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)...
Monday, March 30, 2009
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.”
************
“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
“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.
Girls Birthday Party - Princess Party
One very exciting theme for a young girls birthday party is centered around fairy tales or princesses. There are many ways to use this theme throughout your party from the decorations and activities all the way down to the cake.
Princess Invitations: Every party starts by sending out invitations, and you can easily let your guests know about the theme of your party by sending creative birthday invites. Your invitations could be designed as “royal scrolls rolled up and hand delivered to each guests. The princess party invitations could be printed on special paper and the wording written using majestic language to set the tone. For example, “King Jason and Queen Samantha request your presence at the Johnson Castle for Princess Tabitha’s royal birthday celebration, etc. If mailing invitations you could cut crown shapes or castle shapes out of gold or pink paper and write on the venue details. Another simple idea is to make invitations that are decorated with princess pictures, or princess clip art like castles, crowns, magic wands, glass slippers, etc. It is also very quick and easy to send out online invitations. There are many templates that would work great for a princess party, and you can use majestic language to describe the event: “Princess Susan’s Royal Birthday Celebration”.There are so many options when it comes to sending invitations. With a little creativity, they can be fun and functional! Not to mention they will give your guests an idea of what to expect on the day of the party.
Princess Birthday Party Decorations: Decorate your “castle” with pastel streamers and balloons. If you want to take it even further, you can easily make some “torches” to decorate the walls and make it look like the inside of a castle. These can be made by rolling up some brown or black construction paper into a cone and stuffing it with some red and yellow tissue paper to make flames. Construction paper can also be sued to make custom “coat of arms” or “family crests” to decorate your home as well. These are great projects for your child to help with before the party. To decorate the party table, you can make ordinary chairs more elegant by covering the seat back with a piece of fabric and then tying a bow around it with a length of tulle. The table can be set with a pastel table cloth and pastel colored plates, cups and napkins.
Princess Party Games: Here are some great ideas for party games tailored for a little princess.
Pin the tail on the unicorn: This is a classic game that all kids love. Instead of a donkey, use a unicorn cutout and have each child take a turn trying to pin on the tail while blindfolded.
Cinderella’s lost slipper: This is a great treasure hunt game that works well for an indoor or outdoor party. For this game you can hid a glass slipper somewhere and send the children to find it. The girl who finds the item gets a prize. You can also easily make us other variations of this game. For example, you can hid “jewelry” all around the house and send the girls to find the play necklaces, rings and bracelets. They can then keep all the items that they find.
Maid, Maid, Princess: This game is twist to the classic game of Duck, Duck, Goose. In this game, the children sit in a circle facing each other. One person is “it” and walks around the circle. As they walk around, they tap the children’s heads and say whether they are a “maid” or a “princess”. Once someone is picked as a “princess” they get up and try to chase “it” around the circle. The goal is to tap that person before they are able sit down in the “princess’” spot. If the child is not able to do this, they become “it” for the next round and play continues. If they do tap the “it” person, the person tagged has to sit in the center of the circle. Then the princess becomes it for the next round. The person in the middle can’t leave until another person is tagged and they are replaced.
Princess Birthday Party Crafts: One of the best craft ideas for a princess party is to make your own crowns or tiaras. There are many ways to do this, and a visit to your local craft store can help. The crowns or tiaras can be cut from poster board ahead of time and then decorated at the party. Some great things to use for decoration include ribbon, glitter pens, markers, and stick-on gems. If you are not up for cutting out the crowns, you can also find many foam crowns and tiaras that can be decorated as well. It is so much fun seeing all of the children marching around wearing the tiaras and crowns they have created themselves at the party. Another idea for a craft is to have children decorate their own magic wands with glitter, stickers and ribbon. It is also good to have some coloring activities for the children to do if they have finished their craft before the others children. Printed coloring pages of castles, princesses,etc that are found on-line or copied from a coloring book work well.
Princess Party Food: The princess theme can also be carried over to the birthday party food and cake. One ideas is to serve delicate tea sandwiches cut into the shape of hearts using a cookie cutter. Whip up some cupcakes and put on some pink frosting and sprinkles to make some princesses cupcakes. Even pizza or hot dogs would be acceptable princess fare when served on a collection of princess plates or bowls. If the children are old enough, you can also serve sparkling punch in plastic goblets. The cake can be decorated with a princess theme and pastel colors, or better yet can be make in the shape of a crown, princess or castle.
Princess Birthday Party Favors: Children love going home at the end of a party with some take home gifts. If you have provided some crafts for the party, keep in mind that these are favors as well. Some good items to include in gift bags for a princess party are: princess stickers, bubble wands, sunglasses, pencils, necklaces, rings and bracelets.
Have a wonderful celebration!
Princess Invitations: Every party starts by sending out invitations, and you can easily let your guests know about the theme of your party by sending creative birthday invites. Your invitations could be designed as “royal scrolls rolled up and hand delivered to each guests. The princess party invitations could be printed on special paper and the wording written using majestic language to set the tone. For example, “King Jason and Queen Samantha request your presence at the Johnson Castle for Princess Tabitha’s royal birthday celebration, etc. If mailing invitations you could cut crown shapes or castle shapes out of gold or pink paper and write on the venue details. Another simple idea is to make invitations that are decorated with princess pictures, or princess clip art like castles, crowns, magic wands, glass slippers, etc. It is also very quick and easy to send out online invitations. There are many templates that would work great for a princess party, and you can use majestic language to describe the event: “Princess Susan’s Royal Birthday Celebration”.There are so many options when it comes to sending invitations. With a little creativity, they can be fun and functional! Not to mention they will give your guests an idea of what to expect on the day of the party.
Princess Birthday Party Decorations: Decorate your “castle” with pastel streamers and balloons. If you want to take it even further, you can easily make some “torches” to decorate the walls and make it look like the inside of a castle. These can be made by rolling up some brown or black construction paper into a cone and stuffing it with some red and yellow tissue paper to make flames. Construction paper can also be sued to make custom “coat of arms” or “family crests” to decorate your home as well. These are great projects for your child to help with before the party. To decorate the party table, you can make ordinary chairs more elegant by covering the seat back with a piece of fabric and then tying a bow around it with a length of tulle. The table can be set with a pastel table cloth and pastel colored plates, cups and napkins.
Princess Party Games: Here are some great ideas for party games tailored for a little princess.
Pin the tail on the unicorn: This is a classic game that all kids love. Instead of a donkey, use a unicorn cutout and have each child take a turn trying to pin on the tail while blindfolded.
Cinderella’s lost slipper: This is a great treasure hunt game that works well for an indoor or outdoor party. For this game you can hid a glass slipper somewhere and send the children to find it. The girl who finds the item gets a prize. You can also easily make us other variations of this game. For example, you can hid “jewelry” all around the house and send the girls to find the play necklaces, rings and bracelets. They can then keep all the items that they find.
Maid, Maid, Princess: This game is twist to the classic game of Duck, Duck, Goose. In this game, the children sit in a circle facing each other. One person is “it” and walks around the circle. As they walk around, they tap the children’s heads and say whether they are a “maid” or a “princess”. Once someone is picked as a “princess” they get up and try to chase “it” around the circle. The goal is to tap that person before they are able sit down in the “princess’” spot. If the child is not able to do this, they become “it” for the next round and play continues. If they do tap the “it” person, the person tagged has to sit in the center of the circle. Then the princess becomes it for the next round. The person in the middle can’t leave until another person is tagged and they are replaced.
Princess Birthday Party Crafts: One of the best craft ideas for a princess party is to make your own crowns or tiaras. There are many ways to do this, and a visit to your local craft store can help. The crowns or tiaras can be cut from poster board ahead of time and then decorated at the party. Some great things to use for decoration include ribbon, glitter pens, markers, and stick-on gems. If you are not up for cutting out the crowns, you can also find many foam crowns and tiaras that can be decorated as well. It is so much fun seeing all of the children marching around wearing the tiaras and crowns they have created themselves at the party. Another idea for a craft is to have children decorate their own magic wands with glitter, stickers and ribbon. It is also good to have some coloring activities for the children to do if they have finished their craft before the others children. Printed coloring pages of castles, princesses,etc that are found on-line or copied from a coloring book work well.
Princess Party Food: The princess theme can also be carried over to the birthday party food and cake. One ideas is to serve delicate tea sandwiches cut into the shape of hearts using a cookie cutter. Whip up some cupcakes and put on some pink frosting and sprinkles to make some princesses cupcakes. Even pizza or hot dogs would be acceptable princess fare when served on a collection of princess plates or bowls. If the children are old enough, you can also serve sparkling punch in plastic goblets. The cake can be decorated with a princess theme and pastel colors, or better yet can be make in the shape of a crown, princess or castle.
Princess Birthday Party Favors: Children love going home at the end of a party with some take home gifts. If you have provided some crafts for the party, keep in mind that these are favors as well. Some good items to include in gift bags for a princess party are: princess stickers, bubble wands, sunglasses, pencils, necklaces, rings and bracelets.
Have a wonderful celebration!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Barnyard Animal Birthday Party
A barnyard animal party guide with farm animal games,
crafts and activities. A favorite theme for babies and toddlers!
Begin your party planning with the whimsical
Old Macdonald's Farm Animals, or the Farm Friends party patterns.
