The Kid's Birthday Fun Review

Wilton’s New Cupcake Kits~ Jungle Pal Cupcake Wraps n Pix

Linette — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 19:20:01 +0000

Have you seen the new line of Wilton Cupcake Kits? They have several new product lines, but the cupcake kits are my favorites! Check out what’s included in the Wilton Jungle Pals Cupcake Wraps’n Pix, you get 12 of each of these:

Cute huh? And super simple to assemble for a party. The kids would have a blast helping you put them together. Check this out:

You can check out more of Wilton’s Jungle Pal’s here:
Jungle Pals Collection
Or check out more of our Jungle Party ideas:

End Of Summer Flip Flop Party Craft, Cake and Cupcakes!

Linette — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 19:17:12 +0000

Summer is coming to an end, but it’s not too late to get in a last minute summer celebration or pool party. Here are a couple flip flop or pool party craft, cupcake and cake ideas I created for AmazingMoms (and one I posted here earlier this spring) for your end of the summer parties.

Flip flops are always a fun theme for a girls party, even for a luau theme party in the middle of winter. Here’s a fun and easy craft the girls can do for a sleepover. It’s a great craft to get everyone settled in and chatting for the night.

They can decorate their own flip flops, here are the instructions: Flip Flop Craft

Here’s a flip flop cake idea to go with the flip flop craft. This cake isn’t hard to make at all, you just need an oval or rectangle cake to cut the flip flop shape out of.

Here are the complete instructions: How to Make a Flip Flop Cake

If you’re looking for something simpler, here’s an idea for Flip Flop cupcakes I posted here at Kid’s Fun earlier this summer.

Here are the complete instructions: Flip Flop Cupcakes

Who doesn’t love flip flops?

More flip flop party ideas and supplies:

5 Fun Baseball Cupcake Ideas

Linette — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 21:54:05 +0000

My son is a big baseball fan. During the season I think he lives and breathes baseball. It was even the theme of one of his birthday parties a couple years ago. I made baseball cupcakes with the Wilton mini ball pan, I wrote them up here:
Baseball Cupcakes

I looked through quite a few cupcake photos before I decided to make the ball shaped cupcakes above, so I wanted to share 4 more fun baseball cupcakes for your birthday party, or end of the season baseball party.

Grand Slam Cupcakes from Martha Stewart
Catch a Baseball Cupcakes at BHG
Baseball Cupcakes by Lord Ash Photography on Flickr
Little League Baseball Cupcakes at Grin and Bake It~ These are adorable!

I love the idea of setting these up on a table with one or two cupcakes in a ball glove, and maybe laying a bat in the middle of the display, along with a baseball hat.

Hmmm, I might have to work out some ideas for a baseball hat cupcake….

Last Airbender Party Ideas

Linette — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 02:11:56 +0000

It was a rainy day here today, so we headed out to check out The Last Airbender at the theater. I have to say, it was a very good movie. My son’s been begging to see it since last week when it premiered, and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to check it out.

I did write down a few party ideas while I was watching, and I’ve also been checking out some other websites for party ideas and supplies, so I’ll share some of my favorites.

The main theme of Last Airbender is the struggle between fire and the other elements, earth, air, and water. Decorate your party to include these elements, since there are no official party supplies for Airbender. One of my favorite places to get kid’s party supplies is Birthday Express . Check out some of their solid color party supplies to go with your Airbender party, some colors that would work well include:

Orange Deluxe Pack for 24 to represent the fire nation.

Royal Blue Deluxe Pack for 24 to represent the water nation.

Divide the children into teams, if you have several children divide them into 4 teams representing the fire, water, air, and Earth nations. If you only have a few children divide them into two teams, of fire and water since these are the two main groups in the Last Airbender movie.

You can also plan a scavenger hunt to have the kids find elements from each of the groups.

For food ideas plan a fire to roast marshmallows or make s’mores if you have a couple adults to supervise and keep an eye on the fire.

Here are a few more Last Airbender party ideas and resources:

Avatar the Last Airbender coloring pages at Cartoon Jr.
A cool idea for Last Airbender cupcakes at HomeschoolYear.
Airbender party supplies are hard to find but there are some on eBay, click here to check out what’s available Airbender party supplies
Get more ideas for your party at The Last Airbender official movie website.

