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History of Birthday Parties and Gifts
The tradition of birthday parties started a long, long time ago somewhere in Europe.  People thought that on a person's birthday evil spirits were attracted to them.  In order to protect them from harm, family members and friends brought with them good thoughts and wishes.  Bringing gifts and being together helped to  take away the evil spirits.

Modern Birth Stones
January - Garnet
February - Amethyst
March - Aquamarine
April - Diamond
May -Emerald
June - Pearl
July - Ruby
August - Peridot
September - Sapphire
October - Opal
November - Yellow Topaz
December - Blue Topaz, Turquoise

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Children's Birthday Party Planning
Birthday Parties
Favorite Birthday Cake Recipes
Favorite Birthday Punch Recipes


Children's Birthday Party Planning - When and When Not to Have a Big Party

Age 1: Invite only family members and close friends only because this birthday is
more for the parents than for the child. At age 1, a child doesn't understand the concept of "Birthday Party." He or she is getting a lot of attention---which is all a 1-year-old wants or understands anyway. You should not go overboard on presents because too much could scare or confuse a child. You should consider getting specialty items such as a plate that says "First Birthday," a 1-year-old candle, and possible a table cover that everyone could sign with fabric paint to have as keepsakes that can someday be shown (or given to) to your grown child.

Age 2: 2-years-olds should have one or two playmates over for a small Birthday Play Day. Again I suggest you keep a birthday plate and other keepsakes for your 2-year-old.

Age 3: 3-year-olds should have three to four playmates over, and at this age you
might have try a birthday game such as "Who can stack the blocks the highest?" I do not recommend having a clown or playing any games that require a blindfold over a child's eyes such key due to the fact either can scare children at this age. Remember your child has just turned 3, and the playmates are around that age. They are still not able to understand fully structured games very well. They only know if they do something good or better than other children, everyone will give them attention. Again I suggest you collect keepsakes.

Age 4: At 4, children should now be ready for a "real" party. I suggest four or five playmates. 4-year-olds are ready now for party decorations, but I suggest you do less and save your money for the big number "5" birthday (or buy decorations that you can put away and use again). Games such as Musical Chairs, and carrying a hard boiled egg on a spoon to the finish line without dropping it relay race can be appropriate, but remember that games will be played and finished much sooner than you think. Consider having a few of your child's favorite videos on hand. Even if the kids have seen them 100 times, they will enjoy them. After an hour or so, you will probably need a break and the children might be cranky. A movie they are all spellbound by will be a great way to relax the kids and you. You might want to consider spreading a couple of blankets on the floor and have some pillows handy for sleepyheads!

Age 5: 5-year-olds should have a big party, but remind them that this is because they are the big "5," and either starting school or just in school, and having a "big" party will not happen every year. Explain to them that big parties are only for special birthdays such as 5 because they have started or are starting school, 10 because that is the first double-digit number, and of course 16 ("Sweet 16" for girls and "Driving Age" for boys). This will save you money in the long run. On the fifth birthday, I suggest you first decide if you want to do it yourself, rent a building or park area but still do it yourself, or call local businesses (like McDonalds) to see what party-planning packages they offer. I personally suggest renting a park area if weather permits because the kids will be just as happy playing on park equipment as they would if you spent a ton of money on a professionally planned party. Have several inexpensive disposable cameras on hand and let your Birthday Boy or Girl take pictures of his or her first "big" party!

Great games for 5-year-olds whether inside or outside are:
1.    Hitting a Piñata that is full of candy.
2.    Relay races, which can be held in a garage, carport, or park.
3.    Water balloon fights if weather permits
      (and you have advised the parents that the children are likely to get wet).
4.    Dancing to music and "freezing" when the music is stopped to see who looks the silliest
      (this is a great game and everyone should win a party favor).
5.    Pin the tail on the donkey (consider a game that uses Velcro instead of pins).

You can also do face painting and movie time. As with the 4-year-olds, you
need to over plan for games and activities and a movie is a great back up (or a much-needed rest time). Another helpful hint is to take enough large plastic trash bags to cover your kitchen floor and lightly throw all colors of paint on them. Allow for adequate drying time before the party. Then you can use these bags to cover your kitchen floor before cake time to catch cake droppings and milk or soda spills (which WILL happen).

Ages 6-9:Birthdays can be simple overnight parties ("slumber parties" for girls and "all nighters" for boys) filled with popcorn, junk food, movies, and video games. As long as you let the kids stay up all night and sleep in half the next day, this type of party can still be "cool"---what kid doesn't love the idea of staying up all night (even if they don't make it all night). If it is summer time, think about letting them sleep outside in a tent or on a screened-in porch (just be sure to let the parents know exactly where their children will be sleeping and you should plan to check in on them a few times during the night).

