Happy Birthday Helpers

As mothers, our resourcefulness is never in doubt.

We can breastfeed one child while changing another, remove LEGO from facial orifices, and secretly replace pet fish in the middle of the night. Birthday parties should therefore be a piece of—wait for it—cake.

But they’re not always—blame it on the emotional element if you like. So we like to keep party-planning simple with some smart suggestions that include one-stop-shopping websites, wild balloons and well-appointed invites.

You know that ‘eco-mindedness versus ease of big box store’ shopping dilemma we routinely face when picking up party supplies? It’s over thanks to Green Planet Parties, a BC-based site offering green and sustainable birthday supplies across Canada (and the US). Founded and run by a mom of four, Green Planet Parties offers eco-friendly, handcrafted gifts that are locally produced, biodegradable tableware, reusable decorations, and goodie bags. While prices can be slightly higher than what you’ll pay for options made overseas, the environmental costs will be remarkably lower.

Let them eat cake—or cake pops. We’ll allow a little sugar rush just before we send them home to their parents. For something new (to you, or your guests) SweetieKins cake pops combine two of kids’ favourite sweets—cakes and lollipops. Available in different shapes and dipped in white, dark or milk chocolate, SweetieKins can also make mini-sized versions for your sweetie and party guests.

Swore off the dollar store loot bags, but find yourself swearing at that rash decision? Good loot bag ideas, and the cute, printed reusable lunch bag they come in, can be found here in TO via Funny Green Bag. Best suited for kids four and up, each bag also contains an eco-tip to encourage kids to think more about the environment and their impact on it.

For invites that have the individual touch, a personalized postcard from the two moms at LadyBugs Creative might be more fun than your standard invites. Create your own design, or use one of their suggested options and send out an invite showcasing the guest of honour. If you feel like staying on theme, coordinating thank-you cards and/or gift tags for loot bags can also be ordered on site.

For kids four and up (or the hard-to-impress older types), the remote-control Air Swimmer balloon available in Toronto from blowit.ca will be a scream (literally). Check them out in action here—their impact will show you all you need to know about this latest craze in birthday ballooning. Although pricier than your typical handful of helium balloons, Air Swimmer balloons can be reused again and again (just be careful with the material) and can be filled up with helium at any party supply or dollar store.

See? Birthday party planning can be a piece of cake. Tested by Alison R., Toronto