Many people feel that their 30th birthday marks the beginning of their lives as adults. They spend more time working or hanging out at home than they do partying with the old gang from school— usually because they have a new gang to spend time with in the under the age of five! However, while the party may not be quite as wild as it used to be, 30-year-olds still like to have fun. Try one of these ideas for a 30th birthday party:
Rent a hall and hold a traditional grownup cocktail party, but invite all the kids. Hire several child care providers to entertain the children with child appropriate food, entertainment and craft projects. Parents will be able to enjoy the party without any worry, since they don't have to find sitters and they can quickly check in on the kids, who are just a few feet away in another room in the same building.
Throw a practical party. Have everyone get together and finish up a project the birthday honoree has been trying to complete. Ask the guests to bring practical gifts, such as office supplies or that new toilet bowl gizmo everyone's talking about. Serve simple food, like hamburgers and hot dogs.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Birthday Song Guide
You're all set to start singing "Happy Birthday" when someone asks whether you paid the fee to the copyright holder. Fee? Can't everyone sing "Happy Birthday" whenever they want? Actually, it is true that this song is not allowed to be performed in a public place without permission of the copyright holder for several more decades. However, at home, you can sing away to your family without any worries. If you are singing the song in a public place and don't want to worry about possible problems, there are plenty of other things you can do.
Make up a song and tune of your own. After all, the original only has a few words and the tune is very simple. Try putting birthday words to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" or a similar childhood classic.
Sing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" instead. This song is more traditional for retirement situations, but you will just have to start a new birthday tradition with your friends and family, instead.
Recite an ode to the birthday honoree that someone poetic has written. It can be silly or serious. Just don't forget to have a keepsake copy made for the birthday boy or girl!
Make up a song and tune of your own. After all, the original only has a few words and the tune is very simple. Try putting birthday words to "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" or a similar childhood classic.
Sing "For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" instead. This song is more traditional for retirement situations, but you will just have to start a new birthday tradition with your friends and family, instead.
Recite an ode to the birthday honoree that someone poetic has written. It can be silly or serious. Just don't forget to have a keepsake copy made for the birthday boy or girl!
60th Birthday Party Themes
Sixty is one of those birthday years that often gets overlooked. The major bash for the 50th birthday was 10 years before and the retirement party is still a few years off. However, if you like to throw parties, a 60th birthday party is a great opportunity to squeeze another one in.
It may not be time to retire yet, but most people retire when they are in the 60th decade, so why not throw a pre-retirement birthday bash? Get the birthday recipient ready for the day he or she walks out the office door for the last time with a party that includes plenty of ideas for spare time pursuits. Ask guests to bring how to books, hobby supplies, or gift certificates for golf lessons or knitting and crochet classes.
Another 60th birthday party idea you might want to consider is choosing to throw a birthday bash that helps a local cause and still lets everyone have a good time. Rent space at the zoo, in the local boys and girls club or at the library. Then, have all the guests bring a cash donation to add to the fund instead of a big birthday gift. Make sure there is good food and music so everyone has plenty of fun. At the end of the event, ask the birthday honoree to present the donation to a representative for the cause.
It may not be time to retire yet, but most people retire when they are in the 60th decade, so why not throw a pre-retirement birthday bash? Get the birthday recipient ready for the day he or she walks out the office door for the last time with a party that includes plenty of ideas for spare time pursuits. Ask guests to bring how to books, hobby supplies, or gift certificates for golf lessons or knitting and crochet classes.
Another 60th birthday party idea you might want to consider is choosing to throw a birthday bash that helps a local cause and still lets everyone have a good time. Rent space at the zoo, in the local boys and girls club or at the library. Then, have all the guests bring a cash donation to add to the fund instead of a big birthday gift. Make sure there is good food and music so everyone has plenty of fun. At the end of the event, ask the birthday honoree to present the donation to a representative for the cause.
21st Birthday Party Ideas
The 21st birthday is such a big milestone. It is the day that children officially become grownups in many parents' eyes. For such a special day, there should be an equally special birthday celebration. Try one of these popular 21st birthday party ideas:
Throw a casino themed party. Print out currency with the birthday guest of honor's picture on it and hand out a stack of "dollars" to each guest. Have tables set up for different card games. For guests who don't want to gamble, you may want to provide tickets for prize drawings in exchange for the birthday dollars. If you like the idea, but it sounds like too much work, there are party companies that will come set up the whole theme and provide dealers for the different tables.
Set up a party centered on the future career choice of the 21-year-old. For example, if he or she is about to graduate with a major in premed, set up tables to look like exam tables, use medical bags to hold centerpieces and ask guests to bring medical supplies or money to be used to help pay for med school as gifts. Of course, if he or she plans to be a rock star, the party will probably be a bit more lively!
Throw a casino themed party. Print out currency with the birthday guest of honor's picture on it and hand out a stack of "dollars" to each guest. Have tables set up for different card games. For guests who don't want to gamble, you may want to provide tickets for prize drawings in exchange for the birthday dollars. If you like the idea, but it sounds like too much work, there are party companies that will come set up the whole theme and provide dealers for the different tables.
Set up a party centered on the future career choice of the 21-year-old. For example, if he or she is about to graduate with a major in premed, set up tables to look like exam tables, use medical bags to hold centerpieces and ask guests to bring medical supplies or money to be used to help pay for med school as gifts. Of course, if he or she plans to be a rock star, the party will probably be a bit more lively!
Etiquette For An Adult Birthday Party
If you’re attending an adult birthday party, it’s all the more reason to make sure you mind your manners. Following proper etiquette is not only good protocol, it’s a way of showing your appreciation for the hosts of the party. In case you’re a little rusty on what’s appropriate and what’s not, we’ve put together some etiquette guidelines for an adult birthday party:
Don’t come empty handed. Do bring a gift for the birthday guest of honor.
If you receive an RSVP on the invitation, do respond according to the instructions in a timely fashion.
Do compliment the host on the party – especially if you really are having a great time.
If you’re going out for a birthday dinner, unless it is a formal affair, do offer to pay and don’t assume it’s covered.
Don’t linger long after a birthday party is clearly over unless you’ve arranged to help the host clean up.
If you’d like to bring a guest to a birthday event, do check with the host if the affair is informal, but don’t bring extra people without making sure if it is okay.
Don’t come empty handed. Do bring a gift for the birthday guest of honor.
If you receive an RSVP on the invitation, do respond according to the instructions in a timely fashion.
Do compliment the host on the party – especially if you really are having a great time.
If you’re going out for a birthday dinner, unless it is a formal affair, do offer to pay and don’t assume it’s covered.
Don’t linger long after a birthday party is clearly over unless you’ve arranged to help the host clean up.
If you’d like to bring a guest to a birthday event, do check with the host if the affair is informal, but don’t bring extra people without making sure if it is okay.
Entertainment For Adult Birthday Parties
Hiring entertainment for adult birthday parties can be as straightforward as finding a DJ or band. However, there are alternate ways to entertain during adult birthday parties that can be just as engaging if not more so. Take a look at our suggestions for off-the-cuff entertainment for adult birthday parties.
Laser Light Show – Turn your home or party venue into a laser light show that moves to the music.
Hypnotist – Hire a hypnotist to turn guests into willing participants of the entertainment.
Live Acrobat Show – Entertain your guests with a live acrobatic show that will flip, twist, contort, and juggle their way around a birthday party.
Murder Mystery Dinner – Get birthday guests involved in crime solving with a murder mystery dinner. Guests get to mingle with the characters over cocktails and the scene unfolds during the course of the meal.
Laser Light Show – Turn your home or party venue into a laser light show that moves to the music.
Hypnotist – Hire a hypnotist to turn guests into willing participants of the entertainment.
