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party idea
Dgreetings asked:


Birthday is the most significant day in ones life as all near and dear ones especially endeavor to make the day all the more special for us. It is a hearty celebration that spreads excitement and cheers everywhere. It’s the time of commence the fresh start and welcome happiness in your life. The Birthday celebration is all about dance, party, music, cakes, balloons, greetings and

shouting out loud ‘Happy Birthday’. There are numerous ways of celebrating birthdays and blowing out candles and cutting the cake is the most popular tradition followed all over. Friends, families and guests sing birthday songs. It’s almost certain that birthday songs are sung to swing in the festive spirit and enjoy the gaiety and merriment of Birthday celebrations.

To make the birthday special for your beloved, give them encouragement, hope and affection as priceless gifts on their Birthday. The price of a Birthday gift doesn’t matter. All that matters is the love and affection with which it’s given. Although choosing a Birthday gift is a daunting task. But a gift should be the one that brings smile on the receiver’s face and make them happy. There are personalized gifts that imbibe your spirit in it. An engraved jewelry, photo frame or coffee mug with your name initials, personal message or the receiver initials engraved looks great. Then there are other interesting and unique gifts like gift basket which is an assortment of different gifts.

A gourmet gift basket will have a variety of white and dark chocolates, cookies, candies and cake. Then other popular gifts are chocolates, corsage of flower, birthday greeting cards, a bottle of wine, cosmetic products, centerpieces, paintings, electronic gadgets and a lot more. A Birthday card is the most adorable gift one can present to a loved one on his/ her special day. Available in a wide selection of choices, Birthday Cards go a long way in speaking volumes of the sentiments and emotions attached with the beloved. Funky spirits, religious idols, natural beauty as well as romantic essence, birthday cards are available in all genres and variety like Birthday ecards available in various categories such as Birthday Cards, Birthday Invitation, Friends Birthday Cards, Romantic Birthday, Birthday Flowers Cards, and Birthday Gifts Cards etc. Sending a perfect birthday card to your loved ones make them feel special.



HARRISON

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party idea
Annette Yen asked:


These days birthday party planning can be extremely stressful. What used to be a relatively easy affair of cupcakes, a few games and opening presents has turned into the event of the century. Instead of looking forward to the day, moms find themselves wondering how in the world they are going to survive the day, let alone enjoy it.

Teenagers to the rescue! Hiring the older siblings and/or cousins of the birthday child or teens from your local church or neighborhood is a great way to take the stress off you if you’re planning a large involved party. And although it seems like an added expense, it’s relatively inexpensive and can be a life saver for the party and for you!

Why hire teens as birthday party assistants? Let’s look at five good reasons why you consider this for your next bash:

1. Teenagers are motivated. Teens need money. That’s just a fact. Working a short term gig with young kids is easier than babysitting and a great way to make some extra needed cash. Most parties last only about two to three hours so they can still work and have the rest of the day to spend the cash they earn at the mall or at the movies that evening.

2. Young kids love it. Little ones love teenagers and will respond to them, often better than they will to adults. Put a teenager in charge of games and even the shyest of the kids on your guest list will likely come out of her shell and join the fun.

3. It’s great experience for the teens. Chances are pretty good that the teenagers will be future parents some day and experience with working alongside parents of young children and directly with the children will help tremendously as they prepare for that. Since most teenagers are often only around their peers for a majority of their waking hours, helping them to really socialize with little ones is a great way to expand their horizons as well.

4. It’s relatively inexpensive. If you are doing a birthday party at home, hiring an entertainment professional like a clown, magician or comedian can get pretty pricey. Instead, hire some teenagers to plan the activities, games and crafts for a fraction of the cost and the kids will enjoy it just as much, or even more!

5. It will help you to stay sane. This is the most important reason of all. Hiring help for your party will allow you to enjoy the day with your child. You will also have the time and energy to entertain and serve the parents of the kids who might stay behind. Hiring a teen to be in charge of cleanup alone will save you the “ugh” factor after everyone walks out the door. And when the party is all over, you might actually look forward to the next one coming up for another child or in future years.