Age 10: This should be done about the same as age 5 in terms of it being a "special
age" (and reminding your child that "big parties" like this will not be done every year. Ten is a good age to consider renting a facility such as:

1.    Pool parties: most local pools offer after-hour times when you can
       rent the pool for birthday parties.
2.    Roller- or ice-skating parties.
3.    Local arcades or pizza parlors often have special birthday packages.
4.    A day at the Zoo for your child and their friends.

Hint: To save money, check with the place where you plan to hold the party to see if you
can decorate, bring in the cake, and other party favors instead of buying the
supplies from them.

Ages 11-15 do the same as ages 6-9 with a simple overnight party.

At 16, if they even agree to let you have a "party," then consider yourself lucky. If they do, then you need to let the teenager decide what kind of party it should be. Remember kids at that age are very "into" who is popular and who is not. Don't push your child into inviting everyone you might think they should (because they might be afraid of being made fun of for having a party at home with their parents.) They know who to they can invite and who they can't without fear of peer pressure. My best suggestion for this age is either a pizza party at home or at a pizza parlor or a pool party, depending on the teenager's interest.

Any party that you give should be "Fun" for your child. Expect that your only reward will be the memories you create for yourself. If you happen to get a hug and a kiss from a very happy child at the end of the day, then it will be a bonus to remember!

Written by
Kimberly Hargis
Birthdays @ Mom's Break at http://birthdays.momsbreak.com for free printable invitations and more.
© Copyright 2001 All rights reserved.

Birthday Games

Pop the Balloon! 
Before the party, blow up enough large-sized balloons so that there will be one per child. Do not blow up the balloons completely, leave them a little “soft.” When it is time to play the game, explain to the children that they are going to have a race to see who can pop their balloon first by just sitting on it. Make sure they understand that they can’t bounce up and down on the balloon, or stand up all the way and sit down again, they just have to sit on it, and sit hard. You might even have the Birthday Boy or Girl demonstrate the rules. Then have the children sit on the floor and give each of them a balloon. When you say “Go!” have the children see who can pop their balloon first. The first one to pop the balloon wins a party prize. 

Balloon Hunt
Before the party, blow up a number of balloons half way so that they are small and not likely to pop easily. You might want to blow up three times the number of children expected to attend (that is, if you invite 10 children, then blow up 30 balloons). Then hide the balloons (like you would Easter eggs). When it is time to play games, have the children hunt for the balloons (give them grocery bags to collect the balloons). The one who finds the most wins a party prize. You can also play the game by hiding small toys or party favors, or candy. If you hide candy, be sure to make notes for yourself about all the hiding places and check after the party to make sure all the candy has been “found.”

Bubble Catch
Blow bubbles and have the children try to catch them without bursting the bubbles. The first child to catch a bubble and return it to you without busting their bubble wins. You might want to have plenty of party favors so that each child can “win” at this game! 

Balloon Relay Race
Have the children break up into two equal groups. If you have an unequal number of children, have the Birthday Boy or Girl sit the game out. (For a young child, you might want to explain this to him/her before the party so that there won’t be any tears during the party!) Set a starting line and turn-around point for the race. Give each group a balloon. Children are to carry the balloon between their knees down to the turn-around point and back to the starting line where the child passes the balloon to the next team member. The first team to finish wins. Game works best if balloons are not fully blown up. Have extra balloons on hand in case someone breaks the balloon. For very young children, you might change the game so that they are simply carrying the balloon, since short little legs might not be able to toddle along with a squishy balloon between their knees! 

Most of these party games call for balloons. You might want to purchase a one-time use balloon-inflating tank.  

Written by Kimberly Hargis
Visit Birthdays @ Mom's Break at http://birthdays.momsbreak.com for free printable invitations, iron-ons transfers, games and more. © Copyright 2001 All rights reserved. 

Birthday Cake Recipes

Chocolate Birthday Cake
1 (4 oz.) pkg. sweet cooking chocolate
1/2 c. boiling water
2 c. granulated sugar
2-1/2 c. cake flour, sifted
1 c. buttermilk
1 c. butter
4 eggs, separated
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. vanilla

Melt chocolate in the boiling water. Cool. Cream the butter and add the sugar and cream until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating after each additional egg. Add the vanilla and melted chocolate and mix until well blended. Sift the flour with the soda and salt. Add the sifted dry ingredients alternately with the buttermilk to the butter mixture beating after each addition until the batter is smooth. Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites and pour the batter into 9 inch greased layer pans lined on the bottom with waxed paper. Bake 35 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees.

Chocolate Chip Birthday Cake
1 box yellow cake mix
1 box instant vanilla pudding
1 c. water
1/2 c. vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
6 oz. chocolate chips
1 bar chocolate bar, grated

Could use cake mix with pudding in it. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour cake mix and pudding into a bowl. Add water, oil and eggs; beat for 5 minutes. Fold in vanilla and chocolate chips. 5. Fold in chocolate bar. 6. Grease a 13"x9"x2" pan. 7. Pour cake into pan. 7. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 50 minutes. Cool when done. Sprinkle with 10X sugar. A favorite way to serve for parties for kids is to place batter (1 tablespoonful) into a custard cup ice cream cone. Place in muffin tins and bake 15 minutes.

