The Argument for SMALLER party...

It might seem counter intuitive for a party blog to be making a case for people to party smaller. 

And yet, here we are, with a waterslide still damp in my side yard and the kids still working off the effects off too much sugar from our 9 year olds birthday party yesterday. It was the smallest, less stressful party that I have ever thrown, and it ROCKED!

Our youngest is a firecracker of a kid, and when I asked her where she wanted to go for her birthday dinner, her response was that she wanted to eat at home so she wouldn't have to behave. O.K...makes sense.  And when I asked her who she wanted to invite to her party, she only named two families that we hang out with alot.

Well, alrighty then, I guess an at home party with family friends we'll do.  Now, it should be noted that there are 8 of us in the immediate family, and one family that we invited has 4 kids, so we got up to 17 people VERY QUICKLY.  But it didn't come near to what I was expecting, which was about 40-50 guests. So, in total, we had about 13 kids.

We threw up a waterslide with a foam machine, fired up the bar-b-que, and threw some pool toys in the pool.  Add a dinosaur fossil cake, and we had an instant Birthday - Mothers Day party.  

Ya know what? It was one of the best parties ever!  She had a blast, the other kids had a blast, it was a loud, messy, fun party for kids from ages 9 through 19.  I would do it again in a heartbeat.  So the bottom line? I LOVE parties that manage every detail - with elaborate themes and color coordination - fancy foods and Pinterest perfect fun.  But sometimes, that isn't what the GUEST OF HONOR WANTS!  Sometimes, a dino cake from Winn Dixie and a waterslide with a couple of BFF's is just what the Dr. ordered!  However you party, just remember to celebrate everyday!  Have a great one! Celebrating YOU!  With love, Party Jumpers! P.S. Happy Happy Birthday to my little darling Jackie!

Choosing Party Vendors....

People have all kinds of parties - big and little, expensive and frugal - but one thing that they almost all have in common is that they have some help SOMEWHERE.   It might be that you have a completely catered affair, hire a mariachi band and flamingo dancers, and a plane that trails a Happy Birthday Banner. Perhaps your budget is more in line with having Sam's Club whip up some cupcakes and balloons from the Dollar Tree!  But help is good.

IT'S ALL GOOD!

 

When choosing your "people" - it's important to keep a few things in mind...

 

 

• REFERRALS -  Has a friend had a party similar recently? Naturally you don't want do have the SAME party, but a little advice on what kind of experience they had might be helpful!
• EXPERIENCE - How long has the company been in the area? Can they suggest other vendors?
• INSURANCE - Certain kinds of vendors (like party rental equipment) should carry a liability policy in case of an accident.  This is VERY important when you are using a vendor that specializes in things like bounce houses, waterslides, obstacle courses, dunk tanks and the like.  If they aren't carrying coverage, then seriously question if that is the right vendor for you!
• PERSONNEL - If you are going to have people ON SITE at your HOUSE, you want to know who they are.  Because we have kids, I am a little bit NUTS about this at our house.  Would you want some weirdo hanging around your kids? Background checks are your friend!

 

Well, that's all I can think of at this time, hope it helped!  If you are in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas and are looking for a party vendor that fits the above, be sure to call Party Jumpers - bouncehouses, obstacle courses, waterslides and dry slides, dunk tanks, concessions, tables and chairs, and party games delivered directly to you door!  Mention this blog and get 15% off your rentals! Have a great day,

 

Michelle

 

 



Why Waterslides Make A Good Day GREAT!

Backyard Camp!

 


Looking to make an average day of summer break an AWESOME DAY?  Consider a waterslide? How about going in with some of your neighbors and creating your own water park? The long, hot days of Florida summers can be rough on school vacations!  Camps are great - and can get pricey, especially if you have multiple kids.  We've had several customers who "pool" their resources and make a special water themed day with GREAT results! 






Foam parties work great with Slip-n-Slides too! Slides work with all ages, throw in some water balloons, sno cones, and plenty of drinks and sunscreen and you have a recipe for an awesome summer day!  We have specials for camps and VBS as well.  Call Party Jumpers at (941) 343-0370 or visit us at www.partyjumpersinc.com and talk to Michelle about how to make this summer your best summer yet! Don't forget to FOLLOW us on Facebook for discounts! In the Sarasota and Bradenton areas, Party Jumpers is your #1 choice for fun family inflatables!

