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. 

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!

Let's Play "Guess Who's Coming to the Party!"

So, I don't know if you have heard the news recently about the dad and son over in the U.K. somewhere who received a bill for NOT going to a birthday party that they r.s.v.p'd to that they would be attending.  Seems that Jr. found he had other plans with Grandma, they didn't have a way to contact the people throwing the party, and didn't show.  Now there is a viral story batting around the universe about how they received a bill, and they're not paying the bill, and BLAH BLAH BLAH.

Regardless of where you stand on these people getting the bill, not paying the bill, or why stories like this go viral in the first place, it brought a dilemma to mind that plagues many a parent throwing a birthday party for kids. 

R.S.V.P. (ing)

If you are having a backyard party, while it may be inconvenient to have people not show up that you were expecting,or show up when you didn't expect them,  it's usually not the end of the world.  There is a general rule of thumb that I follow now for party favors bags/gifts that has developed from people with this habit.  I don't customize party favors anymore!  If you have someone show up that you were not expecting, I always feel bad for not having a gift bag!  By not putting names on the bags (or hats or whatever), you can roll with the punches.  Also, consider making up a few extras as siblings can, and often do, show up with guests occasionally. You can always keep leftovers for a rainy day (or donate them to a local charity to brighten someone elses!)

Here's my tried and true check list of how to deal with RSVP's and kids parties.

DO add an R.S.V.P. with YOUR name (not Caden's Mom) and best contact number/email.
DO consider using an online site to keep track of invites (like Evite or whatever).
DO expect that some kids are going to lose paper invites before getting home, that some kids are dealing with two households and the parent that has them that weekend might be clueless.
DO send out your invites a month ahead, if possible.
DO call the week of the party the kids house (or email) and follow up to see if they received the invite.  Say something like "I'm following up because I know that invites often get lost on the way home" because Mom/Dad may have just forgotten and are now horribly embarrassed. 
Do expect a few extra kids if possible.  If the party is offsite, they usually try to accomdate unexpected guests.  If not, perhaps that's not your site for next year!
DO relax!  In the big picture, a stressed out Mom is a sure fire wet blanket for any celebration.  Your kid is having a birthday!  Awesome!  Enjoy every minute, regardless of what anyone else is doing!
DON'T customize party favors/bag - roll with it as kids show up!
DON'T take it personally when kids don't show up.  You might be the most organized Mom in the world, but some Mom's are hanging on by a thread and they need a little love. Next time that Mom with cake on her face might be you!
DON'T send party favor bags for the kids that didn't show into school...it  is never pretty.

Have a wonderful party! Free party tips and themes on our Facebook page daily!  Love, from Party Jumpers!

The Holiday Break (and WHAT TO DO WITH THE KIDS!!!)

I LOVE love love Christmas - and having all five kids home is incredible.  My sister is coming in from Chicago with her daughter who's 14, and I can't wait to celebrate!  They will be visiting for a couple of weeks, so we have ample opportunity to do lots of fun activities while they are here.  I've started a Pinterest page (naturally)...but here are some of the ideas that we've come up with so far!

1) Rent a Golf Cart (o.k. this was hubby's idea - and honestly - I wasn't so crazy about it) but the kids love it!  We're decorating it for the holidays and using it to deliver cookies to the neighbors! Rent it for a month!

2) Museums Museums Museums - Our family membership to the South Florida Museum is awesome for many reasons, and one of them is free or discounted access to SO many other Florida museums! Road Trip?

3) Beach Snow-people!  Coming from Chicago - they are going to need to thaw out.  Some beach snow people will be great fun!  Don't forget the carrots!

4)  Check out some fun craft ideas on that Pinterest page!

5)  Manasota Family Fun (check out links all over our Facebook page) does a great job keeping up to date listing of fun activites!

6)  Lights Looking!  We throw everyone in the car with hot coco - put on the Christmas carols - and driving around looking at lights singing!  Sounds goofy - but we LOVE it!

7) Naturally, we'll be throwing up some fun inflatables over the holiday when all the family shows up to keep the kids occupied!  Check ours out at Party Jumpers

Just the tip of the iceberg!  Feel free to comment and let us know your favorite family traditions and holiday activities! 

From our family to yours!

Holiday Birthdays....a Jolly Ho, Ho, Ho....

My second daughters birthday is 12/25...yup...that's what you get when you pretend you are Martha Stewart Christmas Eve and have a baby due in January.  I was DETERMINED NOT to let the fact that her birthday is actually ON Christmas to ruin her special day and I think we've done o.k. so far (She'll be 17 in a couple weeks now!)  If you have a special person in your life, and THEY have a birthday on or around a holiday, here's some great advice!