Think about it and start to talk about the teens in your neighborhood. You never know! You might start a young adult on her way to a profitable home based business too!



JASPER

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party idea
Cynthia Roesner asked:




An Under the Sea party can be really fun!  Planning an Under the Sea party is really fun!  Here are some creative ideas for invitations, decorations, activities, food ideas, party favors, and more!

For invitations, you can purchase some really cute and unique ones online, OR you can make your own, here’s how:

First, purchase a package of blank envelopes (Walmart is inexpensive).  Draw a starfish on a piece of cardboard (to fit in the envelope), cut out and make that your template, or you can find some great clip art online. Trace the starfish on different colored sheets of cardstock (look in the scrapbook aisle of your local craft store). Cut out each starfish and handwrite your party info: “swim on over…to Nathan’s Under the Sea party!”, or  “Join us, for under the sea adventures…at Becky’s Ocean Party!” 

 For decorations use fish netting to hang on the walls or corners of your deck, garage, etc..  Stick plastic fish, crabs, etc.. in the netting.  Use the ‘Under the Sea’ party supplies to decorate the tables. Adorn walls with colorful cutouts of ocean-life; seahorses, fishes, starfishes, dolphins, and the like. You can also tape blue and turqiose paper streamer form ceiling to floor and attach cutouts (just tape to ceiling and twist down to floor and tape.)  You can also incorporate a luau party.  Just add grass skirting to the tables, and use leis as party favors.

Serve Seashell macaroni and cheese with sprinkled goldfish crackers and ‘octopi’ (made from hotdogs, just slice ‘legs’ about 3/4 way up on hot dog), and sea juice (KoolAid).

Hand out Sunglasses or water goggles, squirty fishes, under the sea animals, a bag of goldfish crackers, gummy fish, and a juice box.

Get a fish pinata, or play hot potato with a beanbag fish.  You could also set out a kiddie pool and let them splash around like the fish!

Check out It’s A Party-ful Life! for great Under the Sea themes for party supplies and more!



LAMONT
party ideas
Cynthia Marcano asked:


Dancing, singing, imagination and backyard fun describes both a great party and The Backyardigans. Here are some great tips to make the perfect Backyardigans party.

Party Decorating Ideas

With the various colors of Pablo, Uniqua, Tasha, Tyrone and Austin, a colorful party is in order! Bright primary colors represent the Backyardigans theme well. If your party is taking place in the warmer months or climate, than naturally the backyard is the only place for a Backyardigans party. But if you live in an apartment, party is during colder months or rain is in the forecast, we can still create a backyard setting indoors.

Create a gated backyard by using cardboard. Cut long pieces of brown cardboard into picket fence shapes and align vertically on the wall. Use green fuzzy carpet as grass and bright lights to make a sunny day.

Decorate the table using Backyardigans themed paper goods or use a mix of pink, purple, yellow, blue and orange. Use the same colors for the balloons and streamers.

Party Menu Ideas

The Backyardigans love to eat snacks after every trip of imaginery fun. Some of their favorites include: graham crackers, pretzels, apples, and grilled cheese.

Yeti Monster Burgers - grill some jumbo burgers and create a burger station where the kids can add whatever they want to their Yeti Monster burger.

Riding The Range Sloppy Joes - inspired from the Riding the Range Episode.

Chicken-Itza Pizza - inspired from the Chicken-Itza Pizza episode.

Party Game Ideas

With over 50 episodes of the Backyardigans having aired, recreating their adventures as party games is a matter of picking your favorites and making them doable.

For example, in the episode “Pirate Treasure”, Pablo, Uniqua, Tyrone and Austin find buried treasure, walk the plank and find the X. This is something easy for the children to recreate. Divide the children into two groups and give each group half of the map. Hide a treasure box full of goodies and have the children follow the map to find it. Walking the plank not recommended.

Another example is in the episode “Surfs Up”, Uniqua, Pablo, and Tyrone need to learn rad moves before Austin allows them to surf Tiki beach. Appoint an “Austin” and have a dance contest. Everyone who learns the rad moves can dance at Tiki beach (or another area of the party space.)