Live Acrobat Show – Entertain your guests with a live acrobatic show that will flip, twist, contort, and juggle their way around a birthday party.
Murder Mystery Dinner – Get birthday guests involved in crime solving with a murder mystery dinner. Guests get to mingle with the characters over cocktails and the scene unfolds during the course of the meal.
Adult Birthday Parties For The Young At Heart
Young at heart grownups will enjoy birthday parties free of fancy sit-down dinners at upscale locales. If you are planning adult birthday parties for the birthday guy or girl who’d rather be at play, we have some ideas for you:
High-tech scavenger hunt – Have a game the big kids will love. Participants play in teams, racing around the city to find items with the latest in high tech gadgetry, like cell phones and GPS systems. Actors come into play to make the game more realistic and fun. This is one adult birthday party event that won’t have a boring moment.
Water sport party – Have a picnic by the lake, rent a boat, jet skis, water skis, and a wakeboard. You’ll be in for an afternoon of water soaked fun.
Retro theme party – Take a step back a few decades or two and throw a retro theme party. Guests get dressed up in the decade of your choosing. Think poodle skirts and bowling shirts for the 50’s or bell-bottoms and psychedelic prints for the 70’s.
If you’re throwing a 50’s birthday party, make sure you have the appropriate gear. For ladies, try black stretch pants and an off the shoulder top a la Grease, the hit 1978 movie. Accessorize with a black sheer scarf and coordinating studded sunglasses. For men, dress up in rolled up dark blue jeans, a white t-shirt, and black leather jacket for the birthday party.
High-tech scavenger hunt – Have a game the big kids will love. Participants play in teams, racing around the city to find items with the latest in high tech gadgetry, like cell phones and GPS systems. Actors come into play to make the game more realistic and fun. This is one adult birthday party event that won’t have a boring moment.
Water sport party – Have a picnic by the lake, rent a boat, jet skis, water skis, and a wakeboard. You’ll be in for an afternoon of water soaked fun.
Retro theme party – Take a step back a few decades or two and throw a retro theme party. Guests get dressed up in the decade of your choosing. Think poodle skirts and bowling shirts for the 50’s or bell-bottoms and psychedelic prints for the 70’s.
If you’re throwing a 50’s birthday party, make sure you have the appropriate gear. For ladies, try black stretch pants and an off the shoulder top a la Grease, the hit 1978 movie. Accessorize with a black sheer scarf and coordinating studded sunglasses. For men, dress up in rolled up dark blue jeans, a white t-shirt, and black leather jacket for the birthday party.
Adult Birthday Games You Have To Play
Some games work best when played by adults. If you’re looking for adult birthday games, we have a few here that will keep the laughter flowing and the conversation going. Read on to find out which adult birthday games we recommend.
Name of the game: If you love me
Number of players: Minimum of 6
Goal: Get the other person to crack a smile.
Why you should play: This game is hilarious.
How the game is played: The group sits around in a circle.
One player starts by saying, “Baby, if you love me would you please smile?”
The next player responds by saying, “Baby, I love you, but I just can’t smile.”
Eliminate each player who smiles until you are left with the winner.
Name of the game: Famous names
Number of players: Minimum of 6
Goal: Guess the name of the famous person on your back.
Why you should play: This game helps to break the ice – fast.
How the game is played: Each guest gets a sticker on her back with the name of a famous person.
Every player will go around the room and ask yes or no questions to figure out what the name of the famous person on her back is.
Name of the game: I never
Number of players: Minimum of 6
Goal: Find out what people have never done in their lives.
Why you should play: It’s funny. Its’ revealing
How the game is played: All players start out with a number of tokens and sit in a circle.
One player starts by saying, “I never…” and tells about something he’s never done before, like go fishing.
All the remaining players who have “gone fishing” must give up a token.
The game continues clockwise, in a circle.
Each player who runs out of tokens, leaves the game.
The last player who still has tokens, wins.
Name of the game: If you love me
Number of players: Minimum of 6
Goal: Get the other person to crack a smile.
Why you should play: This game is hilarious.
How the game is played: The group sits around in a circle.
One player starts by saying, “Baby, if you love me would you please smile?”
The next player responds by saying, “Baby, I love you, but I just can’t smile.”
Eliminate each player who smiles until you are left with the winner.
Name of the game: Famous names
Number of players: Minimum of 6
Goal: Guess the name of the famous person on your back.
Why you should play: This game helps to break the ice – fast.
How the game is played: Each guest gets a sticker on her back with the name of a famous person.
Every player will go around the room and ask yes or no questions to figure out what the name of the famous person on her back is.
Name of the game: I never
Number of players: Minimum of 6
Goal: Find out what people have never done in their lives.
Why you should play: It’s funny. Its’ revealing
How the game is played: All players start out with a number of tokens and sit in a circle.
One player starts by saying, “I never…” and tells about something he’s never done before, like go fishing.
All the remaining players who have “gone fishing” must give up a token.
The game continues clockwise, in a circle.
Each player who runs out of tokens, leaves the game.
The last player who still has tokens, wins.
Unique Adult Birthday Cakes
You could order a standard cake with cream and colored frosting, but when there are so many more options for unique adult birthday cakes, consider trying one of these interesting choices. These unique adult birthday cakes almost look too good to eat.
Picture On A Cake – Have a photograph of your choosing reproduced on the adult birthday cake for the party.
Scenery Cake – Have an entire landscape, such as a rock cliff with waterfall, reproduced onto a cake.
Three-dimensional Cake – Does your birthday guest of honor like classic cars? Have a reproduction made into a cake, complete with chrome fenders and retro style seats.
Character cakes – If you’re throwing a party with a character theme, have their image reproduced on a cake. Have one designed three dimensionally, make a cake in the shape of the character, or reproduce a photo on the cake itself.
Architectural Cake – Got a favorite building or getting a new house this birthday? Have a scaled down reproduction made as a cake.
Theme Cake – Want to create a scene from a blockbuster movie like Spiderman or Pirates of the Caribbean? A skilled cake decorator can do the job for you.
Animal Cakes – Have a cake made of a koala in a tree or a bird about to take flight.
Picture On A Cake – Have a photograph of your choosing reproduced on the adult birthday cake for the party.
Scenery Cake – Have an entire landscape, such as a rock cliff with waterfall, reproduced onto a cake.
Three-dimensional Cake – Does your birthday guest of honor like classic cars? Have a reproduction made into a cake, complete with chrome fenders and retro style seats.
Character cakes – If you’re throwing a party with a character theme, have their image reproduced on a cake. Have one designed three dimensionally, make a cake in the shape of the character, or reproduce a photo on the cake itself.
Architectural Cake – Got a favorite building or getting a new house this birthday? Have a scaled down reproduction made as a cake.
Theme Cake – Want to create a scene from a blockbuster movie like Spiderman or Pirates of the Caribbean? A skilled cake decorator can do the job for you.
Animal Cakes – Have a cake made of a koala in a tree or a bird about to take flight.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Birthday Party Recipes
Lemon Coconut Balls
½ cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 ¼ cups flour
¼ teaspoon cream
½ teaspoons salt
¼ cup lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 cup moist shredded coconut, finely chopped
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Sift dry ingredients together. Add dry ingredients alternately with lemon juice and vanilla, mixing well after each addition ingredient added.
Chill dough, then form into balls about 1” in diameter; roll in coconut.
Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 12 - 15 minutes. Makes three dozen.
Chocolate Walnut Clusters
½ cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 cup flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 ½ cups broken walnuts
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in melted chocolate, and then mix in dry ingredients. Fold in nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Makes 3 ½ dozen.
