(NAPSA)—Afun and festive celebration is what most children would like for their birthdays— and exactly what parents would like to provide. However, with busy schedules and preciouslittle time for planning, parents often find party planning stressful and frustrating, as they are forced to play catch-up at the last minute. Fortunately, with a little preplanning, pulling togethera child’s birthday party can be a cinch for parents and party plannersalike. Here are somequicktips: Keep an extra box of cake mix or brownie mix in your pantry. Cupcakes are easy to make and decorate at home and make a great alternative to that birthday cake that did not get ordered. Plus, decorating these treats is a fun, creative activity that kids will enjoy. In addition to sprinkles and mini candies, also keep a stash of party supplies such as birthday candles, paper plates, cups, napkins andplasticware. * Create a “Gift Box” of timeless items. Include wrapping paper, tissue paper, bows and cards. Then add board games, puzzles and activity sets to save a last-minute trip to the store for a birthday gift. A supply of party favors such as noisemakers, stickers and crayons also come in handy when trying to plan a party with little time to spare. Ready, set, decorate. Bal- loons provide an easy and costeffective way to decorate when you are short on time. Balloon Time Helium Balloon Kits include a portable helium tank, balloons and ribbon—everything you need to have quick and easy helium balloons at a moments notice or for your next party. Balloons can be inflated quickly and used to decorate the outside of your house to mark the party destination. You fe i i By filling a box with birthday party “must haves,” you can eliminate last-minute trips to the store. can also use balloons to decorate inside by creating a balloon arch around a doorwayor tying heliumfilled balloons to chairs. Depending on the numberandsize of balloons you inflate, one Balloon Time kit can be used for multiple occasions, andis safe to store. Let the games begin. It wouldn’t be a party without games, so inflate some extra balloons while decorating. Keep kids entertained with a couple of easy games such as a balloon relay. Use a CD playeror radio for other fun games with helium balloons, such as hot potato or leap frog. These and other game ideas can be found at BalloonTime.com. By using any of the above tips, you can spend your valuable time enjoying your child’s birthday instead of stressing over planning the party. For more decorating and party ideas, visit the Web site at BalloonTime.com.