Your party box will be conveniently delivered to you door!
Then, complete your party planning using the games, activities and party ideas provided below.
Remember to have fun celebrating this special day!
BARNYARD PARTY INVITATIONS
Either purchase invitations matching your theme, or make your own
with card stock paper. Your local scrap booking center will have die-cut machines available for your use. Cut ducks, cows, pigs and other favorite animals. Use a bright gel pen to write your message and party information.
Variation: For an extra special invitation hand deliver a small
animal beanie toy or rubber duck with the note attached.
FARM ANIMAL PARTY DECORATIONS
Bright colors are in order here. hang streamers and balloons.
Place animal puppets and stuffed animals where they can be seen and played with. Cover your table and set with Barnyard Animal plates, napkins and cups. Use a stuffed animal for a centerpiece and attach a bouquet of balloons to the stuffed animal. Advanced Decorating - Use a large appliance box to paint a red barn for the children to play in. Drape furniture with feux fur and cow print fabric.
PERSONALIZE IT!
Personalized party items make a great addition to every party theme. They coordinate with Barnyard party pattern and can be printed with your child's name, the names of each of your guests, or a message!
Click here to personalize >>
BARNYARD ANIMAL PARTY GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
Select the activities from this list that will best suit
the age group of the children.
A Special Welcome
Upon arrival give each guest a cap decorated with their name
and an animal. Painters caps can be purchased at a hardware store for less than $1.00. Use fabric paints to write the names. Decorating is a breeze if you use pre cut stencils or painting sponges from a craft store; ducks, pigs cows, etc.
Use kid safe face paint to paint noses and whiskers on the children's faces. Enlist a helper or two!
Put on a Show
Ask some creative friends to coordinate a puppet show
using farm animal puppets.
Parachute Play
Use a large bed sheet or purchase a GYMBOREE style playground parachute. Gather the children and some adults
to form a circle around the parachute. Hold the edges and
work together to move it up and down. Once the children get the hang of it, allow a few children at a time, to go under the
"dome". Then put a stuffed cow, duck, horse...in the center and make then hop and jump as well.
Oh No! Old Macdonald
Before the party hide several farm animal toys or cards
around the party area, yard etc. Paint or decorate a box to look like a barn or simply use a basket. To play, explain to
the children that old MacDonald's animals got out of the barn. They will then search and collect the toys/cards and return them to the barn.
Fill the Barn
Use the same barn box as the game above.
Mark and "X" on the floor where the children will stand.
Place the "barn" a reasonable distance from the "X" and provide beanie animals for the children to toss into the barn while standing on the "X".
Art Time
If the children are old enough, add an art project to your party. Provide paint with water books, play dough with animal cookie cutters or animal shaped sponges and paint.
Don't forget the art smocks or large T-shirts!
Bubble Fun
Little ones love bubbles! Toddlers can blow their own bubbles with spill proof bubble bottles and wands. Otherwise, adults
can blow the bubbles and the children can catch them.
Play music for this activity as well.
Circle Time
If you are not comfortable leading a story, songs and finger plays.
Hire a preschool teacher or Kindermusik teacher for a special circle
time to honor the birthday child.
Sit with several stuffed animals on your lap.
Sing Old Macdonald Had a Farm with children.
When it's time say the animal ...on his farm he had a ______ hold up an animal and the children sing/shout it.
PARTY FAVORS
It's always nice to ay"thansk-you" for coming" by sending your party guests home with a favor. No need to spend a fortune at this young age; asimple gesture is all that's needed. We suggest: Coloring books and crayons, bubbles, playdough and a farm animal cookie cutter, small farm animal stuffed toy or a cookie you've prepared with animal cookie cutters.
Exclusive Birthday in a Box favor sets are a fun and unique way to give your guests a special treat! The Barnyard Celebration party favor set is designed to coordinate perfectly with your party theme.
BARNYARD CAKE
Turn a simple sheet cake into a farm with green and brown frosting and toys placed on the top. Playmobil and fisher price toys work well for this. Or, get creative using sheet cakes. Make a Barn or animal shaped cake.
The Family Fun's Birthday Cake Book can show you how step-by-step!
*From http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/party_animal_farm.htm
crafts and activities. A favorite theme for babies and toddlers!
Begin your party planning with the whimsical
Old Macdonald's Farm Animals, or the Farm Friends party patterns.
Your party box will be conveniently delivered to you door!
Then, complete your party planning using the games, activities and party ideas provided below.
Remember to have fun celebrating this special day!
BARNYARD PARTY INVITATIONS
Either purchase invitations matching your theme, or make your own
with card stock paper. Your local scrap booking center will have die-cut machines available for your use. Cut ducks, cows, pigs and other favorite animals. Use a bright gel pen to write your message and party information.
Variation: For an extra special invitation hand deliver a small
animal beanie toy or rubber duck with the note attached.
FARM ANIMAL PARTY DECORATIONS
Bright colors are in order here. hang streamers and balloons.
Place animal puppets and stuffed animals where they can be seen and played with. Cover your table and set with Barnyard Animal plates, napkins and cups. Use a stuffed animal for a centerpiece and attach a bouquet of balloons to the stuffed animal. Advanced Decorating - Use a large appliance box to paint a red barn for the children to play in. Drape furniture with feux fur and cow print fabric.
PERSONALIZE IT!
Personalized party items make a great addition to every party theme. They coordinate with Barnyard party pattern and can be printed with your child's name, the names of each of your guests, or a message!
Click here to personalize >>
BARNYARD ANIMAL PARTY GAMES AND ACTIVITIES
Select the activities from this list that will best suit
the age group of the children.
A Special Welcome
Upon arrival give each guest a cap decorated with their name
and an animal. Painters caps can be purchased at a hardware store for less than $1.00. Use fabric paints to write the names. Decorating is a breeze if you use pre cut stencils or painting sponges from a craft store; ducks, pigs cows, etc.
Use kid safe face paint to paint noses and whiskers on the children's faces. Enlist a helper or two!
Put on a Show
Ask some creative friends to coordinate a puppet show
using farm animal puppets.
Parachute Play
Use a large bed sheet or purchase a GYMBOREE style playground parachute. Gather the children and some adults
to form a circle around the parachute. Hold the edges and
work together to move it up and down. Once the children get the hang of it, allow a few children at a time, to go under the
"dome". Then put a stuffed cow, duck, horse...in the center and make then hop and jump as well.
Oh No! Old Macdonald
Before the party hide several farm animal toys or cards
around the party area, yard etc. Paint or decorate a box to look like a barn or simply use a basket. To play, explain to
the children that old MacDonald's animals got out of the barn. They will then search and collect the toys/cards and return them to the barn.
Fill the Barn
Use the same barn box as the game above.
Mark and "X" on the floor where the children will stand.
Place the "barn" a reasonable distance from the "X" and provide beanie animals for the children to toss into the barn while standing on the "X".
Art Time
If the children are old enough, add an art project to your party. Provide paint with water books, play dough with animal cookie cutters or animal shaped sponges and paint.
Don't forget the art smocks or large T-shirts!
Bubble Fun
Little ones love bubbles! Toddlers can blow their own bubbles with spill proof bubble bottles and wands. Otherwise, adults
can blow the bubbles and the children can catch them.
Play music for this activity as well.
Circle Time
If you are not comfortable leading a story, songs and finger plays.
Hire a preschool teacher or Kindermusik teacher for a special circle
time to honor the birthday child.
Sit with several stuffed animals on your lap.
Sing Old Macdonald Had a Farm with children.
When it's time say the animal ...on his farm he had a ______ hold up an animal and the children sing/shout it.
PARTY FAVORS
It's always nice to ay"thansk-you" for coming" by sending your party guests home with a favor. No need to spend a fortune at this young age; asimple gesture is all that's needed. We suggest: Coloring books and crayons, bubbles, playdough and a farm animal cookie cutter, small farm animal stuffed toy or a cookie you've prepared with animal cookie cutters.
Exclusive Birthday in a Box favor sets are a fun and unique way to give your guests a special treat! The Barnyard Celebration party favor set is designed to coordinate perfectly with your party theme.
BARNYARD CAKE
Turn a simple sheet cake into a farm with green and brown frosting and toys placed on the top. Playmobil and fisher price toys work well for this. Or, get creative using sheet cakes. Make a Barn or animal shaped cake.
The Family Fun's Birthday Cake Book can show you how step-by-step!
*From http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/party_animal_farm.htm
Monday, March 16, 2009
Outdoor Party Games
Pass the Sand
Ingredients
Containers
Sand
To Play
Divide the group into two teams and line them up.
Have the person in each line grab a handful of sand from a container. They must pass the sand to the next player, who passes it to the next, and so on down the line.
When the sand reaches the last player, he/she pours what is left of it on a plate. The team with the most sand wins the game. (You may have to weigh the sand on a food scale if it's close.)
Tug of Water
Ingredients
Sprinkler
Garden Hose or rope
To Play
Set up the sprinkler in the middle of the lawn and turn it on.
Divide the group into two teams and have each team hold an end of the garden hose or a rope.
On the word "Go!" have the teams try to pull their opponents into the sprinkler.
Pop the Piranha
Ingredients
Balloons
Felt-Tip Permanent Markers
Kiddy Pools
To Play
Inflate balloons and tie them off.
