with Balloon animal kits such as this one. Take a look at this page with detailed instructions on making balloon animals.
Party Hat Decorating
Set up a table and place precut cone-shaped paper hats (take large square or rectangular shaped patterned papers and roll them into a cone, staple it to hold and trim the edges so that the brim is even). Then you can give the kids all kinds of things to decorate with, such as markers, glitter, pompoms, etc. After the hat has dried from the decorations seal the seam with tape and staple on an elastic cord to put under the chin.
Clown Faces
Staple together two paper plates - one on top of the other (the top parts facing each other). Cut out triangles beforehand for the clown's hat. Provide kids with markers, glitter, glue, construction paper, yarn or cotton balls for hair, red pompoms or little red balloons for noses, etc. so that they can decorate the plates to look like clown faces (best if you make one first so that they have an idea of how it looks).
Homemade Circus Cakes
Check out the cool Circus theme party cake ideas on coolest-birthday-cakes.com, the Web's largest gallery of homemade birthday cakes. You'll find thousands of cakes submitted by visitors like yourself with photos, how-to tips and even more Circus kids birthday party ideas.
Carousel Cakes
Clown Cakes
Tents
JoJo the Clown
Here are a few more kids birthday party ideas for Circus cakes:
Ferris wheel cake: Bake two round cakes. Leave one of them whole (for the body of the Ferris wheel) and out of the other cut a triangle. Then, put the round cake on a cake board and below it the triangle for the base of the wheel. Frost the whole cake and with licorice make a star shape on the wheel. The baskets will then sit on each of the star's points. Cut the tops of ice cream cones and then cut them in half length-wise. Take each one and press on the sides of the cakes as baskets. You can also stick some gumdrops on each basket to look like little people. Put an Oreo cookie in the middle of the wheel.
Merry-go-round cake: Bake a bundt cake and then frost and place sprinkles on top. Stick a few straws around the cake and have the straws hold a piece of paper (the top of the merry-go-round). Stick a few animal crackers all around the cake.
Clown Face cake: Bake two round cakes. Use one of them as the head of the clown. Cut the other one in half and take one of the halves and place it beneath the clown face (so that the round part is touching the clown face and the straight edge is facing the bottom - this is the clown's collar). Then take the second half and cut a large triangle out of it to put on top of the clown's face (for a hat). Frost the face with vanilla frosting, and frost the hat and collar with a different color frosting. Decorate the face with candies and cookies. For example, use half of Oreo cookies - the half with the cream- for the eyes (put a gumdrop in the middle for the pupils), a big red gumball for the nose and licorice for the mouth, etc. You can then take cotton candy and put on the sides of the head for the clown's hair. Decorate the hat and color with more candies (you can use colorful M&M's, gumdrops, runts, etc.).
Clown faces: You can make little clowns for each kid. On each plate put a big scoop of ice-cream (the color of the ice-cream will be the color of the clown's face). Then top each scoop with a sugar cone (the clown's hat which you can dip in chocolate and sprinkles beforehand). Then use candies for the clown's facial features (for example gumdrops for eyes, red gumballs for noses, licorice or banana runts for a mouth, cotton candy for the hair on the sides, etc.).
You can make your cupcakes look like a bunch of balloons. Take lots of cupcakes and frost them in all kinds of colors. Then arrange them on a large cake board, take ribbon and tape it to the bottom of each cupcake. Pull on the ribbons to one side and then from a top view it will look like lots of balloons with ribbons all tied together.
Circus Party Food and Drink
Kids Birthday Party Ideas for Party Food
For this theme, serve anything you would find at the circus or carnival, such as the following kids birthday party ideas for food:
Hot dogs
Corn dogs
Burgers
Chicken Strips
French Fries
Nachos and cheese
Chili
Corn on the Cob
Peanut Butter and Jelly-phant sandwiches (PB&J) - Cut in different animal shapes with animal cookie cutters.
Clown Face dip - Mix two cups of sour cream with two tablespoons of dry onion soup in a small bowl. Put the dip in the fridge for at least two hours to chill. Then spoon the dip into small round dishes. To turn each little dish into a clown face by adding green olives (the ones with the red inside of them) for the eyes, a cherry tomato for the nose, a happy face with a red pepper slice, and carrot and celery sticks for the clown's collar. Then add pretzel sticks on both sides of the head for hair and a tortilla chip hat. Serve with a platter of vegetables.
Kids Birthday Party Ideas for Party Drinks
Lemonade stand - Here's a good homemade lemonade recipe: In a saucepan combine one and 3/4 cups of white sugar with one cup of water. Bring to a boil and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Let it cool to room temperature and put in the refrigerator until it's well chilled. Before the party squeeze lemons (you'll need about one and a half cups), retain the pulp and put in a big pitcher. Add the chilled sugar syrup and 7 more cups of water (if you add chilled water you won't need to add so many ice cubes). You can add some mint leaves into the pitcher for a unique taste.
Soda Pop and juice boxes: Take big coolers, add lots of ice and stick in all kinds of sodas and juices so that the kids can choose what they like.
Tip: A day before the party, make colorful ice cubes by putting food coloring in the ice trays. You can also add fun things like gummy worms to the ice cubes (the ice will harden with a gummy worm half frozen inside). When you serve lemonade, or a clear soft-drink like 7-Up or Sprite, drop one of the colorful ice cubes inside and see how the drink's color changes!
Kids Birthday Party Ideas for Party Treats
Churros
Caramel apples
Soft pretzels
Frozen bananas on a popsicle stick (you can cover bananas with things like chocolate, caramel, sprinkles, nuts, rice krispies, etc.)
Peanuts (best with the shells)
Popcorn
Colorful candies (M&M's, skittles, gumdrops, jelly beans, etc.)
Colorful Popsicles
Tip: you can use upside down top hats as containers.
Circus Party Favors
Here are some cool kids birthday party ideas for favors.
You can use "popcorn" bags to hold all of the birthday party favors. Put inside trinkets such as red sponge clown noses, bubbles , plastic animals, crazy straws, mini slinks, card games, mini bouncy balls, pixie sticks, yo-yo's, bags of animal crackers, party horns, stencil rulers, clown and carnival stickers and tattoos, silly putty, paper air planes - Basically any toys you would normally find at a carnival or fair (you can find most of these things at the dollar store!)
Circus Games and Activities
Here's an entire page with the coolest kids birthday party ideas for: Circus and Carnival party games, such as:
Peanut Relay
Musical Clown Noses
Balloon Squish
Clown Relay
Tightrope Walkers
and many more (including visitor-submitted game ideas)...
Coolest Birthday Game Ideas for a Safari Theme Party
Many of the kid birthday game ideas on this page have been graciously submitted by visitors like yourself. If you've got any cool ideas to add, take a moment and submit them using the form below. You'll be taking part in creating the Web's ultimate kid birthday party resource that's ALWAYS FREE for everyone to enjoy!
If you're throwing a Safari party, here are some of the coolest Safari Party Ideas.
Elephant Race
This one is hilarious! Divide all the kids into two teams, and have them line up. First kid bends at the waist, puts one arm in front of their face like an elephant's trunk, and puts their other hand through their legs toward the person behind them. The next kid bends over, grabs the first kid's "tail" with their "trunk", then extends their "tail" through their legs, and so on until you have two teams of "elephants", lined up and ready to go.
Then have a race (you can do this a couple of times to let other kids be the elephant leader).
Pinata Hunt
Here's another great birthday game... You can have the kids dress in their safari khakis, including pith helmets and binoculars, and go out on a hunting expedition to find candy-filled Lions or Zebras hanging from the branches...
Animal Charades
Have the kids prepare animal index cards during the icebreaker activities and use them for this game. Each kid gets a turn to pick a card. Then they must act out their creature (no words are allowed, but animal noises are encouraged) until the others shout out the animal and then everyone has to act out the same animal together. Get the adults to play this one. This party activity usually produces lots of laughs (and other interesting noises…)
Giraffe Stretch
For this birthday game, pair up the kids. Give them a doughnut on a string and have one of them tie it around their waist so it hangs down reaching somewhere around their knees. Have their counterpart lie face up just beneath the hanging doughnut. Now, with only crouching and stretching (and no hands allowed) lets see who finishes the doughnut first. You can also have the doughnut hanging from a branch so that the kids have to stand on their tiptoes to reach it.
