You know all about “swag” … those goodies you get when you attend parties. According to this NY Post article, swag is not just for grown-up parties, conferences and weddings anymore. Kids not only look forward to good swag, they expect it!  From expensive toys to LeSac bags filled with spa goodies and beyond, many parents are giving in to giving swag.

The article also points to parents who don’t agree with the swag-giving trend, citing one parent who is giving a lollipop with a note that a donation has been made to Haiti Earthquake Relief.

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I am holding a party for my kid at a party venue and when I was filling out the form to set-up my party, there was a section for “Tip” that I may pay on the day of the party in addition to the total amount for the party place.  There are two staff members who will be helping with the party at the venue.  The tips are meant for them.  Am I required to tip?  If so, how much?

Good question!  Party venues will charge their fees for the party based on the package you want, but often there are staff members at the party venue who will be helping run the party at the place.  These employees make their hourly rate of pay, but some venues give the option of tipping if their employees do a great job.  It is an opportunity for these employees to earn some extra money.  If you are very happy with their service and your budget allows for it, feel free to tip.  Standard percentages apply.  If you normally tip, 10% at a restaurant, you can keep with this amount or if that is too much given the cost of the venue, simply pick an amount that you can afford and reflects the service offered.  Usually tipping at these venues is not mandatory, so do not feel pressure to offer a tip if it is beyond your budget and/or you feel the service was below par.

I am hosting my kid’s birthday party at a specialty shop in a mall. I have been told by their management that we are allowed to bring out a traditional cake, light candles, and sing “Happy Birthday,” but we are not allowed to cut the cake, serve it, and eat it on their premises. As a result, my option is to trudge through the mall to the food court with ten 4-year-olds to sit down and serve the cake. I am concerned with moving the party like this. Should I be concerned, and are there any other alternatives?

It is understandable that the venue does not want the potential mess of the party’s cake serving. Simultaneously, a group of 4-year-old’s will be difficult to move to the opposite end of the mall for the cake serving, especially if you are the only adult at the party. If you have several adult helpers, getting the kids lined up and marching through the mall could go more smoothly than you first think, but you will need 2-3 other adults to move the group efficiently and quickly. If you decide to go this route, make sure to add in sufficient time to account for this shuffling of the party to another spot.

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Things to consider when calling places to host your party:

Once you have an idea as to where to have your party, ring up the place to find out what they have to offer for a kids’ party. Here is a simple list of questions that you can use as a checklist:

Do you have any special birthday party packages?
If so, what does it provide?
How much is the cost? Is the price all-inclusive? If not, what is additional?
Is there a limit on the number of party guests?
What times do you offer, and how long does the package last?
How many staff are available to help run the party?
Can I provide anything if I want to? If so, what does this include? Will the kids have some time without organized activity? How is this handled?

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Where should I have my party…@ home or @ an alternative venue??

It is a hard decision sometime as to where you should have your next kids party. Of course, before you consult your child on what he or she wants for their special day…you should think over a few things to see what would be the best place this year for your kids’ party.

Some things to consider:

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So, you have decided the type of entertainer you would like…how do you select one?

Usually, this is the time that you have to do some homework. Look at the directories on the Web and the listings in the parent magazines and draw up a list of the entertainers. Let’s say you have decided to have a clown entertain at your 4 year olds’ party. Here is a handy list of basic questions that I recommend you ask the entertainer on those initial phone calls:
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