Using black felt-tip permanent markers, draw fish faces on the balloons.
Toss balloons into the kiddy pool, one for each child.
On the word "Go!" have the kids jump into the pool and try to grab/pop a wet and slippery balloon.
Go Fishing
Ingredients
Plastic toys
Magnetic Tape
Kiddy Pool
Sticks and String
To Play
Buy some plastic toys and attach a piece of magnetic tape to each one.
Make fishing poles out of sticks and string with magnets tied to the bottom of the string.
Drop the toys into the bottom of the pool. Give the kids the fishing poles.
Let the kids fish for their "prize" in the kiddy pool.
Toss n' Soak
Ingredients
Plastic Pool
Water
Rubber Ball
To Play
Fill up a plastic pool with water and have kids stand around the outside of the pool.
They must toss the ball back and forth to one another and try to catch it.
If the ball hits the water, the child who failed to catch the ball is "out." Whomever is left standing last wins.
Poison
This is a game where there is one lucky person who is "it."
Ingredients
2 Bases
Dodge Ball
To Play
Someone stands between two bases. In our backyard we made the "bases" a fence at one end of the yard and a brick wall at the other end of the yard. The player is allowed to move anywhere between those 2 bases.
He is given a ball, and his goal is to try to hit at least one of the people while they are running from base to base.
Obviously, once people are on the base they are "safe." Once he hits someone else with the ball, that person becomes "it." There is no actual winner of this game, but it is action packed and it can go on for hours until the players get tired.
What Time is it Mr. Fox?
Ingredients
Base
To Play
There is one person who is "Mr. Fox", and everyone else is trying to stay away from him or her. We used to play this from the top to the bottom of a driveway, but it can be played anywhere as long as there is enough room to run. Mr. Fox usually stands at the part of the driveway closest to the house.
Everyone else stands on the designated base and asks in unison, "What time is it Mr. Fox?" As Mr. Fox responds with the time, it can be any time that Mr. Fox would like it to be.
Each person needs to take the number of steps that correspond with the time toward Mr. Fox. For example, if Mr. Fox says it's 4 o'clock, everyone takes 4 steps toward him. It is up to the individual how large they make each step.
The group continues to ask the same question, while Mr. Fox replies with different answers as to "what time it is." Before the players reach Mr. Fox he or she answers the question "What time is it Mr. Fox," he turns around and answers, "It's time to eat you!"
He chases everyone until he catches someone, or everyone makes it back to the base safely. If anyone is caught, then they become "Mr. Fox." (There is no winner to this game either.)
Scavenger Hunt
This is a game that is usually relatively inexpensive and time-consuming, good for both kids and parents.
Ingredients
Index Cards
To Play
Write out clues on index cards.
Give the partygoers clues that take them from place to place. Perhaps this game could begin at the house of the party host/hostess, and the final clue could lead to the party destination.
The team that arrives at the final destination first wins! Or instead of a Scavenger Hunt have kids solve a Detective's Case. Set out clues all over the yard and have kids collect them. Then the kids have to figure out what the clues mean. You might have them find clues to making a pizza, building a scarecrow, or solving a puzzle.
Keep it Dry
A fun swimming pool game!
Ingredients
Stone
Cotton Ball
Marshmallow
Pool
To Play
Give each player a small object that changes when it gets wet, such as a stone, cotton ball, or a marshmallow.
Players must try to swim from one end of the pool to the other without getting their object wet. The swimmer with the driest object wins.
Butterfingers Ball
Ingredients
Ball
Pool
To Play
As one player jumps off the diving board or platform, another player stands in the shallow end (or on the side) and throws the ball to the jumper, who tries to catch the ball and hold it until he/she hits the water.
Prizes
Inflatable Pool Toys
Water Guns
Summer Fun Gift Basket: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Beach Towel
Gold Fish
Ingredients
Containers
Sand
To Play
Divide the group into two teams and line them up.
Have the person in each line grab a handful of sand from a container. They must pass the sand to the next player, who passes it to the next, and so on down the line.
When the sand reaches the last player, he/she pours what is left of it on a plate. The team with the most sand wins the game. (You may have to weigh the sand on a food scale if it's close.)
Tug of Water
Ingredients
Sprinkler
Garden Hose or rope
To Play
Set up the sprinkler in the middle of the lawn and turn it on.
Divide the group into two teams and have each team hold an end of the garden hose or a rope.
On the word "Go!" have the teams try to pull their opponents into the sprinkler.
Pop the Piranha
Ingredients
Balloons
Felt-Tip Permanent Markers
Kiddy Pools
To Play
Inflate balloons and tie them off.
Using black felt-tip permanent markers, draw fish faces on the balloons.
Toss balloons into the kiddy pool, one for each child.
On the word "Go!" have the kids jump into the pool and try to grab/pop a wet and slippery balloon.
Go Fishing
Ingredients
Plastic toys
Magnetic Tape
Kiddy Pool
Sticks and String
To Play
Buy some plastic toys and attach a piece of magnetic tape to each one.
Make fishing poles out of sticks and string with magnets tied to the bottom of the string.
Drop the toys into the bottom of the pool. Give the kids the fishing poles.
Let the kids fish for their "prize" in the kiddy pool.
Toss n' Soak
Ingredients
Plastic Pool
Water
Rubber Ball
To Play
Fill up a plastic pool with water and have kids stand around the outside of the pool.
They must toss the ball back and forth to one another and try to catch it.
If the ball hits the water, the child who failed to catch the ball is "out." Whomever is left standing last wins.
Poison
This is a game where there is one lucky person who is "it."
Ingredients
2 Bases
Dodge Ball
To Play
Someone stands between two bases. In our backyard we made the "bases" a fence at one end of the yard and a brick wall at the other end of the yard. The player is allowed to move anywhere between those 2 bases.
He is given a ball, and his goal is to try to hit at least one of the people while they are running from base to base.
Obviously, once people are on the base they are "safe." Once he hits someone else with the ball, that person becomes "it." There is no actual winner of this game, but it is action packed and it can go on for hours until the players get tired.
What Time is it Mr. Fox?
Ingredients
Base
To Play
There is one person who is "Mr. Fox", and everyone else is trying to stay away from him or her. We used to play this from the top to the bottom of a driveway, but it can be played anywhere as long as there is enough room to run. Mr. Fox usually stands at the part of the driveway closest to the house.
Everyone else stands on the designated base and asks in unison, "What time is it Mr. Fox?" As Mr. Fox responds with the time, it can be any time that Mr. Fox would like it to be.
Each person needs to take the number of steps that correspond with the time toward Mr. Fox. For example, if Mr. Fox says it's 4 o'clock, everyone takes 4 steps toward him. It is up to the individual how large they make each step.
The group continues to ask the same question, while Mr. Fox replies with different answers as to "what time it is." Before the players reach Mr. Fox he or she answers the question "What time is it Mr. Fox," he turns around and answers, "It's time to eat you!"
He chases everyone until he catches someone, or everyone makes it back to the base safely. If anyone is caught, then they become "Mr. Fox." (There is no winner to this game either.)
Scavenger Hunt
This is a game that is usually relatively inexpensive and time-consuming, good for both kids and parents.
Ingredients
Index Cards
To Play
Write out clues on index cards.
Give the partygoers clues that take them from place to place. Perhaps this game could begin at the house of the party host/hostess, and the final clue could lead to the party destination.
The team that arrives at the final destination first wins! Or instead of a Scavenger Hunt have kids solve a Detective's Case. Set out clues all over the yard and have kids collect them. Then the kids have to figure out what the clues mean. You might have them find clues to making a pizza, building a scarecrow, or solving a puzzle.
Keep it Dry
A fun swimming pool game!
Ingredients
Stone
Cotton Ball
Marshmallow
Pool
To Play
Give each player a small object that changes when it gets wet, such as a stone, cotton ball, or a marshmallow.
Players must try to swim from one end of the pool to the other without getting their object wet. The swimmer with the driest object wins.
Butterfingers Ball
Ingredients
Ball
Pool
To Play
As one player jumps off the diving board or platform, another player stands in the shallow end (or on the side) and throws the ball to the jumper, who tries to catch the ball and hold it until he/she hits the water.
Prizes
Inflatable Pool Toys
Water Guns
Summer Fun Gift Basket: Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Beach Towel
Gold Fish
Summer Party Games
Bocce
Bocce is a lawn game that closely resembles bowling. It is a fun and relaxing outdoor game.
Ingredients
Bocce set
To Play
Clear out a large level playing area, a regulation bocce court is 76 feet long and 10 feet wide.
Divide players into two teams, with one, two or four players each. Each team receives four balls, divided equally between the team members.
Starting at one end of the court, have a player throw the small ball, or pallina, toward the opposite end of the playing field.
Then that player will throw one of the larger balls, or boccia, toward the pallina trying to get as close to it as possible.
Members from the opposing team will take turns throwing the boccia until one ball is closer to the pallina than the starting team's ball. Then the starting players try to throw closer the pallina.
The players will take turns in this fashion until all boccia have been thrown.
The team with the closest boccia gets one point for each of its boccia that are closer to the pallina than the other team's closest boccia. No points are awarded if the two team's closest boccia are equally close to the pallina.
