Mother's Day Daily: Day 51

Before kids, I had this vision of future me hosting Pinterest-perfect birthday parties for my kids, complete with a homemade cake, beautiful decorations, and no mess afterwards (ok yes I was a tad delulu)

A total of 8 birthday parties later, I’ve learned that kids literally do not give a shit.

So, now I have boiled down birthday parties to a simple formula that is cost effective, fool-proof, and always results in a good time:

Step 1: Start with a venue, typically leaning on where we have a membership. This year I hosted by daughter’s birthday at the place she takes gymnastics lessons. The key here is to keep it easy and familiar.

Step 2: Design invitations on Canva using a pre-made template and print them on photo paper at the drug store/print shop

Step 3: Order a set of party decor from Amazon in your child’s theme of the moment. I also always pack a kit of extra rolls of tape, scissors, a lighter, baby wipes, and this $13 balloon pump that comes with us. I highly recommend a kit that comes with the signs, balloons, paper plates, and table wear in one.

Step 4: Pizza and cake from Costco. I even skip ordering ahead, and get an undecorated cake on the day of, add on my own toys and sprinkles. Bonus points for picking up a side salad and/or fruit plate from Costco as well

Step 5: This is where I start to get a little controversial - goody bags. I hate them. I hate giving them, and I hate receiving them. For my son’s birthday, I found an age appropriate children’s book related to our party theme. This sounds like an investment, but I was able to find two different books that were on sale for $3-4 a piece, and ordered a mix of both for some variety. Packed them in plain paper gift bags from Dollar Tree and bam - a unique and annoyance-free gift.

After following this formula for the last couple years, I can confidently say I have not felt any stress leading up to party day. Now if anyone has ideas on how to make these parties mess-free, I’m listening.

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This baby shower game for the modern age

Baby shower games usually suck. This one doesn’t.

You still have time

Or are you going to be boring this halloween?

He starts coffin.

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Cheering you on, always.