The Party Plan – Ben10 Theme

Master Prince's actual birthday date was smack right in the middle of exams. So we postponed his birthday celebrations one week later. If not, doubt any of his friends would be able to come to his party!! :(

Not sure how to structure this post so I'll just share the birthday party plan. Besides, like any other event, things never 100% really go to plan. Just have to go with the flow and the crowd that turn up that day!


Party theme invitation cards

Grab bags (for children to put their loot)
Mask


Omnitrix craft



Activities
Fishing - Idea is a simple one. Each child fishes out their own treat/loot.

Pin the omnitrix (black out masks for older kids)

Get the ping-pong balls onto the trays and get a prize!

Pinata


Games
Superhero
Pass parcel
Musical chairs or steps
Freeze dancing
Paper dancing
Drinking game with straw
Balloon blowing contest
Balloon bursting
Step in & out

Party bag gifts
Since I already have a piñata which will be filled with sweets, bubble gum and other treats, thought parents would appreciate less sugar-filled items.

Badges
Pencils
Rulers
Sharpener
Rubbers
Stickers
Notepad
Cute paper clips
Other smaller toys – clicker, yoyo, whistle
Homemade slime (didn’t get to do this but thought it was a good idea)

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Some thoughts.....

#1

I actually find it exciting planning a party especially for kids - its so fun. Finally realized that we do not really need to entertain a bunch of kids. They can actually entertain themselves very easily, if not even more creatively than adults. All you need is a few balloons and a playground!!! If I have to judge the success of a party by how loud the children were screaming, I think this one turned out pretty well. The noise from the playground was deafening and really had difficulty talking to other parents!!

#2

I don't think I am being anal but to avoid any misunderstanding, I really wish (out of reasonable politeness/courtesy) parents would properly note the RSVP date and also talk/communicate properly to the parent of the birthday child especially if they are coming or bringing along siblings. Was really put in a spot when two came 'unannounced' - well it seems that they did RSVP but somehow I never received any sms message or call. Being responsible adults, we should at least seek/insist on a sms response/reply back right(?) - after all it is fairly common that the sms could have gone astray, this includes voice mail messages. One or two additional friends is fine (more the merrier right?) but the main concern for the organizer is the sudden lack of party packs. Since I didn't want to nurse/store any leftovers, I only packed for the number of children that confirmed their attendance. I know that I could have probably packed aside some emergency party packs but didn't want to have the headache of keeping/disposing extras afterwards - so wasteful la.

Also, if your child is not able to go the party, it is only polite and courteous (IMHO) to let the invitor/organizer know this. Really helps the orgnizer from stressing or growing a long weary neck wondering - coming or not, coming?? No???? yes??

Haiseh- man...organizing the activities is one thing but actually trying to get RVSPs from the parents is the most difficult part!! Why-ah, so difficult meh?? *shakes head - even have to send reminders to some*

Home-made piñata

Its pretty easy to make. Guaranteed to give kids a lot of fun especially since they know the belly is filled with all kinds of sweet goodies and treats!!




Materials required
Lots of paper
A pair of scissors
Big bowl of glue##
1 big balloon
Crepe paper (colour of your choice)
*Lots of patience

Method:

1. Cut paper into small squares. Final product not affected if you happen to cut your paper in odd sizes.
   
2. Blow balloon up.
   
3. With glue, stick paper onto the balloon. Continue sticking paper covering the balloon for at least 4-5 layers.
   
4. My final pinata had 7 layers of paper in total. Erm, was a little difficult for the young tikes to break (must be the combination of paper and glue used) so finally had to get some adult muscles to make a hole. So maybe 4-5 layers should do it but it also depends on what type of paper you use!!



5. TIP: Once satisfied with the final layer, poke two holes at the top to string the piñata while paper is slightly damp. Otherwise when it dries up, it can be more difficult to make the holes.
   
6. Final layer, cut crepe paper and glue onto piñata for decoration purposes. Alternatively, can paint the exterior of the pinata.
   
7. Decorate piñata according to your party theme.

Forgot to print out the eyes so had to cut some up using free hand! Looks like wings don't they but actually suppose to be the evil eyes of Vilgax. I suppose when I used coloured paper, the eyes are no longer so 'evil and dark'!!

##Simple recipe for home-made glue (definitely save money but note can't keep so try to use up within 1-2 days).

Mix 2 tbsp of tapioca flour with 1/2 cup tepid water, stir until you get a nice even slurry liquid. Pour sufficient boiling water (depending how thick or watery you prefer), keep stirring until evenly mixed up.

The first step is very important unless you don't mind lumpy glue. Not to worry, the glue can still be used but IMHO feels nicer if can achieve a nice smooth paste.