Peanut Butter Crisps
½ cup butter
1 cup sugar
½ cup chunky peanut butter
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 ½ cups flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon soda
1 tablespoon milk
1 6-ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips or pieces, melted
Chopped salted nuts
Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in peanut butter, egg, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and milk, mix well. Chill dough at least one hour. Roll out on lightly floured surface; cut with various shaped cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Spread a teaspoon of melted chocolate in center of each cookie; sprinkle chipped peanuts on top. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Makes 6 dozen.
Chocolate Butter Flakes
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
3 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate, melted.
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 ½ cups flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoons soda
Cream butter till light-colored, then gradually add sugar and beat until fluffy. Beat in egg. Blend in chocolate and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition. Press dough through cookie press onto ungreased cold cookie sheet. Bake 350 for 8 - 10 minutes. Makes 7 dozen.
Sweet Milk Doughnuts
4 ½ cups flour
3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
¾ cup sugar
3 tablespoons soft butter
¾ cup milk
Mix together flour, salt, spices, and baking powder and set aside. Beat eggs and sugar together. Add vanilla, butter, milk, and dry ingredients. Make a soft dough and roll to 1/3 inch thick. Cut for doughnut thickness and drip in hot grease/oil (375 degrees). Serve plain or roll in powdered sugar.
Peanut Butter Fudge Squares
½ cup light corn syrup
¾ cup peanut butter
1/3 cup butter, softened
¾ cup chopped pecans
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups powered sugar
Combine syrup, peanut butter, butter, salt, and vanilla. Beat well. Gradually add sugar to make a very stiff mixture. Turn out on lightly greased board, knead until well-blended, working in pecans. Press into buttered 8-inch square pan. Chill until firm and cut into 2-inch squares.
½ cup butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1 ¼ cups flour
¼ teaspoon cream
½ teaspoons salt
¼ cup lemon juice
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 cup moist shredded coconut, finely chopped
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Sift dry ingredients together. Add dry ingredients alternately with lemon juice and vanilla, mixing well after each addition ingredient added.
Chill dough, then form into balls about 1” in diameter; roll in coconut.
Place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 12 - 15 minutes. Makes three dozen.
Chocolate Walnut Clusters
½ cup butter
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate, melted
1 cup flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 ½ cups broken walnuts
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs and vanilla. Stir in melted chocolate, and then mix in dry ingredients. Fold in nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes. Makes 3 ½ dozen.
Peanut Butter Crisps
½ cup butter
1 cup sugar
½ cup chunky peanut butter
1 egg
½ teaspoon vanilla
1 ½ cups flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon soda
1 tablespoon milk
1 6-ounce bag semi-sweet chocolate chips or pieces, melted
Chopped salted nuts
Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in peanut butter, egg, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and milk, mix well. Chill dough at least one hour. Roll out on lightly floured surface; cut with various shaped cookie cutters. Place on ungreased cookie sheet. Spread a teaspoon of melted chocolate in center of each cookie; sprinkle chipped peanuts on top. Bake at 375 for 10 minutes. Makes 6 dozen.
Chocolate Butter Flakes
1 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
3 1-ounce squares unsweetened chocolate, melted.
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 ½ cups flour
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoons soda
Cream butter till light-colored, then gradually add sugar and beat until fluffy. Beat in egg. Blend in chocolate and vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing well after each addition. Press dough through cookie press onto ungreased cold cookie sheet. Bake 350 for 8 - 10 minutes. Makes 7 dozen.
Sweet Milk Doughnuts
4 ½ cups flour
3 ½ teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
¾ cup sugar
3 tablespoons soft butter
¾ cup milk
Mix together flour, salt, spices, and baking powder and set aside. Beat eggs and sugar together. Add vanilla, butter, milk, and dry ingredients. Make a soft dough and roll to 1/3 inch thick. Cut for doughnut thickness and drip in hot grease/oil (375 degrees). Serve plain or roll in powdered sugar.
Peanut Butter Fudge Squares
½ cup light corn syrup
¾ cup peanut butter
1/3 cup butter, softened
¾ cup chopped pecans
½ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla
4 cups powered sugar
Combine syrup, peanut butter, butter, salt, and vanilla. Beat well. Gradually add sugar to make a very stiff mixture. Turn out on lightly greased board, knead until well-blended, working in pecans. Press into buttered 8-inch square pan. Chill until firm and cut into 2-inch squares.
Birthday Party Planning List
Four Weeks Before Party
Pick the date of party
Pick starting and ending time
Choose party theme
Make guest list
Order party supplies
Buy invitations
Two to Three Weeks Before Party
Mail invitations
Order cake (if not making cake at home)
Order helium balloons
Plan menu
Arrange help for party (such as family and friends)
Plan party games and activities
One Week Before Party
Confirm cake order
Confirm helium balloon order
Write party-day schedule
Two to Three Days Before Party
Call guests you have not heard from to ask if they will be attending
Wash any special clothes needed for party day
Shop for and/or check to make sure you have:
Film for camera
Tapes for camcorder
Batteries for camera and/or camcorder
Extra paper towels
Birthday Candles
Groceries for Menus
Day Before Party
Pick up cake or bake cake
Child-proof party area
Decorate for party
Prepare any food that can be prepared the day ahead
Set a keepsake plate aside
Day of Party
Prepare last minute foods
Have camera and camcorder in an easy access spot but out of
children’s reach
Place candles on cake
Enjoy!
Pick the date of party
Pick starting and ending time
Choose party theme
Make guest list
Order party supplies
Buy invitations
Two to Three Weeks Before Party
Mail invitations
Order cake (if not making cake at home)
Order helium balloons
Plan menu
Arrange help for party (such as family and friends)
Plan party games and activities
One Week Before Party
Confirm cake order
Confirm helium balloon order
Write party-day schedule
Two to Three Days Before Party
Call guests you have not heard from to ask if they will be attending
Wash any special clothes needed for party day
Shop for and/or check to make sure you have:
Film for camera
Tapes for camcorder
Batteries for camera and/or camcorder
Extra paper towels
Birthday Candles
Groceries for Menus
Day Before Party
Pick up cake or bake cake
Child-proof party area
Decorate for party
Prepare any food that can be prepared the day ahead
Set a keepsake plate aside
Day of Party
Prepare last minute foods
Have camera and camcorder in an easy access spot but out of
children’s reach
Place candles on cake
Enjoy!
Birthday Games
Egyptian Mummy Wrap
Divide the kids into pairs, with one the Mummy and the other the Mummy Wrapper. Give each wrapper a roll of toilet paper or crepe paper streamer. On the word "Go!" have the wrappers race to see who can wrap up their mummy first. The game is tricky because the faster they try to wrap, the more the tissue will tear, causing them to keep restarting!
Price Is Right
Here's a great wind-down game that also serves as the going-away favor. Buy inexpensive gifts for your guests, such as a big bag of candy, a small stuffed animal, a scary book, and so on. Distribute paper and pencil to each player. Hold up one item and have the kids try to guess how much it cost. Reveal the price tag and award the gift to the player who guessed the closest. That player is out of the game, while the rest continue guessing the prices of the gifts, until all of them are gone.
Pass the Parcel
Wrap a bar of chocolate (or some other gift), in a layer of paper. Now wrap it in another layer and repeat until you have about 10 layers. Finally wrap it in gift paper (so it looks nice).
Sit everyone in a circle and play a short snippet of music. When the music stops, the person holding the parcel removes ONE layer of wrapping. Repeat until the last layer of wrapping has been removed. The winner keeps the present
Balloon Bounce
Have a contest to see who can keep the balloon in the air the longest using only their head. The person who can keep it in the air longest without using anything but their head is the winner. (This game can also be played in teams).
Musical Chairs
This is another children's favorite. Set up chairs in 2 rows back to back. Put out one less chair than there are children. Start playing music, and have the kids walk around the chairs (not touching the chairs though!) until the music stops. When the music stops, the kids must each sit on a chair. The child without a chair is "out". Then remove another chair. If there is ever a tie, the child with more bum on the chair wins.
