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!

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. 

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!

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!

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!

Medieval Party Theme for Kids!

This might be the most fun birthday party theme yet!  I had so much fun putting together our Pinterest board for this party!  Knights - Princesses - Dragons - and all manor of royal court are sure to love these great ideas!

Invitations!  I used this type of invitation for a pirate themed party when my son was crazy into Captain Jack Sparrow!  Tea stained paper (or buy some that already looks old!) and then I singed the sides (after printing out the invite!).  Rolled with a wax seal or ribbon - cutest invites ever!

A Feast for a Prince or Princess!

Food!  A Royal Feast - I love the idea of huge turkey legs, but the kids might not be into them as much!  Perhaps chicken drumsticks if the kids are old enough to not choke on the bones!  Tables stacked high with grapes and assorted fruit, and small pies!  Here in Sarasota, there is a take out place called 4 and 20 Pastry Company (http://www.4and20pastycompany.com/) - they make all kinds of neat meat pies and stuff that would be a great addition!

Cake!  You can find some amazing castle themed cakes (or a dragon birthday cake idea is fun too!)  If you are looking for something that you can whip up yourself, check out my Pinterest page - there are some cute cupcake ideas, as well as a fun castle themed cupcake holder!  A simple cake with a medieval themed bunting would work great as well!  I found some great banner cupcake picks on Oriental Trading too!

Decorations!  Unless you happen to live in a castle ( or have an unlimited party budget) - decorations can run into some serious gold coins!  Banners can be made simply and cheaply.  I really cute homemade (and safe) torches up on Pinterest too.  Feeling really handy? A cardboard box castle would be a huge hit!

Activities!  Well - naturally I am bias to a jousting unit - fun for all ages.  They will love our Octodome Extreme - check out this video and see ALL the ways that you can use it (or just jousting!). A castle bounce house with a slide, or an obstacle course, would really get the party started!

In the Sarasota or Bradenton areas, Call Party Jumpers for free party planning help for your kids next incredible birthday party! Bouncehouses - Waterslides - Obstacle Courses - Jousting Units - Dunk Tanks - Concessions - Tables and Chairs - Party Games ... We Bring The Party! (941) 343-0370

Castle Combo - Call Party Jumpers! (941) 343-0370

CowABunga! It's a Party!

Looking for a fun theme for your kids next birthday bash? How about the Teenager Mutant Nina Turtles? They are HOT again! I've found some awesome ideas on Pinterest...but here's the low down!

*Think PIZZA for lunch - and why not consider a Pizza themed cake!  It would be an easy D.I.Y. - but I'm sure that a local bakery would love to whip one up too!  (Again, check out my Pinterest board for some great tips on how you can whip that up!

* Green Balloons can easily be transformed into Ninja heads!

* Felt makes easy and cheap Ninja masks!

* Add a bouncehouse, waterslide or even better - and obstacle course - to really get the party jumping!

Add an Obstacle Course for Real Ninja Action! Party Jumpers at (941) 343-0370

Celebrating Everything - Suncoast Style!

     As I sit here writing, the house is unusually quiet.  All five kids have gone back to school today, and I'm faced with a stack of "summer" work that has piled up the last couple of months while trying to balance kids with work.  It's quite a stack, but I would trade it for the kids being home one more day in a heartbeat.

     You see, my oldest started college today. COLLEGE. When the heck did that happen? When your kids are little, the days go by slow - but the years go by fast. When they hit school age, your family enters this wormhole of a time warp and things enter lightening speed.  My hubby stood, coffee in hand this morning, reviewing the driving schedule I posted on the fridge to get the other four kids to their four schools.

     "When did things start moving so fast?" was his question.

     I'm not quite sure when it happened. What I do know is that we, as parents, need to take a minute everyday to just stop. Stop talking on the phone, surfing the web, being preoccupied by work - just stop even for 15 minutes - and just BE with the kids.  Play cards - listen to that paintball story - make dinner together - SOMETHING where you are 100% present with your kids.

     On my wedding day, one of my best friends advised me to close my eyes for 2 minutes and just BE in that space.  She said the day would be gone before I knew it and I'd regret being swept away by so many moments.  I took her advice, and that two minutes are still my favorite memory of the day.  What I heard, smelt, felt - those sensations are still with me.  Why not take that advice everyday with the people the most important to you!

     I hope you and yours have a wonderful first day back to school.  Celebrate everything - every small and large victory!  Have dinner on the beach tonight!  Swim in the pool instead of putting on the T.V.! Break out the Monopoly game and let them stay up an extra 15 minutes!

With Love,

Michelle

Back To School Bash!

Sigh - the end of summer is always sad - we never accomplish all that we want to do with the kids and time flys so quickly.  This last week before we return to the hustle and bustle of school, we're going to cram in seven more days of fun!  Been booking "Back to School" bashes lately - cheers to the neighborhoods that combine funds, talents and time to give the kids a great send off! It's also a GREAT icebreaker idea for a kid new to the school and wanting to make some friends! (What better way to get acquainted then at a fun party!)  Here are some ideas for your Back to School Bash!

* Celebrate the start of something new!  It's such a stressful time for kids going back - most are nervous and especially if starting a new school!  Make this a joyful time!  I love the idea of having the party just AFTER school starts - something to look forward to!  Consider inviting the whole class as well as old friends - instant popularity! :)

*  You already have so much going on with back to school preparations - make this as easy as possible on YOU.  Look into downloadable invitations (check out on my Pinterest Back to School Bash Board)

* You can probably find lots of cute Back to School themed cakes and cupcakes at your local market - but I think these homemade apple ones are adorable (you can put a worm in them too for added effect!)