• Make a decision to EMBRACE the day or DELAY the day!  For our family, we just make Christmas double duty (so much family is at our house anyhow), we have birthday cake for dessert and wrap birthday presents in birthday wrapping.  Not down with that? Celebrate the birthday a week before (a week after would probably be a huge let down)
• Consider having a Half Birthday! We did this a couple of years, and called it her Happy Un-Birthday (funniest story about telling cake people to write "Have a Happy Un-Birthday"...they wrote instead "Have an Unhappy Birthday".  While daughter #2 didn't find it amusing, I laughed until I cried!
• Ask your kid! Great parents get so wrapped up in planning the perfect day for their darlings, they often forget to take a deep breath and ask "What would your perfect day look like? Here are some great options - what would make you happy?"  What's their personality? Are they going to be so exhausted and overwhelmed by celebrating close or on the same day - or would they just LOVE the extra attention?

Whatever and whomever you are celebrating this time of year - We at Party Jumpers wish you the happiest of everything - today and for all of 2015! 

www.partyjumpersinc.com
(941) 343-0370

Office Party? Make the next one your best Ever!

The holiday season is here (if you don't believe me, check Target!). Time to start planning a company holiday party.   The Great Recession cut back on many office parties, and while they may not be as lavish here on the Suncoast as they were before the bubble, there are many wonderful and economic ways to celebrate a year well done and setting the pace for 2015!  Gone are the days of the "Anything Goes"mentality - smart executives are trying to get the most bang for the buck!





We've been busy booking some great companies that like to include the whole family in the fun - having events on the company property (yes - we have tables and chairs!) and renting incredible inflatables that not only appeal to all ages, but actually help develop team building!  Check out some of these great options to add to your next fun corporate event!


Consider a huge obstacle course (56' feet of fun!) - our awesome Sports Shootout - a Bouncehouse for the little ones - or our incredible Octodome (Jousting - Twister - Basketball - Volleyball).  It will be best best office holiday party you have ever planned!  Call Michelle at (941) 343-0370 and we'll help you Bring The Party! Check us out at Party Jumpers

Free Bouncehouse Rental!

Check out my awesome contest on Facebook - "Rename the Octodome!"

Name Me! 

While I LOVE this inflatable - I HATE the name! It's a bouncehouse, jousting arena, basketball and volleyball court OR a HUGE Twister mat (think 18'x18'!) But it's NOT something that makes you think "eight!"  Enter to win a free rental (value of $225) before October 31st...we need 100 entries to run the contest - so share with your friends! Suggest A New NAME, like and share to enter! Click HERE to enter! (Must be within our 20mile free delivery radius and date subject to availability!) Call if you have questions! (941) 343-0370 Party Jumpers

Farm / Barnyard Party - the perfect fall party theme!

I love Fall - not like - love.  Growing up in New England, it was such a magical time of year.  I love it here in Sarasota too - we have so many fun fall festivals, it reminds me of home.  It also reminds me of what a great time of year it is to throw a "Farm" themed party - you have pumpkins/hay/scarecrows - so many things available to decorate the perfect backyard party (or festival - carnival!).  I've been busy working on some cute ideas up on our Pinterest board - check them out here!  Of course - we have the perfect bouncehouse to go with your theme - but check out all of the other great decorating ideas, cakes/cupcakes, invitations and food!  Perfect for boys or girls on any age - I hope you have fun planning!

Farm Bouncehouse - Party Jumpers

Pirate Party!

I just had a mom reserve our Pirate Bouncehouse today for a Jake and the Neverland party, and feeling nostalgic as my little boy turned 15 this week, I'm remembering HIS pirate phase.  He was Captain Jack EVERYWHERE! At the grocery, the doctors office, the beach - anytime he left the house - he was a pirate.  Accent and everything.  There are few things funnier than your 7year old son mimicking Johnny Depp and I miss those days!  His pirate birthday was a BLAST!  We had remote control boat battles in the pool, the invitations were treasure maps, and there were many HATS.  Thinking about a party for your pirate? Follow this link to our Pinterest Pirate Party page for some ideas (I love the Bananas!)  Need a pirate bouncer - Call Party Jumpers! Be sure to check out our Facebook page for current FB friend specials first!

The Pirate Bouncer - available through Party Jumpers! (941) 343-0370

First Birthday! Awww! Party Time!

It seems that we've been booking SO many first birthday parties this month, I have to wonder WHAT was going on 1 year and 9 months ago!  First birthdays bring out the nostalgic Mom in me! Naturally, baby could care less about the party, but as Mom's we love to make beautiful memories of this special day and a big party is usually in store!  As you normally are inviting not baby's friends, but friends and family, you'll want to have food and entertainment for young and old!  Don't forget the SMASH cake - my personal favorite!

