Dear MK South Puget Sound Subscriber,

Few memories are as indelible as growing up in a household where birthdays are extra special, and we don’t mean you need to hire a party planner or put on a three-ring circus.  The party doesn’t have to be a big affair to be memorable, and with some planning, a little can go a long, long way.  In this week's edition we will be again profiling some South Puget Sound birthday party ideas, locations and vendors with a focus on teens but many of the themes could be utilized for children a bit younger too. 

We had some awesome birthday party ideas/suggestions from some of our readers but our favorite submission is profiled below.  That lucky reader will be receiving a reward for sending in her ideas - a $10 Starbucks card from us!  Scroll down to see this week's winner!  You can be a winner too - send us your ideas and if we used them in one of our next 2 newsletters you could win a gift card too - sarahb@macaornikid.com

In addition, In this Birthday Party Edition, we also profile 2 local venues for birthday parties - Sykart Indoor Racing in Tukwila for your Nascar fan and The Gig Harbor YMCA which has private pool parties, rock climbing wall parties and so much more for your birthday boy or girl!  There is a gift guide for teen boys and girls with all budgets in mind that is really helpful.  Additionally, there are 3 articles packed with awesome ideas for Teen-Themed Birthday Parties.  Make sure to scroll all the way down so you don't miss out.

Make sure to check out the fun St. Patrick's Day events all over Puget Sound that begin this weekend and go into next week.  There are a ton of awesome events coming up over the next couple months as we enter the Easter and the Spring season.  There is literally something for everyone so make sure to really look through and see what appeals to you.  While doing that make sure to utilize your "My Macaroni" feature so you can print off the events that interest you and your family and plan ahead!

Lastly, this e-newsletter is supposed to be an asset to you so if at any time you are unhappy receiving it please feel free to unsubscribe by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this newsletter.  We'll miss you - and hopefully you'll miss us - but no hard feelings! :)

Thank you,

Sarah Beyersdorf

Publisher

Macaroni Kid South Puget Sound  

www.south-puget-sound.macaronikid.com

We asked our readers for real life party ideas and were sent some really great suggestions.  Our favorite ideas this past week came from MK South Puget Sound subscriber Brienna McWade of Bonney Lake.  Thanks Brienna!  You will receive a $10 Starbucks gift card for taking the time to send us these helpful and fun ideas to share with our readers.

Please read in Brienna's own words, her awesome ideas for a 1st and 3rd Birthday Party!  

For Boy: Rockin' First Birthday (age 1)

I went the classic rock route using vintage style 70's-era posters and some of my own record albums for decor.  Kids wore rock tees and I created a classic rock play list including kid-friendly Beatles, Rolling Stones, etc.  The postcard invites were created to imply an old-skool rock concert poster. 
 
For favors, I gave out inflatable guitars, plasic mics and "backstage passes" that thanked each who came.
  
We served kid-friendly food and I made a sheet cake and cut and assembled as a guitar for a final touch.

For Girl: Giddyup Cowgirl Party (age 3)

We took a spin on the horse-theme my daughter adores. We dressed in gingham and/or plaid shirts and cowboy boots and decorations were bandanas and twine to create a rodeo garland.
 
Party favors were foam cowgirl hats from the dollar store and plastic sheriff star badges.
 
For games, we used a half-hay bale and hid candy for kids to rummage and keep.  We also used a moustached friends photo, played "Pin the 'Stache on the Cowboy" and then used kid cow boots and plastic snakes for "There's a Snake in my Boot" toss.
 
Food items were hotdogs, baked beans and potato chips and we served cupcakes for dessert.

Macaroni Kid is excited to announce our BIGGEST CONTEST YET!!!  With a generous offer from Shop N Swap Children's Consignment Sales Events (www.shopnswapsales.com), Macaroni Kid is giving you a chance to WIN AN OVERNIGHT, FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, AT THE GREAT WOLF LODGE!!!
 
