Parties aren’t the same as before. Nowadays, it seems as if kids want to be their favorite superhero or TV character. So, instead of a cake and birthday song, the whole event has to be themed. Because it’s your special person’s big day, it’s the least you can do, but gosh it’s stressful. Do you know what it takes to try and get a clown to make Thor-shaped balloon animals?!
What you need are a few tricks which can lower your stress levels. What you need are generic supplies. Here are the essentials that you can use at every party regardless of the theme.
Partyware
This is a general term for the common things you find at birthday parties. Whether you’re five or fifty, you’re going to have balloons and cups and paper napkins and plates. No one can use a plastic fork whatsoever, yet it saves on doing the dishes after so it’s worth the hassle. A clever trick is to buy plain partyware and then draw on the details afterward. Balloons for a birthday can easily transform into a Peppa Pig style with a couple of choice stickers. The same goes for cutlery or pretty much anything which falls into this category.
Invitations
Invites are old-school now thanks to the internet, but it’s nice to have them handy all the same. After all, some people like to send out and receive confirmations to their big bash. The fantastic thing about invitations is that they are separate from everything else. This might be a Roman-themed party, but no one will expect a scroll to turn up in the mail. A standard piece of card works just as well and it saves money. Again, you can always turbocharge them with a little bit of creativity. So, don’t be afraid to stock up when you get the chance.
Food
Okay, you might not buy it a year before the event because it will go bad. No one wants off food at a party. It’s a surefire way for it to be a dud. Still, you can bag it up a week or two beforehand, especially if it’s in the sale. Tins last for ages, people. Kids don’t care what they eat as long as it’s tasty and it isn’t healthy. So, hot dogs at a Marvel party won’t cause a stir. Just make sure there’s plenty of Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream to go around. Oh, and don’t forget the soda.
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These are things you don’t think you need but which come in handy all the same. For example, your son/daughter opens a present and it’s a drone. They want to fly it straight away, which means you’ll need batteries. The thing is you didn’t count on needing them so haven’t bought any. “Sorry little one, but you’ll have to wait” isn’t going to cut it and a tantrum will follow. Other items include matches to light the candles and emergency seating.
The next time you see any of the above, snap them up with both hands.
