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!

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!  

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

Word on the street - Hot Party Trends for Kids!

Everyone loves a great party!  Throw one that your kids will be talking about forever!  Here are some ideas for the coolest parties in town - complete with Pinterest links to help you plan your next - Best - party! I've tried to include in each theme ideas for food - decorations - activities and invitations! Whatever your party theme - we wish you the very best day ever!

Frozen! Can your girls just not "Let It Go"?  Oh - that SONG!  Make your life a little easier with these fun ideas to have a cool Frozen Party of your own!  Check out the Party Jumpers Facebook page as well - I found a super cute "Build a Snowman" project at the Dollar Store for a craft! 

Frozen Party

Minecraft!  My kids are OBSESSED with Minecraft!  Build your own party with these ideas - 

Minecraft Party Ideas!  

Legos!  Although the movie has been out for a while, Lego's are an eternal hit!  This party theme is still SUPER popular!  You can even have a showing of it now that's it out on DVD.   Don't forget you can get Lego Block candy at Bulk Nation.  Check out these awesome ideas to make your party planning so much easier!

Lego Party

Last Minute Get Togethers!

Sometimes the best parties are those that have NOT been obsessed over for months!  This weekend, I was inspired to through a last minute cast party for some awesome Sarasota High School students while watching their final performance of "The Sound of Music".  For you, it might be an "End of a Great Season!" soccer party...or "Congratulations on winning STATES!" party!  In any case, finding ways to celebrate lifes special days dosen't have to take much time.

So in under 12 hours (most of which were spent sleeping!) - we followed this recipe for a great last minute get together!  

One Pool

One Awesome Waterslide (We set up the Raging River below!)

A Cake from Sam's (with Congratulations Cast! written in school colors)

Our Block Rockers - hooked to IPhone and Spotify

Food (grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, two salads, chips, drinks)

and about 20 great teenagers.....

And you know what? It was perfect! No stress! They all had a blast!  They had a wonderful time reflecting and relaxing after a stressful week - and we really did NOT kill ourselves in the process!  Don't be intimidated by last minute planning - enjoying the moment is the best! If you are in Sarasota or Manatee Counties, don't hestitate to call on us to "Bring The Party!" (941) 343-0370 or visit us at www.partyjumpersinc.com

Combined Birthday Parties - Saving Time AND Money!

I've been chatting with a lot of moms recently who have kids with birthday's close together, and I'm always interested in what's working for them!  Joint birthday parties have become a great option for parents who are looking to conserve resources (time/money AND sanity) into one day.  You might consider a single theme that they both agree to - but what if they can't settle one a single theme?  I've collected some themes that work together, while giving each kid a sense of their own individual spirit!  Boy/Boy - Boy/Girl or Girl/Girl - Have any suggestions? We'd love to hear from you!

Knights/Princesses           Pirates/Mermaids           SuperHero (SuperGirl AND Boy!)      

Movie Theme (with each of their favorites)       Mustaches/Bows         DIfferent Colors? *Black/White

Different Animals/Insects       Fire/Ice (that could get intersting!)     Different Seasons

I would suggest TWO cakes however (even if they are small!).  Sing to each of the kids individually - it's their day to shine!   If your kids birthdays are close together - but not their ages - consider having two parties in one day (one early/one late).  You can still combine a lot of the work and expense, but not worry about the big and little kids not getting along!  Another idea is having a joint party with another family!  Sweet 16's are a great example of this!  Want some more cute ideas? Check out our Pinterest page, Facebook page or our website for great ideas that will make your kids birthday, graduation, first communion or other special day the best!

Boy and Girl Joint Party Ideas here!

Best Inflatable Rentals in the Sarasota/Bradenton Area!

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Kids and Organization - the Essentials!

I don't tell many people that I meet for the first time that I have five kids, but when I do, I get many wide eyes stares that range from the "Are you NUTS" look to the "You MUST be NUTS" look :)  Truth be told, because it's our life, it dosen't seem like a big deal,  but when I look at a friend that has eight kids, I am blown away.  "How do you do it?" is the most popular question - so I'm here to tell you the secret!  ORGANIZATION

A Closet Sweater fabric bin

Folders for each kid!

Really!  That's it!  My grandmother told me to do an extra 20 minutes of housework everynight - and that was a great piece of advice!  I call it "Getting my ducks in a row" - don't go to bed without the laundry flipped, the dishwasher running, the floors and kitchen cleaned.  Waking up to a mess is the WORST!  I'm including some crummy pictures (from my phone)  of some of the things that help my house look like it's not a warzone - the key is HIDE STUFF! No coffee "tables" - coffee "trunks" - that end table is - yup - another trunk (holds a Huge train set!)   The playroom - an 8 foot room divider holds board games and a small part of a huge book collection.  The laundry room has a bin for each kids clothes - comes out of the dryer and into the bins.  In the kitchen there is a folder for each kid that holds school info ( 5 different schools! Yikes!)  as well as a folder for each activity with the schedules, guidelines etc.  Online organization I owe to Cozi - an online family organization system really - it's our calendar, all my shoppings lists, to do lists, and more.  You'll love it trust - trust me!  Check out my Pinterest page as well for the board on Stuff with Kids!  If you are organizing a party in the the Sarasota or Bradenton areas - check out Party Jumpers - I'll help you organize your next best family friendly event or birthday! Here's to Spring and your organized home!

