Top Kids Party ideas – with or without expense!

Every child is a prince or princess to their parents, but that doesn’t mean you need to be a king or queen to afford to celebrate a birthday. A recent 3rd birthday party celebration in Perth cost little Lauren’s parents $50k, but we wonder if she will even remember the big day. Some people don’t spend that on a wedding, let alone a child’s birthday party, so where do we stop? 

Everyone is different, and people will draw the line wherever they like. So here are 3 great party ideas which can be done just as well with a little or a lot of cash!

pizza-game_300Little Italy – Introduce a little culture to your child’s party with checkered tablecloths, Italian flags, games of bocce and pizza! Add a few stick on moustaches to bring out the Super Mario in them! The kids can make their own pizza or alternatively, just order it in. After a few games like bocce and ‘pin the pepperoni on the pizza’ all you need to do is whip out the gelato for dessert, and ‘bravo’ – its a job well done! Read more > http://bit.ly/1J5hjs0

backwardsBackwards Party – This is simple, yet lots of fun! A traditional party with everything backwards! Ask the guests to wear their clothes backwards and hang ‘happy birthday’
banners so they read ‘yadhtrib yppah’! Say ‘goodbye’ on arrival, and ‘hello’ on departure. Serve dessert first, make sandwiches inside out and sit under the table! How about musical chairs walking backwards? Your imagination has no limit! Read more > http://bit.ly/1epepSi

Treasure Hunt/Scavenger Hunt Party – A wonderful activity based party, children can be issued with treasure mapskids-picnic_300 or lists of items that need to be located around the local park or a backyard. Riddles and rhymes abound, there is treasure to be found! Add fishing net to tables, add a few eye patches and give the party a pirate twist. Fish and chips in baskets will ensure full tummies. Read more > http://bit.ly/1J5P90g

A great accessory to support your theme is to google ‘party printables’, where you can find hundreds of free or inexpensive designs to print out and use to decorate your party. From cupcake toppers to garlands, someone has taken all the hard work out of party décor! Here are some we love:

Pizza Party printables
Alphabet Garland (various)
Pirate Party printables
Scavenger hunt printables

You can enhance any birthday theme by having a character or hero of the moment pop in to visit. Some will even run the show! If the budget is tight, you could always find a friend or family member to dress up as a kids character to surprise them all.

Using external locations such as play centres or fast food restaurants are ideal if you feel that have having a dozen children in your own home will be detrimental to your furniture and mental health. At a cost per head, you’ll get everything you need and at the end, you get to walk away from the mess! 

Rules of engagement for kids parties can be long and complicated. Choosing which children to leave out often sees parents invite whole classrooms in order to avoid excluding anyone, and listing children’s allergies when RSVPing can be a nightmare for parents doing their own catering. Our suggestion? Choose just a small group of close friends, a single gender for your class only, or the whole class, and provide options for kids with allergies.

All parties are wonderful, and no matter what you choose to spend, your child will have a great time – and in the end, that’s all that matters.

Milestone gifting: Frustrating or fantastic?

There are so many things to celebrate in a lifetime. The birth of a child; religious milestones like christenings and confirmations; significant birthdays and weddings; school or work achievements… every life is punctuated by these highlights that encourage us to commemorate an occasion. 

Many of these occasions suggest that some kind of gift should be given to mark the event but this can be a search fraught with questions –what the value of the gift should be, or whether a gift should fill a short term need or become a long-term keepsake.noahsArk

A christening is the first event in a child’s life where a gift of significance is given. Traditionally, guests often give the child a keepsake that commemorates this special occasion. These might include engraved baby jewellery, birth certificate holders or a personalised rattle. For something different but relevant, try Noah’s Great Ark from ‘A Whole Lot of Love’ or perhaps choose a favourite childhood book of your own that you can then snugglepotinscribe for the child to treasure forever. There are a huge range of options available here.

Graduating high school or university is quite the achievement! Studious gifts such as personal organisers, briefcases or personalised stationery are in keeping with the ‘education to real life’ part of their life, and will give the graduate a sense of self and confidence when heading out into the workforce. mission-rucksackTwo great places to go for these kinds of personalised gifts are Toffee for ipad cases or PrintVenue for something a little more corporate.

