Fun Birthday Party Cake Candles For All Styles

I can’t get over the options you have in birthday candles today. Today’s bright, thematic, crowd-pleasing birthday candles are a far cry for the waxy little twigs we used to use back when we carefully counted those things.

How do you like these Birthday Girl Pick Candles (12), a set of 12 pink candles that spell out the words “birthday girl” on a cake. (There’s a sweet birthday boy version in blue as well). The candle wicks sit at the top of each letter, generating gorgeous light that makes for a stunning birthday cake presentation.  These birthday candles are so photogenic, you’ll capture some wonderful memories of the birthday girl blowing out the candles.

Molded character candles are a kids’ favorite.  If you’re having a cartoon theme birthday party, you’re sure to find related character candles like Sesame Street or Dora.   We also loved these pink Princess Candles (4) that are just the right candle addition to princess birthday cupcakes. Each candle is a cute pink crown that will be adored by the princesses.  These can get pricey, but they’re unique and worth keeping.

For both kids and adults, we loved the color possibilities in these . It’s these small, inexpensive details that can tie a party theme together and reinforce the experience.  Say you’re having a gold-theme party, why not use these
Gold Cake Candles (16) They are similar your standard 2 1/2 inch high birthday cake candles but they come in fabulous colors like gold and lime green.  Another advantage to this type of candles is that it is easy to light one from the other.  So, rather than fumbling with matches or burning your finger as you try to light them all, you can use one candle to light the others.

But in the end, who can resist these fat, adorable wax number candles like the Blue #2 Molded Candle that always brings smiles and good wishes.

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.

Undersea Fish Birthday Pinatas: Underwater Birthday Idea Theme, Dolphins, Whales

We adore birthday pinatas and think these colorful, swimming creatures would be great for an underwater, sea exploration theme birthday party.   Pinatas come hollow so you can fill them with whatever you wish. We suggest filling the pinata with treats like Swedish fish and individual-sized packages of Goldfish crackers.
What about a Dolphin Pinata, a bright blue smiling fish that both kids and adults will love? Coordinate it with other blue decorations such as a blue punch and blue Jello snacks.    Enjoy the outside playing with a beachball. Consider having some beach-theme items such as plastic beach pails and tools as party favors.

The Clown Fish Pinata also adds a splash of color to any underwater theme birthday party. It’s designed for parties up to 10 kids.  If you’d rather not have kids wacking the pinata (or eachother) with a baseball bat or broomstick, you can also pull a ribbon to release the booty.  We love the idea of buying several fish pinatas and hanging them at varying lengths from the ceiling, giving the impression of being inside of an aquarium.

This Killer Whale Pinata is actually very cute and sweet. Decorate your table with bright green streamers representing seaweed. Store gifts in a “treasure chest,” which could be an old trunk you decorate with foil wrapped coins and seaweed streamers. Also, an aquarium makes a wonderful and educational birthday surprise for a child. Otherwise, these adorable underwater theme pinatas are the next best thing!

Old Fashioned Cowboy Birthday Party For 1st Birthday and Kids

Throwing a cowboy birthday party for your child is an absolute blast. A cowboy theme, with its vintage fun, western wear and decorative options is fun and easy to put together. Imagine making “wanted” posters with the faces of the guests. We think it’s a great theme for both cowboys and cowgirls, so grab your hat and let’s ride!

Cowboy Invitations

A great cowboy invitation helps set the tone for your event. Think cacti, barndancing, cowboy boots, lassos, and of course cowboy hats. It’s a common theme for a 1st birthday party, but we think it works for any age (kids and adults!) so you can adjust the style if it’s cowboy invites for a 1st Birthday or for older kids and adults. A photo of the little buckaroo in a cowboy shirt also makes an adorable invitation. You’ll can also find wonderful wild west vintage illustrations that older guests will love.

Cowboy Party Supplies

One of the great things about a cowboy party theme is that it sets a casual tone, and no fussy food or decorations are expected. Consider outfitting all of your guests with red kerchiefs or bandannas. They are relatively inexpensive, but will add a cowboy flair even if people don’t dress the part.

You’ll also find packs of cowboy party supplies such as the
Cowboy 1st Birthday Classic Pack for 8 for groups of 8 or 16 guests that include cowboy party hats, cups, plates and balloons in one package. These usually run between $30 and $40 dollars.

Cowboy Decorations

If you can host the party outside, blankets and hay bales make fun outdoor seating under the trees. Serving buffet style on picnic tables is as fancy as you need to get.

We love these Cowboy Giant Wall Decals that can be used as party decorations and then become part of the cowboy or cowgirl’s bedroom decor when the party’s over.

Country and western music, along the lines of “Happy Trails” is both kitschy and fun. You may want to provide water guns for a shootout. On the other hand, if you decide not to host your cowboy party at home, you could combine the party with a trip to a horse stable, and horseback riding for older children.

For other cowboy games, we like other vintage activities like playing jacks, cards, tops or marbles that can also serve as party favors.

Cowboy Food

Ah, the birthday chuckwagon. Luckily, preparing food for hungry cowboys and cowgirls is pretty straightforward. Options like grilled burgers, sloppy joes, baked beans, tortilla chips and corn on the cob go over well. The idea of the cowgirls and cowboys drinking juice from their canteens is cute too. Have old fashioned taffy and candies add to the vintage feel.

A cowboy birthday cake can take many forms. There are cake pan molds in the shape of cowboy boots or hats that make an impressive cake.   As one idea, check out this Horseshoe Cake Pan. A sheet cake with sheriff stars and rope-like swirl decorations is sure to be a hit as well.

Where the Wild Things Are 1st Birthday Party: Wild Rumpus Birthday!!

We’ve been so thrilled by the gorgeous home birthday parties we’ve been seeing lately for both kids and adults.   This one, from the Hostess With the Mostess (hwtm) blog really stood out as an adorable first birthday party idea beautifully executed.  Using Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are as a party theme, she combined purchased reusable paper decorations, homemade items and a sweet costume from Etsy. We loved the colors and the creativity involved from decorating fallen tree branches with die cut leaf decorations and pretty wrapping paper as a table runner.  She had a delicious array of kid-friendly healthy foods like cut fruits, apple sauce and popcorn balls.

REAL PARTIES: “Wild Rumpus” Birthday.