Musical Statues
This game does not need much explanation. Put a group of kids in a room, play some music, and watch them dance. Then turn the music off during the song, and they must freeze in their current position. If they move at all, then they are "out". The people who are still in the game continue to dance/freeze as you control the music, until one person wins.
Hot Potato
This game is an old favorite. Have all of the kids sit in a circle, as one kid is chosen as the "leader". Begin passing a potato (or other object) around the circle, while the "leader" turns his/her head with eyes closed. Everyone must accept the potato, and may not hold it longer than a second. At any point the "leader" can yell, "Hot Potato", and whoever has the potato is out. Continue to play until there is only one person left, and he/she is the winner.
Name That Animal
This is a fun game for small children just beginning to learn their animals. Pass out animal stickers or small stuffed animals, and have the kids imitate the animal they receive.
Divide the kids into pairs, with one the Mummy and the other the Mummy Wrapper. Give each wrapper a roll of toilet paper or crepe paper streamer. On the word "Go!" have the wrappers race to see who can wrap up their mummy first. The game is tricky because the faster they try to wrap, the more the tissue will tear, causing them to keep restarting!
Price Is Right
Here's a great wind-down game that also serves as the going-away favor. Buy inexpensive gifts for your guests, such as a big bag of candy, a small stuffed animal, a scary book, and so on. Distribute paper and pencil to each player. Hold up one item and have the kids try to guess how much it cost. Reveal the price tag and award the gift to the player who guessed the closest. That player is out of the game, while the rest continue guessing the prices of the gifts, until all of them are gone.
Pass the Parcel
Wrap a bar of chocolate (or some other gift), in a layer of paper. Now wrap it in another layer and repeat until you have about 10 layers. Finally wrap it in gift paper (so it looks nice).
Sit everyone in a circle and play a short snippet of music. When the music stops, the person holding the parcel removes ONE layer of wrapping. Repeat until the last layer of wrapping has been removed. The winner keeps the present
Balloon Bounce
Have a contest to see who can keep the balloon in the air the longest using only their head. The person who can keep it in the air longest without using anything but their head is the winner. (This game can also be played in teams).
Musical Chairs
This is another children's favorite. Set up chairs in 2 rows back to back. Put out one less chair than there are children. Start playing music, and have the kids walk around the chairs (not touching the chairs though!) until the music stops. When the music stops, the kids must each sit on a chair. The child without a chair is "out". Then remove another chair. If there is ever a tie, the child with more bum on the chair wins.
Musical Statues
This game does not need much explanation. Put a group of kids in a room, play some music, and watch them dance. Then turn the music off during the song, and they must freeze in their current position. If they move at all, then they are "out". The people who are still in the game continue to dance/freeze as you control the music, until one person wins.
Hot Potato
This game is an old favorite. Have all of the kids sit in a circle, as one kid is chosen as the "leader". Begin passing a potato (or other object) around the circle, while the "leader" turns his/her head with eyes closed. Everyone must accept the potato, and may not hold it longer than a second. At any point the "leader" can yell, "Hot Potato", and whoever has the potato is out. Continue to play until there is only one person left, and he/she is the winner.
Name That Animal
This is a fun game for small children just beginning to learn their animals. Pass out animal stickers or small stuffed animals, and have the kids imitate the animal they receive.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
21st Birthday Party Pub Crawl!
21st Birthday Decorations and Party Supplies
You’ve waited a long time to turn 21 and now it’s time to celebrate (responsibly) and in style. There are tons of great ways to celebrate a 21st birthday, but a night out on the town is definitely the way to go. Organizing a pub crawl is a fun way to get together with friends to celebrate. And while you cannot go wrong with good friends and drinks, adding a few personalized touches will take the party over the top!
21st Birthday Pub Crawl Invitations
A really special occasion deserves a truly special invitation and Creations for You can design a memorable one for just you. An invitation with a caricature of the birthday “boy” or “girl,“ doing a favorite activity or making a toast on it, will let everyone know that this will be a night to remember.
Another great choice are these great semi-custom caricature invitations. Using art that has already been drawn, we can add a photo face or a caricature face and personalize the message for you!
A backstage pass invitation will have all your guests buzzing. Not everyone receives a custom created invitation from Creations for You that looks just like a real backstage press pass. Include a photo or not – the choice is yours.
Or how about a personalized ticket invitation to the best party in town? Let Creations for You design an invitation in the color of your choice that looks just like a real concert ticket! You can even have it made with a magnetic backing so guests can put it right on the refrigerator. An invitation and souvenir in one – what could be better?!
If you want a more traditional invitation, be sure to check out all the invitations at the Creations for You Invitations Shop. There are so many themes to choose from, pick whichever one best fits your personality.
Pub Crawl Wearables
Since this is really a “mobile” party, you probably won’t have a lot of traditional decorations. But, you and your guests can decorate yourselves with fun hats, sunglasses, necklaces. For a “dapper, downtown look” there are fedoras in all colors and fabrics. Or for a more elegant look, try a top hat or two. Females in the crowd will love wearing tiaras (sequined, fur, even light up ones), crowns or newsboys caps.
Day or night, everyone will look so cool in sunglasses. There are shades in every color, shape and style.
If you want to be “seen” as the sun goes down, make sure you incorporate all sorts of flashing items into your wardrobe. Glowing beads, bracelets, rings, they’re a perfect way to light up the night!
Entertainment
Besides drinking and dancing, there are some great activities you can incorporate into your pub crawl:
Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of items that everyone in the group needs to collect as you go from place to place. Some items you might want to put on the list are:
Coaster with a bird on it
Embellished toothpick
Purple swizzle stick
20 beer caps
Bar menu with stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer
A cocktail umbrella
Business card from a person whose name starts with J
Mini liquor bottle
Spork
Make the list as long and crazy as you like, but don’t forget to offer a prize to the winners!
Candy Shirts: Sew an equal number of Life Savers onto T- Shirts. Have team members put on the shirts before you head out. See what team can get rid of their Lifesavers first by having strangers bite them off the shirts.
As you party the night away, don’t forget to document your adventures with personalized cameras from Creations for You. It’s a great way to remember the evening’s activities, in case you can’t on your own!
For some extra fun, why not take along a new friend? A lifesize cutout of the birthday boy or girl from Creations for You would be a great addition to the party. Imagine the conversation and laughter when you bring him or her along?
21st Birthday Pub Crawl Party Favors
Celebrate your big day with your own commemorative bottle label. Beer, wine, water or champagne, Creations for You will design the perfect label for you. Make sure you have extras made, because everyone will want to take a bottle home.
There’s no better way to end the evening, than with a little bit of chocolate. A milk or dark chocolate candy bar covered in a personalized wrapper from Creations for You is a delicious way for your friends to remember your party.
You’ve waited a long time to turn 21 and now it’s time to celebrate (responsibly) and in style. There are tons of great ways to celebrate a 21st birthday, but a night out on the town is definitely the way to go. Organizing a pub crawl is a fun way to get together with friends to celebrate. And while you cannot go wrong with good friends and drinks, adding a few personalized touches will take the party over the top!
21st Birthday Pub Crawl Invitations
A really special occasion deserves a truly special invitation and Creations for You can design a memorable one for just you. An invitation with a caricature of the birthday “boy” or “girl,“ doing a favorite activity or making a toast on it, will let everyone know that this will be a night to remember.
Another great choice are these great semi-custom caricature invitations. Using art that has already been drawn, we can add a photo face or a caricature face and personalize the message for you!
A backstage pass invitation will have all your guests buzzing. Not everyone receives a custom created invitation from Creations for You that looks just like a real backstage press pass. Include a photo or not – the choice is yours.