Check out some of the cute ideas on our Pinterest Page...then call us and we'll be happy to help plan the festivities!  Table, Chairs, Bouncer, Concessions - you name it!

Forgot to plan the party....

It's 3am....you are jolted awake with one thought. "OMG - it's almost OCTOBER". 

Normally, another month on the calendar is not cause for a cold sweat.
It is however when you are entering ......

"The Birthday Zone"

(insert ominous music here)

In my house, "The Birthday Zone" means that my oldest four kids have birthdays in immediate succession (read as October, November, December and January). Add in the holidays, and you have mind numbing, head spinning stress, the kind that curves your spine and chips your GEL nail polish. 

Fear not dear maiden....

For you have Party Jumpers. I specialize in last minute dinners, hairdressing appointments, and you guessed it, BIRTHDAY PARITIES!  One call does it all - I can hook you up with a cool inflatable (bouncehouse - waterslide - obstacle course), Concessions (popcorn, sno cones, cotton candy, hot dog warmers), tables and chairs, and NOW (drum roll) COMPLETE PARTY STUFF (table clothes, paper goods, custom invitations).  It's so hot you can't find it on the web site yet - mostly because I suck at keeping the website up to date because I'm too busy trying to PLAN A PARTY! I'm joining forces with some cool and LOCAL businesses to provide you with the best in town for party goods. Think cool cakes, great helpers, and naturally, the best party rentals in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas for your kids birthday party.  A D.I.Y. kinda gal? Then check out our cool Pinterest page here for the hottest trends in kids parties. Check out my site at www.partyjumpersinc.com and remember...

(941) 343-0370

Firefighter Party - The Hottest Scene in Town!

I love this idea for a kids birthday!  My son was obsessed with fire trucks when he was little - so this one really warms my heart (hahaha!)

The Dalmation Bouncer - Party Jumpers!

Check out my Pinterest page here for some great ideas - but some of my favorite are water balloons thrown at a board - our Dalmation bouncehouse (or a waterslide would work too! We have one in great primary colors!)  Rescue the day with the best birthday ever!  Did you know that we now offer FULL PARTY PLANNING?  Party Jumpers to the rescue - we do the invites! Bring the Bouncehouse and concessions - even the paper goods, tables and chairs!  How could it get any easier?  Call for details!!!! (941) 343-0370 !

Check out all of our cool inflatables for your next party in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas at www.partyjumpersinc.com!

Popcorn Party - Possibilities are endless!

Cute popcorn "ice cream" cones!

Your next party is popping with this theme!  I've seen mind blowing themes rolled around popcorn. It's so easy to use this simple treat to host a great - easy - and inexpensive party! Birthdays! Baby Showers! Carnivals themes! Weddings! School and church functions! Movie Nights! Slumber parties! You NAME it!

I've collected some awesome ideas on our Pinterest page for you to check out - but here's a couple of my favorites for your next party.

Marshmallows "popcorn" cupcakes

You'll find ways to make popcorn ANY color and a rainbow to mix in's that will make your mind pop. Add a popcorn bar to any party.  If the party is "kid" centered, make sure that you add some softer treats for kids with braces - They can't eat the popcorn! You'll find popcorn themed cakes as well. Consider yellow and white balloons for decorations - red and white striped table linens will complete the look!

Concessions from Party Jumpers

Baby showers are adorable when wrapped around the "She's Going To Pop" concept.  You'll find so many awesome invitations on Etsy you won't know which to choose. Wedding Shower or engagement party? He "Popped" the question!

Concession rentals are available in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas through Party Jumpers - free delivery when you rent any one of our great inflatables.  Call (941) 343-0370 and check us out online - Follow us EVERYWHERE for our monthly specials!

Have a Monster of a Party!

Adorable Monster themed party table!

I'm kinda obsessed with monsters....not the scary kind....but the cute fuzzy kind.  They also make for an awesome kids party idea!  The "Little Monster" theme is great for first birthdays, but I'd throw a monster party for any age!

This is a party theme that you can easily pull it off D.I.Y. and cheap too! Google eyes to the max! Cupcakes with eyes (you can buy edible ones on Oriental Trading)

Homemade invitations - how can you screw up a MONSTER?  Check out some cute ideas on our Pinterest board here!


Balloons with Eyes?  Fuzzy tablecloths! Monsters peaking out from under chairs! Monster footprints leading up to the door !  Let your imagination go wild!  Don't forget a bouncehouse, obstacle course, waterslide or foam machine for the wildest monster party ever! Party Jumpers - Sarasota and Bradentons answer for great kids parties

Edible Monsters!  

Double the Fun with a Birthday Party for Twins!

You can adjust almost any party theme to incorporate twins, although it does get a bit more tricky when you have a boy AND a girl!