Girl Parties and Boy Parties....

Maybe it's because I have four daughters, but I have a tough time with specifying a party theme as a "Girl" party or a "Boy" party.  Honestly, I have a tough time at the McDonalds drive thru when they ask if for a boy or girl toy too.  What dictates THAT for crying out loud?  My youngest daughter is every bit a little pirate, so when someone comments that she must love Frozen, she just rolls her eyes.

While I don't get many calls for Princess bouncers for a little boy's birthday, I often book what would typically be called a "Boy" bouncer for a girl!  Yesterday I booked a bounce house for a female classmate of my youngest and the party theme is "Minecraft".  I LOVE IT!  And the Mom's first concern was not about choosing a gender specific inflatable, it was if the dyes in the Sno Cone syrup might bother any of the guests.  YES! RIGHT ON MOM!!!  Our kids should be comfortable with however they want to celebrate!  Here's some of the most popular party themes that I have been seeing this year!

• Ninja Party
• Minecraft party
• Pirate Party
• Frozen Party
• Hungry Caterpillar (I KNOW! I was surprised too!)
• Carnival Party
• Farm Party

Well, that's just what I've been hearing the most of lately at least.  I just heard about a "Library" themed party! What an AWESOME idea, especially for a 1st birthday when you need to be growing your little ones first collection!  Check out some ideas here! Need some help planning your party or renting an bouncer to keep those little ones moving in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas?  Click here!

Must Be official Waterslide Season!

Here in Sarasota, we had our week of winter and now my phones are heating up with requests for waterslides!  And WHY NOT!  This week is suppose to be high 70's all week long - the sun is shining (the tank is clean!) and it sounds like a perfect excuse for a party! 

When choosing a waterslide, you want to consider the average age of your guests and plan the height of the waterslide accordingly.  Little kids are probably fine with a slide 16' or under while older kids and adults obviously would like something a little more challenging!  Surf & Slides are a great option too - but are best suited for kids over five years of age as little children will have a hard time running up to it and getting enough speed to make it from one end to the other!  It's a long way! (Our longest Slip&Slide is 48' Feet Long!!!! 

Foam parties are a huge hit these days as well!  I hesitate to add them into our inventory because I was concerned about potential allergies etc, but they have turned out to be an awesome addition!  Pair them up with a waterslide or slip-n-slide and you have an awesome party! I've updated our Pinterest page to help you plan your own water themed party for the Sarasota and Bradenton areas  - but if you want to chat - give me a call!  Party Jumpers loves to help you plan your next, best party!  (941) 343-0370. 

Bring your Pajamas and Party On!

A Pajama Party is an awesome idea - that most parents shy away from because "ARGH! 12 Kids Sleeping (or rather not sleeping!) OVER!".  But I've done this theme at our house without the sleepover component and it was a huge success. 

Picture this party!

4:00 p.m. Kids start showing up!  Want a craft to keep them busy?  Pick up pillow cases and fabric paint for a "Design your Own" pillowcase that they can take home with them!  Instant party favor gift! 

5:00 p.m. Plan an activity!  You chose whatever fits your guest (and naturally, the guest of honor!) interests.  NATURALLY, we are prone to inserting fun inflatable here...bounce house...waterslide....whatever, but you do YOU! Have fun and get the kids moving!

6:00 p.m.  How about a movie and a dinner plan?  Make it easy! One great idea is to do a breakfast theme menu - Pancakes - Fruit - Juice etc!  I love the idea of a "Pancake CAKE!"  Donuts and more - what are your favorites?  Put on a movie - how about "Bedtime Stories"??

Want to picture some more?  Follow us on Pinterest and check out more awesome ideas for this theme here!

Somewhere over the rainbow - there's the BEST PARTY EVER!

So I'm feeling very nostalgic today as my oldest daughter turns 19 years old tomorrow! (insert sniff here!)  Remembering the little girl who was OBSESSED with Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz for years, I can't tell you how many pairs of ruby slippers I've purchased in my lifetime.  She's not so much into it these days, and I miss that! 

The Wizard of Oz makes an incredible party theme - for boys and girls alike.  I've pinned a ton of great ideas for you on our board here.  Take a minute and check them out - and don't forget to like our Facebook page for a discount on your next inflatable rentals in the Sarasota and Bradenton Areas here!