THEME
A natural choice for parents who attended the University of Arizona might be to host a UA-themed party for their toddler, as is Carin Callie, a mother of three.
Both she and her husband attended the University of Arizona, and got their nearly 2-year-old daughter to games before she was even born.
“She is a huge fan and now at almost 2 years old chants “U of A” any chance she gets,” Callie said. “It was only obvious we would throw her a U of A themed party for her birthday come this September. Plus, what a great way to get our friends and family excited for the upcoming season.”
Decorations are easy to find. Walmart and Kmart have tons of UA items. Plus, you can get creative with it. Callie is making a concession stand, featuring Sonoran dogs, nachos, pretzels, popcorn and soda. Plus, they’re going to hand out tattoos and UA beads and have basketball and football themed games and obstacle courses for the kids.
Another birthday theme Callie did was inspired by the Dr. Seuss book, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” She created a sign with different arrows pointing to “home,” “this way” and “cupcakes.” Next to it was a square basket big enough for a child to stand in while holding balloons for pictures. It had an “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” sign on the front.
She also created a scene of hot air balloons floating above the trees and mountains with the words “Kid, you’ll move mountains” out of construction paper on one of her windows.
SpongeBob SquarePants is still a popular theme with little ones. So, that’s what Veronica Caseres Largo is working on for her son’s next birthday.
For a craft activity at the party, Largo is going to have the kids make Plankton out of toilet paper rolls, construction paper and pipe cleaners.
“I also plan on making mini piñata goodie bags,” Largo said. “They are cute and very easy to make. I also plan on making VIP passes for the kids.”
Largo recommends looking to Pinterest or Instagram for ideas, if you love to craft.
Minecraft is hugely popular, and makes a great party theme.
Katrina Gloudeman, mother of one, created a pin the tail on the Minecraft Pig game, a treasure hunt to find different mining materials and a TNT explosion with soda and Mentos, which, she says was a big hit. Snacks were also based on the game.
ENTERTAINMENT
- Having a magician at your child’s party is a unique way to create special memories.
But, there are some, ahem, tricks to choosing a good one.
“First, find the performer that works with you,” said John Coppin, a local magician. “Second, find one who makes their show a lasting memory, and lastly, find one who treats everyone like they really care about their party. It really is not about the “tricks” — it’s about the fun.”
Fees for Coppin’s magic services vary depending on location, age of child, and number of attendees. Packages range from $175 to $300. For information, go online to johncoppinmagic.com or call 301-8787.
- What kid wouldn’t want to hang out with “The Amazing Spider” or “The Snow Queen and the Ice Princess?” (aka; Spiderman and Elsa and Anna)
As You Wish Parties makes that happen by showing up as your child’s favorite character and leading them in activities.
“We feel so honored to be a part of a child’s magic years — the years in which mystery, imagination and play are developing in a child’s mind,” said Kierna Conner, owner. “We understand that the encounters that our young guests have with our characters have the potential to be incredibly significant to them, which is why we make it our goal to connect with each and every child on a personal level.”
Prices range from $75 to $250 and up. The company will customize packages for families who have something special in mind that isn’t listed.
For information, call 1-480-280-6250 or go online to asyouwishparties.com
- The Rockin’ Star Ranch will bring a petting zoo, a pony carousel or ponies for pony rides to your party. Prices start at $375.
You can also have your party at the ranch. A petting zoo party, which includes the party house, outdoor grills, lawn and play area for 15 kids for two hours will cost you $325.
For information, call 409-6700 or go online to therockinstarranch.com
LOCATION
If you’re looking for a less-than-usual location for your child’s party, Tucson has plenty. Here are a few ideas you may not have thought of.
- Tucson Clay Co-Op
- , 3226 N. Dodge Blvd., is an out-of-the-ordinary location for a party at a great price. For $110, you can have a two-hour party for up to 10 kids ages six years and up. After a couple demonstrations, kids get to make their own pieces. The demo piece is given to the birthday child as a gift. You have the option to decorate and serve food. Parents are encouraged to reserve their spot at least two weeks in advance. Call 792-6263 or go online to tucsonclayco-op.com for more information.
- Old Pueblo Gymnastics
- , 7670 E. Wrightstown Road, offers tons of equipment for children to wear themselves out on — while having fun, of course. Parties include private gym time with activities such as obstacle courses, a tumble track, party host and coaches, a jumping castle and set up/clean up. A private party in the main gym is $200 and it includes 10 kids plus the birthday child. Additional guests are $11 each. You get an hour in the gym and 30 minutes in the lobby for birthday festivities. Call 628-4355 or go online to oldpueblogymnastics.com for more information.
- Another option is
- Polly Anna Park in Trail Dust Town
- , 6541 E. Tanque Verde Road. For $12 per child, with a 10-child minimum, you get unlimited use of the park, train, carousel and Ferris wheel. Call 296-4551 with questions.
- Celebrate and give back to the community by having a party at
- Ben’s Bells
- , 40 W. Broadway. After a tour and introduction, the kids will create pieces for Ben’s Bells. Each party includes your choice of an optional kindness theme. You provide food and decorations. The fee is $100 per room with a 25 person maximum capacity per room. For details, go online to bensbells.org.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY TIPS
- Splurge on one thing, such as an entertainer or a bouncy house, and keep the rest simple.
- Make your own invitations. Largo makes hers on her computer and prints them on photo paper to save money and have a one-of-a-kind design. Tip: Have them printed at Walmart.com and get free envelopes.
- Use recycled goods for party crafts. Appliance boxes make great forts and you can make lots of things with toilet paper rolls.
- Prepare early so you can get the best deals and buy items slowly.
- Download apps for digital coupons and take advantage of ad matching policies, Largo said.
- For store-made cake, Largo recommends Sam’s club. “They have cheaper and nice decorated cakes.”
- Have a party every other year. On the off year, have your child pick one friend to do something fun with, such as dinner and a movie or Build-a-Bear Workshop.
- Take age into consideration when planning how big your party is going to be.
“I have seen a bunch of folks do big theme parties for a 1-year-old’s first birthday,” said Kat Simons. “My daughter turns 3 this fall … I just haven’t felt the need to do it for kids too little to remember the darn thing. I would rather keep it a family day, plus a few good friends, if any, until she is in school, at least. I imagine keeping it very low key will be harder once that happens.”