Unshelled Peanut Hunt
Hide many unshelled peanuts all around your house and yard and tell the kids that they all are elephants who are looking for their peanuts. Give each kid a bucket or cup for the peanuts and have them walk around with their hands dangling like trunks. The winner is the elephant with the most peanuts and best posture, but it's not over yet… The next game is a continuation of this one...
Peanut Eating Contest
The winner of the last game is the one with the most peanuts. Now, have the kids place the peanuts on the ground (or a table) in front of them and without using their hands, let's see who can peel and eat all their peanuts and finish first. Usually here, the kid who found the least peanuts in the last game is has the most chances to win this game.
Guess Your Animal Game
Tape a paper with a picture or name of an animal on the kids' (and parents') back. The kids have to ask questions until they find out what their animal is.
Roaring Contest
This birthday game is pretty simple and if the kids get into it, it's lots of fun. Each kid roars his best lion roar and the best roars win awards (one for loudest, one for most scary, most original, etc.).
Animal Jell-O Eating Contest
This contest gives the kids a way to show their animal instincts!! Make a bowl of Jell-O for each kid. Label each bowl with a wild animal, such as a lion, tiger, hippo, rhino, zebra, giraffe, etc. Lay a protective covering on the ground (or have this contest outside because it gets REAL messy!) and line the bowls up. Throughout the game, each kid must keep their hands on the ground beside their bowl. When the command is given to start, all contestants start eating their Jell-O without using their hands. The first animal to clean his or her bowl wins!
If you're throwing a Safari party, here are some of the coolest Safari Party Ideas.
Elephant Race
This one is hilarious! Divide all the kids into two teams, and have them line up. First kid bends at the waist, puts one arm in front of their face like an elephant's trunk, and puts their other hand through their legs toward the person behind them. The next kid bends over, grabs the first kid's "tail" with their "trunk", then extends their "tail" through their legs, and so on until you have two teams of "elephants", lined up and ready to go.
Then have a race (you can do this a couple of times to let other kids be the elephant leader).
Pinata Hunt
Here's another great birthday game... You can have the kids dress in their safari khakis, including pith helmets and binoculars, and go out on a hunting expedition to find candy-filled Lions or Zebras hanging from the branches...
Animal Charades
Have the kids prepare animal index cards during the icebreaker activities and use them for this game. Each kid gets a turn to pick a card. Then they must act out their creature (no words are allowed, but animal noises are encouraged) until the others shout out the animal and then everyone has to act out the same animal together. Get the adults to play this one. This party activity usually produces lots of laughs (and other interesting noises…)
Giraffe Stretch
For this birthday game, pair up the kids. Give them a doughnut on a string and have one of them tie it around their waist so it hangs down reaching somewhere around their knees. Have their counterpart lie face up just beneath the hanging doughnut. Now, with only crouching and stretching (and no hands allowed) lets see who finishes the doughnut first. You can also have the doughnut hanging from a branch so that the kids have to stand on their tiptoes to reach it.
Unshelled Peanut Hunt
Hide many unshelled peanuts all around your house and yard and tell the kids that they all are elephants who are looking for their peanuts. Give each kid a bucket or cup for the peanuts and have them walk around with their hands dangling like trunks. The winner is the elephant with the most peanuts and best posture, but it's not over yet… The next game is a continuation of this one...
Peanut Eating Contest
The winner of the last game is the one with the most peanuts. Now, have the kids place the peanuts on the ground (or a table) in front of them and without using their hands, let's see who can peel and eat all their peanuts and finish first. Usually here, the kid who found the least peanuts in the last game is has the most chances to win this game.
Guess Your Animal Game
Tape a paper with a picture or name of an animal on the kids' (and parents') back. The kids have to ask questions until they find out what their animal is.
Roaring Contest
This birthday game is pretty simple and if the kids get into it, it's lots of fun. Each kid roars his best lion roar and the best roars win awards (one for loudest, one for most scary, most original, etc.).
Animal Jell-O Eating Contest
This contest gives the kids a way to show their animal instincts!! Make a bowl of Jell-O for each kid. Label each bowl with a wild animal, such as a lion, tiger, hippo, rhino, zebra, giraffe, etc. Lay a protective covering on the ground (or have this contest outside because it gets REAL messy!) and line the bowls up. Throughout the game, each kid must keep their hands on the ground beside their bowl. When the command is given to start, all contestants start eating their Jell-O without using their hands. The first animal to clean his or her bowl wins!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The Harry Potter Party
The Harry Potter Party, complete with several different choices of Quidditch games, is designed for Harry Potter lovers age 8 through 11 in 3rd through 6th grade, with game choices based on their age.
And they DON'T have to be Potter fanatics to LOVE the games!
They can participate in various Hogwart's rituals, scoring point for their House, be it Ravenclaw, Griffindor or Hufflepuff- no one wants to be in Slytherin! The kids have to take their chances with the Sorting Hat, draw on their knowledge of Harry Potter lore (limited to Book 1 for this age group), make potions and cast spells, and of course, play Quidditch. Plus, a mystery to solve at the end of the party.
They have a WONDERFUL time doing this! Before I give you the full-blown description of the actual Harry Potter Party games, here are the
Quick Facts- so you know exactly what's involved
Preparation is a bit more involved than my other parties- about 3-4 hours to create your Hogwart's (depending which games you chose to include in your party)
they DON'T need to be Potter fanatics to have a great time
best for 10 and 20 children for 2 teams of 5 to 10 kids each
it will run between 1 and 2 hours, plus cake and ice cream or any other food you intend to serve, depending which games you choose and how many kids.
The Harry Potter Party is for both inside or outside play so you can plan it for outdoors but still be O.K. if it rains!
They love it- mine sure did! With all the Harry Potter hype out there- you know they'll be all excited and ready to have a super time at your Harry Potter Party!
Enter the Magical World of Hogwarts First Year
Muggles No More!
Greet your guests with a Hogwarts banner as they enter the World of Wizardry at your Harry Potter Party. And just like Harry, they need their Wizarding supplies. So start the transformation of these Muggles in Diagon Alley with a craft project that will actually be used later in the party.
Based on Styrofoam forms available at your local craft store, just give them a table or the floor, glue and/or pins and assorted items for decoration (all outlined in the instructions) and they'll turn themselves into Wizards-in-training!
Hogwarts Rituals
Hogwarts greets their first year students with a traditional feast of roast pig and roast beef and on and on and on....Your first year kids only need a little snack after their arrival. But it's a snack that is magic itself- and it begins the mystery they will solve at the end of your party. And just like Harry et al, while they dine their fate is determined by the Sorting Hat, and the team competition between the Hogwarts Houses begins. You'll receive complete instructions for this magic snack- very easy.
Now, it's time to test the Wizarding abilities of these recruits. For the younger set, a game of floor Concentration with images from the story. Making the images full page size and placing everything on the floor makes the spatial challenge just a little more difficult for your wizards. The older kids can play Jeopardy with progressively more difficult Potter trivia, and earn points for their Houses in both games. All game pieces for both games are included- just print them out
It's Time for Class
Start in Professor Snape's potions class. I've scoured the web for the best kitchen chemistry, and aside from the usual Slime and levitating raisins- both good fun- I've found one that really should amaze them. All directions are included.
Professor McGonagall's Transfiguration class is next- a k a Charades with a Spell-making twist. It may sound simple, but it's challenging enough for the older end of the party's age spectrum yet the younger ones can do it at their level too.
Quidditch
No Harry Potter Party would be complete without it- but I've only seen outdoor, backyard versions- so I've devised two different indoor Quidditch games for your wizards.
Both utilize the craft project the kids made at the beginning of your party and other NON-DAMAGING, readily attainable equipment. One requires a bigger space than the other: basements, garages, even rec or living rooms (with valuable breakables removed) will work just fine. And there's an outdoor version included if that's your plan.
Mystery Finale
When Quidditch has played itself out and the game score has been tallied, the Owl Express delivers “You Know Who's” curse and starts the mystery rolling. After collecting well hidden clues, the first team to solve the puzzle wins big points for their House.
Compute the House scores for all the games, and serve your birthday cake and ice cream. No need to make a big deal out of who won and who didn't- they've all had a great time!
The Invitation that gets them all excited
All done in the requisite emerald green ink, delivered by Hedwig, and including their "ticket" for the Hogwart's Express on Track 9 3/4. The kids will start talking about your Harry Potter party the minute they get this, and all the curiosity gets them ready to participate and be part of the group when they arrive.