* I wonder if you might snag some cute B-T-S decorations from your local stores as they break down those decorations and move into the Halloween decorations? Might be worth a shot!

* If you are throwing the party within the school year - check in advance with your teachers about invitations going home.  Many schools have tight restrictions in terms of class lists - you may have to send them out blindly and hope for the best!

* Feel free to add a fun inflatable to jump up the party!  Here in Florida it's still super hot - so a waterslide is a great choice - but if you are in a cooler location consider a bouncehouse, obstacle course or something fun like our Octodome Extreme - you can joust, play Twister, basketball, volleyball or just plain bounce! Check out all of our other awesome stuff on our site www.partyjumpersinc.com  or call me at (941) 343-0370

* Adding a "Book Swap" theme makes the deal even sweeter! What better way to start the school year then with a new (recycled) book!!  Consider adding several of your own in case someone forgets one - check to see if your local library has a store.  Goodwill Bookstores as also a great choice!

The Clan McLean - ready for a new year!

I wish you all a wonderful school year.  I pray for our kids as they all start new journeys as well, especially Jackie starting a new elementary, Ian starting high school and Cami starting college. Blessings to you and your family as you start your new adventures!

Michelle

To Bake or Not to Bake...The Cake is the Question!

I'm thrilled that I have great friends that are WONDERFUL bakers....because at my house, where there is smoke - there's dinner!  When my kids were little, I made their birthday cakes - and at no small expense.  I would travel to the far corners of the Earth to find the "right" candy rocks for a construction birthday cake, or the perfect princess for that precious little girl.  And every year, I would beg my mother-in-law to NEVER LET ME DO THIS AGAIN. I don't have the patience to painstakingly attend to the details that are required to make a cake great and it ends up causing more stress (and more expensive when you consider all the time and energy it takes to find all the materials, buy all the materials, and apply the ice packs to your head after banging it on the kitchen table repeatedly).

So now I purchase cakes...and it's a beautiful thing!  What kind of cake you make/buy should depend on many factors, not the least your budget!  Custom cakes can run into hundreds of dollars...money that might be better spent on something that won't be consumed in five minutes!  Here in Sarasota, we've done Publix cakes, Sam's Cakes, A Slice of Heaven Cakes and some private bakers (who were AMAZING!) to get just what we needed - and honestly - they were all perfectly fine!

Ask yourself...

• What's my budget? 
• How many people am I feeding? Check out my Pinterest page for a servings chart!
• How will I store the cake (ask me about the time that i brought an ice cream cake to my daughters pony riding party....still a family favorite story)
• Do I have a theme? Favorite flavors? 
• Do I have the time and energy to pull off a masterpiece of my own?
• Do i even want a cake? How about cupcakes? Cake Pops? Cake in a Cup?

Purchasing the perfect cake for your special event doesn't make you a bad Mom - being a frantic lunatic who's been up all night battling with fondant and arrives at party battle worn might!  I'm including a few pictures of some cute cakes for your viewing enjoyment....and throwing two thumbs up to all you Mom's out there - the bakers and non-bakers alike! Party On - and don't forget the inflatable fun from Party Jumpers.  Friend us on Facebook for monthly specials on bouncehouses, waterslides, obstacle courses, giant slides, dunk tanks and more fun for every event!

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

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!

PIN it at Party Jumpers!

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FIND US at here  and PARTY WITH US on the SUNCOAST ANY DAY!!!

Party for a cause!

When it comes to parties for my own kids - I'm one of two things - the worst Mom EVER and just do the minimum (and do THAT late!) - or I go completely overboard and make other moms growl for setting the bar too high.  For that, I do apologize.  Two of my kids had fall birthdays - and I'm just getting around to throwing something together now, in March.  Not because they don't deserve more - but because I just get distracted by ALL THE OTHER parties that I deal with daily!

In my defense, my youngest will turn seven in May, and I'm already planning that one.  Mostly because she's decided to do something so TOTALLY cool that I have no choice to get on THAT party train.  Jackie is passionate about cheetahs and has been her whole long life.  While researching cheetah conservation recently for a school project, she bumped into the Cheetah Conservation Funds website and noticed that other kids had donated birthday money towards the cause.  That was all she needed.  In spite of Jackie's tiny stature, she has never done ANYTHING little and this was obviously going to be no different.  Our initial conversation went something like this...

Jackie  " I want to have a party and everyone has to bring money for cheetahs instead of presents"

Mom "Cool!  Do you want to invite your whole class?"

Jackie "I want to invite the whole world.  I am going to raise more money than any other kid on that site"

Mom (nervously) "Well Jacks, about how many people are we talking about here?"

Jackie "I want to raise $7,000,000 - so allot Mom"

As a general rule, I don't try to limit my kids expections, but I felt like maybe we needed to set a more attainable goal for a six year old.  But even her scaled down goal was more than I could get my head around - which meant that it was going to require thinking outside the box.  And that's my speciality! 

If your kid comes to you with a similar idea - consider setting up a community page on Facebook with links to their charity.  (see below for our links!)  We checked out our charity with the Charity Navigator first to make sure that they use their funds in a responsible fashion.  We then set up a First Giving page - so that people can make donations directly to the charity and we can keep track of it. She's also asking every person she meets to help out! (thinking about a business card maybe?) And we are working on a fundraising /birthday event where we can invite a bunch of people.  We're still within a 24 hour window of starting this project, so there are allot more ideas to come.  If you have any, please feel free to share!  

If you are here because YOUR family has a birthday coming up - Happy Birthday!  Happy Planning!
If you would like to check out what Jackie is doing, click on these links!

Wild Jackie's Cheetah Chase
Jackie's Fundraising Page
The Cheetah Conservation Fund

And for help with planning your next party, check out 

Party Jumpers