Or how about a personalized ticket invitation to the best party in town? Let Creations for You design an invitation in the color of your choice that looks just like a real concert ticket! You can even have it made with a magnetic backing so guests can put it right on the refrigerator. An invitation and souvenir in one – what could be better?!
If you want a more traditional invitation, be sure to check out all the invitations at the Creations for You Invitations Shop. There are so many themes to choose from, pick whichever one best fits your personality.
Pub Crawl Wearables
Since this is really a “mobile” party, you probably won’t have a lot of traditional decorations. But, you and your guests can decorate yourselves with fun hats, sunglasses, necklaces. For a “dapper, downtown look” there are fedoras in all colors and fabrics. Or for a more elegant look, try a top hat or two. Females in the crowd will love wearing tiaras (sequined, fur, even light up ones), crowns or newsboys caps.
Day or night, everyone will look so cool in sunglasses. There are shades in every color, shape and style.
If you want to be “seen” as the sun goes down, make sure you incorporate all sorts of flashing items into your wardrobe. Glowing beads, bracelets, rings, they’re a perfect way to light up the night!
Entertainment
Besides drinking and dancing, there are some great activities you can incorporate into your pub crawl:
Scavenger Hunt: Make a list of items that everyone in the group needs to collect as you go from place to place. Some items you might want to put on the list are:
Coaster with a bird on it
Embellished toothpick
Purple swizzle stick
20 beer caps
Bar menu with stuffed mushrooms as an appetizer
A cocktail umbrella
Business card from a person whose name starts with J
Mini liquor bottle
Spork
Make the list as long and crazy as you like, but don’t forget to offer a prize to the winners!
Candy Shirts: Sew an equal number of Life Savers onto T- Shirts. Have team members put on the shirts before you head out. See what team can get rid of their Lifesavers first by having strangers bite them off the shirts.
As you party the night away, don’t forget to document your adventures with personalized cameras from Creations for You. It’s a great way to remember the evening’s activities, in case you can’t on your own!
For some extra fun, why not take along a new friend? A lifesize cutout of the birthday boy or girl from Creations for You would be a great addition to the party. Imagine the conversation and laughter when you bring him or her along?
21st Birthday Pub Crawl Party Favors
Celebrate your big day with your own commemorative bottle label. Beer, wine, water or champagne, Creations for You will design the perfect label for you. Make sure you have extras made, because everyone will want to take a bottle home.
There’s no better way to end the evening, than with a little bit of chocolate. A milk or dark chocolate candy bar covered in a personalized wrapper from Creations for You is a delicious way for your friends to remember your party.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Airplane
Here is a birthday party game for older children that is similar to pin the tail game. They'll love the suspense!
Before the game, cut airplane shapes out of cardboard for each player. Write each person's name on the airplane to avoid any confusion over who wins. Hang a map on the wall and mark "runway" spot somewhere in the middle of it.
At the start of the game, gather the players on the opposite side of the room from the map. Put several obstacles on the floor: wastebaskets, pillows, chairs, etc. (Be sure that the obstacles are not breakable or too small -- so the kids won't trip over them.) Give the children some time to study the placement of the obstacles and the "runway" spot.
Then blindfold the players, give them their airplanes, and get them to move towards the map without touching the obstacles and pin their airplanes as close to the "runway" as they can. Remind the kids to move slowly so they don't get injured.
If a child touches one of the obstacles, it's considered a plane crash and the player is out. If the player pins his plane on "water", it's considered a crash-landing. The player who puts his or her airplane on land close to the "runway" is the winner.
"Airplane" Variations:
*Offer paint, glitter, markers and similar supplies so the kids can decorate their airplanes before the game. If you have extra time, they can create their own "fantasy" map to use for the game.
*To make the game easier, have the kids focus on reaching the map only, without worrying about "landing" their planes on the water surface.
*For extra challenge, you can spin the kids around once or twice before they move in the direction of the map. (Just don't spin them too hard or too long.)
Before the game, cut airplane shapes out of cardboard for each player. Write each person's name on the airplane to avoid any confusion over who wins. Hang a map on the wall and mark "runway" spot somewhere in the middle of it.
At the start of the game, gather the players on the opposite side of the room from the map. Put several obstacles on the floor: wastebaskets, pillows, chairs, etc. (Be sure that the obstacles are not breakable or too small -- so the kids won't trip over them.) Give the children some time to study the placement of the obstacles and the "runway" spot.
Then blindfold the players, give them their airplanes, and get them to move towards the map without touching the obstacles and pin their airplanes as close to the "runway" as they can. Remind the kids to move slowly so they don't get injured.
If a child touches one of the obstacles, it's considered a plane crash and the player is out. If the player pins his plane on "water", it's considered a crash-landing. The player who puts his or her airplane on land close to the "runway" is the winner.
"Airplane" Variations:
*Offer paint, glitter, markers and similar supplies so the kids can decorate their airplanes before the game. If you have extra time, they can create their own "fantasy" map to use for the game.
*To make the game easier, have the kids focus on reaching the map only, without worrying about "landing" their planes on the water surface.
*For extra challenge, you can spin the kids around once or twice before they move in the direction of the map. (Just don't spin them too hard or too long.)
Chain Reaction
Child party games that involve dancing are a lot of fun! Kids will have a great time playing this game.
Before starting the game, choose one player to be "It" and have him leave the room. Pick another player to be the Dance Teacher and get the kids to scatter around the area.
When you start the music, get the Dance Teacher to initiate a dance move while everyone else imitates it. Then you invite the player who is "It" back to try to guess who is leading the dance.
The Dance Teacher must change the moves continuously throughout the song, little by little, without being too obvious that she is the leader. Tell other dancers to be subtle when they follow the Dance Teacher. They should only glance at the leader without staring, or they will give the person away too easily.
When the child who is "It" guesses who the Dance Teacher is, choose other players for the two positions until everyone had a chance to lead and to guess.
"Chain Reaction" Variations:
*To make the game more challenging, have the dancers stand in a circle, while the person who is "It" stands in the middle.
*For a quieter game version, have the kids pretend to be statues, with a game leader making very slight movements with the rest of the group imitating the new pose.
Before starting the game, choose one player to be "It" and have him leave the room. Pick another player to be the Dance Teacher and get the kids to scatter around the area.
When you start the music, get the Dance Teacher to initiate a dance move while everyone else imitates it. Then you invite the player who is "It" back to try to guess who is leading the dance.
The Dance Teacher must change the moves continuously throughout the song, little by little, without being too obvious that she is the leader. Tell other dancers to be subtle when they follow the Dance Teacher. They should only glance at the leader without staring, or they will give the person away too easily.
When the child who is "It" guesses who the Dance Teacher is, choose other players for the two positions until everyone had a chance to lead and to guess.
"Chain Reaction" Variations:
*To make the game more challenging, have the dancers stand in a circle, while the person who is "It" stands in the middle.
*For a quieter game version, have the kids pretend to be statues, with a game leader making very slight movements with the rest of the group imitating the new pose.
Mummy Wrap
This party game is a great icebreaker for children who don't know each other very well.
Split the group into pairs. One person is the "Mummy" and another - the "Mummy Wrapper." Get the Mummy Wrappers to race wrapping their Mummies using rolls of toilet paper as fast as possible.
To win the game, the Mummy Wrapper must wrap his or her partner from head to toe (except for the face). The children will soon discover that the toilet paper will tear, causing delays and do-overs. They will have a lot of fun rushing to be the first to complete the task.
Be sure to have enough toilet paper for the players to trade places, so everyone can have a chance to be "mummified."
"Mummy Wrap" Variation:
*Have the "Best Mummy Contest." Award prizes for the "scariest," "freakiest," or "most silly." You can decorate the room in Halloween style and play scary music in the background.