And they DON'T have to be Potter fanatics to LOVE the games!
They can participate in various Hogwart's rituals, scoring point for their House, be it Ravenclaw, Griffindor or Hufflepuff- no one wants to be in Slytherin! The kids have to take their chances with the Sorting Hat, draw on their knowledge of Harry Potter lore (limited to Book 1 for this age group), make potions and cast spells, and of course, play Quidditch. Plus, a mystery to solve at the end of the party.
They have a WONDERFUL time doing this! Before I give you the full-blown description of the actual Harry Potter Party games, here are the
Quick Facts- so you know exactly what's involved
Preparation is a bit more involved than my other parties- about 3-4 hours to create your Hogwart's (depending which games you chose to include in your party)
they DON'T need to be Potter fanatics to have a great time
best for 10 and 20 children for 2 teams of 5 to 10 kids each
it will run between 1 and 2 hours, plus cake and ice cream or any other food you intend to serve, depending which games you choose and how many kids.
The Harry Potter Party is for both inside or outside play so you can plan it for outdoors but still be O.K. if it rains!
They love it- mine sure did! With all the Harry Potter hype out there- you know they'll be all excited and ready to have a super time at your Harry Potter Party!
Enter the Magical World of Hogwarts First Year
Muggles No More!
Greet your guests with a Hogwarts banner as they enter the World of Wizardry at your Harry Potter Party. And just like Harry, they need their Wizarding supplies. So start the transformation of these Muggles in Diagon Alley with a craft project that will actually be used later in the party.
Based on Styrofoam forms available at your local craft store, just give them a table or the floor, glue and/or pins and assorted items for decoration (all outlined in the instructions) and they'll turn themselves into Wizards-in-training!
Hogwarts Rituals
Hogwarts greets their first year students with a traditional feast of roast pig and roast beef and on and on and on....Your first year kids only need a little snack after their arrival. But it's a snack that is magic itself- and it begins the mystery they will solve at the end of your party. And just like Harry et al, while they dine their fate is determined by the Sorting Hat, and the team competition between the Hogwarts Houses begins. You'll receive complete instructions for this magic snack- very easy.
Now, it's time to test the Wizarding abilities of these recruits. For the younger set, a game of floor Concentration with images from the story. Making the images full page size and placing everything on the floor makes the spatial challenge just a little more difficult for your wizards. The older kids can play Jeopardy with progressively more difficult Potter trivia, and earn points for their Houses in both games. All game pieces for both games are included- just print them out
It's Time for Class
Start in Professor Snape's potions class. I've scoured the web for the best kitchen chemistry, and aside from the usual Slime and levitating raisins- both good fun- I've found one that really should amaze them. All directions are included.
Professor McGonagall's Transfiguration class is next- a k a Charades with a Spell-making twist. It may sound simple, but it's challenging enough for the older end of the party's age spectrum yet the younger ones can do it at their level too.
Quidditch
No Harry Potter Party would be complete without it- but I've only seen outdoor, backyard versions- so I've devised two different indoor Quidditch games for your wizards.
Both utilize the craft project the kids made at the beginning of your party and other NON-DAMAGING, readily attainable equipment. One requires a bigger space than the other: basements, garages, even rec or living rooms (with valuable breakables removed) will work just fine. And there's an outdoor version included if that's your plan.
Mystery Finale
When Quidditch has played itself out and the game score has been tallied, the Owl Express delivers “You Know Who's” curse and starts the mystery rolling. After collecting well hidden clues, the first team to solve the puzzle wins big points for their House.
Compute the House scores for all the games, and serve your birthday cake and ice cream. No need to make a big deal out of who won and who didn't- they've all had a great time!
The Invitation that gets them all excited
All done in the requisite emerald green ink, delivered by Hedwig, and including their "ticket" for the Hogwart's Express on Track 9 3/4. The kids will start talking about your Harry Potter party the minute they get this, and all the curiosity gets them ready to participate and be part of the group when they arrive.
Activity Centers
Activity centers consist of simple activities that are setup ahead of time and are available to the children throughout the party. Children can visit the activity centers between the organized group activities.
Activity centers can be designed for individual children, small groups, or all the children at once, if you have a manageable number of guests. Activity centers can be supervised by an adult or be self-serve.
Activity centers most often consist of simple games or arts & crafts. I purchased some inexpensive games, such as a foam dart board, a bean bag toss, a ring toss, and giant bubble wands that I use year-after-year and customize to the party theme by adding stickers. You can setup other simple games, such as a coin toss (coins into jars or pie pans) or ball toss (balls into buckets, baskets or hoops) using supplies you probably already have.
I also setup an activity center with coloring books and crayons, maze and word search books, and a few small puzzles.
Activity centers can be designed for individual children, small groups, or all the children at once, if you have a manageable number of guests. Activity centers can be supervised by an adult or be self-serve.
Activity centers most often consist of simple games or arts & crafts. I purchased some inexpensive games, such as a foam dart board, a bean bag toss, a ring toss, and giant bubble wands that I use year-after-year and customize to the party theme by adding stickers. You can setup other simple games, such as a coin toss (coins into jars or pie pans) or ball toss (balls into buckets, baskets or hoops) using supplies you probably already have.
I also setup an activity center with coloring books and crayons, maze and word search books, and a few small puzzles.
Arrival Activities
Simple Arrival Activities, such as making and decorating name tags, gift bags, or party hats, are a good way for children to transition into the party. Provide plain name tags, favor bags, or party hats and a supply of markers, stickers and ribbons. Have an adult available to provide guidance, such as "be sure to write your name on your favor bag".
You can also have arriving children draw on or sign a big Happy Birthday card for your child. Write "Happy 7th Birthday, Jason" (inserting the appropriate age and name for your child, of course) in colorful letters on poster board and then have the children add their names and artwork.
Another fun arrival activity is a "guess how many" jar. Fill a clear glass or plastic jar (with a secure lid) with a known quantity (yes, you have to count them!) of candy, marbles, pennies, tiny toy cars or some other item that ties in with the theme of your party. Decorate the jar and lid with stickers and a bow and place on the arrival activity table. Provide slips of paper for guests to write their names and their "guess" and a small basket or box to collect the entries. At the end of the party award the jar of goodies to the child with the closest guess.
You can also have arriving children draw on or sign a big Happy Birthday card for your child. Write "Happy 7th Birthday, Jason" (inserting the appropriate age and name for your child, of course) in colorful letters on poster board and then have the children add their names and artwork.
Another fun arrival activity is a "guess how many" jar. Fill a clear glass or plastic jar (with a secure lid) with a known quantity (yes, you have to count them!) of candy, marbles, pennies, tiny toy cars or some other item that ties in with the theme of your party. Decorate the jar and lid with stickers and a bow and place on the arrival activity table. Provide slips of paper for guests to write their names and their "guess" and a small basket or box to collect the entries. At the end of the party award the jar of goodies to the child with the closest guess.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Groovy T-Shirt Cake
RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
1 box white or yellow cake mix
2/3 cup multicolored sprinkles (we used Betty Crocker Parlor Perfect Confetti Sprinkles)
Betty Crocker Easy Color Decorating Spray in blue, yellow, and red
2 1/2 cups white frosting
1. Prepare the cake batter according to the directions on the box. Stir the sprinkles into the finished batter and bake as directed in a 13- by 9- by 2-inch pan.
2. Allow the cake to cool completely. Remove the cake from the pan, cut and arrange it as shown above, then frost it entirely.
3. Cover your work area and then, following the directions on the decorating-spray bottle, spray blue circles on the cake. Next, spray yellow rings around the blue circles. Finish decorating the cake by covering the rest of the white frosting with the red decorating spray.
4. Don't forget to decorate the sides too. Makes 16 servings.
1 box white or yellow cake mix
2/3 cup multicolored sprinkles (we used Betty Crocker Parlor Perfect Confetti Sprinkles)
Betty Crocker Easy Color Decorating Spray in blue, yellow, and red
2 1/2 cups white frosting
1. Prepare the cake batter according to the directions on the box. Stir the sprinkles into the finished batter and bake as directed in a 13- by 9- by 2-inch pan.
2. Allow the cake to cool completely. Remove the cake from the pan, cut and arrange it as shown above, then frost it entirely.