The team that scored in the last round throws the pallina.
The winning team is the first to score 16 points.
Horseshoes
Ingredients
2 Horseshoe Stakes
4 Horseshoes
To Play
Divide players into 2 teams. Each team is given 2 horseshoes.
A player from the first team should pitch both horseshoes, one at a time, toward the stake from anywhere behind the foul line. (For adult male players the foul line is 37 feet from the stake, and for female, elderly, and junior players it is 27 feet).
Shoes within 6 inches of the stake get 1 point, shoes encircling the stake (but not touching) earn 3 points.
Alternate pitching from one end of the court to the other until all players have pitched.
Play until one team reaches 40 points, or until 40 shoes have been pitched (the highest score wins).
Volleyball
Ingredients
Volleyball
Net
To play
Divide players into 2 teams and stand on opposite sides of the net.
Flip a coin. The winner decides whether to serve or receive.
The server should stand near the rear of their side of the court, and strike the ball with their arm or hand, sending it over the net and into the opposing court.
Players on the receiving side should attempt to return the ball to the serving team.
Players must only hit they ball and never hold or catch it (unless they are serving).
The rally will continue until one team lets the ball hit the ground, or hits it out of bounds.
The winner of the rally gets one point and the next serve.
Games are played until one team scores 25, but the winning team must win by at least 2 points.
Running Bases
Ingredients
Baseball
Bases
To play
Set up two “bases” in an area where no one will get hit with errant throws. (How far depends on the skill level of the players.)
Two fielders are on “defense” and toss the ball to each other.
Everyone else is a runner and they try to steal a base while the ball is being thrown.
If they make it to the next base without being tagged out they score a run. If they are tagged it’s an out.
Three outs and you have to play defense!
Free Throw Shooting
Ingredients
Basketball
Hoop
To play
Everyone gets one shot.
If you make it you are in Round 2. Miss it and you are out.
Game continues until there is only one player left.
If it’s just adults playing charge an “entry fee” (we charge $1) and winner takes all.
Putting or Chipping Contest
Ingredients
Chipping net or box
Golf balls
Putters
To play
If you hit the net/box it’s one point.
If your shot lands in the net/box it’s three points.
Everyone gets the same amount of shots (depending on number of players. Keep it moving fast!).
Player with the most points wins!
If you have a flat area you can do the same thing with a putting contest.
Prizes
Grilling tools
Barbeque sauces and rubs
Palm tree eyeglasses or Tequila sunrise glasses
Water guns, sidewalk chalk, Frisbees, and neon maracas make great gifts for the kids!
Bocce is a lawn game that closely resembles bowling. It is a fun and relaxing outdoor game.
Ingredients
Bocce set
To Play
Clear out a large level playing area, a regulation bocce court is 76 feet long and 10 feet wide.
Divide players into two teams, with one, two or four players each. Each team receives four balls, divided equally between the team members.
Starting at one end of the court, have a player throw the small ball, or pallina, toward the opposite end of the playing field.
Then that player will throw one of the larger balls, or boccia, toward the pallina trying to get as close to it as possible.
Members from the opposing team will take turns throwing the boccia until one ball is closer to the pallina than the starting team's ball. Then the starting players try to throw closer the pallina.
The players will take turns in this fashion until all boccia have been thrown.
The team with the closest boccia gets one point for each of its boccia that are closer to the pallina than the other team's closest boccia. No points are awarded if the two team's closest boccia are equally close to the pallina.
The team that scored in the last round throws the pallina.
The winning team is the first to score 16 points.
Horseshoes
Ingredients
2 Horseshoe Stakes
4 Horseshoes
To Play
Divide players into 2 teams. Each team is given 2 horseshoes.
A player from the first team should pitch both horseshoes, one at a time, toward the stake from anywhere behind the foul line. (For adult male players the foul line is 37 feet from the stake, and for female, elderly, and junior players it is 27 feet).
Shoes within 6 inches of the stake get 1 point, shoes encircling the stake (but not touching) earn 3 points.
Alternate pitching from one end of the court to the other until all players have pitched.
Play until one team reaches 40 points, or until 40 shoes have been pitched (the highest score wins).
Volleyball
Ingredients
Volleyball
Net
To play
Divide players into 2 teams and stand on opposite sides of the net.
Flip a coin. The winner decides whether to serve or receive.
The server should stand near the rear of their side of the court, and strike the ball with their arm or hand, sending it over the net and into the opposing court.
Players on the receiving side should attempt to return the ball to the serving team.
Players must only hit they ball and never hold or catch it (unless they are serving).
The rally will continue until one team lets the ball hit the ground, or hits it out of bounds.
The winner of the rally gets one point and the next serve.
Games are played until one team scores 25, but the winning team must win by at least 2 points.
Running Bases
Ingredients
Baseball
Bases
To play
Set up two “bases” in an area where no one will get hit with errant throws. (How far depends on the skill level of the players.)
Two fielders are on “defense” and toss the ball to each other.
Everyone else is a runner and they try to steal a base while the ball is being thrown.
If they make it to the next base without being tagged out they score a run. If they are tagged it’s an out.
Three outs and you have to play defense!
Free Throw Shooting
Ingredients
Basketball
Hoop
To play
Everyone gets one shot.
If you make it you are in Round 2. Miss it and you are out.
Game continues until there is only one player left.
If it’s just adults playing charge an “entry fee” (we charge $1) and winner takes all.
Putting or Chipping Contest
Ingredients
Chipping net or box
Golf balls
Putters
To play
If you hit the net/box it’s one point.
If your shot lands in the net/box it’s three points.
Everyone gets the same amount of shots (depending on number of players. Keep it moving fast!).
Player with the most points wins!
If you have a flat area you can do the same thing with a putting contest.
Prizes
Grilling tools
Barbeque sauces and rubs
Palm tree eyeglasses or Tequila sunrise glasses
Water guns, sidewalk chalk, Frisbees, and neon maracas make great gifts for the kids!
Luau Party Games
Tasty food and sweet drinks with umbrella straws make for a fun luau. A luau party is incomplete without a few games to spice things up.
The Limbo
You can’t have a luau party without the limbo. It’s a true classic.
Ingredients
Luau Music CD’s
Bamboo Limbo Kit
To Play
Clear out an area large enough for all of your guests and of course the limbo stick.
Play luau music like Jimmy Buffet, reggae, or any steel drum band music to get the party going.
Set up the limbo stick, you can use a bamboo pole available at a hardware store or you can use a broomstick without the broom.
Have two people hold each end and everyone else gets in a line and once the music starts the games begin.
Each time the pole gets lower and lower.
See how low your guests can go! The one who goes the lowest wins.
Mai Tai Limbo
You can spice up the limbo by adding in Mai Tai’s to the mix. Mai Tai’s are a traditional Hawaiian drink made with a combination of rum, lime and orange juice, sugar syrup and orange liquor. The original recipe is found here.
Ingredients
Tequila Glasses
Cocktail Umbrellas
Luau Music CD’s
Bamboo Limbo Kit
To Play
Give everyone a Mai Tai in a tequila glass.
Before going under the limbo stick each guest takes a sip. And they have to hold the glass as they limbo.
Whoever spills their drink loses and whoever makes it to the lowest level while holding their Mai Tai wins.
Hula Hoop Spin Off
Ingredients
Hula-Hoops One for Each Guest
Luau Music CD’s
Fruit Hats
To play
First, purchase a whole bunch of hula-hoops in bright colors.
Give all of your guests a hula-hoop.
Have all of the guests hula-hoop to the best of their ability to music.
The person who hula-hoops the longest wins. You can give out prizes for the most creative hula-hoop, worst hula-hoop, and most rhythmic hula-hoop.
Another idea, is to have your guests wear big fruit hats as they hula-hoop. Whoever hula-hoops the longest while wearing a fruit hat wins. Whoever loses the hat, well they lose.
Tacky Tourist Relay
Aloha Friends brings us this fun game. We think it’s a hoot!
Ingredients
Tourist Gear: beach hats, snorkels, Aloha shirts, flip-flops, muumuus, pails, big sunglasses, fins, sun tan lotion, shell necklaces, and other items.
You’ll need close to matching attire for the teams. A thrift store is a great place to go to find any of this gear.
Inflatable Palm Tree
Tiki Torches
To Play
Place two sets of the tourist gear in two piles. This is the starting line.
Put a marker, such as a chair, inflatable palm tree at a far distance from the starting line. This is the finish line, which everyone has to run around.
Divide guests into two teams.
The first player for each team puts on the tourist gear then runs down to the marker and back again.
When they get to the start/finish line they take off the gear and the next awaiting team member puts the gear on and races to the markers.
Whichever team is finished first wins the tacky tourist relay race. With this game, don’t forget to pull out the camera. A picture of Uncle Sal in a snorkel, fins, and a muumuu= priceless!
Colorful Hawaiian Shirt/Dress Runway Show
Invite your guests to put on a runway show in their favorite luau costumes. On the invitation indicate that there will be a runway show for all those who dress in their most colorful luau costume.
Ingredients
Pieces of Paper
Luau Music CD’s
To Play
Set up a place to do the runway.
Find three judges and give them all numbers from 1-10 on paper for them to rise up when the models come down the runway.
Have all of the guests line up.