An obstacle course race like the “Race Around The World” episode is sure to be a blast as well.

Guess the episode - a game of Name That Tune. Separate the children into groups. Each group can be named after a Backyardigan. Have one person (not anyone in the groups - a mom could volunteer) hum songs. Have the children guess what song it is and then have the group sing some of the song together. The group with the most correct “performances” wins.

The most important ingredient for a Backyardigans party is to allow the children to have a great time using their imagination. After all, “they’ve got to the whole wide world to explore”, or at least the backyard.



MAX
party ideas
Cheryl Pierce asked:


Boys and girls of all ages have a deep and abiding love of trains. From Thomas the Tank to The Little Engine that Could, trains make an excellent theme for a birthday party for your favorite youngster. The great news is that there are plenty of great party favors and decorations on the market to make your train theme carry through all aspects of the birthday party. All the young ones love a Toddler Train party.

There are all kinds of train themed invitations. Party supply shops will carry invitations to fit specific themes. You can even find old fashioned steam engine decorations for children with great imaginations. You don’t really have to look hard for decorations and a little will go along way. You can make some great goody bags that fit the theme though. And if you really want to have fun, get a train pinata. Of course, having the little ones dress up like train engineers is fun too. If you have a DVD of a favorite train story it will quiet the young ones down though before they sit down to eat cake and ice cream.

You’ll have no problem finding the perfect cake. There are plenty of cake forms and themes that will fit your party. After you have served that perfect cake with ice cream, head on out to the pinata. The kids will all take turns whacking it until it breaks. You can get pinatas at your party supply shop, along with all the train theme decorations and goody bag fillers.

Goody bags are becoming a more and more important part of birthday parties in modern society. The train themed birthday party lends itself to plenty of train themed goody bag fillers. Among those wonderful items are coloring books, storybooks, puzzles, train whistles (their parents will love you and it is the perfect revenge for the air horn your child came home with), and stickers. This is a great way for your child to give back to those who have given him or her gifts while providing something appropriate to the theme for everyone to remember this particular party by.

If you are looking for a little something extra for your child’s train themed birthday party you might want to talk to local train companies and see if there is a train museum near by or if you can possibly book a train car or a room at the train depot in which to host the party. This will create a very special memory for your little one and everyone that attended the party. Some trains actually run day trips that last a couple of hours. This will be a thrilling party experience for your little one’s friends if you can manage this great escape of a train themed birthday party. You may also talk to those in charge at the train station for ideas and suggestions they may have to make your child’s special day a little more thrilling.

Just remember that after a party like this, next year will be a hard act to follow. A Train Birthday Party for Toddlers is Great fun for Adults as well as the children!

Cheryl Pierce has been in the party rental business for 15 years. Her E-book, Start a Bounce House Business has helped many start successful companies. You can find more info on Train themed partiesToddler Train Themed Parties on her website.



LOGAN
party ideas
Linda Kling asked:


It’s a long cold winter, but it doesn’t have to be boring, too.  Beat the blahs with a warm winter party. It’s a perfect time to reconnect with friends and have fun.  Or maybe you’re already planning an event such as an anniversary or sweet 16 celebration.  If you’re looking for inspiration for a big occasion in January or February or just a casual get together,  here are sixteen ideas to get you started.

1. If you’re having trouble finding a great winter party invitation, then look for a company that can customize one of their Christmas invitations or cards that is filled with snowflakes, snow, or a snowman.  Ask them to eliminate the holiday aspect of it and make it just a winter theme.

2. Decorate with tons of white and accents of silver and icy blue.  Use fabrics like chiffon, gossamer and other shears to create a winter fantasy feel.

3. Scented candles can enhance the atmosphere of a winter party.  Try scents like evergreen, hot cocoa or apple pie.

4. Do you own a sled?  Clean it up and use it as a decoration or even on top of the table to hold platters of food. 

5. Make a garland of mittens.  Attach every pair your family owns to a ribbon and hang it across the room.  If you don’t have enough gloves, you can pick up some extras at the dollar store.