Image via Last Airbender Movie

Summer Bridges Workbook Winner

Linette — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:12:15 +0000

A couple weeks ago I posted a contest for a Summer Bridges Workbook, today I have the winner for that contest!

Congratulations to Stephanie who said:
My daughter is turning one years old this summer (this month) and she is at the stage of exploring the world around her. The major things we are working on is drinking out of a cup, singing silly songs for language development, learning her body by singing body parts while pointing or silly dancing and pictures with ABC’s (young pre school type atmosphere at home as she is home schooled).

Thank you Summer Bridge Activities for sponsoring this contest!

Watch for more contests coming soon!

Twilight Eclipse Team Edward Team Jacob Cupcakes

Linette — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:36:28 +0000

Twilight Eclipse is premiering in theaters tonight! I’m a Twilight fan, so I can’t wait to check out Eclipse on the big screen! To celebrate I thought I’d share some Team Edward-Team Jacob cupcakes with you that I made for Amazingmoms.com.

You can find the complete instructions for making the cupcakes here: Team Edward Team Jacob Cupcakes

They’re not difficult to make!

Are you a Team Edward, or Team Jacob fan? I have to admit I’m totally a team Jacob fan. From the beginning of the first book I was rooting for Jacob. My sister’s a team Edward fan, so we have some fun discussions about it!

If you’re looking for more Twilight Eclipse party ideas, or party supplies, check out these links:

Bella’s Twilight New Moon Birthday Cake

Twilight Eclipse Party Supplies

Twilight Eclipse Party Ideas

Fun 4th Of July Cake and Cupcake Ideas

Linette — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:58:50 +0000

I made a couple 4th of July cakes and cupcakes for AmazingMoms, and for some of my other blogs. They’re fun ideas you can make with your kids, or for your 4th of July party or cookout. I thought I’d share them here too so they’re all in one place!

First up here’s a 4th of July Cupcake Flag Recipe made with mini cupcakes. This was super easy to make! You just swirl the cupcakes with icing, and add some stars.
Here’s another version I made a few years ago with strawberries and blueberries:

4th of July Cupcake Flag With Berries

Here’s a fun idea I wrote up for AmazingMoms for a 4th of July cake, Uncle Sam’s Hat in 3D. This cake is really easy to make, it just requires one decorating tip, and two different sizes of round cake pans. It does take some time to decorate, but it’s not hard to do. Here are the complete instructions: Uncle Sam’s Hat Cake Recipe

I’d love to hear about it if you make any of these for your 4th of July party or celebration!

Summer Water Games For Kids~ Duck Duck Splash

Linette — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:46:47 +0000

Here’s a new summer water twist for you on a fun classic game. It’s been really hot here the last week or so, and my son (like most kids) loves to cool off by getting wet. He went to a fun day camp that was all about water, and they played a really fun version of Duck Duck Goose.

This is an updated summer game version, with water involved! The next time you have a yard full of kids show them this fun, wet version of Duck Duck Goose, only I call it Duck Duck Splash.

Duck Duck Splash is a fun way for the kids to get a little wet, and cool off at the same time. It’s a great game for summer birthdays, backyard family gatherings, or a fun game for all the neighborhood kids to play on a hot afternoon.

The kids sit in a circle just like they do when they play Duck Duck Goose. Give the child who is IT a water balloon, or a cup of water. Have them walk around saying duck, duck, duck, and either tapping the person on their head or splashing a little water on their head as they walk by.

When they’re behind the person they want to tag they yell SPLASH, at the same time they dump the rest of their water on that persons head, or drop their water balloon on their head or back. Then the person chases them around the outside of the circle to see if they can beat them back to their spot, just like the original Duck Duck Goose.

If they catch them, the child is it again, and they pick a new victim to “splash.” If they don’t catch them, then the new person is “it” and finds their own victim to SPLASH.

It’s a fun game, and it definitely cools things off on a warm day.

Have fun!

