If you can even believe it, McDonald’s Happy Meal is celebrating its 30th birthday this year!  That means I was 8-years-old when I enjoyed my first happy meal.  The portions were just right and the little toy was always a special treat.  Do you allow your children to have a Happy Meal on occasion?  Can you believe the Happy Meal is 30 years old?

On the Celebration Happy Meal site you can learn fun facts, plan a party (downloadable invitations, thank you notes, and birthday banners), and you can check out if your city is dubbed one of the happiest!  Lots of special toys are being offered during this summer too!

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Recently on Tori & Dean: Home Sweet Hollywood, Stella celebrated her first birthday with a Ladybug Party that would melt anyone’s heart.  Tori’s inspiration for the theme?  Stella’s nickname, Little Ladybug. Very cute.

Check out that cake!  Read all the scoop here on the big bash and for some take-away tips from Tori herself on first birthday celebrations.

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A popular pre-teen and teen birthday party theme these days is modeled after the ever-popular “Survivor” TV hit show! If your kid is interested in this party as a theme, here are some ideas to implement the plan and bring out the “Survival Instinct” in everyone!

This will work well with either a long afternoon party or a theme for an overnight party. Also, this party would be best outdoors for obvious reasons.

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Go “Hollywood” for a glamorous Sweet 16 Birthday Party. Create a media blitz at the party entrance with a Step and Repeat Wall and paparazzi mob snapping photos of guests. Decorate the party space to resemble famous Hollywood landmarks and locations. Send birthday wishes of fame and fortune as the star of the party blows out candles on a tiered Red Carpet Cake. Read on for ideas on how to throw this party from Celebrations.com’s Jeanne Benedict.

“On the Screen” DVD Invitations

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From television shows and magazines to virtual salons and dressing rooms, teens are immersed in a world of beauty and fashion transformations. While you may never grace the pages of your favorite magazine, you and your friends can still get the makeovers. These ideas for a makeover teen birthday party from Celebrations.com’s Karen Perkins tell you how to do everything from putting on makeup to creating a magazine cover all while sipping a yummy mocktail.

Make sure your party invitations let everyone know that there will be makeovers so your friends will know what to expect at your party. As they arrive, take “before” shots with a digital camera, and then get your glam on with these tips.

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Well, it’s the dog days of summer. I imagine most people are off at the beach or enjoying some respite before the autumn madness kicks in. And with good cause: It’s hot out there.

If you have a party planned and it is over-the-top hot where you live, here are some ideas to keep it cool: Read the rest of this entry »

Gina Lincicum is a mom of three kids under 6 in suburban Washington DC. She shares strategies to impact your family budget at Moneywise Moms, where you’ll find tips on planning, shopping, and having fun on a tight budget.  We are thrilled to welcome her as a Guest Party Blogger today to share some of her gift ideas for kids’ parties.  The best part, under $5!  Now, that’s easy-on-the-wallet.

Welcome, Gina!

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