Scrapbooked Memories
Scrapbooking is a wonderful fun way for parents to keep memories of the first milestone birthday celebration alive for years to come and makes an excellent gift when the child becomes an adult.
Tablecloth
"Pin a sheet on a wall and ask all the guests to sign their names and add comments (use permanent marking pens - available at yardage shops). When the party is over, it can be used as a tablecover year after year on every birthday!"
Thoughts of You....
Friendship?s RainbowFriendship is like a special rainbowthat never fades awayA friend always bringbeautiful sunshineto brighten every day.Thinking of you with special wishesthat your day will be filledwith sunshine, loveand happiness.
Birthday with a Theme
Looking for birthday tips? There's no doubt about it. Children of almost all ages like having a birthday party with a theme. In addition to getting the traditional plates, napkins, and cups decorated with a favorite character, adapt your favorite party games to go with the theme. For younger kids, instead of a donkey, pin a tail -or other body part--on some other character. If the character is from a recent movie, find the soundtrack and play musical chairs to the most recognizable songs. Don't be afraid to try something silly. That's what birthday parties are for!
Memory Scrapbook
"Use pictures to create a memorable scrapbook as a gift to the birthday person. If possible, ask guests to mail in their favorite picture of the guest of honor when they R.S.V.P. (Leftover pictures can be used to decorate the party room)."
Foods and Birthdays Around the World
Around the globe, different foods are used to celebrate birthdays. In the United States, the birthday cake reigns supreme for dessert. In many Asian countries, noodles are served to represent a long life. In Mexico and other Latin countries, pinatas are filled with candy and small prizes. The pinatas are either hit with a stick until they break open and the treats tumble out or there are ribbons to pull to cause the pinata to open. In England, cakes for birthdays have small tokens in them representing various fortunes. For example, if your piece has a coin in it, then the prediction is that you will be rich!
Sending Birthday Greetings
Birthday greetings can be sent in a variety of ways. Older folks probably appreciate a printed card with a handwritten note and some family photos more than anything. Remember that for folks over 80 you can get birthday greetings sent from the White House. Younger people are apt to have email and can be sent electronic birthday greetings. Include some personalized note with these as well to show you have thought about the person and not just made a few mouse clicks for them! *If you want to make your own birthday greetings, a standard-sized card can be made by folding an 8.5 x 11 inch sheet of paper into quarters. You can buy invitation sized envelopes to fit your handmade cards.
Times For Friends
A thought to share....Time to smell a flower,or feel a passing breeze,Time to wander shady pathsand learn the names of trees.Time to watch a bird in flightand dream that we could soar...If only we had time enoughwe?d do all this, and more.But mostly we?d take much more timeas much as we could spendFor sharing happy momentswith a very special friend.Sometimes there aren?t enough hours in my dayto say all the things I?ve been wanting to say.And somehow it seems taking time out for youis one of the things that too often fall through.Just hope that you know,even when we can?t speak,how often I think of youall through the week.A friend who?s so specialand means very muchwho lives in my heartwhere we?re always in touch!
Birthdays Around the World
Birthdays are celebrated in different ways around the world. In the United States, cake and ice cream are the norm and a simple "Happy Birthday" is sung. In many other countries, treats are brought to school, special celebration food is served, and there are various good luck traditions, from greasing the nose to blowing out candles. In many countries, birthdays are recognized by having some means of counting out the age with physical contact. These include light playful spanks, punches, ear lobe pulling and lifting people in the air, with or without a chair.
For A Wonderful Sister
How much moreI appreciate you nowthan when we were kids!I don?t know why I never saw thenwhat I see now --someone who cares about me,someone who genuinely shares my joys, and likes me for who I am ...No one will ever understand me quite the same way you do --because you?re not only my sister,you?re also my friend.Happy Birthday With Love
Photos From Days Gone By
Ask each of the guests to bring photos of themselves with the birthday person from years ago. For instance, if the person is celebrating their 60th Birthday, ask guests bring a photo of themselves when they were together in college, or were co-workers, etc. Makes for great memories and lots of talking over of old times.
Happy birthday for adults
Even adults want to have a happy birthday. You might forego the games, of course, but don't forget to have some fun decorating. Make a sheet cake and decorate it with a favorite saying. Invite a few neighbors over for cake, ice cream, and coffee or tea. Light a few candles, sing Happy Birthday, and enjoy the conversation. You can enjoy a small celebration without having to go wild decorating and planning a big event.
Disposable Cameras
"Consider handing out disposable cameras as party favors and let the guests do their own picture taking. Ask a couple of people to help take photos¡ this is an event to remember!"
Action Shots
Take plenty of photos and remember that action shots are good! (Toddlers rarely stay still for posed pictures anyway!)