Tis the season to be bouncy…

Birthday season is approaching - Mark, Andy, my brother and my Mum are all within 2 weeks of one another. Now as far as the adults go, this just requires producing of a thoughtful gift and card, but kids are a whole different ball game.

I have always been a huge fan of kids parties, we've done a monkey party, an underwater party (twice!), a barnyard bash and a building site. But this year, I have run out of steam.

As a child I loved my parties, lots of party games, stuff yourself with tea and a fab homemade cake. But last year I encountered party games resistance big time.

Now I admit, my son is a have-a-go hero - he's never met a game he didn't want to play or an activity he wouldn't try. I fully appreciate that not all kids are built this way, but I wasn't expecting the number of children in tears that I had last year. I swear I wasn't a party ogre - not participating was fine by me, but when you throw a party, you want the kids to have a good time and in my book, howling isn't part of the fun. So this year I have caved in and for the first time its to the gym for a trampoline party.

The thing that probably bothers me most about abdicating my parental party responsibilities is giving up on a theme - it may be cheesy, but our kids parties have always had one. I like the fact that it gives you a starting point for invitations, decorations, games, food - everything really. So the naff invitations supplied went in the bin and it was thinking caps on for a theme for a trampoline party. I was finding it tough, until I remembered Mark's affinity for road signs. So here are the invitations.

I'm thinking yellow tableware and perhaps an inflatable kangaroo (please have one party shop). Any other inspiration you guys?

I know the whole point of these activity parties is to stump up your cash and let it be someone else's problem, but I can't quite let go!

Comments

[strikkelise]

Do a variation on the start-stop dance game - have music on and everybody hops around. When the music stops - the hopping does, too. The last one to stop is out. Whith younger kids I find it is less dissapointing to be out if the one who's out gets to start and stop the music for the next round. "Popcorn" is an excellent record for this.
Jump rope competition.
Have the kids name, draw or act a hopping/jumping animal.
Give prices for tallest jump, longest jump, fastest jump, most fierce jump, funniest jump etc. If you come up with enough cathegories, everyone gets a price.

[Angela]

I love.love.love the invitations! How great! You are brilliant my dear. I think you've got a nice little theme going there. You could do little yellow goodie bags with kangaroo things-stickers? and such and bouncy balls.
Your past themes sound fun, but this one sounds really good too! honest! It's so original!

[monica]

what a fantastic idea. I'm soo pooped out with this house thing that I've booked the local swimming pool for a party. Well not the whole pool, you know what I mean. I'll rake your brain for the invitations so start thinking fast!

How about slinkies in the party bags? My kids love them... they're kind of on the bouncy theme... no?

[caroline]

I think you are right to personalise a hosted party - parties in local play centres (eddie catz/david lloyd etc) are very popular here but they tend to blur into one another. Anything to make kids and their parents remember which party is which is great.

I agree with Angela about those really bouncy balls (oh that sounds rude).

[Soo]

Love the invitations! It's great that you put so much thought and effort into each party. Wish I could send you some kangaroo party bits!

[Megan]

Those invitations are fab, Ali! I mean *really* fab.

[Kate]

Those invitations are fantastic! I'm no help I wasn't born with a brain that can plan parties. A trampoline party sounds great fun though.

[Sarah]

The invitations are truly fabulous, Ali. I would never have come up with anything like that but they're perfect for a trampoline party. You're brilliant.

[Max]

I know what you mean! Emily's 3rd birthday is in two weeks and I was going to a bugs & butterflies craft party but as I have been so exhausted I am having to give in to a no theme, just a couple of games one. Its very hard to give in isn't it? I love the invites, so simple. I have yet to think of an idea...!

[Melissa]

Boy, I remember when I was a kid we had regular ol' birthday parties. No theme at all. But we still had fun! Your kids sure are lucky to have such a creative mom. Love the invites. And everyone's suggestions for games and goody bag treats sound perfect. I want to come!

P.S. You're the first person I've seen on Blogger Beta. I'm afraid to convert. But it looks cool!

[karen]

Those invites are fantastic - are you a graphic designer in a former life!?

[joanna]

Oh, those invitations are FAN-tastic! I know what you mean about the ones supplied by a venue - they just don't quite cut it, do they??!!

[lindiepindie]

Perfect theme with the kangaroo. My kids like road signs as well - I think I'm going to try to get them some to decorate their room. I don't think I have the energy for throwing parties, and admire all the moms that put all the work into them. The trampoline party will be just as fun for the kids, I'm sure.

[capello]

Oh... that's some serious awesomeness you've got right there. I love the jumping kangaroo theme for the party!

[tiel s-k]

i love those monkey cakes..very cute.

mmmmm, maybe you could make a cake with a road sign for the speed, but make the number his age.

[le chat qui coud]

i love your cake with the carot