3. Cover your work area and then, following the directions on the decorating-spray bottle, spray blue circles on the cake. Next, spray yellow rings around the blue circles. Finish decorating the cake by covering the rest of the white frosting with the red decorating spray.
4. Don't forget to decorate the sides too. Makes 16 servings.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Birthday Dinner Decor: Make it Personal
Though a restaurant may seem like an impersonal setting for a birthday, there are many things you can do to make it an intimate and personal experience.
Photoscape
Restaurants can sometimes be impersonal for a birthday party, but we do have a few ways to make this event something quite personal:
Create a black and white photoscape on the table. Include pictures of the birthday guy or girl at various times throughout his or her life.
Print the photos out in black and white and frame them or place them in an elevated table number holder so everyone can get a good view.
Extra points if you can get pictures which also incorporate your guests.
Menus and Placecards
For added intimacy, consider these personal touches:
Individual menus
Place cards for the guests
A seating plan ahead of time.
Be sure to place close family and friends nearest to the birthday person at the head of the table.
Floral Arrangements
Make the evening special, and there's no better way to achieve this than by using flowers.
Find out what the guest of honor's favorite flowers are, and buy them in bulk to place in a few low vases across the long table.
If he or she doesn't have a favorite type of flower, simply choose flowers in their favorite color.
Photoscape
Restaurants can sometimes be impersonal for a birthday party, but we do have a few ways to make this event something quite personal:
Create a black and white photoscape on the table. Include pictures of the birthday guy or girl at various times throughout his or her life.
Print the photos out in black and white and frame them or place them in an elevated table number holder so everyone can get a good view.
Extra points if you can get pictures which also incorporate your guests.
Menus and Placecards
For added intimacy, consider these personal touches:
Individual menus
Place cards for the guests
A seating plan ahead of time.
Be sure to place close family and friends nearest to the birthday person at the head of the table.
Floral Arrangements
Make the evening special, and there's no better way to achieve this than by using flowers.
Find out what the guest of honor's favorite flowers are, and buy them in bulk to place in a few low vases across the long table.
If he or she doesn't have a favorite type of flower, simply choose flowers in their favorite color.
Birthday Dinner Party:Privacy and Personalization
The biggest drawback to having a party at a restaurant is the difficulty in making it a personal experience.
Here are a few great ways to personalize a birthday dinner at a restaurant:
See if the restaurant has a banquet room or a large table to the side that will provide some degree of separation from the rest of the venue.
Coordinate with the manager to make sure the restaurant will allow you to add personal touches like placecards to the table.
Here are a few great ways to personalize a birthday dinner at a restaurant:
See if the restaurant has a banquet room or a large table to the side that will provide some degree of separation from the rest of the venue.
Coordinate with the manager to make sure the restaurant will allow you to add personal touches like placecards to the table.
Birthday Dinner Party: Pick a Great Restaurant
Consider ambiance, food type, and when to make reservations when looking for a restaurant to host a birthday party dinner.
Ambiance
Based on the type of event you have in mind, make sure to consider the atmosphere of the restaurant you book.
Ask yourself if you're looking for something that's:
Lively and upbeat with music and lots of chatter
Quiet, relaxing and intimate
New and hard to get into
An old favorite
The Type of Food
Choose a restaurant for dinner based on the birthday person's taste. To ensure you encompass all their favorite things, consider:
Indian? Italian? Mexican? French? Make sure you pick a restaurant that serves the guest of honor's favorite food.
Booking the Reservation
Make sure to book the reservation at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, particularly for groups of 6 or more.
This will ensure that you get to celebrate at your restaurant of choice and that the staff will have plenty of time to help you organize and prepare for the big occassion.
For greater ease, you can make your reservation online at OpenTable.com!
Ambiance
Based on the type of event you have in mind, make sure to consider the atmosphere of the restaurant you book.
Ask yourself if you're looking for something that's:
Lively and upbeat with music and lots of chatter
Quiet, relaxing and intimate
New and hard to get into
An old favorite
The Type of Food
Choose a restaurant for dinner based on the birthday person's taste. To ensure you encompass all their favorite things, consider:
Indian? Italian? Mexican? French? Make sure you pick a restaurant that serves the guest of honor's favorite food.
Booking the Reservation
Make sure to book the reservation at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, particularly for groups of 6 or more.
This will ensure that you get to celebrate at your restaurant of choice and that the staff will have plenty of time to help you organize and prepare for the big occassion.
For greater ease, you can make your reservation online at OpenTable.com!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Best Birthday
Best Birthday
It’s your birthday...
and I’m thinking how glad I am
that you were born.
You have given me so much--
supported me, encouraged me,
cared for me; I didn't even need to ask.
I celebrate your wonderful self!
I am in awe of your boundless generosity,
your infinite kindness--that gentle inner glow
that you so freely use to warm my life.
Your birthday is as much a celebration for me
as it is for you, maybe more,
and I wish for you the best of birthdays,
the best one ever.
May each birthday be better than the last.
Most of all, I hope you will always be
As happy as you have made me.
By Joanna Fuchs
It’s your birthday...
and I’m thinking how glad I am
that you were born.
You have given me so much--
supported me, encouraged me,
cared for me; I didn't even need to ask.
I celebrate your wonderful self!
I am in awe of your boundless generosity,
your infinite kindness--that gentle inner glow
that you so freely use to warm my life.
Your birthday is as much a celebration for me
as it is for you, maybe more,
and I wish for you the best of birthdays,
the best one ever.
May each birthday be better than the last.
Most of all, I hope you will always be
As happy as you have made me.
By Joanna Fuchs
Happy Birthday, Old Friend
This birthday poem is designed for one older man to send to another. I said to Karl, "Honey," women send most of the cards, and the age factor really limits the audience for this poem." Here it is anyway, for those of you to whom it applies.
Happy Birthday, Old Friend
Congratulations to you, my old friend,
Birthday wishes to you, I do send.
You look good for your age, I could say,
But you look good to me any day.
When I look in the mirror, I sigh,
'Cause I know the mirror doesn't lie.
You're aging like me, so you surely can see
That you're getting to be an old guy.
By Karl Fuchs
Happy Birthday, Old Friend
Congratulations to you, my old friend,
Birthday wishes to you, I do send.
You look good for your age, I could say,
But you look good to me any day.
When I look in the mirror, I sigh,
'Cause I know the mirror doesn't lie.
You're aging like me, so you surely can see
That you're getting to be an old guy.
By Karl Fuchs
I Celebrate You
I Celebrate You
On your birthday, I celebrate you!
On your special day,
I’m thinking of all the wonderful things you are
that bring so much joy to others, including me!
I celebrate your unconquerable spirit,
that lets you meet every challenge
with confidence, enthusiasm and persistence.
I admire your sensitivity.
You see needs that cry out to be met
that no one else sees,
and you meet them,
out of your deep and caring heart,
out of your wisdom,
out of your strength.
I treasure your uniqueness;
There is no one else like you,
and I feel blessed to know
such an extraordinary person.
I appreciate you, respect you,
cherish you, look up to you.
Happy, happy birthday!
May each new birthday
be the best one ever for you;
You deserve it!
By Joanna Fuchs
On your birthday, I celebrate you!
On your special day,
I’m thinking of all the wonderful things you are
that bring so much joy to others, including me!
I celebrate your unconquerable spirit,
that lets you meet every challenge
with confidence, enthusiasm and persistence.
I admire your sensitivity.
You see needs that cry out to be met
that no one else sees,
and you meet them,
out of your deep and caring heart,
out of your wisdom,
out of your strength.
I treasure your uniqueness;
There is no one else like you,
and I feel blessed to know
such an extraordinary person.
I appreciate you, respect you,
cherish you, look up to you.
Happy, happy birthday!
May each new birthday
be the best one ever for you;
You deserve it!
By Joanna Fuchs
Birthday Thanks
Birthday Thanks
Another year has come and gone;
The sands of time keep trickling away.
Your birthday reminds me to let you know
I'm thankful for you each and every day.
By Karl Fuchs
Another year has come and gone;
The sands of time keep trickling away.
Your birthday reminds me to let you know
I'm thankful for you each and every day.
By Karl Fuchs
Birthday Dream
Birthday Dream
Birthdays are happy events,
Times when dreams come true.
So dream a good dream (and let someone know!),
It just might work for you!
Have a happy celebration
One you’ll always recall,
And be aware on this day of days,
You’re the most special person of all!