Toy Story 3 Party Food and Craft Ideas

Linette — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 21:05:37 +0000

I have some fun Toy Story 3 party food and crafts to share with you today, courtesy of Disney’s Family! I’ve had an idea for Toy Story Alien cupcakes floating around in my head for a couple days now, then I saw these adorable green alien cupcakes! I might still have to make my idea, but these are pretty cool too!

If you’re looking for more Toy Story 3 party food ideas, check out these, Jessie Cowgirl Hat Cookies. How fun!

For a Toy Story party craft idea why not make some Buzz Lightyear Rocket Globes?

Disney’s Family also has this Toy Story 3 printable Woody Marionette puppet. The kids could each make one, then have their own puppet show.

Looking for more Toy Story 3 party ideas and fun? Check out these links:

Twilight Eclipse Party Supplies and Ideas

Linette — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 15:30:24 +0000

The new Twilight Eclipse party supplies are here! If you’re planning an Eclipse premiere or birthday party check these out, they feature Bella, Edward, and Jacob.

You can check out all the details in the kit here:
The Twilight Saga: Eclipse Deluxe Party Kit

More Eclipse Party Ideas:

Bella’s birthday cake
Twilight Eclipse Party Invitations, Cake Ideas
The tension between Jacob and Edward heats up in Eclipse, so divide your party guests into two teams Team Jacob and Team Edward for some fun and games. See which team comes out on top!
Plan a Twilight scavenger hunt and hide items from the Twilight story around the house or yard, see which team can find the most items.
Let the kids make their own Twilight inspired jewelry. You can let them make their own team Jacob or Edward bracelet, or use red and black beads to make a Bella inspired necklace. Use modeling clay to let them shape their own wolf, chess, baseball, or apple shaped beads to add to their creations.

Still more Twilight party ideas.

New Playmobil Dragon Castle and Dungeon Sets

Linette — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 14:16:55 +0000

Playmobil released a couple fun new sets in April 2010. My son was always a dragon/ knight fan when he was younger, sot their two new castle sets caught my eye. These two sets would be great fun for dragon and knight fans. They offer tons of possibilities for active little imaginations.

Fist up the kids can help defend the Great Dragon Castle from attack. The set includes four figures dressed in armor, a red dragon, a working ballista, and many other accessories.

The Great Dragon Castle comes with a beacon that lights and the dungeon can be opened. Also comes with a Red Dragon Badge for the child to wear. This set is not for children under 3 since it does have some small parts, the recommended age is for five and up. You can order the Playmobil Great Dragon Castle at Amazon and it’s available at many major retailers.

The Great Dragon Castle is also compatible with the Dragon’s Dungeon. The Dungeon set includes three figures, green dragon, working ballista, and many other accessories.

The Dragon’s Dungeon has a gate that opens and a working light. The set also comes with a Green Dragon Badge for kids to wear. This set is also recommended for children 5 and up.

You can order the Playmobil Dragon’s Dungeon from Amazon and it is also available at most major retailers.

I’m sure these will appear on many toy wish lists this Christmas! I’ll be back with more Playmobil new releases!

Karate Kid Party Supplies and Ideas

Linette — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 02:38:12 +0000

Are you planning a Karate Kid party to celebrate the new movie? My son’s first day out of school was last Friday so we headed out to check out the movie.

We both really enjoyed the movie. I wasn’t sure how good it would be, but I was pleasantly surprised. I would definitely recommend it for older kids. There might be a little too much violence for the young ones.

A karate or martial arts party would be a fun theme for tween age children.

I put together some Karate Kid party supplies and ideas for another page I was making, but I thought I’d share a few of them here too.

There aren’t any party supplies created for the Karate Kid movie, but this Martial Arts Party Pack would be perfect for a Karate Kid party! Add in some red and black streamers and balloons and you’ve got the atmosphere set for fun!

eBay has some fun karate party invitations including personalized invitations, and VIP passes.

If you’re looking for game ideas, have the kids break into teams, give each team a jacket, have each member put on the jacket, take it off, and hang it up, then pass it on to the next kid on the team. This is one of the activities the Karate Kid does in the movie when he starts training, and it’s a fun activity for a team relay.

