Kara’s Party Ideas: Zebra Birthday Party Winner

The winner of Kara’s Party Ideas Birthday contest was Nancy who designed this fantastic zebra birthday party for her daughter.  We love the bold graphics of black and white zebra print used throughout the birthday party. You’ll  find a gorgeous zebra cake, zebra party hats, a zebra manicure, zebra pinata, balloons, lollipops, fabric prints and pin-the-tail-on-the-zebra.  The bright pink accent color was amazing with the black and white, but you could use any color the birthday girl loves. The only thing missing from the birthday party was a real live zebra, but we think that’s probably ok.

A zebra theme was a fabulous pick for this four year old’s party, and would also be fun into the tween years.    I’m thinking of cute zebra print cosmetic bags with lip glosses for preteen girls zebra party favors.  Check out the awesome pics!

kara’s party ideas: zebra birthday party.

Tie Dye Party Theme Ideas: Tie Dye Birthday Supplies

We love craft birthday parties for kids, in part because it helps to focus kids’ attention. Tie dye is a festive and colorful kids’ birthday party activity for boys and girls.  The needed materials are relatively inexpensive, and kids make their own handmade tie-dyed creation to take home.

What do you need for a tie-dye birthday party?  First you need the items you want to tie dye.  You can ask kids to bring their own item such as a pillowcase, socks, or a t-shirt. It just needs to be all (or nearly all) cotton.  (Just have some extra items on hand for those who forget). Or, a package of white cotton t-shirts is relatively inexpensive way to provide shirts to everyone.  You could also tie dye a piece of fabric to create a banner to remember the occasion.  This could be a wall hanging a child could hang in their room.

Tie dying patterns are created using string or rubber bands.  When you bunch up an area of a piece of fabric with a rubber band and then dye it, you’ll create a starburst pattern.  We’ve used Rit dye which you can find in many colors in any craft store.  Other t-shirt decorating markers and pens are optional.

Finally, pick up a large several gallon bucket for each color of dye.  Be sure you have a protected workspace by laying down newspapers or garbage bags as some spillage is inevitable.  Rubber gloves, clothespins for drying and plastic bags for transporting wet tie-dyed items will also come in handy.

Tie dye birthday party decorations are widely available as well.  We’ve found tie dye plates, cups and balloons like in this Tie Dye Fun Basic Party Pack.  For some heavy duty tie dye project inspiration Rit wrote the book. Check out To Dye for: The Rit Book of Creative Dyeing Projects

Paddington Bear Kids Birthday Parties In Your Future? See Paddington Movie in 2010

We are so excited about the Paddington Bear movie coming out in 2010, as he is one of our all-time favorite children’s characters.  (I still have my little stuffed Paddington bear I received as a kid).  Loved worldwide, Paddington Bear’s story is that of an immigrant arriving in London and trying to find a home and a family. Wearing his signature Wellington boots, he sports a label around his neck saying “Please Look After This Bear. Thank You.” Next year’s Paddington’s movie release is sure to endear another generation to Paddington.  The movie will draw from all 11 of the Paddington books written by Michael Bond.

While we haven’t seen too much hype about it yet, we’re sensing some adorable Paddington kids’ birthday parties will be taking place over the next couple years.  A children’s tea party in a garden sounds like a super cute Paddington-esque theme to us.  Or, taking a group of kids to see the Paddington movie will be a great time as well.  In the meantime, check out one of our favorite Paddington Bear titles Paddington Bear in the Garden.

Tween 13th Birthday Party Ideas Preteens Think Are Cool

You may already know that tweens are a tricky age as they are no longer children but not yet adults.  As many tweens long to grow up and have more teenage-type experiences and socializing, this article suggests ways to give tweens a birthday symbolizing the older more mature young woman she’s becoming. Offering a taste of the adult life, these tween birthday party ideas involve fun, engaging activities that many tweens already love.  Enjoying these activities with their friends will make it a memorable birthday party, and give her a peek at the exciting things to come.  Ideas include a spa party, rock climbing, video game tournament, or a rock and bowl party.

Too cool for clowns? « Maryland Family Magazine.

Dim Sum Birthday Party Theme Around Chinese New Year

A dim sum birthday party is a great way to celebrate a birthday that falls around Chinese New Year (typically January/February).  Though a dim sum theme can be a blast any time of the year.  At a dim sum birthday party, you can enjoy a dizzying array of dishes, served tapas style.  Selections range from steamed dumplings and bbq pork buns, to fried shrimp balls, chicken wings, noodles and custard.    Dishes can be passed at the table or presented as a casual buffet.  If the number of dim sum dishes is daunting for you to prepare, you can easily cater a fabulous dim sum meal and spend more time enjoying yourself.  Remember to order personalized fortune cookies for dessert and offer party favors in fun, colorful Chinese takeout containers.

Flower decor is perfect for a dim sum birthday party as each type of flower has different symbolism in Chinese cultures.  For example, plum blossoms represent courage and hope, indicating rebirth and the beginning of a new spring.  Be sure to have stacks of tangerines, oranges and kumquats as they represent good luck.

Dim sum is most commonly served midday with tea, but an evening dim sum birthday party with the addition of cocktails or a nice lager would be delicious as well.

We tend to think of a dim sum birthday party as an event for adults, but the finger foods would be enjoyed by kids as well.