Coming of age birthdays –whether 18 or 21 –are perhaps the most important (and fun!) birthdays in a young life. As the young person is finally recognised as an adult and is allowed to legally drink, drive and vote, gifts that will help propel them into a life of independence are welcomed and most valued. Keepsake gifts are also good, such as jewellery, or an active experience that they might not get the opportunity to participate in otherwise. 

A wedding is a happy occasion to celebrate and brings families and friends together to honour the couple to be married. Gifts that get the newlyweds off to a good start in their marriage traditionally include household items, however another option is the ‘wishing well’ idea where the guests contribute money. A modern solution to suggest absolutely any gift at all is to use The Gift Register, which allows the list to be shared via email and/or Facebook. This gives huge variety to the choices your guests can make! Both options tend to be the topic of many wedding debates, as detailed in this article, however there are many more pros than cons when it comes to having a registry.

Conventionally, balloonwedding anniversaries followed a list of suggested gifts, starting with paper for one year and progressing to gold for 50 years. The modern equivalent suggests a clock for year one and gold jewellery gets a gig at year 14, but these are just ideas and your intimate knowledge of your partner should help guide your choice. You could always mark the occasion with ‘memory making experience’ that has always been desired by one or both partners.

In an era where staying in a job for any length of time is considered an achievement, gifts from a boss or a company are often carefully considered but rarely enjoyed. Logo emblazoned watches and kitchen items are cast aside as token gestures, while what an employee really wants is recognition for a job well done.

Experiences away from the office, such as gold class movie tickets or a restaurant voucher, lets the employee have some well deserved time off, while jewellery or high end pens can be something they will treasure as a reminder of their long service. This billionaire boss really raised the bar by taking 6,400 staff to Europe on a holiday. Ahh, we can all dream! 😉

Which life milestone do you think is the hardest to buy for? Or perhaps you have a gifting story you’d like to share with us? Don’t forget, if you are ever stuck for ideas, check out the ‘gift buttons’ on our home page for lots of quick solutions 😉

Pay her back in style this Mothers Day!

Oh dear! Another Mothers Day just around the corner, and what can you do to impress this year? If brekky in bed isn’t her thing, we have some alternative gift ideas which may tickle her fancy!

Why not head to your fave local cafe instead of the bed, and surprise her with a brand new bike sitting at the gate to get her there! bikeMum can relive childhood days on this Retro ladies bike, a fun choice for someone who might not have been on a bike in some time. They tell us you never forget how to ride!

Or, if Mum is fond of a little more time sleep time,Vase DIY this craft bottle project adds a lovely personal touch to tea and toast. Children should be encouraged to get involved with some spray paint and glue. 

When she is ready to get dressed, delight her with a new trench hanging in the wardrobe! Originally designed as part of a military uniform, the classic Trench coat has come a long way since Thomas Burberry sold the first one in 1901. Today, this fashion staple comes in many colours and lengths, and is a perfect transeasonal piece for your Mums wardrobe.terrarium

If Mum has a green thumb, a terrarium that brings the outdoors in might be more to her liking. The care and attention to detail in these terrariums will appeal to a Mum with a meticulous nature. 

A stylish mum likely also has a stylish, and perhaps expensive, taste in champagne. If it wasn’t produced in France, it’s not the real thing, so look no further than GHmummGH Mumm in this gift pack. Mumm for Mum? Yes please!

Grandmothers are just as important on Mother’s Day and must not be forgotten! Remember a life well lived and recall memories of days gone by with a My Life Story book, that can be filled out as a family and cherished lifestoryforever.

After all the excitement of the morning, Mum might like to put her feet up and watch a favourite TV show. Relive all six seasons of Sex and the City with this DVD collector’s edition and laugh along with Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda all over again.

Should you have a friend who is soon to become a winebottleglassmother for the first time, we recommend a few items to celebrate the imminent arrival and give everyone a laugh. This book is a great educational tool while every mother will recommend this unique wine glass as an essential item in your liquor cabinet post birth.

Top non-choc gifts for Easter!

It seems like just yesterday we were packing away the Christmas Tree, and yet we are sure those Easter Eggs have been on the shelves for months. Already got chocolate fatigue? Try these Easter gifts that are easier on the waistline, and add more interest to your celebrations!

For the littlest of children, peterrabbooksthis wooden pull along duck and egg toy is quirky and cute.  Also, Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit will be household names with this collection of Peter Rabbit stories, a compilation that will be treasured through childhood and beyond. Why not add a gorgeous Peter Rabbit or eggsplodeJemima Puddleduck soft toy for a complete gift!

