13 Award-Winning Movie Night Ideas the Kids Will Love

by Christal Y.September 7, 2023

Your kids will totally dig the popcorn bar

Ready to spice up your usual movie night? This time, roll out the red carpet, pop some popcorn, and throw a movie night party for your budding film buffs and their friends. From invites to games to giveaways, we’ve rounded the best movie night ideas that’ll have you pulling off a five-star evening with ease. Read on for all the details.

Movie Night Invites

movie night ideas include invitations — Food, Flowers, and Festivities

One of our favorite movie night ideas is to start with an invitation! We especially love the idea of an “all-access badge” that kids can wear to the party. To get all the details on this epic party, complete with a red carpet and popcorn arch, click here.

Award-Winning Decor

movie night ideas include cute decor — Kiki Sibert via Cupcake Wishes

Become a party planner extraordinaire on the fly with a set of printables. Etsy shop Cupcake Wishes has an awesome movie night pack that includes a popcorn bar garland, table signs for food, a personalized invite and more. Your home will be transformed into a theater in no time.

Movie Night Ticket Garland

ticket chain is one of our favorite movie night ideas — CAKIES

How cute is this movie night idea? Run a ticket chain from wall to wall for an adorable decoration. It's so easy to put together that you might end up making it long enough to loop the house twice. Mom blogger Rubyellen of CAKIES suggests using washi tape (or glue) to stick them together. Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors!

Movie Night Fort

indoor fort for movie night ideas — iStock

Turn your movie night into a mini slumber party by building a fort, filling it with comfy cushions, and busting out the Christmas lights for the perfect lighting. Need some fort inspiration? Here are 13 different-sized and styled ones that work for any home.

Sweet Snack Caddy

movie night ideas aren't complete without snacks — Penny Pincher Jenny

A movie night usually involves lots of bite-sized snacks, which is why we think this idea from Penny Pincher Jenny is pure genius. Each compartment has a big enough space for snacks and drinks, and the handle makes it easy to clean up when the fun is over. Head to your local dollar store to stock up for the big night.

Special Movie Night Popcorn

When it comes to movie night ideas, what’s better than popcorn? Popcorn with all the trimmings! The candy bar trend has moved into popcorn, and we like the version created by Jessica of Happily Hughes—stylish and easy to recreate.

Movie Night Snacks

don't forget snacks when thinking about movie night ideas — The Girl Who Ate Everything

Avoid a tomato sauce mess with these convenient pizza roll-ups. This also works as a great activity for kids if they love to make their own meals. In a short five minutes, you can have your own pocket of ooey-gooey cheese! Head over to foodaholic Christy’s blog The Girl Who Ate Everything for the full recipe.

Pick Your Movie Night Selection

This might be the most important party planning step: picking a movie. To help get you started, check out our list of movies that kids should see before turning 10. With more than 100 to choose from, you’re sure to find a winner on this list.

Movie Night Memory Game

You’ve seen every Disney movie twice, and you've marked the calendar to watch another (again)—so why not have a little fun with your Mouseketeer’s love for the films with a Disney Couples Memory Game? Family blogger Sarah of Bombshell Bling has printable memory cards that you can use.

Print Out Movie Pictures for Young Kids

Challenge kids to a seek-and-find game as they watch the movie. Use pictures of the characters for young tots, spelled-out character names for your budding readers or a mixture of both! Wiz kids will feel like winners as they recognize the characters on and off the screen. Get more great tips for this game from Hands on As We Grow.

Read the Book First

Got siblings with varying bedtimes? When your tiniest bookworm doesn’t want to miss out on the movie, start with a quick story time. Many children’s films have an abridged flipbook too. We can already hear the excitement of having story time, a movie, and bedtime all in one!

Send Home Movie Night Party Favors

Keep your goodie bags simple (but super cute) with this fun idea from Sweet Designs. With some creative cutting and drawing, paper bags become old-school movie tickets. Fill them up with candy or brownies to send them off in style.

Reel-Inspired Movie Night Goody Boxes

Your film fanatic might not know what these reel-y cool boxes are, but after filling them with awesome treats and favors, they’ll love it anyway! Psst...these boxes do take a little origami work. Get your printable DIY copy at PiggyBankParties via Etsy for $5.

Simple Ideas for a Hip Picnic Party

by Christal Y.July 26, 2022

Get out your picnic blankets and give your next outdoor summer gathering a little something special with simple picnic party ideas that’ll make you the envy of the neighborhood. We found incredible ideas from everywhere and highlighted their finest features. And, the best part? You don’t have to be a party planner to pull them off. Scroll down to get inspired.

photo: iStock

Picnic Party Ideas: Decor

While nothing screams picnic more than red and white gingham, there are plenty of other creative and artistic ways to add flair to your toddler’s gathering. See how to stun your guests from the get-go.

Set Up Shade

Get creative with the way you keep your guest cool by creating your own shade. With just a little prep, you’ll have a cozy outdoor space in no time.

Make a Welcome Sign

Smile before entering this vintage summer party! Party Loves greeted their guests with a colorful chalkboard, a cost-effective and unique idea that lets you get your art on.

Picnic Party Hats

How adorable are these fruit-inspired party hats from Studio DIY? Easy to make, they can double as a party favor! We’ve got even more fun paper hats here.