By Karl Fuchs
Birthdays are happy events,
Times when dreams come true.
So dream a good dream (and let someone know!),
It just might work for you!
Have a happy celebration
One you’ll always recall,
And be aware on this day of days,
You’re the most special person of all!
By Karl Fuchs
When Your Birthday Rolls Around
When Your Birthday Rolls Around
Because you mean so much to me,
I celebrate your birth.
Sharing time and space with you,
Rings my bell for all it’s worth.
Whenever your birthday rolls around,
I contemplate once more,
How happy I am that you were born;
The thought makes my heart soar.
I wish your birthdays happened more,
So I could let you know,
How very much you mean to me,
And so I could let it show!
Dear mom/dad/sister/brother/friend/uncle/aunt, Happy Birthday!
By Karl Fuchs
Because you mean so much to me,
I celebrate your birth.
Sharing time and space with you,
Rings my bell for all it’s worth.
Whenever your birthday rolls around,
I contemplate once more,
How happy I am that you were born;
The thought makes my heart soar.
I wish your birthdays happened more,
So I could let you know,
How very much you mean to me,
And so I could let it show!
Dear mom/dad/sister/brother/friend/uncle/aunt, Happy Birthday!
By Karl Fuchs
The Big Five-Oh
The Big Five-Oh
So you are finally fifty;
Happy birthday on the big Five-Oh.
I guess you could fill a great big book
With everything you know.
A whole half century of living
Is nothing to sneeze about,
So if you're a little patched and worn,
Don't you dare frown or pout.
Ignore things that make you feel old;
It's really great to be fifty.
You're smart, attractive and good company,
And I still think you're nifty!
By Joanna Fuchs
So you are finally fifty;
Happy birthday on the big Five-Oh.
I guess you could fill a great big book
With everything you know.
A whole half century of living
Is nothing to sneeze about,
So if you're a little patched and worn,
Don't you dare frown or pout.
Ignore things that make you feel old;
It's really great to be fifty.
You're smart, attractive and good company,
And I still think you're nifty!
By Joanna Fuchs
Baby's First Birthday
Baby's First Birthday
It's your first birthday, baby,
One candle on your cake;
Proud parents stare in wonder
At each new move you make.
We join in celebration,
As this special date arrives,
For baby has brought pleasure
Into all our lives.
We look forward now to seeing
How you progress and grow,
From the cute and tiny infant
You were one year ago.
So dig into your icing;
Enjoy your presents, too.
The reason for this day
Is a special person--you!
By Joanna Fuchs
It's your first birthday, baby,
One candle on your cake;
Proud parents stare in wonder
At each new move you make.
We join in celebration,
As this special date arrives,
For baby has brought pleasure
Into all our lives.
We look forward now to seeing
How you progress and grow,
From the cute and tiny infant
You were one year ago.
So dig into your icing;
Enjoy your presents, too.
The reason for this day
Is a special person--you!
By Joanna Fuchs
Birthday Happiness
Birthday Happiness
As we observe your birthday now,
Your cake and gifts don't matter much.
These common things aren't really you,
Ribbons, paper hats and such.
We celebrate a person who
Brings happiness to everyone,
Someone who gives more than she gets,
And fills our lives with joy and fun.
So Happy Birthday, and many more!
We hope you make it to a hundred and two,
Because we cannot even dream
What life would be like without you.
By Joanna Fuchs
As we observe your birthday now,
Your cake and gifts don't matter much.
These common things aren't really you,
Ribbons, paper hats and such.
We celebrate a person who
Brings happiness to everyone,
Someone who gives more than she gets,
And fills our lives with joy and fun.
So Happy Birthday, and many more!
We hope you make it to a hundred and two,
Because we cannot even dream
What life would be like without you.
By Joanna Fuchs
Happily Ever After
Happily Ever After
On your birthday, special one,
I wish that all your dreams come true.
May your day be filled with joy,
Wonderful gifts and goodies, too.
On your day I wish for you
Favorite people to embrace,
Loving smiles and caring looks
That earthly gifts cannot replace.
I wish you fine and simple pleasures.
I wish you many years of laughter.
I wish you all of life’s best treasures.
I wish you happily ever after!
Happy Birthday!
By Joanna Fuchs
On your birthday, special one,
I wish that all your dreams come true.
May your day be filled with joy,
Wonderful gifts and goodies, too.
On your day I wish for you
Favorite people to embrace,
Loving smiles and caring looks
That earthly gifts cannot replace.
I wish you fine and simple pleasures.
I wish you many years of laughter.
I wish you all of life’s best treasures.
I wish you happily ever after!
Happy Birthday!
By Joanna Fuchs
Birthday Poem For Brother
Birthday Poem For Brother
I'm fortunate, and I'm glad
I got you for my brother;
Even if I had the chance,
I wouldn't pick another.
I'm happy you're in my life;
You're my winner, come what may.
May your birthday wishes come true
On your very special day.
By Joanna Fuchs
I'm fortunate, and I'm glad
I got you for my brother;
Even if I had the chance,
I wouldn't pick another.
I'm happy you're in my life;
You're my winner, come what may.
May your birthday wishes come true
On your very special day.
By Joanna Fuchs
For (Name), on Her Birthday
For (Name), on Her Birthday
It's your birthday, but we got the gift...
a gentle, sweet, beautiful daughter
who is always a pleasure to be with.
You glow with sensitivity and compassion
generated from the depths
of your warm heart and and kind soul.
A loving mom, a peacemaker,
a woman full of the joy of life,
that's you.
Anyone who spends time with you
is privileged to know
such an extraordinary person.
You are a great joy in our lives.
We love you and cherish you and treasure you
and wish that every one of your birthdays
will be the happiest yet.
By Joanna Fuchs
It's your birthday, but we got the gift...
a gentle, sweet, beautiful daughter
who is always a pleasure to be with.
You glow with sensitivity and compassion
generated from the depths
of your warm heart and and kind soul.
A loving mom, a peacemaker,
a woman full of the joy of life,
that's you.
Anyone who spends time with you
is privileged to know
such an extraordinary person.
You are a great joy in our lives.
We love you and cherish you and treasure you
and wish that every one of your birthdays
will be the happiest yet.
By Joanna Fuchs
Birthday Wishes For My Friend
Birthday Wishes For My Friend
On your birthday,
I wish for you the fulfillment
of all your fondest dreams.
I hope that for every candle
on your cake
you get a wonderful surprise.
I wish for you that
whatever you want most in life,
it comes to you,
just the way you imagined it,
or better.
I hope you get as much pleasure
from our friendship as I do.
I wish we were sisters,
so I could have known you
from the beginning.
I look forward to
enjoying our friendship
for many more of your birthdays.
I'm so glad you were born,
because you brighten my life
and fill it with joy.
Happy Birthday!
By Joanna Fuchs
On your birthday,
I wish for you the fulfillment
of all your fondest dreams.
I hope that for every candle
on your cake
you get a wonderful surprise.
I wish for you that
whatever you want most in life,
it comes to you,
just the way you imagined it,
or better.
I hope you get as much pleasure
from our friendship as I do.
I wish we were sisters,
so I could have known you
from the beginning.
I look forward to
enjoying our friendship
for many more of your birthdays.
I'm so glad you were born,
because you brighten my life
and fill it with joy.
Happy Birthday!
By Joanna Fuchs
Every Year On Your Birthday
Every Year On Your Birthday
Every year, on your birthday,
I think about how glad I am
that you were born,
how thankful I am
to have you in my life.
Every year is another year
filled with the special joys you bring
just by being yourself.
Every year, when you open your birthday gifts,
realize what a gift you are
to everyone who knows you,
especially me.
Happy Birthday!
By Joanna Fuchs
Every year, on your birthday,
I think about how glad I am
that you were born,
how thankful I am
to have you in my life.
Every year is another year
filled with the special joys you bring
just by being yourself.
Every year, when you open your birthday gifts,
realize what a gift you are
to everyone who knows you,
especially me.
Happy Birthday!
By Joanna Fuchs
You Are A Gift
You Are A Gift
Some people give the gift
of peace and tranquility
to every life they touch.
They are always who they really are.
They are blessedly reliable,
dependably good,
predictably pleasant,
loved and treasured
by all who know them.
You are one of those people.
You are a gift
of peace and tranquility
in my life.
Happy Birthday!