For older children, boys will be racing to the breakfast table everyday with this ‘eggsplode’ cup holder and soldier toast cutterGirls will enjoy growing their very own flower from an egg, sure to keep hands busy tending to the garden long after the chocolate has melted.

Edible blooms have some wonderful gift ideas for grown upsfloweregg, and any delivery to an office the day before work finishes up for a long weekend is sure to keep your loved one happy.

Maybe you are planning to head out of town for the Easter long weekend? Why not invest in a quality tent the whole family can enjoy, and reap the rewards for years to come. Whats more, Wild Earth are having a sale! 

If you are celebrating Easter with family or friends, why not give your Easter BBQ hostess a gorgeous keepsake gift instead of some Cadbury Favourites. PlanterThis range of tin planters are stylish, and embrace the true meaning of Easter – new life. 

Why not nominate a favourite Uncle to dress up like the Easter Bunny in this costume from Costume Box.  Kids will be entertained for longer, and we know it will give the grown ups a giggle too!

But if your attitude is more ‘you only get to indulge once a year!’… 53_Shades_of_Chocsign up for this chocolate recipe ebook, 53 Shades of Chocolate. Need we say more?

And when all else fails, or you can’t avoid the buying of chocolate for this seasonal occasion, head to Biome for organic, gluten and dairy free options, fair trade and downright beautiful looking Easter treats.

Get ready to impress this Valentines Day!

Love is in the air! The most romantic day of the year is just two weeks away – it’s time to show St Valentine how its done by stepping up and showing your loved one just how much you care.

Flowers and chocolates are great last minute saves (try edible blooms for the best of both!) but to really say I Love You, a little more thought is required.heartroses

Madonna said it so well way back in the 80s – satin sheets ARE very romantic – but they are rather impractical. Bamboo is better for the environment and far more comfortable. Pick a shade that works for your boudoir, but we think white goes with everything.

If thousand thread counts sheets are more your style, getawaywhisk your loved one away for a spontaneous holiday somewhere with a beach in a 5 star villa. From local escapes to overseas getaways, a minibreak could be just the thing to impress this V day.

When in doubt, jewellery is always a good idea. Keep earrings, necklaces and bracelets simple and elegant to really show you care.

The boys shouldn’t miss out on the shiny things either. Custom cufflinks are a gift he can treasure everyday. One look at his wrist and these heart shaped cufflinks – he’ll be yours forever.handbag

For the super hard to buy for, a designer handbag is an easy choice. For added oomph and thought, try a vintage piece or hard to come by bag from a season gone by. Bonus brownie points for effort.

Planning a brilliant date night for Valentine’s Day? It’s a Saturday this year, so don’t forget to book! Impress her with a note, a dress and a surprise night out – you’ll find lots of candlegorgeous dresses to suit any occasion at Royal Tag.

A home cooked meal and a movie on the couch also make for a great date night. Set the mood without burning down the house with flameless candles. Romance will be in the air.

Of course flowers are always a great way to make a girl feel special. Remember, it’s the thought that counts! … Happy Valentines!

‘Sauce up’ your Australia Day!

Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi! Oi! Oi! can be heard from young and old as they celebrate Australia Day on January 26. Whether it’s a game of beach cricket, or a BBQ while listening to the Triple J Hottest 100, how we commemorate being Aussie is a wonderfully quirky mash up of cork hats, shrimps on the Barbie and pavlova.

If really getting into the sprit unitardof the day is your thing, an Aussie unitard from Costume Box in the national colours will ensure you are remembered for more than your barbeque skills. Only for the brave; wear at your own risk.

Hosting a BBQ is all the more enjoyable when a few decorations suit the day. Aussie flags and balloons are a great way to get the bat:ballparty started, and you’ll find them all in this starter kit. Explore the Costume Box website for many more Aussie themed party favours!

Get that game of beach cricket going with this set that includes two balls – handy for when Dad knocks one for 6 into the ocean.

Lying on the sand more your thing? Quintessential Aussie brand Quiksilver have a range of beach towels available, but this one – named Manly (for Manly beach!) – really says ‘I’m Aussie!’poolbar

Not near a beach but still close to water, this pool bar is a rather brilliant (and very Aussie!) invention. When the weather gets warm, jump in the pool and stay for the day, drinks included.