Bee Hive Lanterns

Your guests will be buzzing with excitement over this creative and easy picnic party idea. Head over to Party Delights to find out what you’ll need.

Family Birthday — Tiffany Arment Photography

Multi-Colored Plaid Banners

Who says picnics have to stay red and white? Go for checked blue, green, yellow and orange like photographer Tiffany Arment did for Adam’s first birthday picnic. Choose your tot’s favorite colors to add extra vibrancy.

teddy-bear-picnic-balloons — Amie Bell Photography

Balloons and Blankets

Shutterbug Amie Bell used teddy bears and picnic baskets as weights to keep down those beautiful balloon centerpieces. If you’re planning a different picnic theme, just switch out the teddy bear with your guests’ party favors or another favorite item of the birthday tot.

Indoor Picnic Party Ideas

If your picnic has to be indoors, no worries, just follow Swoon Studio‘s lead and grab some vintage windows and checkered tablecloths for a real outdoorsy vibe. Plus, being inside just means you can totally put wicker baskets on the table without having to fret about dirt and leggy insect crawlers.

Picnic Party Ideas: Food

Eating outdoors with toddlers can be a messy business. Here are a few ways to create stress-free lunches and eco-friendly snacks for those hungry tummies.

Deviled Eggs

What’s a picnic without deviled eggs? With this super simple recipe, it’s easy to ensure that your al fresco meal includes this delicious staple. Older kids can even make their own version! Grab the how-to here.

Single Salads

You can thank Hello Wonderful for the brilliant idea of having kids pre-pack their picnic foods in little jars. It keeps the mess to a minimum and gets your kids helping, too. See more fabulous picnic foods by clicking here.

Picnic “Lunchables”

Make sure each kiddo has their own picnic basket by sorting all their food into one picnic box. Fill your box with sammies, chips, celery, and dip, wrap it up with twine and include a picnic napkin for these adorable picnic “Lunchables”!

Watermelon Sticks

Cut your watermelon into easy to hold sticks instead of cubes. This way you save on utensils. Freeze the sticks to make uber-healthy popsicles. Need tips on cutting that watermelon? The Girl Who Ate Everything makes life easier with picture tutorials.

Honey-Sweet Lemonade

Sweeten your lemonade with honey rather than sugar for bonus health points. We love how Picnic for Pixies, a South African party planner, had their party buzzing with extra excitement. Just look at how awesome that hive-shaped dispenser is! Check out our favorite lemonade recipes here.

Fruit on a Stick

Try these fruit and cheese kabobs from The Nourishing Home for a healthy snack that packs a protein punch. Let little ones help you cut fruit and cheese into shapes and slide onto sticks. Mix things up with any kind of berry, melon or pineapple plus a variety of cheeses so they don’t tire of this treat. Just be sure to supervise since sticks can be sharp.

photo: iStock

Picnic Party Ideas: Games

What’s a picnic without games and fun? Whether you’ve planned for a relaxing party on the lawn or a day packed with excitement and fun, these easy backyard games are perfect entertainment for the kids.

DIY Lawn Matching Game

How fun is this matching game from Studio DIY? The bright colors, fun patterns and large playing pieces are a perfect match for tiny hands. Find out how to make your own set by clicking here.

Lawn Day Twister

Spending a day on the grass? Katie Haines of You + Me turned the grass into a personal Twister game for her southern-themed picnic party. This is perfect for big parties where a Twister mat can’t fit everyone. After your little spray paint magic, let the birthday babe bark out the instructions.

Water Balloon Spoon Race

Got high-energy tots that love to run and scream? Here’s an egg race spin-off game that’ll have them zonked out by the end of the day. Use water balloons to make less of a mess (your local park will thank you), and if you have balloons left over… have a water balloon fight! Get the tutorial on decorating plain wooden spoons over at Two Shades of Pink.

Cloth Picnic Games

For a calmer playdate picnic in the park, play a cloth game that utilizes trinkets from nature. Kids will love searching for flowers to use as tic-tac-toe pieces. For a more complicated square game that works as a brain challenge for older kids, head over to Say Yes.

stretchy-fabric-kids — The Mary Frances Project

Fabric Tube Run

Embrace the elasticity of swimsuit fabric (nylon and lycra) and make a bouncy tunnel for kids to bop about in. Moms and sisters of The Mary Frances Project showed us this fantastic game for smaller kids, where parents stretch out the fabric and kids can run about, bouncing off the “walls.” Order a few yards of swimsuit fabric from eBay or The Fabric Fairy, and then follow the game tutorial here.

Picnic Party Ideas: Favors

Let your guests leave with a lasting impression. These party favors go beyond perishable food and small toys.

photo: iStock

Picnic Blankets

You can hand out blankets for your playdate picnic and let your guests keep them afterward. It’s a great gift that works for the entire family. They’ll remember your stellar party as they sit on the blanket to make new memories out in the park.

Watermelon Playdough

Pack some green and pink dough and a handful of black beans in a little container so kids can bring the picnic home. Get the playful instructions (print them out and include them in your gift bag) from No Time for Flash Cards. It’s a great sensory craft for little hands.

Picnic Fans

When it gets too hot at your summer picnic party, your guests will be thankful these cute fans are going around. And they’ll be ecstatic to know that they can keep them too! Find out how to make these beautiful summer coolers over at Ao At Home.