Split the group into pairs. One person is the "Mummy" and another - the "Mummy Wrapper." Get the Mummy Wrappers to race wrapping their Mummies using rolls of toilet paper as fast as possible.
To win the game, the Mummy Wrapper must wrap his or her partner from head to toe (except for the face). The children will soon discover that the toilet paper will tear, causing delays and do-overs. They will have a lot of fun rushing to be the first to complete the task.
Be sure to have enough toilet paper for the players to trade places, so everyone can have a chance to be "mummified."
"Mummy Wrap" Variation:
*Have the "Best Mummy Contest." Award prizes for the "scariest," "freakiest," or "most silly." You can decorate the room in Halloween style and play scary music in the background.
Copy Cat
If you're looking for indoor party games that allow the kids to copy each other, try this one!
The children sit in a circle. One player starts the game by making a body movement such as wiggling nose, clapping hands, shaking head, shrugging shoulders, etc. The next player must repeat the first player's move and add a new movement. The third player must copy the first two movements in the order they were made, and then add her own movement.
Play continues in this fashion around the circle. If a player can't remember the movement or repeats the movements in the wrong order -- he is out of the game. The last player remaining in the circle, wins.
"Copy Cat" Variations:
*Instead of making body movements, kids can say words, make animal or silly sounds, and so on.
*The first player can start a story, with other kids adding their own lines to the story as they get their turn. There won't be a winner, but the game will still be a lot of fun!
The children sit in a circle. One player starts the game by making a body movement such as wiggling nose, clapping hands, shaking head, shrugging shoulders, etc. The next player must repeat the first player's move and add a new movement. The third player must copy the first two movements in the order they were made, and then add her own movement.
Play continues in this fashion around the circle. If a player can't remember the movement or repeats the movements in the wrong order -- he is out of the game. The last player remaining in the circle, wins.
"Copy Cat" Variations:
*Instead of making body movements, kids can say words, make animal or silly sounds, and so on.
*The first player can start a story, with other kids adding their own lines to the story as they get their turn. There won't be a winner, but the game will still be a lot of fun!
Ha Ha Ha
Some child party games will bring a lot of laughter -- this is definitely one of them.
Have the kids sit or stand in a circle. One of them begins the game by saying "Ha," as solemnly as she can. Then the next player says "Ha, Ha" and the third person says "Ha, Ha, Ha." The game continues with each child adding a "Ha" during his or her turn. All the players in the circle must keep a straight face during the game.
Anyone who smiles or laughs goes out. But now they have a chance to make silly faces and noises trying to get the kids in the circle to laugh. They can make the facial expressions or sounds, but can't touch the other players. The child who keeps a straight face the longest is the winner.
"Ha Ha Ha" Variations:
*For even more fun, you can have the kids lie on the floor with their heads resting on someone else's tummy. It would be difficult for them to keep a straight face when someone has a "belly laugh."
*Have the kids wear funny hats and fake noses. That might make it harder for them to control the urge to laugh.
Have the kids sit or stand in a circle. One of them begins the game by saying "Ha," as solemnly as she can. Then the next player says "Ha, Ha" and the third person says "Ha, Ha, Ha." The game continues with each child adding a "Ha" during his or her turn. All the players in the circle must keep a straight face during the game.
Anyone who smiles or laughs goes out. But now they have a chance to make silly faces and noises trying to get the kids in the circle to laugh. They can make the facial expressions or sounds, but can't touch the other players. The child who keeps a straight face the longest is the winner.
"Ha Ha Ha" Variations:
*For even more fun, you can have the kids lie on the floor with their heads resting on someone else's tummy. It would be difficult for them to keep a straight face when someone has a "belly laugh."
*Have the kids wear funny hats and fake noses. That might make it harder for them to control the urge to laugh.
Snatch!
While the players wait in another room, put several small items on the table. Make sure that the kids don't see the items prior to game's start. (You can arrange the items any way you wish.)
Invite the kids to gather around the table. Have them take a look and remember the items. Next, a chosen player closes her eyes and turns away from the table. Meanwhile, point to another player to snatch one item from the table and hide it from view.
Then the first player opens her eyes. She gets several tries to guess which item was taken and who snatched it. If she doesn't get it right, the culprit confesses and reveals the stolen item.
Put the item back on the table prior to the next round. The player who snatched the item last time closes his eyes and faces away from the group. Pick another person to get the item off the table. Keep playing until everyone had a chance to snatch and guess.
"Snatch!" Variation:
*For older kids, you can place a lot of various items on the table. They will like the bigger challenge to identify the stolen item and to find the culprit.
Invite the kids to gather around the table. Have them take a look and remember the items. Next, a chosen player closes her eyes and turns away from the table. Meanwhile, point to another player to snatch one item from the table and hide it from view.
Then the first player opens her eyes. She gets several tries to guess which item was taken and who snatched it. If she doesn't get it right, the culprit confesses and reveals the stolen item.
Put the item back on the table prior to the next round. The player who snatched the item last time closes his eyes and faces away from the group. Pick another person to get the item off the table. Keep playing until everyone had a chance to snatch and guess.
"Snatch!" Variation:
*For older kids, you can place a lot of various items on the table. They will like the bigger challenge to identify the stolen item and to find the culprit.
Surprise Package
This is one of the party games that requires some preparation. But it's fun and well worth the effort.
For the game, you'll need boxes of various sizes. Before the activity, place a grand prize in the smallest box. Then wrap it with gold gift wrap. Label it "The Grand Prize." Place the gold box inside a larger one.
Then repeat the process until all the boxes have a gift inside, are wrapped and set inside one another. For gifts, it's a good idea to choose generic items that either boys or girls will enjoy. (You can give out small toys, candy, and so on.) You're going to end up with a large box containing smaller boxes (with prizes) inside of it.
The game starts as the kids sit in a circle and pass (or push) the box around while you play music in the background. When you stop the music, the person holding the box opens it and leaves the circle with the gift. (Don't tell the children that there are gifts inside the box.)
The game continues in this manner: you start and stop the music and players leave the circle with their gifts. Soon there will be only 2 children left. The player who opens second-to-last box, takes the gift, and passes the gold box to the remaining child. That kid is the winner, and he or she gets to keep the grand prize!
"Surprise Package" Variations:
*If you have a theme party, have prizes related to the theme. For example, for a pirate party, have eye patches, pirate coloring books, stickers, bandannas, and so forth.
*You can get the kids to close their eyes while they pass the box. They can open their eyes when the music stops to see who got the prize. This can add an extra surprise to the activity.
For the game, you'll need boxes of various sizes. Before the activity, place a grand prize in the smallest box. Then wrap it with gold gift wrap. Label it "The Grand Prize." Place the gold box inside a larger one.
Then repeat the process until all the boxes have a gift inside, are wrapped and set inside one another. For gifts, it's a good idea to choose generic items that either boys or girls will enjoy. (You can give out small toys, candy, and so on.) You're going to end up with a large box containing smaller boxes (with prizes) inside of it.
The game starts as the kids sit in a circle and pass (or push) the box around while you play music in the background. When you stop the music, the person holding the box opens it and leaves the circle with the gift. (Don't tell the children that there are gifts inside the box.)
The game continues in this manner: you start and stop the music and players leave the circle with their gifts. Soon there will be only 2 children left. The player who opens second-to-last box, takes the gift, and passes the gold box to the remaining child. That kid is the winner, and he or she gets to keep the grand prize!
"Surprise Package" Variations:
*If you have a theme party, have prizes related to the theme. For example, for a pirate party, have eye patches, pirate coloring books, stickers, bandannas, and so forth.