More Karate Kid Party Ideas

Sand Bucket Cupcake Wraps

Linette — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 20:58:30 +0000

If you’re heading for the beach this summer, or if your planning a beach theme birthday party, here’s a fun easy idea for a sand bucket cupcake wrap. I made the wrap with card stock, and the shovel handle with gum paste, but you could easily cut the shovel handle out of card stock too, and glue it to the toothpick.

Sand Bucket Cupcake Wrap Instructions:

Materials:

Card stock in your choice of color
Gum paste
Food color (to color the gum paste)
Toothpick
Icing
Graham crackers (one square per cupcake)
Cupcakes made from your favorite recipe or mix

Instructions:

1. A day or two before you want to make the cupcakes, shape shovel handles out of gum paste, once the handle is shaped, insert a toothpick into the end of the handle to help support it in the cupcake (see photo). Set the handles aside to dry for several hours or a day.

2. Crush the graham crackers and set them aside. You’ll need one graham cracker square per cupcake.

3. Ice the cupcake, then sprinkle the top with the crushed graham crackers to make it look like sand, and set the cupcakes aside.

4. I used giant cupcakes to make my sand buckets. For the larger size cupcakes you’ll need a 1 3/4″ strip cut from cardstock for each cupcake for the bucket wrap. If you’re using regular cupcakes, you’ll want to make the strip about 1 1/2″ tall.

5. Wrap the strip around the cupcake and glue it in place. Hot glue works well, but if you use regular glue, paper clips can hold the wraps in place until the glue dries.

6. To cut a bucket handle measure the top of the cupcake and cut a half circle with the inside diameter the same width as your cupcake. I traced around a small sugar bowl and it was exactly the right size for a giant cupcake.

7. Cut a small slit in each side of the cupcake wrap. Insert the handle into the slits.

8. Insert the toothpick part of the bucket handles into the cupcakes and you’re finished!

You can make your sand bucket wraps and your shovel handles in any color.

Have fun!

Father’s Day Cupcake Ideas For Kids

Linette — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 00:46:30 +0000

I have a couple fun Father’s Day cupcake ideas to share with you that are easy enough the kids can help you make them.

The first one is the Fishing Pole Cupcake I shared here at Kid’s Fun Review a couple months ago. If you have a dad who likes to fish these would be fun! Here’s the link for the complete instructions: Fishing Pole Cupcakes

Next up, I made these Father’s Day award cupcakes for Amazing Moms. Reward dad for being the best on Father’s Day with these easy to make #1 Dad cupcakes. They’re super simple to make, all you need is some blue cardstock, toothpicks, blue ribbon and a pen. Oh, and of course some cupcakes!

Here’s the link for the instructions: Father’s Day #1 Dad Cupcakes

Have fun!

Summer Bridge Activities Workbook Giveaway!

Linette — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 13:29:57 +0000

Last summer we had the opportunity to take a look at the Summer Bridge Activity workbook for 4th grade going into 5th. There were some great activities in the book, and I think it helped my son keep learning in a fun way over the summer. We liked it so much I went ahead and ordered the 5th to 6th grade book this spring so we could do it again this summer!

A couple weeks ago the folks at Carson-Dellosa Publishing, the people who make the Summer Bridge Activities workbook, contacted me to see if I’d like to review a copy again this summer. Since we already have a copy, I thought I’d do a giveaway and let one lucky Kid’s Fun Review reader check out a copy for themselves.

Some updates and highlights for the new 2010 Summer Bridge Activity books include:

Character Education Exercises
Fitness Flash Exercises
Science Experiments
Outdoor Learning Activities

If you’d like to find out more check out the Summer Bridge Activity website.

How can you get entered to win a copy for child?

If you’d like to win a Summer Bridge Activity book for your child, just leave a comment letting us know how you plan to keep the learning going in a fun way over the summer. Or if you’ve had a chance to try the Summer Bridge Activity book in the past, what was your favorite activity?
You can get bonus entries by posting about the contest on your own blog, tweeting about the giveaway (tweet it to @Linetteg), subscribing to Kid’s Fun Review, or signing up for our newsletter (in the right column) but you need to leave an additional comment to let us know which bonus entries you did to get credit for them.
The contest is open to US residents only.
The contest will end at midnight EST on June 18th.
The winner will be selected from a random draw at the end of the contest, and will be notified by email, the winner will also be posted here at Kid’s Fun Review after the contest ends. The winner will have 3 days to email me back, or a new winner will be chosen.

