A few tips for planning your child’s next birthday party. It’s best to start preparing 4-6 weeks in advance, whether it’s at home or on location.
If you’re planning the party at home:
My favorite online store is celebrateexpress.com. You can either purchase your tableware and other party stuff separate or as an Ultimate Party Pack. The pack includes absolutely everything you need and some things you might not. Their Transformers pack starts at $129.99 and high end is Hannah Montana for $179.99 for 8 kids. Another inexpensive site I like to buy stuff for goody bags is orientaltrading.com.
To get started you should:
1. Pick a theme
2. Plan the party time for either 1-3pm or 2-4pm and you’ll only need snacks and drinks
3. Plan age appropriate games or have them do an art project to take home
Some ideas for on location parties:
For girls:
American Girl (americangirl.com)
For $30/person you get invites, thank you cards and, lunch, tea, or dinner at the American Girl Cafe. They also supply a beautiful cake and goody bags for your guests. Another cute bonus, each doll also gets their own seat.
LibbyLu (clublibbylu.com)
Pampering Packages range from $25-$45/per girl. You choose a Libby Du makeover complete with hairstyle, accessories, and goody bags. Be prepared for glitter and fairy dust.
For boys:
Try your local sports arena or bowling alley. One great place near me is Jump Central (jumpcentralparty.com)
For $75 you get 1 1/2 hours of inflatable play and a separate party room for 5 kids. Or for $92.50 you can get food for each child which includes pizza and drinks added to the party.
Whether your party is at home or on location be sure to keep the parties small. You only need to invite close friends and/or family. As guests leave have the birthday child pass out the goody bags she can thank each guest for coming. Also, be sure to send thank you notes with some help from your child depending on their age.
Happy Party Planning!
August 27th, 2008
Before my daughter’s first day of Kindergarten my husband and I decided that we needed to get into a routine. Alyssa, my oldest daughter, is not much of a morning person so we decided to start a month in advance. We ate dinner at 5:30pm, bath by 6:30pm, then a small snack and then time for a book or two before going to sleep. This was going fine until it was actually time to lay down and go to sleep. Every excuse came up; I’m thirsty, I can’t close my eyes, I’m scared, and this went on and on. After a month we were about to give up, however that first day of school she was so worn out from waking up at 6:30am that bedtime was no problem.
A trick we thought of for a better morning routine was to make a chart together with her. The chart has pictures that she colored to show exactly what she has to do from waking up to getting on the bus. She loves to check them off as she goes. We also make sure to set out her next days outfit including earrings, hair ties, shoes, socks and underwear so that we don’t have to rush around looking for those items before the bus.
While it may only be day four she’s doing great! She has been going to sleep by 8:15pm every night and waking up at 6:30am on her own. She’s also waking up excited and feeling prepared for the day ahead of her. Let’s hope it goes this well all year!
Feel free to post comments and let me know what your own tricks and tips are for an easy morning routine.
August 21st, 2008
When did all of us become so brand name crazy? Why do we think it’s ok to buy a pair of $70 jeans just because they have the Ralph Lauren logo? I refuse to buy something full price just because it has a brand name logo on it. Don’t get me wrong, I do buy some name brands. Only if it’s a good deal and I know that my kids will get a lot of use out of it though. For example, I love The Children’s Place (www.childrensplace.com). They have some of the best jeans for 2/$22. These jeans withstand everything from grass stains to blood and I simply throw them in the washing machine and the stains are gone! I usually will only go in their store for these jeans, but occasionally I will pick up some shirts. They have deals on certain shirts that go for 2/$12 which also come clean very easy. I also love to shop at Walmart (www.walmart.com) and Target (www.target.com) where I can get an outfit for $6 or a summer dress for $4.88. If you check out their websites you can also get some fantastic deals on clearance items. The clothes I buy there may only last one season, but by that time my child will have outgrown it anyway.
August 20th, 2008
MommyaKt.com is coming soon. Stay tuned!
March 14th, 2006