Kids’ parties no longer child’s play
Planning kids’ birthday parties in the Pinterest age is anything but child’s play.
To assist wary, and weary, parents managing expectations and Frozen-theme fatigue, New Zealand’s first Kids’ Birthday Party Expo is on in Palmerston North for two days next week.
It intends to showcase creative and contemporary easy-toorganise ideas for celebrating children’s birthdays and making them memorable.
It was the brainchild of Palmerston North woman Emma Anderson, after one of those ‘wouldn’t it be good if there was...’ moments.
‘‘When I became a mum I realised how time-consuming it was looking for party ideas, and how the costs of those parties add up.’’
Anderson has two boys, Roman, 5, and Vincent, 4.
‘‘I’ve always loved creating unique parties for my kids. I have as much fun during the planning process as [they] have on the day.’’
She sat on her idea for a few months, sharing it around a few friends.
‘‘I now know that there are plenty of mums just like me - and it’s difficult for busy parents to find all the options in one place.’’
She used her event organising background to bring together a selection of local and national suppliers providing a wide range of products and services.
Christchurch blogger Gerardine Baxter, from My Kids Party, will be running four free half-hour workshops daily, covering party games, food options, DIY decorations, and recreating trending parties on a budget.
The Kids’ Birthday Expo is being held at the Palmerston North Conference and Function Centre, 10am to 4pm, Friday and Saturday, July 21 and 22.