—Dhyana Levey, Christal Yuen with Gabby Cullen

Finding a Healthy Way to Overindulge My Kids

By Nataly Blumberg

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

May 19, 2021

Photo: Monique Banks via Instagram

The pandemic has been hard, if not impossible, for everyone around the world. I have friends that lost young spouses, a grandparent whose health is just not the same after being in isolation and kids that are relearning how to make it through a day of in-person school.

I know that my family is lucky. But I had this nagging desire to do more for my kids that just wouldn’t go away. Throughout the day, I swing from wanting to give and do everything they ask in an effort to make up for lost time, to knowing that these acts of overindulgence will create a new set of problems. Saying yes non-stop is bad for the rules my husband and I tried so hard to put in place and we are getting on a path where the kids feel like it’s never enough. Truthfully, they seemed more content when we were more judicial with our yesses. You know when your kid is eating ice cream for breakfast and can’t sit still for five seconds that you’ve crossed the line when it comes to good parenting skills. It’s not that terrible, but it’s a slippery slope.

It then dawned on me that the perfect opportunity to indulge my feelings of wanting to show that we understood all that the kids have gone through the past year and mark a new beginning (albeit with guidelines from the CDC) would be at their birthday. This is a time when we make a big deal about being older, it’s a natural time to evaluate the new responsibilities they can take on and it is the perfect day to overindulge them. The more I thought about it, the more I decided that this year’s birthday would be a celebration like no other. Not in terms of the number of people invited or money spent, but the way that we celebrate.

The M&M & Pizza Methodology
Of course, the first place I went to for inspiration was Instagram. For me personally, it was a bust. I felt intimidated by the perfection of it all and started adding up the costs which gave me anxiety. Plus, the setup and clean-up sounded like a drag.

Then I remembered a story from Morgan Oliveira who told me that her mom, Denise Oliveira who is a High School English teacher, would order pizza for Morgan’s birthday parties when she was a kid. Before the pizza was served at the table, Denise would sneak into the pizza boxes and sprinkle M&M’s onto the pies. My first response was M&Ms and pizza? It didn’t sound so tasty, but apparently, it is extremely exciting for everyone. As kids, Morgan thought that it was the “birthday special” pizza pie made just for her. As an adult, it is one of her fondest memories from her childhood.

Focus on Your Child’s Personality & Likes
I loved this idea because it’s about making your kid feel special by understanding who they are and what they love. It wasn’t about big balloon displays or hiring a magician. So, I reached out to my friend Monique Banks who has been a party planner for decades. Currently, she and her daughter, Ariel Banks Baker, have a successful event planning company. Years ago, Monique had a children’s party studio, and the mother-daughter team just launched a new company called Blueprint. With over 3,000 kids’ parties under their belts, Monique and Ariel offer DIY downloadable plans with 27 themes that are fully customizable. hey confirmed my hunch about what kids really want, which is a day that makes them feel like they are the focus of the day.

It’s not about how big or fancy the party is, but rather if you are thinking about your child in a way that makes them feel special. What type of candy do they like to eat, what type of games do they like to play, do they have a favorite color? These are the things that make kids feel that they are having a magical experience. Monique and Ariel also let me in on a very important secret: The best parties have constant high-energy games where there a no winners and no losers.

Adults Need to Have Fun Too
The best part is that the adults get to have a good time too. Fewer worries about setting up and cleaning up mean that kids get more attention from their parents which is exactly what they are looking for on their birthdays. Kids know when parents are stressed and tired and it’s not the vibe that you want on a day that is supposed to be about them. Organizing games where kids are having the time of their lives is a gift for parents too. Seeing the little person that you love so much laughing and having a good time is the best present of all.

Lessons Beyond the Birthday
By creating a special day that includes everything my child loves most, makes them feel important. That came with a positive lesson for all of us. When you know how happy someone is because you are thoughtful and that effort makes them feel great, it is an important life lesson. I’m hoping that the kids will want to do things for their friends and family, not because they have to or because it is expected, but because they know that it will make the person feel terrific.

Even though we were stuck inside together for so many months, I had to make a special point of making fun family time and it never felt like it was enough. Being at home for more hours and days meant more laundry, more dirt, more dishes to wash, more schoolwork and homework, cooking more meals, and also juggling my own work. As so many of us know, it was a stressful time. This birthday, I hope, will mark a new beginning. I’m ready to celebrate! Responsibly, of course.

Nataly Blumberg

Tinybeans Voices Contributor

I'm a mom of two children, wife, and love my fur baby, traveling and playing UNO. My passion is discovering services and products by entrepreneurs, especially those that can cut down on some screen time and help our family create lasting memories together.

Party Hearty: Five Crafty Shops You Need to Know for a DIY Bash

by Allison SutcliffeJanuary 10, 2015

There’s a time in every party planning parent’s life when inspiration strikes and the quest to design the coolest kiddo bash in town begins. If you’re left wondering what Martha would do in this situation, we’ll let you in on a secret, she’d hit up these amazingly crafty shops. They’ve got everything you need, from invites to goody bags, so you can throw one unforgettable event.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Packaging Specialties
PS Stores are a DIYer’s dream because they stock just about everything you can think of to assemble a party that won’t soon be rivaled. They make tying in colored themes easy with straws, cellophane packaging, organdy and muslin bags, as well as that cute baker’s twine everyone uses these days. They even have baking boxes and tins for everyday treats like cupcakes or colored M&Ms, right on through to custom boxes (think macarons and more!) for stand out assemblage. As for printables, the party planner in you will delight in the many flags, tags and labels that will add that special touch to your invites, goody bags or games. And if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, take it down a notch and grab one of their adorable ready-to-go boxes of invites. Finding matching elements for circus, pirate or ladybug themes is a cinch in this store. It’s easy to look like a pro when you’ve got the right stuff!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Good to know: Packaging Specialties hosts classes a few times a month where those who are craft curious learn techniques that transform projects from amateur to amazing. The cost is usually around $25.

