The excitement! The anticipation! The planning.
Creating the perfect party for your child’s special day can require lots of work and money. Why not makes things easier by using the resources at your local Library to help with your preparations?
The first step is choosing a theme, which will help all of your decisions fall into place – everything from decorations to goody bags. Your local Library branch has lots of book to help you, such as Spider-Man Party Book by Susan M. Banker or Fancy Nancy Tea Parties by Jane O’Connor. Older children hosting their first slumber party can get fun ideas from Sleepover Party! Games and Giggles for a Fun Night by Jamie Kyle McGillian (just be sure to pick up some earplugs for yourself!).
The cake is an important part of any birthday party. Why not make your own? The Library has cookbooks with hundreds of cake ideas. Try Family Fun Birthday Cakes edited by Deanna F. Cook for more traditional cakes. For an unconventional twist that will get the kids involved, and maybe eliminate any arguments over who got the bigger piece, check out Hey There, Cupcake! by Clare Crespo. This book includes a variety of cupcake recipes and decorating ideas, such as igloo cupcakes; or for the gross factor, cupcakes that look like brains.
Games and activities are a definite requirement for a hit party. You’ll find some unique ideas in Party Fun by Jenny Dodd, including how to play the “Hungry Octopus” or organize a “Rumbling Royal Rumpus.” Or, you can crank up the tunes and play a freeze version of a dance party. The DJ starts the music and everyone dances along. Then when the DJ “freezes” the music, everyone has to stop in their favorite dance position. Fifties rock ’n roll compilations work great for this game, or try CDs by Raffi from the children’s collection for the younger crowd.
A movie marathon is another great way to entertain birthday guests. DVDs are free to take home with a Library card and the collections include most of the titles that you find in your local movie rental store. If you don’t feel like browsing the shelves, you can search from the comfort of your own home by using the Library’s online catalogue to search titles and place holds to pick up at your local branch.
Valerie is a Children and Families Librarian for the Calgary Public Libracy. Start planning today by visiting www.calgarypubliclibrary.com or your local Calgary Public Library branch!
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