| (NC)-Birthdays rank as the most important date of | | | | The absolute easiest way to throw a birthday party |
| the year for many young children. Besides the cake | | | | for your child is to do it at a venue that will either |
| and the presents, it's a day when families | | | | plan the party for you or at least include all the |
| communicate that a child is special and loved. | | | | required elements. For example, little girls who love |
| For a parent, this can mean a whole lot of pressure | | | | Barbie are all going to want a Barbie Birthday Popcorn |
| and money. Statistics Canada hasn't yet studied the | | | | Party for their next birthday. Available at Famous |
| birthday party economy, but with 5.5 million kids 13 | | | | Players theatres across the country, the Barbie |
| and under...that can add up to some serious dollars | | | | Birthday Popcorn Party is a full birthday package with |
| and serious stress in planning. | | | | a Barbie twist. The birthday girl receives |
| Across Canada, time-starved parents may find it | | | | Barbie-themed invitations to send out to her friends, |
| extremely difficult to fit birthday party planning into | | | | and the large party includes Barbie decorations, Barbie |
| their busy lives, especially when they want it to be a | | | | loot bags, and a personalized Barbie cake. |
| memorable party for their child. But there are quick | | | | "We've worked with Famous Players to create three |
| and easy ways to plan parties that will leave parents | | | | totally Barbie-themed birthday packages that no |
| with the energy to actually enjoy the party, and | | | | Barbie fan can resist," says Erica Van Kamp, |
| more importantly, won't have them dreading next | | | | Marketing Manager, Girls Brands, Mattel Canada Inc. |
| year's bash. | | | | "These parties are not only great for the girls, but |
| The most important thing to remember is that you | | | | also for the parents - a Popcorn Party coordinator |
| don't need ponies and jugglers to create memories | | | | does all the planning for you, and is even on hand to |
| for your child. Instead, focus on simple ideas and take | | | | help out during the party. For more information call |
| advantage of your child's active imagination by letting | | | | 1-888-3-FAMOUS." |
| them help with theme and activity ideas. | | | | Other venues also offer inexpensive birthday party |
| According to theme parties are wonderful because | | | | packages. Check out your local zoo, favourite family |
| they set the stage for the gifts, activities and party | | | | restaurant, bowling alley, community pool, or skating |
| favours, and best of all, they take much of the | | | | rink. |
| guess work out of the most important step of a | | | | If you are going to plan the party at home, it still |
| party...proper planning. Other tips include: | | | | doesn't have to be a stressful task. Just get creative |
| 1. Think about how old your child is turning because | | | | and use the internet for some great theme ideas like |
| each age has different interests | | | | Hot Wheels, princess, Barney, and Blue's Clues. |
| 2. Grab a notebook and sit down with your child (if | | | | Whether you choose to have a party at home or at |
| they are over the infant/toddler age) and discuss | | | | a venue such as Famous Players, just remember that |
| with them what type of party they have in mind. | | | | the best part of any birthday party is that you are |
| 3. Create a list of people to invite (four to six children | | | | creating memories for your birthday girl or boy that |
| for ages one to three, ten to twelve children for | | | | will last a lifetime. Don't forget your camera! |
| ages four to 12). | | | | |