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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:
* Both you and your child have time to get excited about it. If I asked my 5 year old a month before his party what he wanted the theme to be, he would have said Transformers or Spiderman, which just may have made me break out in hives. I would have either had to give in or fight about it for the next month. But paying attention what his interests were, I suggested about a year ago that he have a pirate party, because I knew I could make that fun and cute for both girls and boys of all ages. He LOVED the party and so did I! Inspiration for choosing a theme might come from something your child is into, a favorite item she owns, something funny he does, or an item that inspires you that you find in a store, magazine, or on the Internet.
*You can pay attention to sales for items that would enhance the party and avoid rush fees. Really…I bought my daughter’s birthday outfit for her last party about 8 months ahead of time (okay, I’ll be honest…I already have next year’s ordered, too, but only because the items were perfect and on sale!). It was the inspiration for the rest of the party and I was able to find coordinating items that were perfect in making it more fun and didn’t break the bank. Check the dollar bin at Target, sign up for newsletters that will alert you to sales for your plates and napkins, and take advantage of free shipping. All those little things really do add up to big savings if you aren’t forced to order them at the last minute.
*You can ask other people for fun ideas or if they have items you can borrow. You would be surprised ideas other people have and things that you can share if you collaborate with other moms you know. Maybe a group of moms will come together to buy a nice BINGO set that you pass around for parties…maybe Paige’s Mom has the perfect pink cake plate that would match your theme…maybe Garrett’s mom has TONS of red polka dotted napkins left over from his last party that would match your theme perfectly. All things that when you inquire early can save time and money in the long run.
When I say that I start early it doesn’t mean I am actively planning all the time. It just means that I have it in the back of my head so that when I see something fabulous or that is a great deal I pick it up along the way. I don’t think that your child’s party has to be the biggest or the best, but rather something that you can both enjoy and makes your child feel special. For a complete guide, check out Plan the Perfect Party on my blog. Happy planning!
Stay tuned as we will be offering a special giveaway opportunity for you from Polkadots & Pirates too!