As each guest walks down the judges give their score. The winner is the one with the highest points and the best luau costume!
Prizes
Fresh fruit basket with tropical fruit.
Jimmy Buffet and other luau-esque music CD’s
Bottle of rum to make some Mai Tai’s
Hawaiian Macadamia Nuts and Coffee
Hawaiian shirt or muumuu
Hawaiian themed movies and shows, such as Gidget Goes Hawaiian, Blue Hawaii, or Hawaii Five-O.
For the kids, give out leis, flip-flops, sunglasses, and necklaces.
The Limbo
You can’t have a luau party without the limbo. It’s a true classic.
Ingredients
Luau Music CD’s
Bamboo Limbo Kit
To Play
Clear out an area large enough for all of your guests and of course the limbo stick.
Play luau music like Jimmy Buffet, reggae, or any steel drum band music to get the party going.
Set up the limbo stick, you can use a bamboo pole available at a hardware store or you can use a broomstick without the broom.
Have two people hold each end and everyone else gets in a line and once the music starts the games begin.
Each time the pole gets lower and lower.
See how low your guests can go! The one who goes the lowest wins.
Mai Tai Limbo
You can spice up the limbo by adding in Mai Tai’s to the mix. Mai Tai’s are a traditional Hawaiian drink made with a combination of rum, lime and orange juice, sugar syrup and orange liquor. The original recipe is found here.
Ingredients
Tequila Glasses
Cocktail Umbrellas
Luau Music CD’s
Bamboo Limbo Kit
To Play
Give everyone a Mai Tai in a tequila glass.
Before going under the limbo stick each guest takes a sip. And they have to hold the glass as they limbo.
Whoever spills their drink loses and whoever makes it to the lowest level while holding their Mai Tai wins.
Hula Hoop Spin Off
Ingredients
Hula-Hoops One for Each Guest
Luau Music CD’s
Fruit Hats
To play
First, purchase a whole bunch of hula-hoops in bright colors.
Give all of your guests a hula-hoop.
Have all of the guests hula-hoop to the best of their ability to music.
The person who hula-hoops the longest wins. You can give out prizes for the most creative hula-hoop, worst hula-hoop, and most rhythmic hula-hoop.
Another idea, is to have your guests wear big fruit hats as they hula-hoop. Whoever hula-hoops the longest while wearing a fruit hat wins. Whoever loses the hat, well they lose.
Tacky Tourist Relay
Aloha Friends brings us this fun game. We think it’s a hoot!
Ingredients
Tourist Gear: beach hats, snorkels, Aloha shirts, flip-flops, muumuus, pails, big sunglasses, fins, sun tan lotion, shell necklaces, and other items.
You’ll need close to matching attire for the teams. A thrift store is a great place to go to find any of this gear.
Inflatable Palm Tree
Tiki Torches
To Play
Place two sets of the tourist gear in two piles. This is the starting line.
Put a marker, such as a chair, inflatable palm tree at a far distance from the starting line. This is the finish line, which everyone has to run around.
Divide guests into two teams.
The first player for each team puts on the tourist gear then runs down to the marker and back again.
When they get to the start/finish line they take off the gear and the next awaiting team member puts the gear on and races to the markers.
Whichever team is finished first wins the tacky tourist relay race. With this game, don’t forget to pull out the camera. A picture of Uncle Sal in a snorkel, fins, and a muumuu= priceless!
Colorful Hawaiian Shirt/Dress Runway Show
Invite your guests to put on a runway show in their favorite luau costumes. On the invitation indicate that there will be a runway show for all those who dress in their most colorful luau costume.
Ingredients
Pieces of Paper
Luau Music CD’s
To Play
Set up a place to do the runway.
Find three judges and give them all numbers from 1-10 on paper for them to rise up when the models come down the runway.
Have all of the guests line up.
As each guest walks down the judges give their score. The winner is the one with the highest points and the best luau costume!
Prizes
Fresh fruit basket with tropical fruit.
Jimmy Buffet and other luau-esque music CD’s
Bottle of rum to make some Mai Tai’s
Hawaiian Macadamia Nuts and Coffee
Hawaiian shirt or muumuu
Hawaiian themed movies and shows, such as Gidget Goes Hawaiian, Blue Hawaii, or Hawaii Five-O.
For the kids, give out leis, flip-flops, sunglasses, and necklaces.
Adult Birthday Party Planning Guide
If you’re going to the trouble of planning a birthday party for yourself, your spouse, your friend or even a complete stranger you have plenty of options. Start by asking two questions
1. Is it a milestone birthday? You know 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, etc. If so visit our Milestone Birthday Planning Guide and go from there.
2. Does the birthday person have an overwhelming passion, interest or hobby? If they do you should consider creating a theme party around that passion. Hear are some of our most popular birthday theme parties.
Planning an Adult Birthday Theme Party…
The Basics
We have come up with an approach that we think works for most adult birthday parties. If you do these seven things your birthday celebration will be a hit!
Pick a Location
When picking a location you really have four choices.
1. Home – Inside. Most of the people I know are most comfortable with this approach. You know your house, you can decorate when you want (or when you have the time) and you “set the rules” for the party.
2. Home – Outside Same address but a whole different decorating approach and vibe to the party. Lots of fun but make sure you have options if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
3. Restaurant/Party Room. Lots of the headaches go away. But will you have privacy? Will you have enough time? Does it fit your budget?
4. The Moveable Feast. Often referred to as the pub crawl this can be great fun and friends can come and go as they see fit. One of the best parties I ever attended went to a club for cocktails, a restaurant for appetizers, a different restaurant for dinner, a ball game, followed by a tavern for a nightcap. Takes some planning and cooperation from the places you visit but you can “customize” an evening for the guest of honor by going to their favorite places.
Pick a Theme
We have listed a variety of options above. I think picking a theme makes decorating, menu planning and all party preparations much easier. You don’t have to do this, but if you do go this way, select the theme as early as possible.
Fiesta Birthday Party
Mardi Gras Masquerade Birthday Party
Western Birthday Party
Rock and Roll 50’s Birthday Party
NASCAR Birthday Party
Sports Birthday Party
Casino Birthday Party
Luau Birthday Party
BBQ Birthday Parties
70s Disco Generation Birthday Party
Hollywood Birthday Party
Golfing with the Guys Birthday Party
Choose Your Birthday Invitations
Once you have your theme, you’re ready to choose an invitation. Of course, the invitation is one of your most important decisions, because it lets the guests know in advance what a great party you’re planning and what a great time they will have.
Based on your theme (or lack of), we have something for everyone. It’s a special day for that special someone so why not really wow your guests and give your party that personal touch? Think about ordering our personalized birthday invitations. Combine these with a matching personalized candy bar wrapper as a favor and you’ll have a party that’s remembered for a long time. Here’s just one example of how you can use Creations For You products throughout your party to Celebrate a birthday
Of course, if you are feeling ambitious you can make your own invitations. I think this is the most fun when you can get your child to help. Your invitations will certainly be original. All of our theme party ideas have suggestions. Or go to your local party store where you’ll find an invitation that will work for you.
Decorate the Room
Depending on where you are having the party (inside or out) and the time of day, you can go light or heavy on the décor. It helps to make the party more festive, but it’s your choice. Listed below are the items we propose for all of our birthday parties…but you can pick and choose.
At the Front Door – Start with either a sign or a life-size cut-out of the celebrant with a speech bubble is the perfect thing to welcome your guests. The cut-out can be themed or just based on your photograph.
A sign in board or book - something for the celebrant to keep forevermore. Check out our 3-D sign in books - they’re fantastic!
Seating cards/favors - attach the table card with name and table number to a favor of some sort. This is a good place to hand out favors that set the mood for theme. You know, leis for a luau, bandanas for a western party, beads for Mardi Gras. You get the idea!
Scene Setters – For many of our theme party planning ideas we suggest a variety of “scene setters”. These inexpensive decorations can change a room quickly and easily.
Tabletop décor - centerpieces, confetti, napkin rings, votive candles, matching paper cups are a must! Be creative with any and all of these items, and your guests will be thrilled with the personal touches. You might also want to think about a personalized camera on each table and perhaps a program at each place.
Plus, think about using some of our themed paper goods with matching miscellaneous items. The old days of using china are gone… These fabulous party goods can make your table. Or at least consider using them for dessert!
Games and Activities - This will vary by age, theme and the type of group you have. My group is not great at organized activities and loves to chat or dance. Your group might enjoy a more structured (but loads of fun) approach. Our Game Guide has hundreds of fun games. Figuring out a way to mildly embarrass the guest of honor is always fun (well not if it’s Grandma).
Photo opportunity - depending on your theme, we can provide a back-drop or a cut-out for a wonderful photo opportunity - and remember that if you don’t see a design that works for you we can custom design products for you. Just ask us!
Plan Your Menu
This really depends on the type of party you are planning and how much work you want to do. You can have a formal dinner or just put some snacks out around the room. A popular standby is a potluck approach. If you are having a big crowd this is a good way to go. I usually make a main course and ask my guests to bring complimentary foods. My sister-in-law asks people with a name that begins A-L to bring an appetizer and M-Z to bring dessert. Here’s another place where picking a theme will help you. You can easily find hundreds of recipes on the web for a luau, mardi gras, fiesta or western birthday party. Just take a few minutes to search. It's fun!