Good luck!

Toy Story Water Toys

Linette — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:40:31 +0000

Are you planning a Toy Story 3 party this summer? Let the kids cool off and have some fun with these fun Toy Story water toys.
The Toy Story 3 Buzz Lightyear Rocket Blast Sprinkler is a water propelled rocket, that hovers in the water stream while kids have a blast getting wet. The kids can control the action with a pressure gage. All you need is a backyard hose to hook it up for instant fun in the sun for one or a group of kids.

The Toy Story 3D Water Slide offers a water filled blast off to infinity and beyond.

Have the kids grab their 3D space goggles and slide down the intergalactic water slide and into the cockpit of Star Command! The Toy Story water slide offers 18 feet of sliding action and includes 3-D aqua goggles.

Either toy would be the perfect addition to a summer Toy Story party blast in the back yard.

Both Toy Story water toys are available at Amazon

Images (c) Disney

Fun Food For Kids Parties: Pizzadillas

Linette — Sat, 29 May 2010 11:10:33 +0000

Looking for an easy kid friendly pizza recipe to serve at your next kid’s birthday party? Why not combine two kid food favorites, pizza and quesadillas, and makes some Pizzadillas? These look like a fun super simple treat for a sleepover, a pizza party, or a kid’s fiesta party.

I know my son would love them, they combine two of his all time favorite foods! They’re also super simple to make, a huge plus when you have several children running around the house!

Pizzadillas

Serves: 4

Prep Time (min): 5

Cook Time (min): 12

Recipe Ingredients:

4 Mission® Sun-dried Tomato Basil Wraps
3/4 cup Marinara Sauce prepared
2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1 cup Pepperoni thinly sliced rounds (approx. 72 slices)

Recipe Instructions:

1. Evenly spread 3 tablespoons of marinara on each wrap

2. Sprinkle ½ c of mozzarella evenly over marinara sauce on each wrap.

3. Layer ¼ c (approx. 18 slices) of sliced pepperoni over the shredded cheese on each wrap.

4. Fold each wrap in half forming a half moon.

5. Heat a 10” non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly spray with non-stick spray.

6. Place two pizzadillas in the skillet, at a time, and cook for 3 minutes on each side until crisp and golden brown. Remove and reserve hot. Repeat for the other two pizzadillas.

7. Cut each pizzadilla into quarters and serve one full sliced portion to each person.

Celebrate Summer With a Kid’s Water Obstacle Course

Linette — Mon, 24 May 2010 20:09:26 +0000

It’s gotten super warm here in the last couple days. With Memorial Day coming up in just a few days, school will be out before you know it! Woot! I think it’s time to celebrate summer!

If you have a summer party coming up, or if you’re just looking for a fun way to keep a group of kids cool this summer, and entertain them at the same time try setting up a water obstacle course.

You can use any water feature you want to in your water obstacle course, just make sure it’s safe and no one can get injured. I have a few ideas to help you get started, but you can probably come up with several more to go with them.

Here are a few water obstacle ideas for your course:

Water balance beam~ Keep the beam low, so if they “fall off” they’ll just step into the grass. Have the kids walk across a low narrow board with a pail, or jug of water in each hand. If they fall off the beam they have to go back to the start of the beam, refill their pail and try again. Have an adult there to be a spotter, and to help any children who have a hard time.
Set up a slip and slide~ You can purchase a slip and slide, or make your own with a tarp and a hose. Set it up on a small incline or hill if you have one available, and have the kids slide down it for one of their challenges.
Water balloon toss~ Have the kids toss a certain number of water balloons into a large bucket, or into the center of a hula hoop. Set up a certain number that have to make it into the bucket or hoop before they can move on to the next task.
Have the kids fill a container with water from a small pool carried by soaking a towel, or their clothes in the pool, then running down and wringing as much water as they can into the container. They can move to the next task when the water in the can is filled to a certain level.
Have them sit in a small pool and get themselves completely wet before moving on to the next task.
Have the kids run through a sprinkler, or series of sprinklers.
Have children walk 5 or 6 steps while balancing a small water balloon on their head, if the balloon falls off they have to start the task again.