*You can get the kids to close their eyes while they pass the box. They can open their eyes when the music stops to see who got the prize. This can add an extra surprise to the activity.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Balloon dare
First, you buy enough balloons so everyone at the party can have one. Then, you write different dares on little pieces of paper, one for every balloon. The dares should be good for the ages group, such as kiss your stuffed animal for little kids and tell someone's dad he's cute for older kids. Then, fold up the paper so its really tiny and put them in the balloons. Set the up as decorations, and tell the kids to pull them down after dinner and tell them to pop them. This could get a little noisy. They all have to do the dare that is written on the piece of paper. This was a big hit at my b-day party!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Funny Birthday Party Idea Hints
You want to have the guests rolling in the aisles and the birthday honoree laughing so hard he or she can't talk. However, you need some funny birthday ideas to get things started. What can you do to make this party a humor-filled event?
Try salting the guest list with actors and comedians who do funny things out of the blue. Having people do something completely off the wall can really catch people off guard and get them laughing. Consider asking them to break into song, tell great jokes or work with another actor to set up entire zany scenes.
Consider pranks, but be careful. A prank that ruins someone's attire or is potentially dangerous, like pulling someone's chair out from under him, is not funny. Pranks like peculiar food or disappearing gifts are much better choices.
Bring back the simple games of childhood and there should be plenty of fun and laughter happening naturally. Simon Says, Red Light, Green Light, Statues and Hide and Seek are all games that should help guests have a fantastic time. For guests who are feeling a bit less energetic, Go Fish, War, Old Maid and other children’s card games are a good option.
Try salting the guest list with actors and comedians who do funny things out of the blue. Having people do something completely off the wall can really catch people off guard and get them laughing. Consider asking them to break into song, tell great jokes or work with another actor to set up entire zany scenes.
Consider pranks, but be careful. A prank that ruins someone's attire or is potentially dangerous, like pulling someone's chair out from under him, is not funny. Pranks like peculiar food or disappearing gifts are much better choices.
Bring back the simple games of childhood and there should be plenty of fun and laughter happening naturally. Simon Says, Red Light, Green Light, Statues and Hide and Seek are all games that should help guests have a fantastic time. For guests who are feeling a bit less energetic, Go Fish, War, Old Maid and other children’s card games are a good option.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Bolt Birthday Party
When planning your next birthday party, use these Bolt party games, activities and Bolt party supplies to help you out --And your kids will think you’re nothing short of a superhero!
Disney has released another blockbuster movie, BOLT and kids are giving it rave reviews!
Bolt the brave and slightly naïve dog , Rhino a fearless hamster and Mittens a spunky streetwise cat… all have what it takes to create a fun-filled and exciting Bolt birthday party theme.
BOLT PARTY SUPPLIES
Our partner Birthday In a Box carries a complete line of Bolt party ware, favors and even personalized items such as a Bolt party banner and invitations.
Build your Bolt party box here and then add the party ideas below to
complete your theme.
BOLT BIRTHDAY PARTY GAMES
when hosting a two hour party for kids, it's customary to prepare 2-3 games and a craft or quiet activity. If you are going to see the Bolt movie and then return home for a celebration, you'll just need to plan one party game, cake and ice cream and time for opening presents.
Rhino Bowling
Of course I would NEVER suggest using Rhino or any real hamster for a bowling game ,
but a toy hamster and a hamster ball can be used for some entertaining party games.
You’ll need:
Three- Ten (it’s your choice) 1 liter empty pop or seltzer bottles
Markers
Tape or glue stick
Masking Tape
Images from the movie – you can print some from the internet or use a coloring book
To make the bowling pins and play the game:
Draw, print or color images from the movie onto sheets of paper. Then wrap the papers around the bottles and secure with tape. When hosting small children, you may only need three pins.
Older guests will be entertained by the challenge of knocking down more pins.
Now, place strips of tape to create your bowling alley and set the pins. Each of the children will take turns knocking down the pins.
Across the Country Scavenger Hunt
Create a “cross country” adventure of danger and intrigue with Bolt, Rhino and Mittens…
With some preparation and a little time this is a very entertaining party activity.
Write and hide clues with a US theme. Each clue will need to another until the kids find their party bags, birthday a cake or prizes to share.
Bolt Meets a Challenge
If you have the space this theme lends itself well to an obstacle course.
For an indoor course consider using pillows, couch cushions, tables and chairs. Can the players be as agile as Bolt the super dog?
Play the movie soundtrack while the kids run the course.
Need a quiet activity?
Coloring sheets
Try printing out coloring sheets or maps for the kids to color.
Dog Tags
Purchase metal dog tags at the craft store and bead collars or necklaces with pony beads.
BIRTHDAY PARTY FOOD AND TREATS
Bolt Party Cupcakes
Create dog paw print cupcakes using chocolate wafer cookies and chocolate mint candies like Junior mints. Or you can decorate the top with a lightning bolt made with yellow decorator frosting.
Serve Dog bone shaped sandwiches and or cookies and send the kids home with a bag of Puppy chow for Humans (not for dogs!)
Disney has released another blockbuster movie, BOLT and kids are giving it rave reviews!
Bolt the brave and slightly naïve dog , Rhino a fearless hamster and Mittens a spunky streetwise cat… all have what it takes to create a fun-filled and exciting Bolt birthday party theme.
BOLT PARTY SUPPLIES
Our partner Birthday In a Box carries a complete line of Bolt party ware, favors and even personalized items such as a Bolt party banner and invitations.
Build your Bolt party box here and then add the party ideas below to
complete your theme.
BOLT BIRTHDAY PARTY GAMES
when hosting a two hour party for kids, it's customary to prepare 2-3 games and a craft or quiet activity. If you are going to see the Bolt movie and then return home for a celebration, you'll just need to plan one party game, cake and ice cream and time for opening presents.
Rhino Bowling
Of course I would NEVER suggest using Rhino or any real hamster for a bowling game ,
but a toy hamster and a hamster ball can be used for some entertaining party games.
You’ll need:
Three- Ten (it’s your choice) 1 liter empty pop or seltzer bottles
Markers
Tape or glue stick
Masking Tape
Images from the movie – you can print some from the internet or use a coloring book
To make the bowling pins and play the game:
Draw, print or color images from the movie onto sheets of paper. Then wrap the papers around the bottles and secure with tape. When hosting small children, you may only need three pins.
Older guests will be entertained by the challenge of knocking down more pins.
Now, place strips of tape to create your bowling alley and set the pins. Each of the children will take turns knocking down the pins.
Across the Country Scavenger Hunt
Create a “cross country” adventure of danger and intrigue with Bolt, Rhino and Mittens…
With some preparation and a little time this is a very entertaining party activity.
Write and hide clues with a US theme. Each clue will need to another until the kids find their party bags, birthday a cake or prizes to share.
Bolt Meets a Challenge
If you have the space this theme lends itself well to an obstacle course.
For an indoor course consider using pillows, couch cushions, tables and chairs. Can the players be as agile as Bolt the super dog?
Play the movie soundtrack while the kids run the course.
Need a quiet activity?
Coloring sheets
Try printing out coloring sheets or maps for the kids to color.
Dog Tags
Purchase metal dog tags at the craft store and bead collars or necklaces with pony beads.
BIRTHDAY PARTY FOOD AND TREATS
Bolt Party Cupcakes
Create dog paw print cupcakes using chocolate wafer cookies and chocolate mint candies like Junior mints. Or you can decorate the top with a lightning bolt made with yellow decorator frosting.
Serve Dog bone shaped sandwiches and or cookies and send the kids home with a bag of Puppy chow for Humans (not for dogs!)