Pick Memorable Favors
Personalized candy bars are very popular. Loot bags are always popular. A little bit of candy and other assorted goodies put in something easy to carry. It’s always fun to use something that fits your theme. For example if you are doing a Luau, or are having a beach party, use some plastic beach pails as your “bag”.
Games and Activities
This really depends on the size and type of crowd you are expecting. If you have a roomful of people you might find good conversation and plenty of enjoyment will be easy to find. With smaller groups (that don’t know each other) you might need an icebreaker to get things started. If you have all couples we have some suggestions.
Don’t forget it’s a birthday party so sharing a story about the guest of honor can be fun or playing a little “Do you remember?” where people give different, and often hilarious, versions of the same event.
From Party 411
1. Is it a milestone birthday? You know 21st, 30th, 40th, 50th, etc. If so visit our Milestone Birthday Planning Guide and go from there.
2. Does the birthday person have an overwhelming passion, interest or hobby? If they do you should consider creating a theme party around that passion. Hear are some of our most popular birthday theme parties.
Planning an Adult Birthday Theme Party…
The Basics
We have come up with an approach that we think works for most adult birthday parties. If you do these seven things your birthday celebration will be a hit!
Pick a Location
When picking a location you really have four choices.
1. Home – Inside. Most of the people I know are most comfortable with this approach. You know your house, you can decorate when you want (or when you have the time) and you “set the rules” for the party.
2. Home – Outside Same address but a whole different decorating approach and vibe to the party. Lots of fun but make sure you have options if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
3. Restaurant/Party Room. Lots of the headaches go away. But will you have privacy? Will you have enough time? Does it fit your budget?
4. The Moveable Feast. Often referred to as the pub crawl this can be great fun and friends can come and go as they see fit. One of the best parties I ever attended went to a club for cocktails, a restaurant for appetizers, a different restaurant for dinner, a ball game, followed by a tavern for a nightcap. Takes some planning and cooperation from the places you visit but you can “customize” an evening for the guest of honor by going to their favorite places.
Pick a Theme
We have listed a variety of options above. I think picking a theme makes decorating, menu planning and all party preparations much easier. You don’t have to do this, but if you do go this way, select the theme as early as possible.
Fiesta Birthday Party
Mardi Gras Masquerade Birthday Party
Western Birthday Party
Rock and Roll 50’s Birthday Party
NASCAR Birthday Party
Sports Birthday Party
Casino Birthday Party
Luau Birthday Party
BBQ Birthday Parties
70s Disco Generation Birthday Party
Hollywood Birthday Party
Golfing with the Guys Birthday Party
Choose Your Birthday Invitations
Once you have your theme, you’re ready to choose an invitation. Of course, the invitation is one of your most important decisions, because it lets the guests know in advance what a great party you’re planning and what a great time they will have.
Based on your theme (or lack of), we have something for everyone. It’s a special day for that special someone so why not really wow your guests and give your party that personal touch? Think about ordering our personalized birthday invitations. Combine these with a matching personalized candy bar wrapper as a favor and you’ll have a party that’s remembered for a long time. Here’s just one example of how you can use Creations For You products throughout your party to Celebrate a birthday
Of course, if you are feeling ambitious you can make your own invitations. I think this is the most fun when you can get your child to help. Your invitations will certainly be original. All of our theme party ideas have suggestions. Or go to your local party store where you’ll find an invitation that will work for you.
Decorate the Room
Depending on where you are having the party (inside or out) and the time of day, you can go light or heavy on the décor. It helps to make the party more festive, but it’s your choice. Listed below are the items we propose for all of our birthday parties…but you can pick and choose.
At the Front Door – Start with either a sign or a life-size cut-out of the celebrant with a speech bubble is the perfect thing to welcome your guests. The cut-out can be themed or just based on your photograph.
A sign in board or book - something for the celebrant to keep forevermore. Check out our 3-D sign in books - they’re fantastic!
Seating cards/favors - attach the table card with name and table number to a favor of some sort. This is a good place to hand out favors that set the mood for theme. You know, leis for a luau, bandanas for a western party, beads for Mardi Gras. You get the idea!
Scene Setters – For many of our theme party planning ideas we suggest a variety of “scene setters”. These inexpensive decorations can change a room quickly and easily.
Tabletop décor - centerpieces, confetti, napkin rings, votive candles, matching paper cups are a must! Be creative with any and all of these items, and your guests will be thrilled with the personal touches. You might also want to think about a personalized camera on each table and perhaps a program at each place.
Plus, think about using some of our themed paper goods with matching miscellaneous items. The old days of using china are gone… These fabulous party goods can make your table. Or at least consider using them for dessert!
Games and Activities - This will vary by age, theme and the type of group you have. My group is not great at organized activities and loves to chat or dance. Your group might enjoy a more structured (but loads of fun) approach. Our Game Guide has hundreds of fun games. Figuring out a way to mildly embarrass the guest of honor is always fun (well not if it’s Grandma).
Photo opportunity - depending on your theme, we can provide a back-drop or a cut-out for a wonderful photo opportunity - and remember that if you don’t see a design that works for you we can custom design products for you. Just ask us!
Plan Your Menu
This really depends on the type of party you are planning and how much work you want to do. You can have a formal dinner or just put some snacks out around the room. A popular standby is a potluck approach. If you are having a big crowd this is a good way to go. I usually make a main course and ask my guests to bring complimentary foods. My sister-in-law asks people with a name that begins A-L to bring an appetizer and M-Z to bring dessert. Here’s another place where picking a theme will help you. You can easily find hundreds of recipes on the web for a luau, mardi gras, fiesta or western birthday party. Just take a few minutes to search. It's fun!
Pick Memorable Favors
Personalized candy bars are very popular. Loot bags are always popular. A little bit of candy and other assorted goodies put in something easy to carry. It’s always fun to use something that fits your theme. For example if you are doing a Luau, or are having a beach party, use some plastic beach pails as your “bag”.
Games and Activities
This really depends on the size and type of crowd you are expecting. If you have a roomful of people you might find good conversation and plenty of enjoyment will be easy to find. With smaller groups (that don’t know each other) you might need an icebreaker to get things started. If you have all couples we have some suggestions.
Don’t forget it’s a birthday party so sharing a story about the guest of honor can be fun or playing a little “Do you remember?” where people give different, and often hilarious, versions of the same event.
From Party 411
Luau Party Planning Guide
Luaus are one of our favorite parties here at Party411.com--they are colorful and fun, and the food is fabulous (what more is there to a luau, except cool tropical drinks?). So, if you ask me, I think planning a luau is a great way to have a party. Limbo on down the page and check it out...
Hawaiian Luau Party Invitation
Make a flier or buy a luau invitation at your local party/stationery store, but instead of sending it alone, prove you're creative and include a flower hair comb for the ladies and a flower wrist bracelet for the men. Tell them they must wear the enclosed pieces on their bodies somewhere, and that you want them to dress luau-creative. That will get them talking long before the party!
As always a perfect choice is a personalized luau invitation made by your friends at Party411.com. New this year 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! You can use the semi-custom caricature as the design for other fun elements in your Hawaiian luau, including centerpieces, a welcome sign, thank you notes, and much more!
Luau Party Decorations and Party Supplies
For a great selection of luau party decorations and party supplies visit Luau Decorating411. Below you will find plenty of ideas on how to use these great luau or beach party decorations.
Outside Entrance
Make it easy for people to spot your house with hula girl balloon signs. To make a grand entrance, place inflatable palm trees outside your door as the first indication to your guests that this is going to be the luau to remember. You may even want to adorn your porch rail or doorway with an inflatable parrot and/or luau lights for a festive effect. Add a CD player with island music to create the perfect atmosphere. If you are really adventurous and can stand the ridicule and neighbor gossip, use pink flamingos to adorn your front yard or line them up the driveway or front sidewalk. There are some flamingos available now that are different and a lot of fun. Or think about using Tiki balloon lawn signs or even a luau custom banner to welcome your guests. There are hundreds more luau decorating ideas. Visit Luau Decorating411 to see more options.
Scene Setters
Scene setters make great decorations for your party. There’s a tropical scene setter, a bamboo scene setter, Tiki pole scene setter, and much more. These things are great and given how big they are they add real value. Or you can do things yourself. Use netting as your backdrop. Have a big basket of multi-color leis (colorful neon leis, white orchid leis, silk flower leis, rainbow silk flower leis) inside the door where people can help themselves to a few. I would plan on 5 or 6 per person so that they can be creative and festive with their leis. If you think you have the time, stand at the door and greet everyone with a lei--this is always a nice gesture and a traditional way of saying aloha. If you are really talented, have a ukulele on hand to serenade your guests as they enter. Maybe put a note on the basket urging them to wear them wherever they please. This will make for fun photo opportunities (you can send them later as a thank you for attending the party).
Don't forget a life-size custom luau cutout of you (or your friends!) with a speech bubble welcoming your guests to the party.
Backyard
The backyard is just as fun to decorate as the rest of the house, so don't neglect this space if weather permits or if you plan to expand the party outside. Paper lanterns might be a nice touch, whether inside or in the back yard. An inflatable Tiki pole goes well with tribal masks to create the mood. Hang wind chimes and wooden parrots to give a complete background to your setting. Shells, sand and perhaps a mini-pool is order here as well. If you really want to go crazy, place metallic palm trees and wooden totem poles around the yard/patio. Candle votives are a must, but don't forget the citronella candles.
