LilSugar

Lil Tip: Lisa Kothari

babysugar — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 04:00:17 PST

Following up on Lisa's great holidays tips from yesterday, we are sharing her ideas on how to celebrate kids' birthdays that fall right in the midst of the holiday season.

Kids don't always want a holiday themed party, and they most definitely do not want to get a birthday/holiday gift all in one. Birthday = present and holiday = present. Not birthday+holiday = present. She has some fantastic ideas on how you can make holiday birthdays unique celebrations.

Themes you could try:

Have a faux-summer beach party, indoors of course.
Have the kids bring a summer change of clothes to change into when they arrive. The guests will find the mixed-up seasons loads of fun.
Throw an around-the-world party and focus on those countries in the southern hemisphere that are actually in the middle of their summer. It will be a great party, and educational, too!
Think about your kid's interests and do a party completely around a favorite character, book, or hobby. Something not at all related to the holidays, like a Harry Potter party. This has nothing to do with the holidays and will be an excellent party theme.

Lisa says,

Although the holidays are always so stressful and busy . . . planning ahead of time for a birthday party completely unrelated to a holiday theme will be quite manageable, especially if you take it to an outside party venue. You may not be able to do it every year, but the one or two times you throw such a unique party at the height of the holiday party season will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you Lisa for all of your wonderful input. Happy parties lie ahead!
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Lil Tip: Lisa Kothari

babysugar — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 13:30:17 PST

Yesterday we told you about Lisa Kothari, the founder of Peppers and Pollywogs. She kindly gave us some great holiday ideas that we are happy to share with you.

When you head out for holiday parties and leave your lil ones with the sitter, there are some fun ways to keep them entertained and in the holiday spirit.

Purchase a minitree with some small ornaments and have the kids decorate the small tree.
Make shaving-cream snowmen - Place newspaper down on a table. Spray shaving cream all over the entire table for the kids to make their very own snowmen. This is really easy to do and easy to clean up. . . . and the kids will love the mess!
Make jingle-bell necklaces – Have bright colored jingles placed in bowls on a table, and also have varying lengths of satin ribbon cut off so the kids can string the bells into necklaces, bracelets, even a ring.
Read the tale of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas ($14) – a favorite this time of year! And then have a contest: Who can undecorate the minitree the quickest! Just like the Grinch!

Come back tomorrow for Lisa's ideas on how to make December birthdays special for your tot.

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Kiddie Soiree: Peppers and Pollywogs

babysugar — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:00:00 PST

Have a birthday shin dig or holiday party at school coming up? Instead of racking your brain and asking your mother's group for advice, look to Peppers and Pollywogs for everything you need. From cake ideas to a ditty for the party invitation, Peppers and Pollywogs can provide it all. Lisa Kothari and Shiv Chandrasekaran launched a website dedicated to planning your kid's party.

Lisa has been at it for ten years and Shiv joined her two years ago. The two have planned parties from coast to coast at every price range. As stated on the back of her book, Lisa believes that no matter the budget or the amount of time a parent has, a great kid's party can be planned.

The site provides party ideas, decoration tips, entertainer and venue contacts in various cities, invitations, rhyme services, and chatrooms for parents to discuss all the above. What else do you need?

More recently, Lisa wrote a book ($10) based on the site, which directs parents through the party planning process. It's a great reference to have in your back pocket when that birthday starts to creep around the bend. Come back tomorrow for holiday tips from Lisa!