6. Raid your box of Christmas decorations in the attic for your winter theme party.  Snowflake ornaments, white twinkling lights, silver garland, plastic icicles and snowmen can work both at Christmas and at your party in January or February.

7. Have a fondue party.  When your guests gather around the fondue pot to dip their bread cubes into the warm cheese sauce, the conversations will flow.  Plus, since they’re doing their own cooking with the sauces you prepared ahead of time, you’ll have a chance to join in the fun, instead of being stuck in the kitchen.

8. Cook up your famous chili recipe.  Nothing warms your guests more than your homemade chili, French onion soup or beef stew.  A winter party is a great time to serve those stick to your ribs, comfort foods.

9. Feature gourmet hot chocolates in a variety of flavors.  Don’t forget the whipped cream and marshmallows!

10. Make your own ice sculpture.  You can buy inexpensive reusable molds on the internet in a variety of shapes.  Simply fill the mold about 90 percent with distilled water, freeze for 48 hours and unmold.

11. Winter party favors can be anything with a snowflake motif.  How about magnets with a snowflake background and personalized message like, “Your friendship warms the coldest winter - Jane and Barry Parker”? A quick online search and you’ll find lots of products that can be customized with your words and even a photo.

12. Plan your winter party around a seasonal activity such as sledding or ice skating.

13. If you don’t want to remind your guest of the cold, ice and snow, why not have a luau or Caribbean theme? Borrow some CD’s from the library of Hawaiian or reggae music.  Decorate with fake palm trees, seashells and flowers.  Blend some coconut drinks.   Break up the winter by going tropical and your guests are sure to think your party is hot.

14. Build your party around a holiday or event.  Have a Valentine’s Day party or a Super Bowl bash.  Turn President’s Day, Groundhog Day or Chinese New Year into a fun get together.  Check the internet for obscure special days to celebrate like Elvis’ birthday on January 8th,  Winnie the Pooh day on January 18th or National Gum Drop Day on February 15th.  Plan a party to watch the Grammy’s or the Academy Awards.  And don’t forget Mardi Gras!

15. Throw an ugly sweater party.  Invite your guests to wear their most hideous winter woolen-wear.  It might be a gift they received from a well-meaning relative during the holidays.  Or it could be a 20 year old impulse buy hanging in the back of their closet with the tags still attached.  Whoever makes it to the top of the worst dressed list, wins a prize.

16. Consider including a “snow date” on your invitations.  If you live in an area that gets a lot of bad winter weather, you might want to add an alternate date for the party, in the event that the forecast is for slippery roads.  Explain that you will call them before the party to change the date.  If you decide to go this route, make sure you plan your menu around make-ahead foods that you freeze.  In the event that the party is postponed, you won’t have to buy or make new party food.

So send out those invitations and get ready for a great winter party.  Your guests will be thrilled that you planned something fun and memorable to break up the cold weather blues.



SANTIAGO
party ideas
David Fishman asked:


Many people worry about the same thing when their children’s birthday is coming closer, they worry that no one will show up to the birthday party. When choosing the different colors for the birthday make sure you choose the colors that match the birthday boy or girl. Customized invitations can cost a pretty penny. When sending out the invitation these show your guest what to expect with the party. Your invitations should include the basics, location the theme of the party, contact information and directions. Have fun and be creative with your invitation.

Many people will theme their parties around the entertainment they have planned. There are so many ideas out there today, especially the internet; just search for party themes and hundreds of ideas are presented to you, there are toy parties, movie, bowling and dress up party ideas. Birthday party themes come in all shapes and sizes, from sports to theater to Barbie and super heroes for children’s parties the possibilities are endless and a good theme can really help pull your entire party together.

How many kids will there be. Plan your party games in 15-20 minute intervals. If you find the kids are happy playing a particular game let them carry on.

