Classification: Kids' Parties

Party Time! (headline)
What kid doesn’t enjoy the fantasy world of imagination, a place where the only rule is to have fun? A creative party will transport children to a land of magical and memorable adventures. And what parent doesn’t long for inspired ideas that won’t empty the piggy bank, a celebration that can transform your home into a mystical land laced with dazzling memories? These party themes are loaded with creativity, and smiles will abound with the personalized take-home crafts and keepsakes.

Zoo’s Who? (class one)
Dazzle
Presto! A creative mask transforms your child into her favorite furry friend. Elephants trumpet and lions roar as the children march to music in a fun-filled parade. Be sure to record this memory on video! Animal masks, $5.95 per dozen, orientaltrading.com.

Frolic
After the fanciful procession ends keep the kids busy with games. “Pin the tail on the donkey” is an age-old favorite. Try this twist… Why not pin the tail on a zebra instead?

Enjoy
Mini Pizzas add pizzazz to any party. English muffins, split in half and spread with tomato sauce and cheese, make excellent pizzas. Use sliced olives, mushrooms, bell pepper and cheese to transform the pizzas into unique animal faces. Recipe for Animal Mini Pizzas, see page 179.

Re:Think Green (class two)
Dazzle
Dig in! Kids love dirt, and planting seeds is the first fun step to a beautiful garden. An egg carton nursery will teach the children to cultivate and nurture plants of their own. The seedlings sprout and your child’s fascination grows. Instructions for egg carton nursery, see page 179.

Frolic
Toys are exciting, but not for long. Ask each child to bring two unwrapped gifts – a toy or book that is in great shape – to recycle in a toy exchange. Children take turns choosing one “new-to-you” toy to take home. Donate remaining toys to a local organization for less fortunate children.

Enjoy
A “seed planting” snack is yummy fun. Snack packs of chocolate pudding provide the “pot” and “mud” for this tasty treat. Scoop crushed Oreo cookies on top for “soil.” Then plant M&M “seeds” into the soil and mud. No need to wait. This garden is ready to devour.

Budding Artist (class three)
Dazzle
Voila! Your little Picasso is bursting with brilliant ideas. Provide a blank canvas and all the paint, glue, glitter, beads and whimsy to create a work of art. Add a simple wooden frame, and this masterpiece is ready to hang in the child’s home gallery.

Frolic
Artsy lollipops are fun to make and more fun to eat. Kids arrange brightly-colored crushed hard candies into funky shapes and patterns before baking in the oven. Be sure to photograph each child with his colorful lolli-”pop” art. Recipe for lollipops, see page 179.

Enjoy
Chicken nuggets make a picture-perfect snack. Simply arrange nuggets on a palette-shaped plate (or a plain white plate) along with three small cups of sauces. You’re sure to please even the pickiest palettes. Recipe for dipping sauces, see page 179.

Royal Ball (class four)
Dazzle
Bippity Boppity Boo! Fanciful jewels, puff paints, glitter glue, and markers embellish prefabricated crowns and bestow the royal touch. Photograph the crowned prince or princess in front of a fanciful backdrop. Prefabricated Design Your Own Crowns, $12.95 per dozen, orientaltrading.com.

Frolic
Your living room is an ideal setting for a royal ball. Push the furniture to the walls, adorn the room with streamers and fill the air with whimsical music. Then sit back and delight in the merriment.

Enjoy
“Magic wand” cookies add the crowning touch to a day fit for a king or queen. Bake star-shaped cookies with long lollipop sticks and let cool prior to the party. Each child frosts the wand and adds her own magical sugar sprinkles. For recipe and assembly, see page 179.

A Special Thanks (conclusion)
Your child’s hand-written notes are thoughtful and personal, but most kids don’t have the patience to write each card individually. Have your child script a single message and sign it; then scan and print the message onto the thank you notes. Remember the photos you took of each child at the party? Slide the photo into a picture-frame note card. This extra special touch turns an enchanting photo into a memorable keepsake.