Kate Messiter is a mom of one (a lively one!) based in Sydney, Australia and owner of the aptly named I LOVE PARTIES, an online shop stocking handmade and vintage inpired party supplies.  According to Kate, I LOVE PARTIES was born out of two things: (a) her long time love of (read as: obsession with!) party planning and all the details that go into making a great event, and (b) her struggle to find any affordable alternatives to the mass-produced, licensed party supplies typically available in stores, particularly in Australia.  As a vintage and retro devotee, Kate has tried to bring a nostalgic party feel to the I LOVE PARTIES range.

Roll up! Roll up! A circus party is coming to town…

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How do you fill the time at your child’s party, beyond eating cake and opening presents? The CRAFT blog has some great ideas for crafts that will keep your young guests busy. The kids’ creations make great take-home favors, too!

Velcro Catch Ball
Super easy instructions to make a velcro ball that sticks to regular knit gloves.  A perfect game at a party or as a party favor.

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When children work on art projects related to Thanksgiving Day, they receive several benefits. Not only do they have the opportunity to create, kids also learn about the history of Thanksgiving and can say thanks for the people and things around them. There is no need for elaborate crafts or expensive supplies. These Thanksgiving art projects from Karen Perkins at Celebrations.com start with basic items most little artists probably already have in their supply kit.

Thanksgiving Greeting Cards
You send cards for Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and maybe Easter. Why not Thanksgiving, too? It is the perfect opportunity for kids to tell a grandparent, older relative or special friend they are thankful for them.

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Age groups: School-age (5-8 yrs), Tweens (8-13yrs), Early teens (13-14yrs)
Category: Invitations
Effort: 3 hours
Cost: About 35.00 total

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Contributed by: Amy, Scottsdale Arizona

It is a little different, but after going through many birthday parties and NEVER getting RSVPs I have devised a trick.  It doesn’t work for family members, but I don’t feel bad calling them to see if they are coming…but, for school friends…

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Welcome Katie Schultz!  She is our Guest Party Blogger and blogs at Schultz Party of Four.  I absolutely love scavenger and treasure hunts of all types and so when I found Katie’s idea on a Color Scavenger Hunt, I just had to reach out and see if she would share her idea with us.  Welcome Katie!  Make sure to visit her at Schultz Party of Four too!

Inexpensive and super simple, a Color Scavenger Hunt is something kids and parents can appreciate.

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I love extending a very warm welcome to Jess Newman, owner of Polkadots & Pirates, an amazing party resource for anyone looking to plan a cool kids’ party.  Jess’ ideas are full of innovation, color, and fun.  Just look at some of her birthday collages below.  In her About pd&p Section of her site, she states, Polkadots & Pirates was created due to a bit of a crazed obsession with my kids’ birthday parties. I am that mom up at 3 am making party decorations or planning the next year’s party the day after the last one is over! I don’t believe they have to be the biggest or the best, just something that both you and your child enjoy.  I am thrilled to have her as a Guest Party Blogger.  Welcome Jess!

Anyone who knows me also knows that when it comes to picking a theme and planning for a party, sooner than later is always better.  In fact, I have already started planning all of my kids next parties, which aren’t until September, December, and February.  Crazy?  Well yes, maybe.  That word has been used to describe me before, but I swear that it is smarter, cheaper, and less stressful in the long run, too!   Here are a few reasons why picking a theme early can be helpful:

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