Properly planning the party is the key. Add small personal touches that link in with the theme. Planning can make your kid’s party perfect. Don’t forget the decorations for the party, there are balloons, streamers and wall decorations to get, and these decorations will not break the bank. Birthday party cakes are another thing you should check on. Character birthday cakes can be incorporated into the party theme very nicely.

There are some great games that you play at the party, dancing to music and “freezing” when the music is stopped to see who looks the silliest (this is a great game and everyone should win a party favor). Hire a fantastic DJ or live band to provide entertainment for your special evening. Watch the dance floor come alive when fun songs are played. Most DJ’s will come with different musical games to keep the kids entertained.

Do not forget the birthday party activities. Coloring books, bubbles, and other activities can work for younger children. While activities are for the kids, adults will have to assist. Depending on the age, the guest list, and the appropriate activities will vary.

Its better to have the birthday party table at the center of the room so that the guests can surround it and everyone can see it. Have a birthday party table or counter space available for the presents. Many people opt for pizza as the main dish, if you order a pizza make sure you keep it in the oven to keep it warm. When all families bring their one child to the birthday it is not a big deal entertaining the one, but when they bring more than one this is when it gets tricky and your plan for the birthday needs to be solid.

When your child’s party is over it is now time to clean up but your tired and worn out from the day, so take time and rest before you start the clean up process.



ERNIE
party ideas
Robert asked:


Halloween is all about the spook-tacular, so spook everyone this year with kids Halloween costume and party ideas. Your kids will love scaring people with their Halloween costumes, and you’ll love throwing the spookiest party around the block. Here are some ideas for that big Halloween celebration.

Really Spooky Kids Halloween Costumes

Not every kid strives to live like royalty when Halloween rolls around. Here are some spook-tacular ideas for kids Halloween costumes:

Blood-sucking vampire. Here’s one way to scare Grandma after trick-or-treating. Buy a regular vampire suit (available at kids Halloween costume stores), vampire teeth, and fake blood. Have your kids put on the costumes, slip in the fake teeth, and dribble fake blood around their mouth. Watch onlookers freak out as your kids trick-or-treat and scare elders.

Flesh-eating zombies. Tikes will squeal when they wear these kids Halloween costumes. Buy zombie masks and old clothes for preparation. Shred the clothes with a cheese grater and knives and have your kids put it on. Put on the zombie masks and watch your kids Halloween costumes get spook-tacular.

Human-eating werewolves. Things get a bit hairier with these werewolf costumes. All you need is werewolf masks and fake blood. Have your kids put on the masks, dribble fake blood on their mouths, and have onlookers howling at the moon this Halloween. These kids Halloween costumes are definitely spook-tacular.

Spook-tacular Halloween Party Ideas

Hosting a Halloween party for your kids? Here are some ideas for turning that party sinister:

Cobwebs, spiders, and brooms. These party ideas will spook most guests. Line tables with cobwebs, placing spiders on the netting. Put a couple of brooms by the door covered in cobweb netting for an extra spook-tacular effect.

Buggy foods and bloody drinks. These spooky party ideas are a macabre touch to the perfect Halloween party. For food, buy gummy worms, decorated with fake insects. For drinks, add red food coloring to your favorite drink for a bloody effect.

Contests and Competitions. Here are innovative party ideas that involve all party guests. Have guests dressed in costumes and have Halloween-themed competitions, such as bobbing for apples or a Best Costume contest. Have guests whack a piñata with a witch broom. Award winners with spook-tacular prizes such as plush zombies, witch brooms, candy, or cute accessories.

Hold marathons. It’s up to you to come up with ideas, but one great example is holding a movie marathon. Play classic Halloween movies all night while munching on candy and popcorn. Everyone has fun and gets scared by some classic moments too.

Whether you’re looking for spook-tacular kids Halloween costumes or holding a big party, there are many ways to make this holiday creepy. Use your own original ideas too – don’t be afraid to try it out! Halloween is all about you and your kids having fun. Also remember that even though this holiday is about kids Halloween costumes, treat-or-treating, and holding spooky parties, it’s also about staying safe. Put on those costumes, whip out those party ideas and have a great — and safe — time partying.



LUTHER