515 S. Michigan St.
Seattle, Wa 98108
206-768-0540

15120 N.E. 24th St.
Building 18, Suite F
Redmond, Wa 98052
425-885-0264
Online: ps-stores.com

Paper Delights
This stylish Wallingford store is the party and card store you’ve been looking for your whole life, in that “had me at hello” kind of way. If you’re not already drooling when you walk through the door, you will be after leafing through the invite booklets and wandering the rows of irresistible cards that you must have. We love this shop because it’s one place you can create custom invites in small quantities without breaking the bank. Plan on about $1.75 per card, with a 20 card minimum (although you can fudge that and order less, you just have to pay $10 to do so) and voila, you’ve got an adorbs card for your cutie’s next bash, just 48 hours after it’s been approved. While you’re there you can also grab matching straws, baker’s twine, cupcake sleeves and paper globes to round out your party décor. Simple elegance is always in style!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

2205 N. 45th St.
Seattle, Wa 98103
206-547-1002
Online: paperdelights.com

Paper Source
We love the knowledgeable staff at Paper Source, who can take all those awesome ideas you’ve pinned and show you how to make them by yourself. It’s the go-to store for the craftily inclined (but maybe not so crafty) who have more confidence in their inspired ideas than they do in their skill. It’s also a great one-stop-shop because everything you need to create the look you’re going for can be found in the store, right down to crafty favors, centerpieces or activities for the party. And if you want to be less do-it-yourself, and more do-it-for-me, please (and who can blame you if you do?), their pre-packaged invites and accessories are the way to go. Psst! We totally love their printable invites that couple with online templates, so you can customize the message and look, plus print everything at home. It’s the breathe-easy, DIY option for busy parents!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Good to know: Throughout the year, Paper Source holds classes so you can up your craft ante from season to season. Check out their online schedule to see what’s next on deck. Classes are usually between $20-$35.

1908 Queen Anne Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98103
206-284-2615

2606 N.E. 46^th St.
Seattle, Wa 98105
206-523-3683

610 Bellevue Way N.E., Suite 100
Bellevue, Wa 98004
425-646-0100
Online: papersource.com

Impress
Stamps as far as the eye can see, in every imaginable shape or size, is what party planners will find at either of Impress’s two locations. It’s a true stamper’s paradise, just waiting for your next party project. But beyond stamps, they’ve got amazing ideas that line the shelves, and staff who can help you bring a certain look to life, if you’ve got grand plans. Plus, they’ve got all the embellishments (think brads, buttons, sequins and ribbons), tools and stamp pads right there in the store, which is always appreciated by busy parents. And if you can’t find the exact stamp you’re looking for, you can make one that’s the perfect fit for your little one’s next bash (be sure to plan turnaround time into this one). DIY-ing here is one way to make an impression!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Good to know: Mark your calendar for an upcoming class at Impress to level-up on your party prowess.

2621 N.E. Village Ln.
Seattle, Wa 98105
206-526-5818

120 Andover Park E.
Tukwila, Wa 98188
206-901-9101
Online: impresscardsandcrafts.com

The Red Balloon Company
If balloons are what you need to complete your party look, you gotta check out the Red Balloon Company on Capitol Hill. They do balloons the way Marshawn runs the ball, like a boss. They’ve got everything you need, from simple uninflated balloons on through to helium-filled balloon arches that really make a doorway pop (wink, wink). And did we mention they (can) deliver? Yes, please!

417 15th Ave. E.
Seattle, Wa 98112
206-467-0318
Online: redballoon.com

Looking for original favors for goody bags? Or the perfect present to bring to the party? Be sure to check out our guide to unique stores for birthday gifts for some awesome ideas.

What’s your favorite place to pick up DIY party supplies? Share it with others in the Comments below!

— Allison Sutcliffe

Who You Gonna Call: The Coolest Party Entertainers Around Town

by Allison SutcliffeNovember 11, 2014

Somewhere between the Pinterest-inspired, DIY at-home party and the outsourced, off-site birthday bash lies a happy medium that busy parents can truly appreciate. An at-home party where the entertainment comes to you. Minimum prep, little to no clean up, and thanks to these amazing entertainers, the chance to snap a few pics of your favorite birthday kid and visit with guests too! From game trucks to henna artists to storytellers steeped in the oral tradition, we’ve got the low down on your next special delivery. Party on!

photo: Dizzy’s Tumblebus

Animal House
The Reptile Man
If you’re looking for an atypically adventurous way to celebrate the passing of another year, invite Scott Peterson, The Reptile Man, to entertain the littles at your party. Scott and his crew come for about an hour and bring close to a dozen reptiles for mini munchkins to marvel at and interact with. Picture giant tortoise riding and alligator petting. Scott is also known for his ability to de-venomize poisonous snakes so little snake charmers can have close encounters with cobras and rattlesnakes too. Oh my! It puts a whole new spin on the petting zoo. This is one exiting and educational way to celebrate!

