This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Wet-Nap®, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #ConquerTheMess http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV
I like LOVE to plan my kids’ birthday parties.
Diapers and potty training sucked, but I consider one of the perks of motherhood is that I can get to plan events that not only my kids can remember, but the adults actually enjoy, too!
Each birthday the kids and I brainstorm together what their birthday theme including the decor, food, and entertainment. While photos always show the end results with cake, centerpieces, etc., the event planner in me B.C. (before children) has one trick up her sleeve that may not be make it to the slideshow, but always makes it to the party…my Birthday Party Mess Toolkit.
From Mickey Mouse, Dinosaurs, The Little Mermaid, and our recent Golf Par-tee, mama always packs these items to ensure a successful birthday with easy cleanup where ever you are!
MamaChallenge.com Birthday Party Toolkit
1. Scissors
This will save you every time. From prepping birthday balloons or if a kid gets stuck on a piece of wood (it happened), you’ll feel like Batman will you pull these out of your utility belt.
2. Tape
Like scissors, you never know when you’ll need, but when you do, you’ll save the (birth)day. Many times decorations come down at the last minute and a big thing of duct tape will make you better than Handy Manny.
3. Twine
Twine or string end up with interesting uses, from hanging decorations to tying up that pinata, but at $1 buck a roll, you’ll be happy you sacrificed a George Washington.
4. Black Sharpie Pen
You should never leave your house without one of these. Ever. From putting a child’s name on a favor bag you didn’t know was coming or making a direction sign to find the party, a Sharpie is your saving grace.
5. First Aid Kit
This is a no-brainer; one kid will always need a band-aid, but make sure the bandages are the plain brown ones, unless you want to handout bandages like a birthday favor.
6. Bug Spray and Sunscreen
No matter what time of the year, you need to be prepared for both of these. Nothing is worse than a child that turns into a tomato because she’s blistered by the sun or bit from a bug.
7. Notepad and Pen
The writing down of the gifts is the last thing you remember to prepare for, so just make sure to keep a little notepad in your kit and you’ll never feel like you have to memorize gift wrap to gift ever again!
8. Charge Stick and Batteries
This is a new add to my kit, but is a MUST HAVE. One of those cheap battery backups will save you when your phone is dwindling on 10%. And batteries? If you don’t bring them, every gift you’ll get will have them and that’s no good – ever.
9. Wet-Naps
Every mom and dad will thank you for having Wet-Naps – all over the place. Safe to be used on face, hands and body, you’ll need for everything from crafting conundrums to cupcake cleanup. Just make picking up Wet-Naps as part of your regular run to Walmart with the eggs, milk and bread! (You’ll never not use ’em!)
10. Large plastic baggy/plastic grocery sack
Occasionally, you might have an accident (and when I say accident, I’m referring to a child that wets his pants ) or need to keep up with something special. A plastic bag is like that extra box of Girl Scout cookies that you don’t know why you bought them, but they always disappear.
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This is a great post. I really love all the tips. I’ve never actually planned a birthday party before, but my sister has done a lot of them.
Those wet wipes are key to a good clean up. I have done so many parties for my son and let me tell you kids are messy! Great post I love your tips!
Ah, yes, the joys of planning a birthday party. I know that most of the items on this list are essential tools in many a household with small children. You can’t just throw a small party for your kids. It must be a grand event!
I have a fear of hosting birthday parties – I need to get over it because I have two kids!
Great tips
This Tool Kit is exactly what I need for the kids’ bday. The parties aren’t too big, but big enough to celebrate as a family.
This is definitely helpful, especially if you’re not too sure what to do when I party might go wrong.
What an awesome tool kit! I am always digging around for these supplies last minute before parties.
I love the idea of having a toolkit. I’m usually scrambling around looking for things during birthday parties here, but a toolkit would eliminate all my chaos.
WetNaps are a must for every occasion- We keep them stashed all over the house! I think keeping these on hand for a birthday party is a great idea, especially with all that frosting!
Those cupcakes are awesome! I bet my husband would get a kick out of those!
This is a great idea. I will have to share this with my friends with kids.
I am going to make one of these kits for my next birthday party. It is such a great idea.
I have never thought to make a kit like this before. It is such a great idea. I am going to share this with my friends.
These are great ideas. My son and his friends always made such a mess. I had to have plenty of cleaning supplies.
Goodness, we have wet-naps in bulk in our storage room because we use them so much! They are so helpful for any kind of gathering when we have kids around!
This sounds like the perfect birthday toolkit! I definitely think wet wipes are always on the list.
I always forget the pad and pen for keeping track of gifts, ha… Oh and I also forget the lighter. Great list. Thanks for sharing.
Some of these really would have come in handy in previous parties! It never hurts to be prepared!
i love all of the tips. i really love the kilt. awesome ideas. thanks for sharing.
what a great toolkit! i always find myself scrambling for candles at the last minute because i always think i have enough when i don’t!
As a fellow mom who loves to throw fun parties – these are great tips. And how cute was your golf par-tee!! love it!
Throwing parties is so difficult. Thanks for the tips.