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Pool Party
Colors
Choose a person to be "it". "It" stands on the side of the pool with their back to the other swimmers who are lined up in the water on the same side of the pool as "it". Players choose a color and keep it to themselves. "It" begins to call out colors one at a time. If a players color is called out they must try and make it to the other side of the pool as quietly as they can. If "it" hears them swimming then they can dive into the pool and try and tag a player. If "it" turns around and the players still have a hand on the side of the pool then "it" must take a step away from the edge and start again. If "it" catches a swimmer then the swimmer becomes the new "it".
Octopus
Choose a person to be "it". They stand in the middle of the pool. Players line up on one side of the pool and try and swim to the other side without being tagged. The players who are tagged hold hands with "it" and for the next round all the players holding hands try and tag the swimmers as they try and make it to the other end of the pool. Keep going until all players have been tagged -then choose another "it" and start again. Lots of fun!
Noodle Joust
Select 2 players to sit on a blow up raft in the middle of the pool. Give each one a pool noodle and have them joust with the noodles and try and get each other off the raft. The winner takes on the next player.
Marco Polo
Choose someone to be "it" They close their eyes and try and tag the other players. Whenever "it" calls out "Marco", the players must answer "Polo". If "it" tags a player then that player becomes "it". If you allow players to get out of the pool while playing the game then if "it" calls out "Fish out of water!" and there is someone outside the water then that person becomes "it". If there is more then 1 person outside of the water then "it" gets to choose who takes their place.
Jump or Dive
Players line up on the side of the pool and one person stands away from them in the water. All players must jump into the pool on the word "go". The person in the pool calls out "Jump!" or "Dive" and the players must try and obey the command while in the air. If they do the wrong command they must sit out.
Water Tag
Use a splash ball or large sponge for "it" to tag other players. Throw the ball or sponge and whoever "it" hits becomes the new "it".
Ping Pong Scramble
Players form a large circle in the pool and scramble to collect ping pong balls and place them in their container. Dump a large container of ping pong balls in the middle of the players circle. Whoever collects the most balls wins! Have them collect them in different colored laundry baskets or buckets that are placed on the edge of the pool. Great for individual or team play. Variation: Before the party use a permanent marker to give each ping pong ball a point value. The team with the highest score wins. Or place a small colored dot on each ball in different colors. Teams must only collect the balls with their color.
Soaked Shirt Relay
Fun relay for all ages. Teams line up on one side of the pool. They must put on a large t-shirt and swim to the other side of the pool and back. Then take off the wet shirt and the next player must put it on and swim to the other side of the pool and back. Keep going until all players have completed the task - first team done wins. The shirt is very hard to get on and off while it is wet. Variation: Add other items that the players must put on such as a diving mask, flippers, shorts, bathing cap, nose plugs, pool ring ... etc.
Watermelon Push Relay
Funny relay race for individuals or teams. Players must push a watermelon from one end of the pool to the other without touching the bottom of the pool with their feet.
Water Freeze Tag
Choose a person to be "it". "It" tags players and once tagged the player must freeze where they are. Other players can unfreeze them by swimming under their legs. When all players are tagged then "it" chooses a player to be the new "it".
Water Balloon Toss
Water balloon tosses are even more fun in the pool. Separate players into teams and have them toss water balloons back and forth. Start with players close to each other and after each round have each player step back. If the balloon pops then that team is out. (Be safe -- pick up broken balloon pieces right away and keep away from small children.)
Crazy Catch
Line players up in a single file line. Have an adult stand at the side of the pool (or in the water) and throw a beach ball up so that the players must jump to catch it. Variation: Have the adult call out an animal and the kids must act out that animal while they try and catch the ball. Lots of fun.
S-E-A-H-O-R-S-E
Played just like the basketball game H O R S E only using a water basketball hoop.
Relay Races
Make up fun relay races for 2 teams of players to complete. Players take turns going from one side of the pool to the other doing crazy requests such as:
Swimming backwards
Riding a pool noodle
Walking on their hands
Doing summersaults in the water
Twirling
Crawling on the bottom of the pool
Choose a person to be "it". "It" stands on the side of the pool with their back to the other swimmers who are lined up in the water on the same side of the pool as "it". Players choose a color and keep it to themselves. "It" begins to call out colors one at a time. If a players color is called out they must try and make it to the other side of the pool as quietly as they can. If "it" hears them swimming then they can dive into the pool and try and tag a player. If "it" turns around and the players still have a hand on the side of the pool then "it" must take a step away from the edge and start again. If "it" catches a swimmer then the swimmer becomes the new "it".
Octopus
Choose a person to be "it". They stand in the middle of the pool. Players line up on one side of the pool and try and swim to the other side without being tagged. The players who are tagged hold hands with "it" and for the next round all the players holding hands try and tag the swimmers as they try and make it to the other end of the pool. Keep going until all players have been tagged -then choose another "it" and start again. Lots of fun!
Noodle Joust
Select 2 players to sit on a blow up raft in the middle of the pool. Give each one a pool noodle and have them joust with the noodles and try and get each other off the raft. The winner takes on the next player.
Marco Polo
Choose someone to be "it" They close their eyes and try and tag the other players. Whenever "it" calls out "Marco", the players must answer "Polo". If "it" tags a player then that player becomes "it". If you allow players to get out of the pool while playing the game then if "it" calls out "Fish out of water!" and there is someone outside the water then that person becomes "it". If there is more then 1 person outside of the water then "it" gets to choose who takes their place.
Jump or Dive
Players line up on the side of the pool and one person stands away from them in the water. All players must jump into the pool on the word "go". The person in the pool calls out "Jump!" or "Dive" and the players must try and obey the command while in the air. If they do the wrong command they must sit out.
Water Tag
Use a splash ball or large sponge for "it" to tag other players. Throw the ball or sponge and whoever "it" hits becomes the new "it".
Ping Pong Scramble
Players form a large circle in the pool and scramble to collect ping pong balls and place them in their container. Dump a large container of ping pong balls in the middle of the players circle. Whoever collects the most balls wins! Have them collect them in different colored laundry baskets or buckets that are placed on the edge of the pool. Great for individual or team play. Variation: Before the party use a permanent marker to give each ping pong ball a point value. The team with the highest score wins. Or place a small colored dot on each ball in different colors. Teams must only collect the balls with their color.
Soaked Shirt Relay
Fun relay for all ages. Teams line up on one side of the pool. They must put on a large t-shirt and swim to the other side of the pool and back. Then take off the wet shirt and the next player must put it on and swim to the other side of the pool and back. Keep going until all players have completed the task - first team done wins. The shirt is very hard to get on and off while it is wet. Variation: Add other items that the players must put on such as a diving mask, flippers, shorts, bathing cap, nose plugs, pool ring ... etc.
Watermelon Push Relay
Funny relay race for individuals or teams. Players must push a watermelon from one end of the pool to the other without touching the bottom of the pool with their feet.
Water Freeze Tag
Choose a person to be "it". "It" tags players and once tagged the player must freeze where they are. Other players can unfreeze them by swimming under their legs. When all players are tagged then "it" chooses a player to be the new "it".
Water Balloon Toss
Water balloon tosses are even more fun in the pool. Separate players into teams and have them toss water balloons back and forth. Start with players close to each other and after each round have each player step back. If the balloon pops then that team is out. (Be safe -- pick up broken balloon pieces right away and keep away from small children.)
Crazy Catch
Line players up in a single file line. Have an adult stand at the side of the pool (or in the water) and throw a beach ball up so that the players must jump to catch it. Variation: Have the adult call out an animal and the kids must act out that animal while they try and catch the ball. Lots of fun.
S-E-A-H-O-R-S-E
Played just like the basketball game H O R S E only using a water basketball hoop.
Relay Races
Make up fun relay races for 2 teams of players to complete. Players take turns going from one side of the pool to the other doing crazy requests such as:
Swimming backwards
Riding a pool noodle
Walking on their hands
Doing summersaults in the water
Twirling
Crawling on the bottom of the pool
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