Teach little ones about their country with a fun tour of Australia in this beautifully illustrated picture book. Features all states so no matter where you live, it’ll feel like a piece of home.book

And if the notion takes you, and you really want to get in to the Aussie spirit, get into the kitchen and make your own pavlova. Delicious.

Happy Australia Day!!

 

Christmas Engagement? Congrats!

With a resounding ‘yes’ this Christmas period, you and your partner got engaged. Congratulations!!  A very exciting time is ahead. You have a wedding to plan, love to celebrate and lot’s of decisions to make.

You’ll first want to find a notebook, or wedding planning diary like this one from Booktopia plannerto help keep all your notes and quotes in order. Visiting Bridal Expos are a great way to gather information that you can then go through later with your partner to get a feel for what you’d both like.

The Australian Bridal ServiceABS is hosting the Australian Bridal Expo in Melbourne next month, and we’ll be there too! We can help you plan one of the most exciting parts of your wedding – the gift registry! Instead of confining your choices to just one store, The Gift Register is flexible and easy to use – and it’s free. Signup here or via our iOS app.

The choice of date is an early decision you will need to make together. What season would you like to be married in? Is the venue available on that date? Does it clash with any major events? Does this date give you enough time for all the planning you will need to do?

Other big decisions you will need to make now include finding a location and choosing whether you’d like a sit down dinner, or a cocktail style function. Visit as many places as you can to see what you like before committing to one.

The wedding dress is a personal choice and we recommend trying on a number of styles before selecting one that suits you and making a final decision. Remember that most dressmakers require a lead-time of at least six months to make a wedding dress – don’t leave it too late!

Flowers, photographers, bonbonnieres and a celebrant are also on the list and you’ll find lots of each at the Australian Bridal Expo. Talk to your friends who have recently held weddings for some additional advice and support.

We’ll be giving away tickets to the expo in the coming days on Facebook, so keep an eye out. Come by our stand (Site 32) at the Melbourne Expo for your chance to win one of four Terramundi potsTerramundi – a beautiful way to save for something special!

Melbourne 10/11 January
Royal Exhibition Building, Carlton

Sydney 31 Jan/1 Feb
Qantas Credit Union Arena, Darling Harbour

Shop til you drop!!

The end is in sight, and the allure of watching the Boxing Day test is just a few sleeps away. The final shopping hours are upon us: it’s too late for online deliveries. As stores around Australia gear up for the final 24 hour spending spree, we bring you a round up of their opening hours. Get your coffee and your list. Ready, set GO.

VICTORIA

Chadstone Shopping Centre
Tuesday 23 Dec 9am – Wednesday 24 Dec 6pm (24 hour shopping)

Westfield Southland
Tuesday 23 Dec 8am – Wednesday 24 Dec 2am, Wednesday 24 Dec 7am – 5.30pm

Westfield Knox
Tuesday 23 Dec 8am – midnight, Wednesday 24 Dec 8am – 5.30pm

NEW SOUTH WALES

Westfield Sydney/Bondi Junction
Tuesday 23 Dec 8am – 9pm, Wednesday 24 Dec 8am – 5.30pm (6pm Bondi)

Broadway Shopping Centre
Tuesday 23 Dec 9am – 10pm, Wednesday 24 Dec 9am – 7pm

Chatswood Chase
Tuesday 23 Dec 9am – 10pm, Wednesday 24 Dec 8am – 6pm

QUEENSLAND

Westfield Chermside
Tuesday 23 Dec 8am – Wednesday 24 Dec 5.30pm (24 hour shopping)

Robina Town Centre
Tuesday 23 Dec 9am – midnight, Wednesday 24 Dec 9am – 6pm

Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
Tuesday 23 Dec 9am – midnight, Wednesday 24 Dec 9am – 5.30pm

TASMANIA

Centrepoint Shopping Centre
Tuesday 22 Dec 9am – 5.30pm, Wednesday 24 Dec 9am – 5.30pm

CANBERRA

Canberra Centre
Tuesday 23 Dec 9am – 9pm, Wednesday 24 Dec 9am – 5.30pm

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

Myer Centre
Tuesday 23 Dec 8.30am – midnight, Wednesday 24 Dec 8.30am – 5.30pm

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Raine Square
Tuesday 23 Dec 7am – 9pm, Wednesday 24 Dec 7am – 9pm

 

Happy Shopping, and Merry Christmas!