Birthday Cake Icing
2 lb. bag confectioners' sugar
1/2 c. warm water
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. vanilla extract
3/4 c. Crisco shortening

Sift sugar in large bowl. Add salt, shortening, vanilla and small amount of water. Beat on high, adding more water as you beat. Continue beating for 7 to 10 minutes. If icing appears too stiff, add a small amount of water and continue beating. This icing freezes very well, if any is left over

Strawberry Birthday Cake
1 box white cake mix
2 tbsp. flour
1 (3 oz.) pkg. strawberry Jell-O
1/2 sm. pkg. frozen strawberries,
thawed
1 c. salad oil
4 eggs
1/2 c. cold water

FROSTING
2 tbsp. butter
2 or 3 tbsp. strawberry liquid
1 c. powdered sugar

Mix cake mix, flour and Jell-O. Add oil. Beat in eggs. Add water and strawberries. Mix well. Bake in two loaf pans greased and floured, or one greased pan, 13 x 9 inches for 40 to 50 minutes in 350 degree oven. For frosting: melt butter, add strawberry liquid. Mix in powdered sugar until spreading consistency.

Birthday Pound Cake
2 sticks margarine
2 c. sugar
4 eggs
2 c. flour
2/3 c. Carnation evaporated milk
2/3 tsp. lemon
Pinch salt

Cream margarine and sugar in large bowl. Add next three ingredients a little at a time. Beat cake mixture until grainy sugar taste is gone. Pour into tube pan and bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees. Ice as desired when warm.

Birthday Pudding Cake
1 Duncan Hines chocolate fudge cake mix
3 eggs
1/3 c. oil
1 pkg. instant chocolate pudding

Mix together and bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.

Sponge Birthday Cake
6 egg yolks
1-1/2 c. sugar
1-1/2 c. cake flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 c. cold water
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. lemon extract
1 tsp. grated lemon peel
6 egg whites
1/2 tsp. cream of tartar
Sweetened fresh fruit or thawed
frozen fruit
Whipped cream (sweetened)

Heat oven to 325 degrees. In small bowl beat egg yolks until thick and lemon colored, 5 minutes. Pour yolks into large bowl; gradually beat in sugar. On low speed mix in flour, baking powder and salt alternately with water, flavoring and lemon peel. In another large bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff. Gradually fold egg yolk mixture into egg whites. Pour into ungreased tube pan, 10"x4". Bake 60 minutes or until dry. Invert pan until cake is cool. Remove cake. Slice cake into three layers. Spoon layers with custard or pudding and sweetened fresh fruit or thawed frozen fruit. Ice with sweetened whipped cream.

Favorite Birthday Cake
1 white cake mix
1 lg. vanilla pudding (instant)
1 (8 oz.) cream cheese, soft
1 lg. can crushed pineapple, drained
1 1/2 c. milk
3 sliced bananas
1 lg. Cool Whip
1 jar maraschino cherries

Mix cake and cook on cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Beat pudding, cream cheese and milk until thick. Spread on cool cake. Sprinkle on pineapple, then sliced bananas. Cover with Cool Whip. Top with cherries.

Old Fashioned Birthday Cake
2 c. all purpose flour
1-1/2 c. sugar
3-1/2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 c. butter
1 c. milk
1 tsp. almond extract
3 eggs

Soften butter (can use margarine, but butter is delicious). Mix in sugar, add eggs, almond extract, then dry ingredients alternating with milk. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. Grease and flour 8 or 9 inch round pans (x 2) or 13 x 9 x 2 inch pan.

Birthday Punch Recipes

Easy Birthday Punch
1 lg. can sweet pineapple juice
1 pkg. strawberry Kool Aid
1 c. sugar

Combine all ingredients in a 1-gallon container. Place in freezer and let ice crystals form in punch. No ice is needed for punch.

Sherbet Punch Recipes
1 pt. rainbow sherbet
2 liter 7-Up
1 sm. frozen orange juice
1 sm. frozen lemon juice
1 can fruit juice, any flavor
1 jar cherries

Mix all of the ingredients in a large punch bowl, adding sherbet last. Put cherry in each cup. Pour and enjoy.

Birthday Punch
1 pkg. Kool-Aid, color wanted
1 (6 oz.) can frozen lemonade
1 (6 oz.) can frozen orange juice
1 (6 oz.) can frozen pineapple juice
15-20 oz. ginger ale

Mix Kool-Aid as directed, but use only 1/2 cup sugar. Add other ingredients. Add water to make 1 gallon.

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