photo: JoAnn Hernandez

The Reptile Man
360-668-8204
Online: reptileman.com
Cost: $195

Bunnies for Birthdays
What could be more adorable than smiling kiddos donning party hats and cake face on their special day? How about that plus bunnies! Cuteness overload. Order a truckload for your sweet little one’s bash and let petit partygoers hold, cuddle and pet these sweet little furballs after cake and ice cream. The Bunny Bonanza ($200) includes one hour with about 15-20 young rabbits at your house. Bunnies for Birthdays brings everything you need for a safe and fun experience interacting with the animals—blankets, hand sanitizer, wipes and lots of knowledge. This isn’t an outdoor exclusive either. The bunnies are just as cute and cuddly indoors as they are in a park or backyard. Just think of them as a warm fuzzy on a cold winter day. Hop on!

photo: Bunnies for Birthdays

Good to know: Wondering about ages for this special delivery? Even babies as young as one will love gently cuddling with these cuties.

Bunnies for Birthdays
Online: bunniesforbirthdays.com
Cost: $165-$395, depending on the package

Truckloads of Fun
Game Truck
If interactive video games and the latest systems (think Xbox One and PS4) is all your little celebrant wants for his or her birthday, Game Truck can surely deliver (for the party anyway). One of two climate controlled game trucks pulls right up to your door as part of these 90-minute or 2-hour birthday packages that work best for gamers 6 and older (it’s an attention span thing). Although the kids get to play, parents pick the titles they can choose from. And with games like Minecraft, the newest Skylanders (Trap Team is in the house!), Just Dance 2014 and Guitar Hero, there are plenty of family-friendly options that should appeal to every party-goer (and maybe even mom and dad, too!). A game coach is stationed on the truck too to help with game change out and dole out tips and tricks for little gamers. Be sure to book soon if it’s game on for your next bash. Some December dates are already taken.

photo: Game Truck

Good to know: Game Truck has a referral program; book a party with them through a friend and receive $20 credit with a $25 gift card for the reference.

Game Truck
888-602-4263
Online: gametruckparty.com/seattle
Cost: $269-319, depending on truck and location

Games2U
This to-your-door party company specializes in “unique mobile entertainment” that you probably won’t find anywhere else. Sure they’ve got game trucks, but they can also deliver a 4D movie theater (complete with interactive seats, plus wind and water spray effects!), giant hamster balls, laser tag, foam wars and more. All right to your door! Game trucks can be booked for 90-minute or 2-hour windows and parents get to choose the games little gamers play. These packages also include time with a game coach (or two if you rent the big truck) who helps answer questions, change out games and generally corral the kiddos so parents don’t have to. The smaller truck is comfy for between 12-16 players, and the larger truck works well with 16-20. And each truck has outside screens (with awnings) so kids can play no matter where they are. Are you game?

photo: Games2U Facebook page

Good to know: How far out parents need to book depends on the flexibility they have with dates and time, but if you’re thinking about a gaming party for a winter birthday, earlier is better as December is filling up quickly!

Games2U
425-306-5361
Online: g2u.com
Cost: $289-$339, depending on package

Dizzy’s Tumblebus
Apparently school buses aren’t just for transporting kids to and from school these days. The creative minds behind Dizzy’s Tumblebus have converted an old one into a tumbling gym that delivers right to your door. The Tumblebus birthday package includes one hour with two instructors who lead 12 tiny tumblers (but they can accommodate up to 18 for an additional fee) in games and activities, so parents can chat, munch and generally catch up on things indoors. Each little gymnast will get plastic gold medals after the event and the special kiddo gets a rad Dizzy t-shirt too. Goody bags, t-shirts for everyone and real medals are also available as add-ons. This is one bus everyone will want to board!

photo: Dizzy’s Tumblebus

Good to know: If you’re interested in booking the Tumblebus be sure to book about a month in advance, and remember, December is always a busy month!

Dizzy’s Tumblebus
425-564-8287
Online: dizzys-tumblebus.com
Cost: $200-$265, depending on location

Cook Up a Storm
Sprinkles and Sweets
It’s just not a party without cupcakes or cake. So why not have mini bakers make some as part of the celebration? Annabella Chiocco, the creative baker behind Sprinkles and Sweets, acts as a party planner and lead baker guiding sous chefs through the make and bake stages of cookies, cupcakes or mini cakes. Her parties work best for kids 4 and older, and she tailors each party based on the age and number of bakers attending. The end product? Each kiddo has a hands-on baking experience, from aprons (which are provided), to learning how to create perfect batter or dough, on through to the final recipe, which each petit partygoer can take home so they can recreate their culinary masterpiece later. And did we mention Annabella even cleans up the kitchen? That’s easy-peasy parent pleasy!

photo: Sprinkles and Sweets Facebook page

Good to know: Annabella has lots of add-ons that make hosting even easier for parents. Goody bags, snacks or even a kid-cooked lunch (around $6/kid) of pizza or crepes means more time to enjoy the celebration, for parents!