It's so easy to enter.  Sign up to subscribe to one or more of the Macaroni Kid sites below and you will be entered to win!  To subscribe, click on any link below and click on the "subscribe now" button, enter your info, and where it says "how did you hear about us", please write: CONTEST ENTRY AND WHAT SITE/S YOU ARE CURRENTLY SUBSCRIBED TO - it's that easy!!!

www.south-puget-sound.macaronikid.com (Auburn, Tacoma, Lakewood, Kent, Renton, Sumner, Federal Way, Gig Harbor, Bonney Lake, etc)

www.mercerisland.macaronikid.com   (Mercer Island)
www.northsound.macaronikid.com (Edmonds, Brier, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Mill Creek)
www.snoqualmievalley.macaronikid.com (Issaquah, Sammamish, Snoqualmie, North Bend, Fall City)
www.the-eastside.macaronikid.com (Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Bothell, Woodinville, Kenmore)

We would like to thank each of our loyal subscribers for your support, and we would also like to thank Shop N Swap Children's Consignment Sale for supplying such a generous prize!  Please visit their website for more info on their Children's, Women’s/Home Décor & Bridal Consignment Sales Events, Next Children’s Sale - March 20 & 21: www.shopnswapsales.com.

*Contest info: New subscription must be to a different site than you currently subscribe to.  No limits to how many sites you may subscribe to, up to four.  Up to four total entries per family.  By entering the contest, subscribers understand that their email address may be used for marketing purposes solely by Shop N Swap Sales, and Macaroni Kid, but will NOT be sold to any third parties.  Overnight is to be used at Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, Washington.  Winner will be announced at the end of March on the Macaroni Kid sites, as well as each night at the Shop N Swap Children's Consignment Sale, March 20th and 21st, 2010.

This Week's Picks:

Teen Scene:

Plan Ahead:

The YMCA of Gig Harbor offers several different options to ensure that children of all ages can have the party they want. Choose between dress up, pool, gym and climbing wall parties.

Adventure Zone

Back by popular demand! Kids have a blast in the Adventure Zone! Climb, slide and play on our big toy, or shoot hoops in our mini-gym. Best suited for ages 3-6

Availability: The Gym Party is available on Saturdays from 5:30-7:30pm.

The Party Room: The party room next to the climbing wall will be provided for you and your guests to enjoy during the gift opening and cake and ice cream portion of your party.

Princess and Pirate Dress Up

Have a ball at a princess and pirate dress up party!  Our treasure chest is full of seven princess dresses and seven pirate capes that kids will love. Our event staff will help with fun pirate or princess games. Bring your tea set and have a tea party.  Best suited for ages 3 to 6.

The Community Room: The community room upstairs is available for you and your guests to enjoy during the gift opening and cake and ice cream portion of your party.

Availability: Fridays 6:00-8:00pm Saturdays and Sundays12:30-2:30pm or 4:00-6:00pm in the Community Room.

Pool

Slide your way to a fun birthday party! Party guests will love the red slide which will be available to all those who pass the swim test.

The Community Room: The community room upstairs is available for you and your guests to enjoy during the gift opening and cake and ice cream portion of your party.

General Pool Regulations: One hour of swim time in the slide pool. With lifeguard permission, use of water toys and floatation devices are allowed. (Sorry, water toys and floatation devices from home are not allowed) The red slide is available for those able to pass a swim test. Each person must wear proper swim attire. For children 7 years of age and younger, there is a 1 to 1 parent/child ratio in the pools at all times. Children in diapers must wear swim diapers with plastic diaper pants. Thank you!

Availability: Fridays 6:00-8:00pm Saturdays 12:30-2:30pm Sundays 12:30-2:30pm or 4:00-6:00pm.

Rock Climbing

Challenge your party guests to a climb on "The Rock!" This party is sure to be a hit!

Rock climbing works best with fewer party members (10 child limit). Kids need to be at least 5 years old to climb. Parents are encouraged to take a climbing certification class prior to the party so that they can help with belaying.

Availability: Rock climbing parties are available Sundays from 1:00-3:00pm.

The Party Room: The party room next to the climbing wall will be provided for you and your guests to enjoy during the gift opening and cake and ice cream portion of your party.

