Birthdays

My 10 favorite birthday party concepts, whether you host them at a venue or at home!

A few ideas to get the conversation started.

After hosting nearly 20 kids’ birthday parties and attending countless more, I’ve learned a thing or two.

It's my go-to present for the 1st birthday, because I know it'll keep their interest long after that!

I'm definitely keeping this one in mind.

Giant outdoor unicorn bowling, anyone?

It's always a hit.

Avoid the pre-party gift scramble.

Since you’re so amazing at gifts: can you suggest a gift that will truly delight a 7-year-old who doesn’t like much more than video games?DonDear Don,Great challenge! Let’s see what we can do. Before I start I’ll also say, no matter what you think of my response, don’t give up!

This piece was created for Cubby, our weekly newsletter for families at home. Want more? Sign up here for a weekly splash of fun and good ideas for families with kids. Join us over on Instagram for more! Birthdays are endlessly magical for children (and teens, even). Before my daughter recently turned 3, we made a paper-chain countdown so she could visually see how many days were left until her birthday. The paper chain managed to cut the “How long until my birthday?

This piece was created for Cubby, our weekly newsletter for families at home. Want more? Sign up here for a weekly splash of fun and good ideas for families with kids. Join us over on Instagram for more! Another birthday means another party theme, and *cue deep thought* — figuring out how to entertain a bunch of kids! Even if the theme is as specific as “Doll and Donut Dance” of all things, do not panic — I got you.

My Nick is about to turn 9 years old! He’s very artistic and creative. What’s a unique present that only you would know about? NellDear Nell,You’ve come to the right place because, as you may know, I love to find weird and interesting things to give away and delight people (AND it also makes for a very easy column this week :)).

Staring down a pandemic summer without a single playdate or vacation, our youngest started clinging to the one thing she could look forward to — her August birthday. She was so excited to turn 4, we had to start a countdown calendar a month and a half out, marking off each of the 48 days until the big day. So the pressure was on to think of a safe celebration that would live up to all that pent-up anticipation. Our parameters: no guests from outside the household, and no leaving home.