Sprinkles and Sweet
206-419-5688
Online: sprinklesandsweets.com
Cost: $38/kid plus tax (8 kids minimum)

Sweet Lo’s Ice Cream
Need a little ice cream to top that birthday cake? Invite Sweet Lo’s ice cream queen Lauren Wilson to be the churner of honor at your next bash. With this party package, Lauren brings her ice cream maker and churns up premade bases (both vanilla and chocolate) until they’re silky smooth. From there, she lets little ice cream lovers add in up to four ingredients (think cookie dough, brownie chunks, marshmallows and more!), pour sauces galore, then pile on the whip cream and a cherry to finish off one serious birthday sundae. And if the birthday boy or girl wants something a little more exotic than vanilla and chocolate, Lauren is happy to bring a custom flavor as a base from which to build. We’re talking rocky road, peanut butter, birthday cake… you get the idea. Creating delish, custom flavors is the pinnacle of this “I scream, you scream” party!

photo: Lauren Wilson/Sweet Lo’s

Good to know: Lauren’s ice creams use the purest ingredients and don’t include any stabilizers. That’s about as close as you can get to guilt-free ice cream!

Sweet Lo’s Ice Cream
415-425-4438
Online: sweetlosicecream.com
Cost: $15/hr; plus $10/person for standard flavors or $12/person for custom flavors

Wish Upon a Star
Tangerine Tales
Ms. Kelly has been bringing fairy tales to life and spreading her love of storytelling to Seattle children for the past seven years. She brings years of teaching and theater experience to both her party prep and persona, getting into the story using voices and props that transport little listeners during the hour-long story telling. Puppets, illustrations, and songs round out each interactive, magical session, and Ms. Kelly loves to tailor stories to the special birthday kiddo by incorporating little details (like their best friend, favorite food and more) that shine the spotlight on them. Parents can choose from a classic tale (like Goldilocks and the Three Bears) to a more modern one (yes, she does Frozen). And add-ons are a definite possibility. Face painting ($125) or a craft (between $8-$15/person) that ties into the story both add to the magic of the day.

photo: Tangerine Tales

Good to know: Be sure to book about 4-6 weeks in advance to get the date and time you want with Ms. Kelly. Psst! This is the same Ms. Kelly that does the amazing face paintings at U Village’s summer events.

Tangerine Tales
206-696-1110
Online: tangerinetales.com
Cost: $250

Amazing Fairy Tale Parties
Started by a former Broadway actress, Amazing Fairy Tale Parties sends princesses and other adventure characters, outfitted in custom-made costumes and wigs that add authenticity, to your next party experience. Many of the performers are involved in local Seattle theater, and they love bringing classic characters from the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen tales to life for adorably adoring fans in and around the city. Depending on your time and budget, there are a few different party packages to choose from. Good for smaller groups or younger audiences is the Pixie Dust ($145), a simple meet, greet and snap a selfie with a favorite character that lasts about 30 minutes. For larger parties or older kiddos, try the Glass Slipper ($200) or the Grand Ball ($275), both of which include storytelling, dances, face painting, singing, and balloon twisting with a beloved character. And we’re not just talking princesses. After all, pirates, princes and superheroes like to party too! Interested in booking? Be sure to make plans soon as these performers often book out 3-4 months in advance. A perfect “once upon a time” moment!

photo: Amazing Fairy Tale Parties

Good to know: Follow Amazing Fairy Tale Parties on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to take advantage of giveaways, contests, photo opps, and more around the city. Who knows what you could win for your little prince or princess!

Amazing Fairy Tale Parties
888-948-6964
Online: amazingfairytaleparties.com
Cost: $145-$375, depending on package

Party People
The Bubbleman
Chances are you’ve seen the Bubbleman somewhere around town bringing bubble magic to the Seattle masses. He’s been doing his thing for over 20 years in the Emerald City, and is one of those beloved recognizable people who brings character to our fair city. And lucky parents, he loves entertaining the littles on their “worthdays” (because kids are always worth it.) The Bubbleman loads up his bubblemobile with over 400 pounds of bubble equipment that he uses to entertain his mini audience. He prides himself on using everyday objects in his original bubble creations, like tennis racquets, fly swatters, umbrellas and toilet seats (a definite kid favorite) during his one-hour “factivity” time. And each of his bubble tricks is accompanied by fanciful humor that tickles little funny bones, and endearing life lessons that teach gentleness and laughter. A bubbly good time!

photo: Melissa Buss/Bubbleman website

Good to know: In 34 years of performing, The Bubbleman has only been rained out 3 times, so don’t let the upcoming winter weather put a damper on your party plans. A little drizzle won’t kill the bubbles, nor the kids’ spirits. But if you’re still concerned, check out his new indoor show that’s just as mesmerizing!

The Bubbleman
206-781-6749
Online: bubbleman.com
Cost: $180 (single mom discounts available)

Meghan’s Mehndi
If you’re looking for a twist on traditional face painting as a party centerpiece, try some henna art. Mehndi artist Meghan comes to your house and works on custom body art for each little partier. That includes henna, bindi ornamentation, glitter and aftercare spray. The whole session takes about 90 minutes and works best with kids 5 & up and groups of 15 or less. The best part? The body art stays on for a few weeks. What a great way to extend the life of a party!

photo: Meghan’s Mehndi: Henna Body Art Facebook page

Good to know: Spring and summer are Meghan’s busiest months, but be sure to book about a week in advance for fall and winter parties.