Some great themes that I've seen used:
Dr. Seuss Thing 1 & 2 idea...great for young kids....especially a first birthday party!
Pirates and Princesses is also a fun idea
- or pirates and fairies as well.
We've also seen "Peas in a Pod" (which is also a GREAT them for a baby shower!)  Check out our Pinterest board for more cute ideas!

The older the birthday kids, the more difficult to address the kids as individuals, so it's super important to plan ahead to make their day special!

One of our great obstacle courses! Party Jumpers

How about using the whole "Double" as the theme itself?  Do the games twice, two hats for everyone, double decker sandwiches and double scoops of ice creams...see the trend?  Don't forget one of our amazing obstacle courses or a double laned waterslide to complete the day!  Have questions?  Call Party Jumpers at (941) 343-0370 or visit us at www.partyjumpersinc.com.  I'd love to help you plan your next family friendly fun!

Two lanes make twice the fun on a waterslide!

2nd Baby? Have a "Baby Sprinkle" instead of a Shower!

     I hadn't heard of this idea until today, but it's my new favorite party idea!  Is someone you love having baby #2 (or 3 or more?).  It feels kinda tacky to keep throwing baby showers, and after you hit 3 or more kids, people WILL start rolling their eyes!  Instead of a full blown shower, have a "Baby Sprinkle!".  People feel less pressured to bring big gifts, but every baby deserves a celebration, and EVERY Mom deserves to be celebrated!

     Check out our awesome Pinterest page for lots of great baby shower and sprinkle ideas!  Think INFORMAL - a much more laid back feeling with this party.  As many of the guest (including the guest of honor) have kids as well - why not consider inviting them?  (Shameless plug alter - we often deliver bouncehouses to showers! Check us out at Party Jumpers!

    Sprinkles - everywhere!  What a fun and festive idea!  Sprinkles on the invitations, food, decorations! Now the only question is WHERE was this great idea when I was having all those kids!

Celebrating Earth Day - Everyday!

On the heels of the report this week that the damage to the Earth is "irreversible" - I'm reminded again as to our family carbon footprint.  So, we'll be sitting down this weekend and reviewing what we can do to help our Earth.

Not great talk for a party blog.  But it also got me to thinking what Party Jumpers could do to reduce our footprint as well.  I've tossed around the idea of renting party equipment (not our usual bouncehouse - waterslide rentals) but smaller stuff, like cloth tablecloths rather than people using plastic, dishes, cupcake/cake stands and maybe even decorations.  It's a big (and expensive) leap - so if you are reading this - could you help me? Would you prefer to rent this stuff, or is it just not a big deal?  Thanks! Feel free to email me at fun@partyjumpersinc.com too!

Dinosaur Party!

Boring Parties are prehistoric with this great party theme!  I love this non-gender specific party - who doesn't love to dig up a great party!  Here are some great suggestions!

Invitations! There are many cute ideas out there - but I'm a sucker for an invitation that you can play with too!  Check out this baby!

Decorations!  My favorite thing is to decorate for a party with items that we can play with or reuse at a later date!  I HATE the waste associated with throw away decorations - it's kinda my obsession!  SO if you kid LOVES dinosaurs - find fun decorations that they can play with again!  Throw in some vines and a green backdrop - and voila' - instant party!  Your local science museum is also a great place to find cool dino stuff!

Cake and Food!  I've been on a cupcake craze lately - and the idea of putting cute tiny dinosaurs on them sound delightful!  I also love this "Dino Dig" parfait idea! Cake - or ice cream - or a number of other yummy treats would work here!  Find those little "bone" candies!

Activities!  Keeping those kids busy is always key to a successful party - don't forget to call Party Jumpers for an awesome inflatable - we have a great Dinosaur bouncehouse that will be the hit of the party! We have lots of other stuff too!

Seriously - follow us on Pinterest for many more great ideas for a dino theme party (and other awesome kids party ideas)!

Dinosaur Bouncehouse

CUPCAKES! A great theme for a birthday!

I love cupcakes - mostly because I can't be trusted with an ENTIRE cake.

A Cupcake themed birthday or shower theme is a great idea!  If you're a creative baker, the possibilities are endless.  Here in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas, there are some great bakeries that specialize in the treats.  One of my favorites is Gigi's on University as they have always have Gluten Free options for my youngest daughter!

Check out my Pinterest for a host of great ideas for your party - but one of the best is the cupcake wrapper garland!  I love the activity idea of "Decorate your Own" cupcake for the kids!

You'll probably want to add an inflatable to the mix to burn off some of that sugar charged energy!  Make sure to call Party Jumpers for your a bouncehouse or waterslide to make the party complete! You can also check us out here!  Make sure to like and share our Facebook page for monthly specials and the most up-to-date party themes!

D.I.Y. Cupcake Garland! Adorable!