Awesome birthday party activity ideas

Sure, you can drop hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars on your child's next birthday party... but why would you, if you could find really fun, really easy activities the kids can do... without breaking the bank?

Here is a wonderful list of activities that would be great for boys or girls - and they come with the bonus of getting the kids moving, running, jumping, and healthier... all in time for a slice of your amazing cake!


HealthNews Blogs - Kristen DeLeo - Do-It-Yourself Active Birthday Parties for Kids

What have kids' birthday parties turned into?

I remember birthday parties as a kid. They were the highlight of a kid's social calendar!

You found a gift at WalMart, wrapped it yourself, and showed up. You left with a belly full of pizza and cupcakes - maybe soda (the naughty indulgence!), a tiny bag of candy, and a big smile. It didn't take much to please us. Pin the tail on the donkey, telephone, maybe a water balloon toss if it was a summer birthday.

And now? Well, a party like that would have "LAME" stamped all over it. Right?

What do you remember about parties? How about now? Here's a case from Sweden that shows how out of control it's gotten.


Adults at war on kids&squo; parties | The Courier-Mail

Hot, hot, hot! Birthday party ideas for the summer

It's reached that point. You know - the time of year when it's hot and sticky outside. So hot and humid that you need to towel off twice after your shower!

The last thing you might want to do is invite a dozen kids over for a party. Can you imagine the stink in the bouncy house with a bunch of sweaty kids, no shoes, and 90+ degree weather? P.U.!!

So, are you stuck with a Chuck E Cheese birthday party? No way!! (Unless you like it there - to me it's less painful to bash my own head into a wall, but I know moms who can tune out the bells and whistles.)

Here's an article with a LOT of great birthday party ideas that won't have you steaming:

Cool birthday parties (for one hot summer) - Roanoke.com

How Much Cake to Make?

OK, it’s party time! You’ve sent the invitations, gotten a few replies (why, oh why don’t people RSVP? – alright, we’ll discuss that another time), and are ready to make the cake. Unless you want the duty of personally eating all the leftovers yourself – eating it now so it won’t tempt you later – it’s a good idea to have a grip on how much to make.

Here’s a handy little guide:

Cake Feeds
8” round, 2 layers 10 – 14 guests
9” round, 2 layers 12 – 16 guests
8” or 9” square, one layer 9 guests
13” x 9” sheet cake, one layer 12 – 16 guests
10” tube pan 12 – 16 guests
12 cup Bundt pan 12 – 16 guests
9” loaf pan 8 – 10 guest

Need twice as many? Just make another layer! Need half as much? Too bad! Stick to cupcakes or blow your diet (smile).