Meghan Mehndi – Henna Body Art
206-276-7625
Online: meghansmehndi.com
Cost: $130

Build It
Play-Well TEKnologies
A LEGO-loving kid deserves a LEGO-loving party. And Play-Well TEKnologies delivers expert LEGO building instruction (and about 20,000 LEGO pieces) straight to your living room. Each 90-minute build session is specially selected the birthday boy or girl. Themed parties like Ninjago, Star Wars and Minecraft are always popular and pair well with DIY party elements, but there are lots of other options to choose from too. And the added bonus is that, like all of Play-Well’s programming, kids are learning while they’re building. Now that’s a party! Just fill out an information request online 3-6 weeks in advance to get this party started. Build on!

photo: Play-Well TEKnologies

Good to know: Play-Well’s at home parties work best with kids 5 & up and can be booked any time between 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Play-Well TEKnologies
Online: play-well.org/about-lego-birthday-parties.shtml
Cost: $280 for up to 16 guests; $355 for up to 24 guests

Beyond the Birthday: Many of these to-your-door services work well for other occasions too. Want to host a game-day gathering for families? How about throwing a New Year’s bash with your neighbors and friends? Just think of the possibilities!

Have a favorite party entertainer? Tell us about him or her in a comment below.

—Allison Sutcliffe

Make-It & Take-It Party Favors (For $5 or Less!)

by Jo AaronSeptember 23, 2014

Got too much birthday party dollar-store giveaway junk in your toy trunk? Try one of our make-it and take-it party favors that only cost about $5 or less. Imagine planning a party activity that will keep kids busy and take care of your “what to giveaway” woos all in one.

Candy Airplanes
Your kiddo’s party will really take off with these awesome edible airplanes. As easy to put together as they are to eat, your party passengers will be on cloud nine when they find out that these winged beauties are made entirely out of candy. Just make sure they don’t eat all of the plane parts before departure. Check out Ar melle Blog for these tremendous candy airplane party favor instructions.

photo: Armelle Blog

Handmade Bubbles
Want to outshine the birthday bash you threw last year? Throw bubbles in the mix and you’ll be a shoo-in for party planner of the century! Don’t go for boring generic store-bought bubbles, though. Instead follow the DIY steps on Honestly to make super-duper homemade bubbles and wands, complete with recycled baby food jars as containers, and get set for customized party fun! To get popping, click here.

photo: Honestly

LEGO Pencil Holder
Looking for the perfect arts-n-crafts activity to entertain LEGO enthusiasts? Everything will be awesome when your guests create their very own LEGO pencil holder. All you need are recycled baby food jars, paint and Sharpies to make Brazilian crafter and illustrator Estéfi Machado’s craftastic project. Start building your face case with a step-by-step guide here at Handmade Charlotte.

photo: Handmade Charlotte

Magic (Straw) Flute
A party without music just isn’t a party at all! Let your musical party people create a magic flute out of drinking straws — it’s easy, fun and really creative. Basing the craft on the story The Magic Flute, the blog Re lentlessly Fun, Deceptively Educational shares simple steps to making these cute flutes. While you’re at it, why not read the story? It has an evil queen, powerful sorcerer and magic, so it shouldn’t be too hard to get the kids hooked from the first page until it’s time for cake!

photo: Re lentlessly Fun, Deceptively Educational

Balloon Bracelets
When life gives you lemons (or in this case a cheap twisty balloon kit with balloons that pop and break every five seconds) make balloon bracelets! At least that’s what blogger Michelle Paige suggests, and her balloon bracelets are easy to make and adorable to boot. These birthday accessories are everything we’re looking for in a party giveaway — colorful, fashionable and fabulously frugal. Let the accessorizing begin by clicking here.

photo: Michelle Paige

Need more ways to rock that party? Click here for more party favor ideas.

— Jo Aaron

Inside a Cool Winter Wonderland Second Birthday

by scott wardellJanuary 7, 2014

If your kiddo has a winter birthday having an outdoor birthday isn’t an option for most of us. So how do you go about planning a winter wonderland party that’s fit for a tenacious two year old? If your mom happens to be Lea of Fly Away Design, you’ve got one mama who’s part superstar designer and part awesome party planner. Lea created almost everything at this polar bear-themed party herself for her two year old son, Brody. Scroll through the sweet photos and start taking notes!

Lea hosted Brody’s 2nd birthday party at home, where she was able to transform their house into an igloo-filled snowscape complete with polar bears and Coca-Cola themed memorabilia. When we asked her about her inspiration for the party, she said that she wanted to do something different from your typical winter-themed birthday. She swapped penguins for polar bears, and in doing so, was instantly reminded of the old Coca Cola commercials. After raiding her father-in-law’s basement (who used to work for Coca-Cola) Lea incorporated the red color scheme in with the white and powder blue that dominated the rest of the party.

Lea’s best friend in planning this party? Pinterest. She claims it’s her go-to source for inspiration and ideas. And being a designer by trade, she was able to create the invites, banners, cupcake toppers, labels, favor cans, table cloths, signage and backdrops all herself. For the decorations she didn’t create herself, Lea purchased them from save-on-crafts.com–another great website for any party decorating. According to Lea, “They have tons of ideas and are priced very reasonably.”