If you are having a big party and serving cocktails in the back yard think about creating a Tiki pavilion. It’s not cheap but it will be the focal point of your party.
For even more great Luau decorating ideas visit Luau Decorating411
Luau Party Music, Luau Party Games and Luau Party Activities
Luau Party Music. Good luau music not only sets the mood but you learn to do the Hula or the Limbo.
Luau Party Games and Luau Party Activities. The Game Girl has the “rules” for Limbo, Mai Tai Limbo, The Tacky Tourist Relay and the Hula Hoop Spin Off. Just visit our luau game page. Or there is always fun to be had with a piñata.
Seating Cards or Name Tags
If you are assigning seats or if you want to give out nametags (and this is wise when you have a lot of friends that don't know each other), here's a thought: thongs. You know, the rubber kind you wear on your feet with a flower in the center? They make for a great nametag or seating card. Just write the name in magic marker, add a 25¢ chain or ribbon (necklace) and voila--a humorous way to get people talking about your creativity and their thongs. Line them up alphabetically on a table near the entrance.
Another thought on this is to use starfish or sand dollars and write the name of the person on it. For name tags, string some ribbon around it.
Luau Paper Goods and Table Decorations
Use a raffia table skirt around the buffet table to bring Hawaii right inside your home. Or use a light up luau table skirt for a stunning nighttime effect! Use a green plastic or linen tablecloth over the buffet and pin the skirting to the edges. Add fabulous tropical Mylar balloons (all you need is some helium) in the shape of fish, monkeys and other related characters, so buffets can be seen from anywhere at the party. Use beachcomber hats (multi-color or plain) upside down to hold different snacks and munchies. Throw a mixture of fabulous foil-wrapped chocolate fish and tropical bird/palm tree confetti across your table. Your guests will really WOW at your thoughtfulness and carry-through. Provide tropical toothpicks as a final touch. Use baskets on each buffet to hold luncheon napkins, Tiki Island plates, cutlery and cups. You may even want to get matching guest towels for your powder room!
Other ideas include adding some silk flower lights, luau salt and pepper shakers, and hula girl taper candles (or pineapple candles). Don't forget to add confetti and more foil wrapped chocolate fish. Make sure to use tropical colors for your tablecloths--yellow, green, hot pink, melon, orange and bright blue. Add your own seashells, maracas and sand. Another great ideas is to use piñatas as your centerpieces or if you prefer, hang them above the tables. Another option is this coral reef centerpiece. I always use a tropical food cover to protect the food.
For tropical themed paper products, cutlery and cups choose from a great selection of designs including Tiki, Jungle Paradise, Tropical Cool, Coral Reef, Tropical Sun and Flamingo.
Bar
The first drink should be served complete with tropical straws and cocktail umbrellas . You may want to add some hula girl candles to create some atmosphere--and you may want to add some tropical lights around the bar as well. The bar is a good place to put your coconut band. Don't forget the all-important pineapples cups, whether plastic or made from real pineapples (how dedicated do you want to be to making this as authentic as possible for your guests?)
There are some new products out you may not have seen before including luau shot glasses, neon Tiki cups, and even a palm tree cup. If you have really thirsty guests think about serving those cool tropical drinks in these party yards.
Dress Up Your Guests
A big part of any luau is letting your guests dress up. You have plenty of costumes and accessories to choose from including leis, hula skirts, shell bikini tops, and even coconut tops. (My buddy John puts on this coconut top at every luau and beach party and we laugh every single time.) Top it off with a “Carmen Miranda” hat and you are there! Of course you can always go with a full costume. Buy Costumes has some real fun costumes, including an Aloha Gorilla Suit or the ever popular Hawaiian shirt and shorts.
Luau Party Favors
Fish squirts (little rubber fish that you fill with water, squeeze and squirt) are great fun if the party is outside. Another idea is to send guests home with their own plastic tropical beverage glasses. These are very cute and can be found in house wares stores.
Of course we think great luau party favors a a personalized luau candy bar wrapper from or personalized mint tin Party411’s Creations for You!
Last but not least
Fill the room with balloons in tropical colors (great as centerpieces tied off a "real" pineapple), flowers and you'll have a party to remember. Oh, and one last thing--don't forget to do the limbo! All you need is an official limbo kit (two poles and a limbo stick! Why not decorate them with lights, too?)
Hawaiian Luau Party Invitation
Make a flier or buy a luau invitation at your local party/stationery store, but instead of sending it alone, prove you're creative and include a flower hair comb for the ladies and a flower wrist bracelet for the men. Tell them they must wear the enclosed pieces on their bodies somewhere, and that you want them to dress luau-creative. That will get them talking long before the party!
As always a perfect choice is a personalized luau invitation made by your friends at Party411.com. New this year 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! You can use the semi-custom caricature as the design for other fun elements in your Hawaiian luau, including centerpieces, a welcome sign, thank you notes, and much more!
Luau Party Decorations and Party Supplies
For a great selection of luau party decorations and party supplies visit Luau Decorating411. Below you will find plenty of ideas on how to use these great luau or beach party decorations.
Outside Entrance
Make it easy for people to spot your house with hula girl balloon signs. To make a grand entrance, place inflatable palm trees outside your door as the first indication to your guests that this is going to be the luau to remember. You may even want to adorn your porch rail or doorway with an inflatable parrot and/or luau lights for a festive effect. Add a CD player with island music to create the perfect atmosphere. If you are really adventurous and can stand the ridicule and neighbor gossip, use pink flamingos to adorn your front yard or line them up the driveway or front sidewalk. There are some flamingos available now that are different and a lot of fun. Or think about using Tiki balloon lawn signs or even a luau custom banner to welcome your guests. There are hundreds more luau decorating ideas. Visit Luau Decorating411 to see more options.
Scene Setters
Scene setters make great decorations for your party. There’s a tropical scene setter, a bamboo scene setter, Tiki pole scene setter, and much more. These things are great and given how big they are they add real value. Or you can do things yourself. Use netting as your backdrop. Have a big basket of multi-color leis (colorful neon leis, white orchid leis, silk flower leis, rainbow silk flower leis) inside the door where people can help themselves to a few. I would plan on 5 or 6 per person so that they can be creative and festive with their leis. If you think you have the time, stand at the door and greet everyone with a lei--this is always a nice gesture and a traditional way of saying aloha. If you are really talented, have a ukulele on hand to serenade your guests as they enter. Maybe put a note on the basket urging them to wear them wherever they please. This will make for fun photo opportunities (you can send them later as a thank you for attending the party).
Don't forget a life-size custom luau cutout of you (or your friends!) with a speech bubble welcoming your guests to the party.
Backyard
The backyard is just as fun to decorate as the rest of the house, so don't neglect this space if weather permits or if you plan to expand the party outside. Paper lanterns might be a nice touch, whether inside or in the back yard. An inflatable Tiki pole goes well with tribal masks to create the mood. Hang wind chimes and wooden parrots to give a complete background to your setting. Shells, sand and perhaps a mini-pool is order here as well. If you really want to go crazy, place metallic palm trees and wooden totem poles around the yard/patio. Candle votives are a must, but don't forget the citronella candles.
If you are having a big party and serving cocktails in the back yard think about creating a Tiki pavilion. It’s not cheap but it will be the focal point of your party.
For even more great Luau decorating ideas visit Luau Decorating411
Luau Party Music, Luau Party Games and Luau Party Activities
Luau Party Music. Good luau music not only sets the mood but you learn to do the Hula or the Limbo.
Luau Party Games and Luau Party Activities. The Game Girl has the “rules” for Limbo, Mai Tai Limbo, The Tacky Tourist Relay and the Hula Hoop Spin Off. Just visit our luau game page. Or there is always fun to be had with a piñata.
Seating Cards or Name Tags
If you are assigning seats or if you want to give out nametags (and this is wise when you have a lot of friends that don't know each other), here's a thought: thongs. You know, the rubber kind you wear on your feet with a flower in the center? They make for a great nametag or seating card. Just write the name in magic marker, add a 25¢ chain or ribbon (necklace) and voila--a humorous way to get people talking about your creativity and their thongs. Line them up alphabetically on a table near the entrance.
Another thought on this is to use starfish or sand dollars and write the name of the person on it. For name tags, string some ribbon around it.
Luau Paper Goods and Table Decorations
Use a raffia table skirt around the buffet table to bring Hawaii right inside your home. Or use a light up luau table skirt for a stunning nighttime effect! Use a green plastic or linen tablecloth over the buffet and pin the skirting to the edges. Add fabulous tropical Mylar balloons (all you need is some helium) in the shape of fish, monkeys and other related characters, so buffets can be seen from anywhere at the party. Use beachcomber hats (multi-color or plain) upside down to hold different snacks and munchies. Throw a mixture of fabulous foil-wrapped chocolate fish and tropical bird/palm tree confetti across your table. Your guests will really WOW at your thoughtfulness and carry-through. Provide tropical toothpicks as a final touch. Use baskets on each buffet to hold luncheon napkins, Tiki Island plates, cutlery and cups. You may even want to get matching guest towels for your powder room!
