Fun Birthdays Despite Recession

Madeline Holler — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:36:00 GMT

In all this talk about economic downturns and recessions or "recessions" and whatnot, politicians are overlooking one very important thing when calculating rebates and tax cuts and interest rates freezes and economic stimulation: what the hell is a parent to do about birthday parties?

Listen, party-planning expert Lisa Kothari, author of Dear Peppers and Pollywogs...What Parents Want to Know About Planning Their Kids' Parties knows your pain and she wants to help out with her three-part series on recession-proof children's birthday parties. Thank God, because I was worried we'd have to leave it up to our kids this year to create their own fun.

For Part 1, she counsels to "think outside the box," but goes on to give some cool ideas, so stick with me. The first is a Messy Party, with these sugggestions.

Invitations stamped with handprints.
Make a mess out of balloons and streamers; hang them all over the place in no set pattern.
Have the kids paint pictures with chocolate.
Let the kids decorate premade sugar cookies.
Set out paint, roller brushes, and butcher paper for the kids to make fantastic creations.
Have a bunch of stamps and water-soluble ink out and have the kids stamp their arms and legs all over and stamp one another!
Place a pile of dirt in one area of the yard and have the kids make dirt creations using twigs, rocks, and other natural elements.
Make a traditional round cake, ice with vanilla frosting and then drizzle different colors of icing into your own messy masterpiece. Add candy toppings as an added bonus.

Outrageous Cookie Party

Make plain cookie dough and then set out these ingredients for kids to get creative with. Bag them up to take home. Be sure to warn parents in case the kids decide to share.

Ketchup
Mustard
Chocolate Syrup
Ranch Dressing
Steak Sauce
Cherries
Yogurt
Cheese
Peanut Butter
Balsamic Vinegar
Jam
Pesto Sauce
Tomato Sauce
Relish

Don't forget to request all birthday gifts in cash. (Who's going to pay for all that wasted pesto? We're in a recession!)

So what are you doing for a cheap birthday party this year (or any year)? Canceling the tiger cub rental? Yeah, me too. Me too.

Photo: Once Upon a Bash

Things Fall Apart: These Kids' Party Hats Are Scarier Than Clowns

Karen Murphy — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 12:36:00 GMT

I'm afraid I have some bad news for you. That party you were planning? For your soon-to-be one-year-old? You're going to have to completely redo the theme, I'm afraid. Of course, if you were one of these people, this likely wouldn't be an issue. And I'm pretty sure Suri's parents (or party planners?) didn't have this problem either. I'm only giving you fair warning, because these attractive party hats have been recalled. Sorry I have to be the one to tell you; I know how much you were counting on them.

Yes, apparently that sturdy-looking foil trim so cleverly glued along the bottom of the hat can come loose! And choke an unsuspecting toddler! So manufacturer Creative Expressions says: discard! We will refund your entire $4!

There. I hope you can salvage the party, but I just couldn't rest without you knowing this.

Strollerderby : party hat

Fun Birthdays Despite Recession

Things Fall Apart: These Kids' Party Hats Are Scarier Than Clowns