Finishing touches for a Fabulous Christmas!

Your stockings are hung and there is a pile of presents beautifully wrapped under the Christmas Tree … now the hard part starts. Planning for Christmas Lunch (or dinner) can be the most draining part of the whole season, but with these great decorating and cooking ideas, you’ll be everyone’s favourite come the New Year.

HomeLife really take the cake for great ideas and Christmas decorating inspiration. Start with red and white striped straws for your festive drinks, add matching napkins and a bit of sparkle with silver napkin rings. This Santa red bowl will make a great centrepiece (fill it with lollies, or punch!) and these adorable Christmas inspired salt and pepper shakers are the perfect finishing touch.

TEST

Channel your inner Tonia Todman and get sparkle_bonbons1creative by making your own bon bons. Tara Dennis has some lovely ideas to personalise these to your taste or family, and they are much simpler to create than you might think! Hit the kitchen in the days before Christmas lunch to whip up something yummy for your family and friends.

Chocolate Ripple and a Pavlova are traditional Australian favourites, but why not try something a bit different? This Golden Mango and Passionfruit Caramel Tart uses fresh mangoes and passionfruit. We’re hungry just looking at the pictures!

And a final reminder of a few things you should check off your mango-tartto-do list before the big day.

– Check that you have plenty of gas in the BBQ and that you haven’t forgotten the apple and cranberry sauces for the pork and turkey.

– Count the number of guests you have, and how many plates are in your cupboard –do you have enough so you won’t spend all day washing dishes between courses?

– Finally, make a list of what time the veggies need to be turned on, when the meat should rest and how long each will take to cook. No one wants to forget to cook something in a haze of festive excitement and champagne.

Happy hosting!

Last Minute Gift Ideas (they’ll love!)

‘Twas the week before Christmas, and all through the world, people struggled with gift shopping, for friends young and old. Does this sound like you? With just on a week to go, we give you a list of last minute ideas that will save you on Christmas Day if you are yet to get to the shops.

If you have decided to go with the giftcardjarquick and easy giftcard for someone’s fave store, why not present it in a clever way that’s a bit removed from a simple card and envelope? Fill a jar with lollies and put the giftcard in the centre for a novel way to present this type of gift.

If your recipient is in dire need of some time off after Christmas, and you want to give them an extra surprise, a night away from home in a city hotel is an Grand-Designs-Novideal gift. Roomorama lets you choose your city and date, then offers a range of accommodation options.

People might spend half their day on a mobile phone, but nothing replaces the tactile nature of a magazine. Dog-ear the pages, tear out recipes you love and share with a friend when you are done. A magazine subscription can be found on any topic, and delivered anywhere. An ideal last minute gift!

For shipping in just two days, Dadshop stocks ideas for men and journalwomen. We like this celtic embossed journal – suitable for either gender, it will allow the recipient a chance to keep a diary, scribble ideas or sketch a masterpiece, plus it’s a beautiful piece to look at.

Last minute gifts can be found at Different Drop, where a range of specialty wines are stocked. From vintage reds to international bubbly, you’ll find something to everyone’s taste here, and shipping can be arranged in as little as two days.

blitzenFlowers are an ideal on the go gift, but remember – roadside flowers scream ‘I forgot’, while a same day delivery shows initiative
and thought. Order by 2pm for same day delivery with the Flower Factory. Flower Factory has some beautiful Christmas arrangements and our favourite is Blitzen.

A perfect subscription gift that keeps on giving for the girls is BellaBox, filled with beauty samples and girly treats. Even if it’s Christmas Eve, order online and your recipient will receive their first delivery in January.

Books are a last minute gift that never goes out of style. From travel books, fiction, the latest best seller or a specialty topic, books are special and thoughtful gift that are treasured. shoesofpreyOrder by Friday for guaranteed Christmas delivery!

For the lady with everything, give the gift of shoes. You don’t even need to know her tastes – let her design her own with Shoes of Prey, from the heel height, fabric and colours. This creative gift can be purchased online at Shoes of Prey and printed, or emailed straight to the recipient.

Want something more creative? A DIY kitchen collection looks impressive and is super practical! DIY-ideasFind lots of supplies at Kitchen Style. Similarly, wrapping gorgeous bath goodies in a face washer with a bit of pipe cleaner and ribbon makes the simple things so much more appealing. The opportunities are endless!!