Kids' Parties

When a friend made this candy basket cake for her daughter's birthday last year, I shared it on the Kids Parties facebook page so other parents could be inspired to make one of their own. Then, when Easter came around, I made one myself, filled it with marshmallow chicks and called it an Easter basket cake. Come to think of it, you could also fill one with items to make it look like anything from a beach pail to a trick-or-treat bucket.

And that's what's fun about sharing these creations; they can spark new ideas for parents who are looking for a cake or dessert complete their party theme.

There are so many creative folks out there who are making amazing cakes for their own kids parties and celebrations. If you are one of those crafty bakers who wants to share your cake, cupcake or dessert ideas to inspire others, please share it via this simple submission form. We can't wait to see what you've made!

Image ©Lori Laperuta

Whether they're graduating from kindergarten or high school, this celestial party theme is a great way to treat your graduates like the stars they are. Everything from the invitations to the party favors reflect the star shape, a symbol of the shining achievement commencement is.

Image: Clipart.com

My family always celebrates Mother's Day with a big celebration at the home of my mom, which is also the home of my grandmother. Currently, four generations gather to enjoy laughter, good food and family bonding. For the youngest of those generations, however, any gathering - whether it's for a holiday, birthday or no occasion at all - is always about the same thing: romping around and playing games with their cousins.

Since it is Mother's Day, I thought this year we could actually organize some of those games to include the moms. From outdoor relay races to indoor activities like Mommy Bingo, this collection of Mother's Day games includes choices for everything from a small family celebration to a large family reunion. And best of all, Mom not only gets to play along, but she's also the theme of every one of the games.

How does your family celebrate Mother's Day? If you have any special traditions or activities that are part of your day, please comment and share them with us. We'd love to hear all about them!

Image: Clipart.com

Hey Dads, why not help the kiddos make this garden cake for Mom on Mother's Day? Don't panic, it's really easy to do - you can even start with a store-bought pound cake! Make it a lemon poppy pound cake and you can serve it as part of her breakfast in bed!

Ever wondered what the bees do when they're not so busy? Or what tired out the bugs to make them sleep so snug in those rugs? Well, they play bug-themed party games, of course!

OK, so maybe I don't actually know what the bugs do in their down time. Hey, I'm not even sure they're allowed time off from all of that buzzing, pollinating and picnic crashing. But anyone who has ever tried to shoo away those creepy critters knows how dedicated they are to the craft of creeping. And so they certainly deserve to kick back and let the good times roll, don't you think?

Maybe the bugs who occupy your lawn don't play party games, but the kids who romp on it certainly can. From winding caterpillar races to a backyard critter hunt, some bug-themed games are the perfect way to entertain kids at a buggy birthday party or outdoor celebration.

Image ©Christine Gauvreau

Did you know April 22nd is National Jelly Bean Day? Well, now you know! So go ahead and celebrate springtime's favorite colored candy with a jelly bean party theme !

Image ©Christine Gauvreau

Looking for ways to celebrate Earth Day with the kids? How about simply heading out into the yard for a flower pot planting party? Sure, you may have to head to the garden center first to gather some supplies, but after that, this party can really be put together quickly - even at the last minute! So go ahead and invite the neighborhood kids to join yours for a celebration of Mother Earth that will truly bring more beauty into your world.

Looking for a party theme that creates a lot of buzz? A bumble bee party theme is the way to go!

Recently, I was honored to be able to create this theme party for a toddler's birthday celebration. I can honestly say I was buzzing with excitement over every detail. As were the party guests, who wasted no time getting busy as bees with the crafts and activities.

This party theme also works well when throwing a baby shower for a "Mommy to BEE!"

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Image ©Christine Gauvreau

Yesterday, we saw our first flower of spring, brightly peeking through the still brown grass. My three-year-old, of course, wanted to pick it, but in an effort to preserve it, I asked her not to. When she questioned why she couldn't pull it form the ground and take it inside, her older sister exclaimed, "Because the fairies live under it!" This not only saved me from having to come up with a satisfactory answer, but also inspired me to dream -- just like little girls do -- of all the magical things that live in our yard and the woods beyond. Turns out, we have quite an enchanted forest out there, springing to life along with our imaginations after a long, sleepy winter.

Which makes it the perfect place to host a fairy-themed party in celebration of the season. If you're thinking of a pixie party theme for an upcoming event, this fairy party guide can help you with everything from the party games to the parting gifts. Chances are you've already got the perfect setting in your very own enchanted yard or garden. Go ahead and take a look out there. You'll find the magic, I promise you will. You just have to believe.

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Image courtesy of Clipart.com

What better way to celebrate the start of baseball season than with some games that honor the sport? These baseball-themed party games are a great way to have fun with the kids at home, or at a baseball birthday party.

Do you have any baseball game or party ideas to share? Please leave a comment, we'd love to hear about it!

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Image courtesy of Clipart.com