Steps on Reserving Your Party:
1. Check your calendar and decide on a few possible dates
2. Come in or call (253) 853-9622
3. Once your party is on our books you have 48 hours to pay and sign the contract
4. Send your invitations
5. You are welcome to arrive 30 minutes prior to your party to decorate and greet guests
Party Days: Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Fees: $150.00 for two hours (Max of 15 children)

Party Guidelines
-Length of Time: 2 hours
-Cost: $150.00.
-Refrigerator and Freezer available
-The Party sponsor will have access to decorate and set up the party room 30 minutes before the party starts. (No glitter, confetti, or party poppers please).
- Party sponsor is responsible to clean-up the room back to the condition it was found in.
-30 total participants (including adults)
- AV & set-up is available for a $50 charge.
.

Plan a stylish teen Makeover Birthday Party for your little beauty!  This party theme is appropriate for ages 13-18.

A Makeover Party for Your Teen

From television shows and magazines to virtual salons and dressing rooms, teens are immersed in a world of beauty and fashion transformations. While you may never grace the pages of your favorite magazine, you and your friends can still get the makeovers.

Make sure your party invitations let everyone know that there will be makeovers so your friends will know what to expect at your makeover party. As they arrive, take "before" shots with a digital camera, and then get your glam on with these tips.

Makeup and Hair Makeovers

It’s not a makeover without fresh makeup and a new hairstyle. Encourage your friends to experiment with fun and glamorous looks using these tips for makeovers.

• Ask guests to bring their own makeup stash (it’s good hygiene), but also stock up on inexpensive eye shadow colors, lip gloss and applicators. Use them during the party and send some home as favors.
• Spend a few minutes flipping through magazines so each girl can find pictures of style she wants to try.
• Pair up and have each partner takes turns giving – and getting – makeovers.
• As an added bonus, have manicures and pedicures, too.
  

Of course, if you have the budget you can skip the at-home setting and take the party to a salon, visit a makeup counter or hire an amateur cosmetologist for the big event.

Clothing Swap at Your Makeover Party

Besides hair and makeup, there is only one thing that turns a makeover into a true transformation – clothes. Unless you want everyone shopping your closet, ask friends to bring clothes they no longer wear and have a clothes swap.

• Before the party, create stations for different types of clothing such as dresses, shirt or tops.
• Try to hold the swap near a bathroom in case some girls want to change in another room. Make a cute sign that says, “Dressing Room,” to hang on the door.
• Set up mirrors around the room so you can view the final selections.
• Don’t forget about shoes, bags and hair accessories to complete the looks.

Makeover Party Photo Shoot

After the makeup is done, the hair styled and the clothes chosen, you have to show off the makeovers with a photo shoot.

• Using your digital camera, take snapshots of everyone in front of a simple backdrop. (Hang a white sheet from the wall.)
• Get at least one close-up and one full-length photo of each girl, but also be creative with shots. For example, have someone look over her shoulder, showing her hair to the camera.
• Let your mom take a group photo. This is the only time she needs to show up!
• If possible, print them out at home or take them to a one-hour photo developer. You’ll want to send pictures home with everyone, and you might even decide to create your magazine from your makeover party.
  

Turning 18 is a huge milestone in any teenagers life. Make her (or his!) birthday special with a swanky club-inspired birthday bash at home! We're talking pumping music, flashy decorations and freedom to dance all night long.

VIP Club-Inspired Party Invitation

When throwing a club-inspired bash, it's the the little details that will make guests feel like they've arrived at the trendiest club in town.

• Use a star-themed rubber stamp to stamp guests' hands as they arrive at the party.
• Have another adult play “paparazzi” all night taking candid photos of the guests and then use your computer to load them to a DVD right away and play the slideshow on a nearby TV screen.
• Pass out "superstar sunglasses" for guests to wear while they dance.

Swanky Club Decor

When it comes to decorations for a club-inspired birthday party, its all about dark, glamourous decor and lots of shimmer and shine.  A disco ball is a must. Hang one from the ceiling and surround it with strands of party lights.  Arrange seating in small clusters (like in nightclubs) around a space that is the designated dance area.  Set up small tables and cover in white tablecloths. Add glittery confetti to the tops. Then, write "RESERVED" on plain placecard holders and place one on each table.