By Joanna Fuchs
Some people give the gift
of peace and tranquility
to every life they touch.
They are always who they really are.
They are blessedly reliable,
dependably good,
predictably pleasant,
loved and treasured
by all who know them.
You are one of those people.
You are a gift
of peace and tranquility
in my life.
Happy Birthday!
By Joanna Fuchs
Birthday Wish
Birthday Wish
It’s your birthday time again;
It’s true; there’s no denying,
Another year has come and gone;
You know that I’m not lying.
So for you, the birthday person,
Here’s what I want to say:
I hope this birthday’s the best one yet,
In every delightful way.
So happy birthday to you.
Have lots of birthday fun!
May your birthday wishes all come true,
Even if you have a ton.
By Karl Fuchs
It’s your birthday time again;
It’s true; there’s no denying,
Another year has come and gone;
You know that I’m not lying.
So for you, the birthday person,
Here’s what I want to say:
I hope this birthday’s the best one yet,
In every delightful way.
So happy birthday to you.
Have lots of birthday fun!
May your birthday wishes all come true,
Even if you have a ton.
By Karl Fuchs
Bright Joy
Bright Joy
On your birthday,
I’m thinking about how much light and sparkle
you freely dispense wherever you go,
how your sunny smile lights up any gathering.
Every birthday marks another year
of you radiating positive, happy energy,
contagious happiness
that infects all who come in contact with you.
May your next birthday find you the same--
glowing from within,
beaming bright joy on everyone you meet.
I feel blessed to know you.
By Joanna Fuchs
On your birthday,
I’m thinking about how much light and sparkle
you freely dispense wherever you go,
how your sunny smile lights up any gathering.
Every birthday marks another year
of you radiating positive, happy energy,
contagious happiness
that infects all who come in contact with you.
May your next birthday find you the same--
glowing from within,
beaming bright joy on everyone you meet.
I feel blessed to know you.
By Joanna Fuchs
Happy Birthday Poem
Happy Birthday Poem
Once a year I get the chance
To wish you birthday cheer.
It pleases me no end to say,
I wish you another great year.
So happy birthday to you (name),
From the bottom of my heart.
And may your good times multiply,
Till they’re flying off the chart!
By Karl Fuchs
Once a year I get the chance
To wish you birthday cheer.
It pleases me no end to say,
I wish you another great year.
So happy birthday to you (name),
From the bottom of my heart.
And may your good times multiply,
Till they’re flying off the chart!
By Karl Fuchs
Happy Birthday, Special Treasure
Happy Birthday, Special Treasure
God gave a gift to the world when you were born—
a person who loves, who cares,
who sees a person’s need and fills it,
who encourages and lifts people up,
who spends energy on others
rather than herself,
someone who touches each life she enters,
and makes a difference in the world,
because ripples of kindness flow outward
as each person you have touched, touches others.
Your birthday deserves to be a national holiday,
because you are a special treasure
for all that you’ve done.
May the love you have shown to others
return to you, multiplied.
I wish you the happiest of birthdays,
and many, many more,
so that others have time to appreciate you
as much as I do.
By Joanna Fuchs
God gave a gift to the world when you were born—
a person who loves, who cares,
who sees a person’s need and fills it,
who encourages and lifts people up,
who spends energy on others
rather than herself,
someone who touches each life she enters,
and makes a difference in the world,
because ripples of kindness flow outward
as each person you have touched, touches others.
Your birthday deserves to be a national holiday,
because you are a special treasure
for all that you’ve done.
May the love you have shown to others
return to you, multiplied.
I wish you the happiest of birthdays,
and many, many more,
so that others have time to appreciate you
as much as I do.
By Joanna Fuchs
Birthday Blessings
Birthday Blessings
Instead of counting candles,
Or tallying the years,
Contemplate your blessings,
As your birthday nears.
Consider special people
Who love you, and who care,
And others who’ve enriched your life
Just by being there.
Think about the memories
Passing years can never mar,
Experiences great and small
That have made you who you are.
Another year is a happy gift,
So cut your cake, and say,
"Instead of counting birthdays,
I count blessings every day!"
By Joanna Fuchs
Instead of counting candles,
Or tallying the years,
Contemplate your blessings,
As your birthday nears.
Consider special people
Who love you, and who care,
And others who’ve enriched your life
Just by being there.
Think about the memories
Passing years can never mar,
Experiences great and small
That have made you who you are.
Another year is a happy gift,
So cut your cake, and say,
"Instead of counting birthdays,
I count blessings every day!"
By Joanna Fuchs
Birthday Appreciation
Birthday Appreciation
Each year your birthday reminds me
That I really want to say
I’m very glad I know you;
I think of you each day.
I hope you enjoy your birthday,
All the pleasures it has in store,
And because I appreciate you,
I hope you have many more!
By Joanna Fuchs
Each year your birthday reminds me
That I really want to say
I’m very glad I know you;
I think of you each day.
I hope you enjoy your birthday,
All the pleasures it has in store,
And because I appreciate you,
I hope you have many more!
By Joanna Fuchs
Perfect Birthday
Perfect Birthday
On your birthday I wish you much pleasure and joy;
I hope all of your wishes come true.
May each hour and minute be filled with delight,
And your birthday be perfect for you!
By Joanna Fuchs
On your birthday I wish you much pleasure and joy;
I hope all of your wishes come true.
May each hour and minute be filled with delight,
And your birthday be perfect for you!
By Joanna Fuchs
Another Year
Another Year
I’m wishing you another year
Of laughter, joy and fun,
Surprises, love and happiness,
And when your birthday’s done,
I hope you feel deep in your heart,
As your birthdays come and go,
How very much you mean to me,
More than you can know.
By Joanna Fuchs
I’m wishing you another year
Of laughter, joy and fun,
Surprises, love and happiness,
And when your birthday’s done,
I hope you feel deep in your heart,
As your birthdays come and go,
How very much you mean to me,
More than you can know.
By Joanna Fuchs
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Great Couples Games For Your Adult Party
Planning to throw a milestone party or co-ed shower or any adult party? Here are some cool games for couples at your party. These couples games will keep your guests engaged and will leave an everlasting impression on them. They are sure to rant about your party planning skills for long.
How much you know your Sweetheart: This is a fun game to play with couples. Hand out two sheets of paper to each of your guests. Then ask them to write 5 things they like on one sheet of paper, and 5 things their partner likes on the other sheet of paper. The list could include anything from food to books to movies, or even vacation spots. The couple who gets the highest number of matches wins the game.
Couples Games -Ring Fun: For this game take a bowl filled with milk or some dark liquid and throw a few rings in it. Now ask a couple to take off their rings and throw them in the bowl with the other rings. Then they have to put their hands in, feel the ring of their partner, and without seeing take it out. Both of them go together and are allowed to take their hands out only once. Time the contestants and the couple who finds the right rings in the shortest time, is declared the winner.
The Tattoo – Games For Couples: You can ask your guests to make a nice tattoo on their partner’s arm. For this you will need to prepare some body paints, face paints, or body markers to decorate with. You will also need to have some towels or washcloths on hand for any cleanup. After all the guests have made their tattoos, have everyone admire each other’s tattoo and vote for their favorite. The couple with the highest voted tattoo wins the game.
Dedicate a romantic song to your sweetheart: Ask your guests to sing a romantic song for their sweetheart. This will make your guests feel involved and it will keep everyone entertained. You can pick 3 to 4 individuals as judges, and ask them to rate the competitors. The judges can rate the contestants on their enthusiasm, the song that they choose, and how well it is presented. The couple who gets the highest rating wins the competition.
Make a Love Poem : This is a great game to play with the couples at your party. Start by getting some index cards and one each one write romantic words like hearts, lips, candlelight etc. On the other set of cards write some non romantic words like ironing board, wallpaper paste, nose hair, motor oil etc. Then ask the couple to draw one card each from the set of romantic index card and non romantic index card. Then ask the couples to come up with an interesting love poem. Like “Roses are red, they make me hot! Your eyes are sexy, your nose hairs are not!”. The couple who comes up with the most romantic poem turns out to be the winner.
How much you know your Sweetheart: This is a fun game to play with couples. Hand out two sheets of paper to each of your guests. Then ask them to write 5 things they like on one sheet of paper, and 5 things their partner likes on the other sheet of paper. The list could include anything from food to books to movies, or even vacation spots. The couple who gets the highest number of matches wins the game.