Coffee table or Train Set container?

There's alot of toys, games and craft in them there cabinets!

Ikea - a Mom's best friend!

Hot Birthday Party Ideas for Kids!

Baby, it's hot outside!  As the temperatures soar here in Sarasota, we change our focus on party planning to water sports!  A dry bouncer can get HOT (think slide in the sun at the playground HOT), so it's a wonderful time of year to include some water features into your birthday party planning!  It's great to have a pool party, or consider a Teen Beach Movie theme (still super popular with the pre-teens!).  There are lots of fun ways to cool things off while still having a hot party!  We've included some great pictures on the Party Jumpers Pinterest page, but here are some basics as well!

1) Have your party earlier in the day!  Late afternoon storms can put a big damper on your plans!
2) Include some cool treats!  While plenty of drinks are needed, maybe a fun sno cone machine as well!  You'll find some fun cool off treats on our Pinterest page!
3)  Include a water feature!  Sprinklers! Water Balloons!  Water guns!  Or one of Party Jumpers awesome waterslides or slip-n-slides!  There is cool fun for everyone!

Happy Planning!  If you have a great suggestion, holler out!

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Want a great party idea for everyone!  Try this new inflatable!  We call it the Octodome - you'll call it the best idea EVER!  It's Basketball - Jousting - Volleyball - Twister - or just a HUGE bouncehouse!  Great for all events and ages!  Check out this video while it was out for a youth group event at our church - We Bring the Party!  Party Jumpers!

Check out the fun on this link!

Great kid parties on the Suncoast!

Loving Pinterest!

It's so much fun to help a customer find a great theme for their upcoming birthday party!  So many wonderful choices here in the Sarasota - Bradenton areas!  Today, one Mom I spoke to is planning a Minion party for her child! Fun!  I helped her find a great bouncehouse - and then hopped over to our Pinterest account to start working up some fun ideas to make the party a complete success!  The bright colors and simple design of Despicable Me lend themselves to a great party!  Do you have an idea?  Call us at Party Jumpes and we'll help you get your party bouncing!  (941) 343-0370.

Kids Birthday Party Planning!

I spoke with a great Mom of twins yesterday, knee deep in planning their birthday party here in Sarasota. There are so many options available, it can get a big overwhelming!  Here are some basic considerations when planning your next special event!

 When!  While you can't change the time of year of your child's birthday, here are some things you might want to consider...

• Time of Day -  Do you need to consider nap times? If summer, morning parties are better because it often rains in the afternoon! Are many of your guests involved in activities that take up mornings instead?
• Day of Week - While most parties are on the weekend, if you have preschool children, there might be more flexibility during the week for certain venues or vendors.  Many people are very busy on Saturdays, but find Sunday afternoons more open.  Will guests religious commitments conflict with a weekend party? 
• Week of Year - Does your party date coincide with school vacations? Manatee and Sarasota counties often have different schedules for Spring Break - will that present a problem?  Are there other holidays that might conflict?

Next week, we'll discuss some of the great WHERE to have the party options.  If you have any questions about kids birthday parties here in the Sarasota or Bradenton areas - feel free to email me fun@partyjumpersinc.com

Springing up parties!

The spring brings April showers, and allot more. We're just wrapping up 2011, but my mind is on the parties in 2012. Spring is a fun and exciting time for parties - with first communions, graduations, company picnics and more. It's a very busy time for Party Jumpers!

Here in sunny Sarasota, the spring is a perfect time to party! Not too hot, still dry a considerable amount of the time, it's a wonderful time to get people together and enjoy our gorgeous weather!

Parties that center around a life event, like a communion or graduation, can be child centered, however require in most cases the kids being well dressed and behaved! Consider the guest of honor and try to schedule in kid friendly food and fun. Perhaps requesting parents bring along a "fun" set of clothes so that the children can burn off some energy after being so well mannered!

If changing clothes is not an option, then really consider the food you are serving. Chocolate and fruit punch can be deadly on that little mans suit or that expensive party dress! Light colored sodas are usually a better bet!

Providing entertainment that supports your perfect party is important as well! Do you want the kids to work off energy? Maybe you would prefer to have them entertained? Naturally, we choose http://www.partyjumpersinc.com/ for our entertainment....but perhaps you have something else in mind? We were all totally entertained by a balloon artist at dinner the other night! Just make sure that you check references for any vendors you are selecting. You want to provide the most fun AND safe party options for your family and friends! At Party Jumpers, we are SIOTO (Safe Inflatable Operators) licensed, and our drivers are all background checked through the school board as well as fingerprinted and scanned through the FBI system. Family men themselves, they have your kids safety in mind at all times. Make sure you require background information from ANY vendors you invite to be around your kids!

I recently found some really fun invitations at http://www.polkadotdesign.com/ .... fun stuff! If you are looking for a great baker in the Sarasota/Manatee area, check out http://www.maesmagicalcakes.com/

...she just made the most delicious birthday cake for one of my daughters - it was A-MAE-ZING! (couldn't resist - sorry!)

Best wishes to everyone in the New Year! Party on like it's 2012!