For table centerpieces, fill a clear acrylic ice bucket with glow-in-the dark ice cubes. Then, plop in favorite non- alcoholic beverages like Red Bull, Vitamin Water and sparkling water.  Have glow-in-the dark drink glasses on-hand too.

An 18th birthday does call for a birthday banner. Use a permanent marker to write "18" on several metallic cardboard stars and hang them from the ceiling.  You can also find tons of inspiration from the party photos in celebrity gossip magazines or top fashion magazines.

Five Great Music Ideas

Any great birthday party, club-inspired or not, needs great music!

To help you break away from playing D.J. all night, here are five ways to pump up the music at your party. 

Subscribe to Sirius or XM radio? Play it through your laptop, set it to your favorite station and set up speakers near the party area. 

Join Pandora.com. This cool web site, will play tunes based on your musical taste. Just type in a keyword and go!

Create special party playlists using iTunes.

Know an aspiring D.J.? Negotiate a lower fee and let him wow you with his musical taste.

Throw a Guitar Hero or new DJ Hero-inspired party. The video games will provide all of the music (and fun) you'll need for a rockin' party.

Teen Girl Gift Guide

For the teen girl who's trying to find herself, here are a few ideas that she might enjoy

Under $25

Almost all teenage girls love makeup. If they are at the age where their parents are allowing them to wear it, it's the perfect budget-friendly gift.

Put together a cool makeup kit by purchasing a small train case or makeup bag and adding dark brown eyeliner, mascara, neutral eye shadow and two lip glosses. Throw in a pretty light coral blush you're set.

Under $50

Another thing teenage girls love are manicures and pedicures. Head to a local nail salon and purchase a gift certificate for a fancy manicure and pedicure. It is the perfect gift they can use before a big school dance.

Under $100

If you know the teenager's style, getting her a new birthday outfit is a sure fire way to win her heart. But be completely honest with yourself before buying that new outfit - is it really her style, or is it something you would like to see her wear? There's a big difference, and if you're not sure about walking the fine line, buy her a gift certificate to her favorite store instead. $100 at teen favorites like H&M or Forever21 will go a long way toward building her a stylish wardrobe.

Teen Boy Gift Guide

Under $25

For athletic teenage boys, a great budget-friendly birthday present is a new football, basketball, or soccer ball. Boys play rough and tend to wear out equipment quickly, so they will be grateful for a brand new ball to toss or kick around.

Under $50

If there is one single thing teenage boys love that is in the under $50 price range, it's video games. Before picking one out, ask the parent or teen which games he loves to play and what video game system he has. A new Rock Band instrument, Madden sports game, Halo or Warcraft video game will get more use than just about any other gift you can buy.

Under $100

The brand new Apple iPod shuffle is a microscopically tiny gadget that holds up to 1,000 songs - perfect for the musically inclined teenage boy. Since the shuffle only comes in at $79, you can also include a $15 or $20 gift certificate to the iTunes store with the present, enabling him to download his favorite songs and tunes.

sweet sixteen birthday party planning basics

All birthdays are special, but Sweet 16 is really special. This party might be formal or it might be casual. It might have a 100 guests or 8 guests but it has to be special.

the location

Picking a location is a really important first step.

1. Home – Inside. Mom and Dad will like this idea because it can be less expensive and easier to manage.

2. Home – Outside. Same address but a whole different decorating approach and vibe to the party. This is a great way to go if you are having a less formal party and people will be in and out.  And if you have a pool, how much fun is that? Lots of fun but make sure you have options if the weather doesn’t cooperate.

3. Restaurant/Party Room/Country Club. Your headaches go away. But will you have privacy? Will you have enough time? Does it fit your budget?  A teen dance club is another good idea here if the budget allows.

sweet 16 party themes

Your pick for a sweet 16 party theme should reflect the personality of the birthday boy or girl. Below are links to some pages with everything you need for that particular theme.  Makes planning very easy, thanks to Party411.com! 