Other ideas include adding some silk flower lights, luau salt and pepper shakers, and hula girl taper candles (or pineapple candles). Don't forget to add confetti and more foil wrapped chocolate fish. Make sure to use tropical colors for your tablecloths--yellow, green, hot pink, melon, orange and bright blue. Add your own seashells, maracas and sand. Another great ideas is to use piñatas as your centerpieces or if you prefer, hang them above the tables. Another option is this coral reef centerpiece. I always use a tropical food cover to protect the food.
For tropical themed paper products, cutlery and cups choose from a great selection of designs including Tiki, Jungle Paradise, Tropical Cool, Coral Reef, Tropical Sun and Flamingo.
Bar
The first drink should be served complete with tropical straws and cocktail umbrellas . You may want to add some hula girl candles to create some atmosphere--and you may want to add some tropical lights around the bar as well. The bar is a good place to put your coconut band. Don't forget the all-important pineapples cups, whether plastic or made from real pineapples (how dedicated do you want to be to making this as authentic as possible for your guests?)
There are some new products out you may not have seen before including luau shot glasses, neon Tiki cups, and even a palm tree cup. If you have really thirsty guests think about serving those cool tropical drinks in these party yards.
Dress Up Your Guests
A big part of any luau is letting your guests dress up. You have plenty of costumes and accessories to choose from including leis, hula skirts, shell bikini tops, and even coconut tops. (My buddy John puts on this coconut top at every luau and beach party and we laugh every single time.) Top it off with a “Carmen Miranda” hat and you are there! Of course you can always go with a full costume. Buy Costumes has some real fun costumes, including an Aloha Gorilla Suit or the ever popular Hawaiian shirt and shorts.
Luau Party Favors
Fish squirts (little rubber fish that you fill with water, squeeze and squirt) are great fun if the party is outside. Another idea is to send guests home with their own plastic tropical beverage glasses. These are very cute and can be found in house wares stores.
Of course we think great luau party favors a a personalized luau candy bar wrapper from or personalized mint tin Party411’s Creations for You!
Last but not least
Fill the room with balloons in tropical colors (great as centerpieces tied off a "real" pineapple), flowers and you'll have a party to remember. Oh, and one last thing--don't forget to do the limbo! All you need is an official limbo kit (two poles and a limbo stick! Why not decorate them with lights, too?)
Fiesta Birthday Party
Ole! What makes a perfect fiesta birthday party? Food, fun, friends and the right fiesta party supplies are the key ingredients. The good news is you don’t have to spend a huge amount of money to have a great event. Just do what’s right for your guests and your budget. Let Party411.com and Creations for You help you plan a memorable fiesta birthday party that everyone will be talking about, long after the party’s over.
Fiesta Birthday Party Invitations
An invitation sets the tone for the party before it ever starts – elegant, casual, silly – whatever you want, let your invitation reflect it. Creations for You offers a wide variety of personalized fiesta invitations. We even designed an invitation just for a fiesta birthday party.
Birthdays beg for a truly unique invitation! We can design a caricature invitation of the guest of honor. Not only is this genuinely special, the art for this invitation can be used for a sign in board, welcome cutout, photo opportunity or even thank you notes.
See an example of a Caricature Party Package!
If you’re the creative type, then make your own invitation. Just 3 simple steps.
Decide what kind of paper you want to use. Heavy poster board, card stock, colored paper or fine linen are all possibilities.
Pick a graphic that matches your theme. (a picture of the birthday person is always a possibility). If you are using a computer grab a digital photo. If you are brave and are going to hand draw your invites use markers, glitter and don’t forget coordinating envelopes.
Decide what content you need. It’s pretty standard. When, where and why is usually sufficient. If you want them to bring something (food or drink) or if you want them to respond, let them know.
Throw some confetti in the envelope and you are good to go.
Fiesta Birthday Decorations and Party Supplies
Balloons, scene setters, garland and welcome banners with personalized messages, all make the party even more of a celebration. Fiesta Decorating411 has more decorating ideas and fiesta party supplies that can set the right mood. Some of our favorite choices include:
Inflatable Sombrero Cooler - perfect to keep the drinks cold!
Sombrero or Bull Pinata - these make great centerpieces
Chili Pepper Lights - decorate the bar and buffet with these "hot" lights
Fiesta Bandanas - make fantastic fiesta napkins
A few extra items from Creations for You will really make your party special. A custom sign in board or one with a caricature of the guest of honor is an easy and unique way for guests to give you their good wishes.
And you can greet them with a life size cutout of the guest of honor. Naturally they will be “dressed” for the occasion! Add a speech bubble for extra fun!
Centerpieces are a great addition to any party. Turn your caricature into a 3-sided centerpiece that will look fabulous on any table. Place fiesta balloons or flowers in it. Add some fiesta table decorations to your table and you are almost ready to go. All you are missing is some fiesta paper goods, or if this is a milestone birthday think about using these milestone birthday paper goods.
Fiesta Food
A fiesta birthday party says a Mexican buffet so that everyone can sample a little bit of everything. Some foods that you want to be sure to include are chicken fajitas, warm flour tortillas, chili con queso, tortilla soup, Mexican rice, black bean and corn salsa, three-milk cake, flan, and margaritas. These are certainly all great choices.
But this is a birthday party so pizza, chili, easy to eat appetizers, desserts and birthday cake are all good choices as well – the food at your party can be as simple or elaborate as you want.
Entertainment
Day or night, great entertainment is key to the success of any party. Your guests will be standing in line to have their pictures taken with a life size photo opportunity from Creations for You. Make your guests dreams come true as they are transformed into a mariachi band!
And everyone can be both star and paparazzi thanks to personalized cameras from Creations for You. They’ll be snapping away with these great disposable cameras that are customized just for you. Be sure to get extras – they are perfect party favors.
Party Favors
Send your guests home with a sweet treat from your party. A scrumptious milk or dark chocolate candy bar with a personalized fiesta birthday wrapper is a delicious souvenir for a wonderful party.
Fiesta Birthday Party Invitations
An invitation sets the tone for the party before it ever starts – elegant, casual, silly – whatever you want, let your invitation reflect it. Creations for You offers a wide variety of personalized fiesta invitations. We even designed an invitation just for a fiesta birthday party.
Birthdays beg for a truly unique invitation! We can design a caricature invitation of the guest of honor. Not only is this genuinely special, the art for this invitation can be used for a sign in board, welcome cutout, photo opportunity or even thank you notes.
See an example of a Caricature Party Package!
If you’re the creative type, then make your own invitation. Just 3 simple steps.
Decide what kind of paper you want to use. Heavy poster board, card stock, colored paper or fine linen are all possibilities.
Pick a graphic that matches your theme. (a picture of the birthday person is always a possibility). If you are using a computer grab a digital photo. If you are brave and are going to hand draw your invites use markers, glitter and don’t forget coordinating envelopes.
Decide what content you need. It’s pretty standard. When, where and why is usually sufficient. If you want them to bring something (food or drink) or if you want them to respond, let them know.
Throw some confetti in the envelope and you are good to go.
Fiesta Birthday Decorations and Party Supplies
Balloons, scene setters, garland and welcome banners with personalized messages, all make the party even more of a celebration. Fiesta Decorating411 has more decorating ideas and fiesta party supplies that can set the right mood. Some of our favorite choices include:
Inflatable Sombrero Cooler - perfect to keep the drinks cold!
Sombrero or Bull Pinata - these make great centerpieces
Chili Pepper Lights - decorate the bar and buffet with these "hot" lights
Fiesta Bandanas - make fantastic fiesta napkins
A few extra items from Creations for You will really make your party special. A custom sign in board or one with a caricature of the guest of honor is an easy and unique way for guests to give you their good wishes.
And you can greet them with a life size cutout of the guest of honor. Naturally they will be “dressed” for the occasion! Add a speech bubble for extra fun!
Centerpieces are a great addition to any party. Turn your caricature into a 3-sided centerpiece that will look fabulous on any table. Place fiesta balloons or flowers in it. Add some fiesta table decorations to your table and you are almost ready to go. All you are missing is some fiesta paper goods, or if this is a milestone birthday think about using these milestone birthday paper goods.
Fiesta Food
A fiesta birthday party says a Mexican buffet so that everyone can sample a little bit of everything. Some foods that you want to be sure to include are chicken fajitas, warm flour tortillas, chili con queso, tortilla soup, Mexican rice, black bean and corn salsa, three-milk cake, flan, and margaritas. These are certainly all great choices.
But this is a birthday party so pizza, chili, easy to eat appetizers, desserts and birthday cake are all good choices as well – the food at your party can be as simple or elaborate as you want.
Entertainment
Day or night, great entertainment is key to the success of any party. Your guests will be standing in line to have their pictures taken with a life size photo opportunity from Creations for You. Make your guests dreams come true as they are transformed into a mariachi band!
And everyone can be both star and paparazzi thanks to personalized cameras from Creations for You. They’ll be snapping away with these great disposable cameras that are customized just for you. Be sure to get extras – they are perfect party favors.
Party Favors
Send your guests home with a sweet treat from your party. A scrumptious milk or dark chocolate candy bar with a personalized fiesta birthday wrapper is a delicious souvenir for a wonderful party.
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