Couples Games -Ring Fun: For this game take a bowl filled with milk or some dark liquid and throw a few rings in it. Now ask a couple to take off their rings and throw them in the bowl with the other rings. Then they have to put their hands in, feel the ring of their partner, and without seeing take it out. Both of them go together and are allowed to take their hands out only once. Time the contestants and the couple who finds the right rings in the shortest time, is declared the winner.
The Tattoo – Games For Couples: You can ask your guests to make a nice tattoo on their partner’s arm. For this you will need to prepare some body paints, face paints, or body markers to decorate with. You will also need to have some towels or washcloths on hand for any cleanup. After all the guests have made their tattoos, have everyone admire each other’s tattoo and vote for their favorite. The couple with the highest voted tattoo wins the game.
Dedicate a romantic song to your sweetheart: Ask your guests to sing a romantic song for their sweetheart. This will make your guests feel involved and it will keep everyone entertained. You can pick 3 to 4 individuals as judges, and ask them to rate the competitors. The judges can rate the contestants on their enthusiasm, the song that they choose, and how well it is presented. The couple who gets the highest rating wins the competition.
Make a Love Poem : This is a great game to play with the couples at your party. Start by getting some index cards and one each one write romantic words like hearts, lips, candlelight etc. On the other set of cards write some non romantic words like ironing board, wallpaper paste, nose hair, motor oil etc. Then ask the couple to draw one card each from the set of romantic index card and non romantic index card. Then ask the couples to come up with an interesting love poem. Like “Roses are red, they make me hot! Your eyes are sexy, your nose hairs are not!”. The couple who comes up with the most romantic poem turns out to be the winner.
Happy Birthday Quotes - Birthday Sayings and Quotes
Birthdays are a “holiday” of mixed emotions for some. On one had, it is occasion to celebrate the day you were born. On the other hand, it means you are one year older and for some that means more gray hair and wrinkles have been born! However, life is a gift and it can only get better the more you experience it. So we’ve put together some of our favorite birthday quotes to help you set the tone you want for your birthday this year.
“Your birthday is a special time to celebrate the gift of ‘you’ to the world.”
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“It takes a long time to grow young.”
- Pablo Picaso
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“The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.”
- Lucille Ball
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“A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman’s birthday but never remembers her age.”
- Robert Frost
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“The old believe everything; the middle aged suspect everything: the young know everything.”
- Oscar Wilde
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“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
- Abraham Lincoln
************
“May you live to be 100 and may the last voice you hear be mine.”
- Frank Sinatra
************
“Birthdays are nature’s way of telling us to eat more cake.”
************
“Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest.”
- Father Larry Lorenzoni
***********
“Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
- Jack Benny
************
“Whatever with the past has gone, the best is always yet to come.”
- Lucy Larcom
************
“Eat some cake and have a ball, make this birthday the best of all”
-Anonymous
“Your birthday is a special time to celebrate the gift of ‘you’ to the world.”
************
“It takes a long time to grow young.”
- Pablo Picaso
************
“The secret to staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.”
- Lucille Ball
************
“A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman’s birthday but never remembers her age.”
- Robert Frost
*************
“The old believe everything; the middle aged suspect everything: the young know everything.”
- Oscar Wilde
************
“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
- Abraham Lincoln
************
“May you live to be 100 and may the last voice you hear be mine.”
- Frank Sinatra
************
“Birthdays are nature’s way of telling us to eat more cake.”
************
“Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest.”
- Father Larry Lorenzoni
***********
“Age is strictly a case of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
- Jack Benny
************
“Whatever with the past has gone, the best is always yet to come.”
- Lucy Larcom
************
“Eat some cake and have a ball, make this birthday the best of all”
-Anonymous
Top 7 Fun Adult Party Games
Hosting a party and need some creative fun party games for adults? Check out here for some cool adult party games ideas to keep your party rolling.
Broken Hearts- Adult Party Games : This is a great game to help your guests get to know one another. Cut some large hearts out of red, pink or purple construction paper. Then cut the hearts in half using curvy cuts or zigzags. As guests arrive hand them each a “half” of a heart. Ask them to find the person with the other half of the heart.
Dance Moves Game: For a fun filled evening that will keep everyone entertained, try one of the many dance TV games available, like “Dance Dance Revolution DVD Game”. All you have to do is hook up the game, turn on the TV, crank up the volume, and let the dance moves fall where they may!. With this type of game, guests are sure to have a blast and burn some serious calories! Make sure you have moved any furniture or breakable items so nobody gets hurt when the party takes off! Give out prizes for the smoothest, wackiest and most complicated dance moves.
Paper Bag Peek-A-Boo: Place all the guests in a circle. Have them place paper bags over their heads. Instruct them to remove everything they’re wearing that is not absolutely necessary. The person with the most items off in two minutes wins the prize. Most guests begin to remove all kinds of clothing items without realizing that they could remove the paper bag, too. All guests that figure this one out before the end of two minutes win a prize.
Word’s worth - Adult Party Games: In this game, you try to see how many words one can make with the letters in the words “Valentine’s Day” or “Milestone Birthday party” or “Wedding Anniversary”. The most creative word smith gets the prize.
Adult Scavenger Hunt Game: Before the party starts, hide pieces of ribbon or yarn all over the house (about 100 or 200). Divide the guests into teams of 2 people and have them find the ribbons and tie them up into a chain. The team with the longest chain wins.
Safety Pin- Adult Party Games: It sounds super easy but it’s not… you’ll need: bag of rice, safety pins and a blind fold : Directions: fill a large mixing bowl half full with rice (long grain works best) mix in about 50 or so small to medium safety pins with blind fold on have each person try to grab as many pins they can in a 30 second time frame. It’s amazing how competitive everyone gets at party. (Read More on Couples Games For Your Adult Party)
Broken Hearts- Adult Party Games : This is a great game to help your guests get to know one another. Cut some large hearts out of red, pink or purple construction paper. Then cut the hearts in half using curvy cuts or zigzags. As guests arrive hand them each a “half” of a heart. Ask them to find the person with the other half of the heart.
Dance Moves Game: For a fun filled evening that will keep everyone entertained, try one of the many dance TV games available, like “Dance Dance Revolution DVD Game”. All you have to do is hook up the game, turn on the TV, crank up the volume, and let the dance moves fall where they may!. With this type of game, guests are sure to have a blast and burn some serious calories! Make sure you have moved any furniture or breakable items so nobody gets hurt when the party takes off! Give out prizes for the smoothest, wackiest and most complicated dance moves.
Paper Bag Peek-A-Boo: Place all the guests in a circle. Have them place paper bags over their heads. Instruct them to remove everything they’re wearing that is not absolutely necessary. The person with the most items off in two minutes wins the prize. Most guests begin to remove all kinds of clothing items without realizing that they could remove the paper bag, too. All guests that figure this one out before the end of two minutes win a prize.
Word’s worth - Adult Party Games: In this game, you try to see how many words one can make with the letters in the words “Valentine’s Day” or “Milestone Birthday party” or “Wedding Anniversary”. The most creative word smith gets the prize.
Adult Scavenger Hunt Game: Before the party starts, hide pieces of ribbon or yarn all over the house (about 100 or 200). Divide the guests into teams of 2 people and have them find the ribbons and tie them up into a chain. The team with the longest chain wins.
Safety Pin- Adult Party Games: It sounds super easy but it’s not… you’ll need: bag of rice, safety pins and a blind fold : Directions: fill a large mixing bowl half full with rice (long grain works best) mix in about 50 or so small to medium safety pins with blind fold on have each person try to grab as many pins they can in a 30 second time frame. It’s amazing how competitive everyone gets at party. (Read More on Couples Games For Your Adult Party)
10 Great Birthday Party Games For Kids
Birthday parties are supposed to be a fun activity. But some get so overwhelm with the birthday party preparation. That they end up with huge disappointment for themselves and their helpers. This usually happens because for some party means just food and music. But it’s high time we realize that some of our guest just get bored by such old partying ways. Although it may sound bromidic, some people actually look for great birthday party games ideas to keep them amused. With great party game ideas, you will be able to throw the bash of everyone’s life. Need some fun child birthday party game ideas that will turn your child’s party into an instant success? Here are some great games that your party guests will love.