There are many more ideas you can use to set up your water obstacle course for some summer fun. Just use your imagination and a little water and many regular obstacle course events can be made “wet.”

Make sure you have plenty of adults to man your obstacle course stations, for the kid’s safety, and to help any children who struggle.

More summer water fun:

Shrek The Final Chapter Party Ideas and Supplies

Linette — Wed, 12 May 2010 20:30:20 +0000

Whether you call it Shrek Forever After, or The Final Chapter, this is the last time you’ll see the green ogre and his pals on the big screen. Even if you can’t get to the theater, you can celebrate the premiere of Shrek at home. The Shrek Forever After Party Supplies have been out for a while now so what are you waiting for start planning!

We’re big Shrek fans at our house! I’ve put together some Shrek Party Ideas before, but I thought I’d put together some new ideas in honor of this last Shrek Movie.

Make some Swamp Nog with one container of lime sherbet ice cream, 1 pack green Kool Aid made to package instructions, and a 2 liter of 7Up. Mix the Kool Aid and the 7Up in a punch bowl. Right before the party scoop in the lime sherbet ice cream. Yum!
Play a game of swamp tag, pin the tail on Donkey, or “Ogre says.” Just like the original versions of freeze tag and Simon says, just give them a new “Shrek Party” name.
There are some really cool Shrek Pinatas at eBay, and some fun personalized and ticket Shrek Party Invitations for you to check out.

I’m baking tomorrow, so I’ll be back with some fun Shrek cupcake ideas.

More Shrek Forever After party supplies and favors:

Kid’s Sleepover Breakfast Idea: PB & J French Toast

Linette — Fri, 07 May 2010 15:59:18 +0000

Today I have a really yummy, and easy fun breakfast idea for a kid’s sleepover party. Whenever my son has friends over, I’m always wondering what to serve for breakfast the next morning. I like to try to make them something yummy, but sometimes I’m pressed for time, so I love quick breakfast recipes that’s kid friendly.

This recipe for Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast from Mission Menus fits all of the requirements above. I’ve tried several of their recipes myself, and they’ve never let me down so far, so I’m sure this one is a kid crowd pleaser.

Peanut Butter and Jelly French Toast

Serves: 4

Prep Time (min): 6

Cook Time (min): 12

Prep Tool: Work Surface, Cutting Board, Stove Top, Non-Stick Sauté Pan, Whisk, Spatula, Mixing Bowl, French Knife

Recipe Ingredients:

4 each Mission® 8 inch Medium Flour Tortilla
4 each Whole Eggs
1/2 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
Non-Stick Cooking Spray to coat
2 1/2 teaspoons Ground Cinnamon
2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar
1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
6 tablespoons Creamy Peanut Butter
1/4 cup Grape Jelly
2 tablespoons +2 teaspoons Maple Syrup

Recipe Instructions:

1. Pre-heat a large non-stick skillet or electric griddle over medium-high heat.

2. Whisk eggs, heavy cream, powder sugar and ½ teaspoon of cinnamon in a shallow pan to evenly combine, creating a French toast batter. In another shallow pan combine granulated sugar and remaining cinnamon; set aside.

3. Spread 1 ½ tablespoons of peanut butter and 1 tablespoon of jelly evenly over each tortilla.

4. Fold tortilla in half; dip each peanut butter and jelly filled tortilla, allowing any excess to drip off, into the French toast batter.

5. Spray pre-heated skillet with non-stick cooking spray and place 1-2 tortillas in the skillet, cooking each side (approximately 1 minute per side) to golden brown. Repeat for the two remaining.

6. Remove from heat and toss each French toast in the reserve cinnamon and sugar and shake off excess.

7. Serve each PB & J French toast with 2 teaspoons of warm maple syrup.

Hints:

• Replace the grape jelly with slices of fresh banana for an indulgent twist.

• The PB&J filled tortillas can be made the night before, so just wake and you’re ready to bake.