Whodunit!!!

Mystery, Intrigue, Whodunit!  

This is a great party idea.  There are so many possibilities.  My first thoughts for this party go straight to the game of Clue and a kid friendly mystery dinner party.

Make magnifying glass shaped invitations.

When the guests arrive have them do their first activity. The first activity could be decorating/ personalizing pocket sized notebook and pen sets. Provide makers and stickers. They will need these for the main activity after dinner.

Next stage a crime toward the end of dinner; i.e. missing cupcakes, presents, pet, favorite toy, etc.  

The kids will need to follow a series of riddles and clues to lead them to the missing item and the culprit.  You can get your neighbors involved, place clues around the neighborhood, house, and yard.  If you have more than 6 kids I would suggest having 2 teams with different clues that lead to the answer.

Hints for a smooth party - Divide the teams yourself randomly pull names out of a hat or put stickers under their chairs before they arrive, anything that will keep them from arguing.  Assign 1 adult or older teen to each team if they will be leaving the yard at night.

Party favors could include magnifying glasses, flashlights, travel size clue game, spy glasses, fedoras, fake mustaches,  fingerprinting kits, etc.

Remember have fun and enjoy the party with the kids.

Desirae

Free Personalized Party Favors or Activity Kit

What kind of party do you want to have?  I have planned countless kids parties and I can tell you how to implement any number of them.  I also have new party ideas swimming around in my head.  So instead of me just throwing random ideas out, I need your help.  Post a comment below with your theme.  I will follow up with a plan.

One lucky party host will receive 8 personalized party favors or a 8 person party activity kit for Free.

Must be a Kids Just Want to Party follower to win. Party Favor or Party Activity will be chosen by me and will match the theme submitted. Items will be shipped USPS standard postage by August 24, 2012. Contest ends July 21, 2012.  Winner will be announced July 24, 2012.

Thanks for your help,

Desirae

Party in a Box

This is a great quick tip.  Buy a plastic bin with a lid to store all of your party supplies.  Keep reading to find out why.

When planning a party, some people go shopping the day before and grab all the matching items for their party theme at the local party supply store.  Other people go online to one of the big name party supply stores and buy one of their big party packs. When you shop this way you spend too much money and there are no personal touches.  I know what you are saying now, "But it is so easy.  I don't have time to shop around. "  Not true. You have plenty of time, 365 days, and it is super easy to do.  

Follow these steps and you will never overpay for party supplies again.  You won't wait until the last minute to buy them either.  After all your child has a birthday on the same day every year so it doesn't come as a surprise. 

1. Purchase generic supplies when they are on sale. When you are wondering around your local discount store look at those holiday clearance aisles.  I purchased a case of pink and red table clothes for $.10 each after Valentine's Day. Toys, stickers, pencils, etc can all be purchased ahead of time.

2. Do not throw away extra goodie bag toys after a party. Use them to fill a piñata or grab bag at a future party. 

3.  Unopened kid's meal toys are great prizes for games. They come in handy on long car trips and plane rides too.

4. Craft stores can be your best resource for activities. Buy foam stickers, beads, project kits, etc on sale at the end of the summer.  These items are sold in large camp sets.  Make sure you use coupons and Teacher/Military discounts also when purchasing.

5. Join Free Cycle you can request what you want and if someone has it they will just give it to you. People also post things they want to give away.

6. Organize all of your supplies.  Gallon Zipper Bags work best for this.  Place all like items in a bag together and label them ie. stickers, jewelry, cars, balloons, etc. Put all items in the bin.  Now before you go out and buy anything for a party check your bin first.

Stay tuned to learn how to get custom printed items for free.  

                                                                                                     

  

Kids Parties Cost Too Much

Over the years I have noticed some clear trends in kids parties.  The main trend is they are getting more and more expensive.  We are constantly hearing that the economy is bad, people are out of work, and they can't afford the basics.  This doesn't seem true when it comes to having birthday parties for our kids. Gone are the days of the basic party, complete with hot dogs, chips, a homemade cake, and Pin the Tail on the Donkey.

Parents are not only competing with the other parents in the school to have the best party money can buy, they are competing with shows such as "My Super Sweet 16" to making their 1 year old feel special. Your 5 year old doesn't have to have a $5,000 party to feel special.  I mean if you can afford it I am not hating but if you don't have $5000 in your party budget I can teach you how to make it look like you do.

I can guarantee you if you follow my advice you can have a great party on any budget.   I just recently did a party for 24 girls that included food, favors. banners, custom fairy wands, headbands, decorations, party clothes, cotton candy, and 4 activities. The party was less than 2 hours long and cost less than $200.  Everyone had a great time including the parents.  

With that said, I know I am not the only person who knows how to party on a budget. Let's share this site and help each other out.  

                                                            Let's have some Blessed Parties,

                                                                                                

                                                                                              Desirae