Car Crazy -

http://products.party411.com/PlanYourParty/SweetSixteen/CarCrazy/tabid/4708/List/0/CategoryID/3440/Level/a/Default.aspx

Tropical Luau-

http://products.party411.com/PlanYourParty/SweetSixteen/TropicalLuau/tabid/4710/List/0/CategoryID/3442/Level/a/Default.aspx

Fiesta Sweet 16 -

http://products.party411.com/PlanYourParty/SweetSixteen/FiestaSweet16/tabid/4712/List/0/CategoryID/3444/Level/a/Default.aspx

Sweet Sounds of 16 -

http://products.party411.com/PlanYourParty/SweetSixteen/SweetSoundsof16/tabid/4714/List/0/CategoryID/3446/Level/a/Default.aspx

Princess -

http://products.party411.com/PlanYourParty/SweetSixteen/Princess/tabid/4716/List/0/CategoryID/3448/Level/a/Default.aspx

New York -

http://products.party411.com/PlanYourParty/SweetSixteen/NewYork/tabid/4718/List/0/CategoryID/3450/Level/a/Default.aspx

Winter Wonderland -

http://products.party411.com/PlanYourParty/SweetSixteen/WinterWonderland/tabid/4709/List/0/CategoryID/3441/Level/a/Default.aspx

Sports Star -

http://products.party411.com/PlanYourParty/SweetSixteen/SportsStar/tabid/4713/List/0/CategoryID/3445/Level/a/Default.aspx

Hollywood Sweet 16 -

http://products.party411.com/PlanYourParty/SweetSixteen/HollywoodSweet16/tabid/4715/List/0/CategoryID/3447/Level/a/Default.aspx

My Super Sweet 16 -

http://products.party411.com/PlanYourParty/SweetSixteen/MySuperSweet16/tabid/4717/List/0/CategoryID/3449/Level/a/Default.aspx

Sweet Sleepover -

http://products.party411.com/PlanYourParty/SweetSixteen/SweetDreamsSleepover/tabid/4719/List/0/CategoryID/3451/Level/a/Default.aspx

Other suggestions from us at MK South Puget Sound would be a sports or hobby theme specific to the birthday girl or boy - if golf is their thing organize a golf tournament with their friends or hire a local pro to give them a few friends a lesson.  If they like to bowl, rent a few lanes during the Rock and Roll Bowling hours at your local alley - it makes for a fun, inexpensive way to celebrate! If they love swimming, see if the local YMCA has a special rate for birthday parties and host a pool party. If theater is their love get tickets to a local production with a limo ride to and from the theater - they will already feel like a star!  If they love to cook have a cooking-themed party and have a local chef come in and teach them a new recipe or two.  If they are a princess through and through, hire a local spa to come in and give manicures or pedicures to the birthday girl and a few select friends OR if your budget doesn't allow for a spa to come in buy the supplies and have the guests give each other the spa treatments.  The most important thing is to get creative and make sure your birthday girl or boy feels special!

sweet 16 birthday party invitations

Once you have your theme, pick a fun invitation. You can buy invitations that match your theme or personalize your sweet 16 party invitation. Another option is to pick up one at a local store or make your own!  
 
birthday party games & activities

You always have to have some games.  And don't forget about your Sweet 16 Candle Lighting Ceremony!

sweet 16 party favors

All guests should go home with a remembrance of the celebration. Sweet 16 party favors should feature the guest of honor. You can make it simple and go with a wrapped candy bar or a personalized CD.  Or take the time to frame a picture or create a photo album.

Sykart Indoor Racing

17450 West Valley Hwy
Tukwila, WA 98188
TEL: 425-251-5060

www.sykart.com

Sykart Indoor Racing in Tukwila caters to the competitive racer while not diminishing the fun loving, exciting racing atmosphere.  Sykart Indoor Racing Center are ideal settings for birthday parties for your teens.

All birthday parties require at least 6 participants, 10 participants max.

Ages must be 10 and up.

-$45 per student

-Include 1 follow the leader session, and 2- 10 minute open practice sessions.

-Any child involved in a kid’s b-day party will receive a 50% off coupon at the end of the party for future use in any of our driving schools.

-Free use of birthday room.

*All reservation must be made at least 2 weeks in advance.