The snowflake pattern on the table cloths and backdrop were made from a craft paper roll purchased at Home Depot. Using a sponge dipped in white paint, Lea dabbed along the edges to make them look like they had snow on them.

The first stop on the polar express: the ARTic stop. Here, little partygoers could craft to their heart’s content. Lea printed custom polar bear coloring sheets and set up a snowflake decorating station. Lea admits that the snowflake stickers were a bit hard for the little ones to handle, but the ARTic stop was a big hit with the kids.

For the party games, there was pin the tail on the polar bear. Lea designed the poster and had it printed at Costco for $25. It only took an hour, and look how great it turned out.

No winter wonderland is complete without an igloo for the birthday boy. Lea filled the cubby space in their front room with “ice blocks” made by wrapping the cardboard red blocks that Brody got as a gift for his 1st birthday in white paper. Inside, the igloo sported its own hanging icicles, fake ice cubes scattered on the floor, and even a blue light for ambience. How cool!

Any self-respecting polar bear party needs treats for the little polar bear cubs. And what do polar bears love most? Fish, of course. Lea purchased the craft bags that held the little fish-shaped sandwiches from Etsy then decorated them with her custom “Catch of the Day” tags. The tags were held on with mini clothespin decorated with mini snowflakes.

Before guests left the party, they were each presented with a fun favor can. Made using old soup cans, Lea used the same craft paper from the backdrops to wrap the cans and then painted the edges with a white sparkly paint to look like snow. Using thick yarn (purchased at Walmart), Lea fastened her custom tags to the cans. Each one was filled with a set of adorable red mittens that are great “For chillin’.”

We’re truly envious of Lea’s crafting and designing abilities. We can’t imagine everyone has the skills (or patience) to pull something like this off, so we asked Lea her tips on making your party prep go smoothly. She suggests browsing through Etsy to find design printables. With printables for practically every theme, you can purchase themed designs for whatever party you’re planning for your kiddo. Similarly for DIY crafts, if you see one that interests you but aren’t sure how to tackle it, look for tutorials online. Youtube is a great resource for videos that will show you how create things step by step.

A final tip from Lea: start early and have fun! Lea starts planning her parties a few months in advance, doing one thing at a time, so as not to get overwhelmed.

Impressed with Lea’s work? Visit her Etsy store, where you can find everything you need to create a wonderful party. Lea will even make custom designs if you’ve got a special idea in mind.

To see more cool birthday party ideas click HERE

“Like” this story if it inspires you to create your own themed party. What do you have planned for your little one’s upcoming birthday?

— Scott Wardell

all photos courtesy of Lea at Fly Away Design

Hawaii-3-Oh! A Luau-Themed Party You Gotta See

by scott wardellOctober 7, 2012

Even though the leaves may be turning a gorgeous shade of orange and brown, doesn’t mean that throwing a tropical luau-themed birthday party is out of the question. If you’re looking to imbue a bit of summer into your drab fall or winter birthday parties, here’s an excellent idea courtesy of our friends Marisa and Lisa at LA Party Stylists. Marisa, mom to Lillie, decided to take her daughter’s love of hula dancing to the next level. Not only were Marisa and Lisa (she even took the photos!) kind enough to share their photos of the sweet birthday party, but they also gave us some inside tips on how this celebration came together. Ah, to be the daughter of a party planner. We all can dream, right?

When you’re the daughter of a party planner, extraordinary birthday parties are the norm. For Marisa’s daughter’s third birthday party, she took her little one’s love of hula and tiki torches to a whole new level with this awesome celebration that featured hula dancing and a tiki piñata.

The party took place in Marisa and Lillie’s backyard, which would be really easy to emulate if you live in a warmer climate like Los Angeles. If your city isn’t blessed with year round sun, then host your luau party indoors with bright tropical decorations such as tablecloths, streamers and other colorful decor to recreate a tropical island.

Believe it or not, Marisa made the hula girl cake. She dishes to us that you simply need to use a Wilton doll cake pan. The trick is to use a grass frosting tip to get the grass skirt effect. To make the cake a little larger and more substantial for her entire party, Marisa baked another 9 inch round cake, stacked the doll cake on top of it, and then frosted them together. Just a little bit of ingenuity, creative flair, and patience and you can easily make your own hula girl cake!

Head to your local bakeshop for hula girl and tropical cookie cutters. Lillie insisted that her mom make hula cookies but only if they had blonde hair like hers!

If you’re in Los Angeles, head to Party City and Moskatels in Downtown L.A. for all of the store-bought party goods. If you don’t live in the SoCal region, call up your local party shop or check out Etsy for some personalized goods.

All the printed matter for Lillie’s third birthday was designed by Gretchen Postiglione at P.Ink Creative and the party favors were personalized Hawaiian t-shirts from Etsy vendor 98Bottles.

A birthday party, especially when there are antsy little kids involved, wouldn’t be complete without tons of activities. Here, Marissa brought in a hula dancer and three musicians. After the show, the dancers taught the kids some hula dance steps. There was also swimming and water tables filled with soapy water for those non-hula inclined. We love how even the dads are getting into the hula.

A special thanks to our friends Marisa and Lisa at LA Party Stylists for sharing their inspirational photos and ideas. Do your kids love to hula? Do you think they’d love this theme? Share with us your thoughts on this party and the photos in the comment section below.

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