Beat the Same Old Birthday Blues
Penelope-
I'm throwing a party for my daughter Ella's 5th birthday at the end of August, and I'm trying to think of an original theme. I know it's her birthday, but I hate Princess Parties. Can you think of anything less stereotypical for a 5 year-old (and her mother)? Thanks!
Candace
Montgomery, AL
Dear Candace,
I feel your pain. I like a good Princess Party now and again, but they do seem to be the first choice for most girls’ birthday parties at that age. The funny thing is to see how kids’ tastes change from one year to the next. My daughter Maggie wanted a Princess Party when she was 4 and a Tree Party when she was 5. She’s a bit of a free spirit. Anyway. Have you asked Ella what she’d like? It may be that she’s been dreaming of something completely different for her 5th birthday party because she’s already attended three Princess Parties this year. In case she has, in fact, been bitten by the princess bug, or if she isn’t sure what she’d like, allow me to suggest a couple of options.
How about a Dog Days of Summer Birthday? If Ella likes puppies (and I can honestly say I’ve never met a child who doesn't), you could have a dog-themed party. Start with fun face paint for the guests, black and white streamers and a Dalmatian-spotted tablecloth that Ella paints herself with black fabric paint on a white flat sheet. Most home goods stores sell dog-shaped cookie cutters, and you can help the other children to frost their dogs into any breed they want (Chocolate Lab, anyone?).
Not much of a dog person (because it is all about you, isn’t it)? Have a Halloween in August Birthday Party. That way, the princesses don’t have to hide their true selves and the Batmen of your neighborhood won’t have to wait until October to fight some local crime. Plus, August is when I usually notice the Halloween advertising zeal begin to appear, so why not take advantage? When guests arrive to the party, they can ring the doorbell in true Halloween style and fill their Trick-or-Treat bags from candy bowls left strategically around the party area. Nothing’s more fun than getting a bunch of kids hopped up on sugar and sending them back home to their parents, am I right?
Whatever party plan you choose, I’m sure Ella will love it.
Enjoy Planning.
Penelope
Have a question for Penelope? E-mail her!