Birthday Party Game Ideas for 2 to 4 year Old Kids:
Free play time:
At that age, you shouldn’t worry about many organized activities, have some balls to play with, maybe a game of tossing the cushion around, or just let the kids play. Two year olds are just learning about taking turns and the like. You can break the free play time up by offering food, the birthday cake, and opening presents with free play time between each.
Bubble magic:
Go outside and give each parent different bubble wands and solution. Count to three and begin the chorus of bubbles. Toddlers below will have a wonderful time scrambling after the bubbles.
Provided the weather allows it you could fill a wading pool with bubble solution. Let the kids play with a number of different bubble tools. Or place a hula-hoop in the pool and have the birthday guest of honor stand in the center. Slowly lift the hoop up and everybody will enjoy seeing the birthday babe in a bubble!
How Far Can You Fly Your Airplane Game:
Make a paper airplane for each child. Be sure and weigh down the nose (use a paper clip.) so that the plane will fly straight. Put each child’s name on a plane. Have the children line up across a wall. Tell them to throw their planes when you count to three. The child that tosses their plane the farthest wins the game.
Birthday Party Games Ideas for 4 to 6 year Old kids:
Clean Your Room:
”Clean Your Room” - need a bunch of old socks, balled up and a jump rope. Divide group into
2 teams on either side of the jumprope laid out on the ground(we played kids vs grownups. Toss the socks out - everyone pelts them at the other team whilst yelling ”CLEAN YOUR ROOM!” Object is to get all the socks on the other side (never happens - just play until everyone collapses into sillies).
Find your shoe and Tie the Lace Game:
Have all the kids take there shoes off and put them in pile in the middle of the room, then have the kids sit on the floor in a circle around the shoes (backs must be facing pile of shoes) on the count of three all the kids have to find there shoes, put them on , and tie them, once they finished, who ever stands up and raises there arms the fastest wins. My nephew who is 5 and his school friends loved it, and its so cute to watch
Treasure Hunt:
Nothing is more fun than a “Treasure Hunt,”, especially for the children who have been told read-aloud stories of pirate gold or hidden fortune at home. Prepare a long string for each child and trail it around chairs and under tables through as many rooms of the house as you want the children to enter. You can place and tie a small surprise (a lollipop or several candies wrapped in gold or silver foil) to the end of each string. You can make this a long or a short search and the kids will be thrilled when they find the prize at the end of their strings.
Birthday Game Ideas for 7 to 10 year Old kids:
Puzzle Games:
Get a large piece of Styrofoam board for every four guests. Paint each board a different color, solid red or blue, for example. Now, use a bread knife to cut the boards into strange shaped pieces. For 4-5 year olds, three pieces is enough. 6-8 year olds can handle four or five, and from there on up, six or seven pieces should work.
Now, scatter the pieces from all the boards around the backyard. Designate each team an area to assemble their puzzle. Three members will work on assembly while one person can run out and get the other pieces. The first team to find and assemble their entire puzzle wins.
Twenty Questions Game:
One player is “It” and leaves the group while the other players choose an object in the room. It” returns and tries to guess the object. He can ask 20 questions of the group members, all of which must be answered by yes or no. He asks his questions of each person in turn so that all are asked at least one question. If “It” guesses the object,someone else becomes “It”; otherwise he is “It” again for the next game.
Number Game:
Set up a circle of numbers on the ground and have everyone stand on a number. Begin playing festive music and have everyone walk from number to number. Draw a number from a hat and then stop the music. Whoever is standing on that number when the music stops is the winner! I have played this game at many school carnivals where the prize is a cake. But, you can give away something different.
Plan a hike or a nature trail:
Take your kid and his/her friends outdoors for the day or for a few hours. You could explain all about photosynthesis or point out different kinds of trees and flowers and birds. You could have a small picnic outdoors or opt for burgers at the Mac after the trek.
Different party games ideas would work great for different age groups. So you need to be very careful while picking up the participants for each game. After all they are the ones who would decide if the game’s a hit! Though coming up with a great Birthday games idea is little challenging and requires some creativity on the part of the host, but with proper selection and planning you can be sure the end result will be worth it. Keep in mind, that the Kids will always recall what they did at a party much more than what they ate at the party, so to make your event a success, go all out with the games and don’t forget to have some great prizes.
Birthday Party Game Ideas for 2 to 4 year Old Kids:
Free play time:
At that age, you shouldn’t worry about many organized activities, have some balls to play with, maybe a game of tossing the cushion around, or just let the kids play. Two year olds are just learning about taking turns and the like. You can break the free play time up by offering food, the birthday cake, and opening presents with free play time between each.
Bubble magic:
Go outside and give each parent different bubble wands and solution. Count to three and begin the chorus of bubbles. Toddlers below will have a wonderful time scrambling after the bubbles.
Provided the weather allows it you could fill a wading pool with bubble solution. Let the kids play with a number of different bubble tools. Or place a hula-hoop in the pool and have the birthday guest of honor stand in the center. Slowly lift the hoop up and everybody will enjoy seeing the birthday babe in a bubble!
How Far Can You Fly Your Airplane Game:
Make a paper airplane for each child. Be sure and weigh down the nose (use a paper clip.) so that the plane will fly straight. Put each child’s name on a plane. Have the children line up across a wall. Tell them to throw their planes when you count to three. The child that tosses their plane the farthest wins the game.
Birthday Party Games Ideas for 4 to 6 year Old kids:
Clean Your Room:
”Clean Your Room” - need a bunch of old socks, balled up and a jump rope. Divide group into
2 teams on either side of the jumprope laid out on the ground(we played kids vs grownups. Toss the socks out - everyone pelts them at the other team whilst yelling ”CLEAN YOUR ROOM!” Object is to get all the socks on the other side (never happens - just play until everyone collapses into sillies).
Find your shoe and Tie the Lace Game:
Have all the kids take there shoes off and put them in pile in the middle of the room, then have the kids sit on the floor in a circle around the shoes (backs must be facing pile of shoes) on the count of three all the kids have to find there shoes, put them on , and tie them, once they finished, who ever stands up and raises there arms the fastest wins. My nephew who is 5 and his school friends loved it, and its so cute to watch
Treasure Hunt:
Nothing is more fun than a “Treasure Hunt,”, especially for the children who have been told read-aloud stories of pirate gold or hidden fortune at home. Prepare a long string for each child and trail it around chairs and under tables through as many rooms of the house as you want the children to enter. You can place and tie a small surprise (a lollipop or several candies wrapped in gold or silver foil) to the end of each string. You can make this a long or a short search and the kids will be thrilled when they find the prize at the end of their strings.
Birthday Game Ideas for 7 to 10 year Old kids:
Puzzle Games:
Get a large piece of Styrofoam board for every four guests. Paint each board a different color, solid red or blue, for example. Now, use a bread knife to cut the boards into strange shaped pieces. For 4-5 year olds, three pieces is enough. 6-8 year olds can handle four or five, and from there on up, six or seven pieces should work.
Now, scatter the pieces from all the boards around the backyard. Designate each team an area to assemble their puzzle. Three members will work on assembly while one person can run out and get the other pieces. The first team to find and assemble their entire puzzle wins.
Twenty Questions Game:
One player is “It” and leaves the group while the other players choose an object in the room. It” returns and tries to guess the object. He can ask 20 questions of the group members, all of which must be answered by yes or no. He asks his questions of each person in turn so that all are asked at least one question. If “It” guesses the object,someone else becomes “It”; otherwise he is “It” again for the next game.
Number Game:
Set up a circle of numbers on the ground and have everyone stand on a number. Begin playing festive music and have everyone walk from number to number. Draw a number from a hat and then stop the music. Whoever is standing on that number when the music stops is the winner! I have played this game at many school carnivals where the prize is a cake. But, you can give away something different.
Plan a hike or a nature trail:
Take your kid and his/her friends outdoors for the day or for a few hours. You could explain all about photosynthesis or point out different kinds of trees and flowers and birds. You could have a small picnic outdoors or opt for burgers at the Mac after the trek.
Different party games ideas would work great for different age groups. So you need to be very careful while picking up the participants for each game. After all they are the ones who would decide if the game’s a hit! Though coming up with a great Birthday games idea is little challenging and requires some creativity on the part of the host, but with proper selection and planning you can be sure the end result will be worth it. Keep in mind, that the Kids will always recall what they did at a party much more than what they ate at the party, so to make your event a success, go all out with the games and don’t forget to have some great prizes.
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