Happy Birthday to the TODAY Parenting Team! Did you know that the team is turning 1 this March? To celebrate, I wanted to write about birthday party planning and all the fun that goes into organizing one for your children.

I love to throw birthday parties for my three kids, but sometimes I can go a bit overboard. Whether I get a little off track with my theme idea or I lose complete control of my invite list, money (and messes!) always ends up being an issue at the end of the day. That's why, this year, I've decided to do the majority of the planning and prepping on my own and at home with some help from JOHNSON’S^®. There are so many different ways to create the perfect bash; here are a few of my favorite tips.

Fun Birthday Dessert Ideas:

Sure, you can offer up a traditional cake to your guests (and I suggest you still do because you'll need somewhere to put the candles), but why not consider these delicious homemade treats that will wow your guests to add some extra sweetness to the party, and give you fun bonding time with your kids while making them?

• Caramel Apple Cookies
• Pinata Cake
• Cookies and Cream Fudge
• No Bake Funfetti Cake
• S'Mores made in your boiler
• Tic Toc Croc Pirate Cupcakes
• Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes

If you’re like me, you use every bowl and spoon you can find in your kitchen when making desserts – and with the kids involved, things can get a bit messy! I rely on JOHNSON’S^® hand & face wipes to wipe away the mess on my kids so they can move on to the next activity. And when my son Caleb, 3, is involved, you know it’ll be time for a bath! JOHNSON’S^® has a whole line of products that I can rely on to get the job done while creating special bonding moments in our busy day.

Party Game Ideas:

If you are planning on having your get together at home, consider a few scheduled games for the kids. You don't HAVE to do them at specific times, but still have everything you need on hand just in case you need to entertain the little ones. I have some indoor and outdoor options below:

• Princess Party Games
• Cotton Ball Challenge
• 12 Fun Circus Carnival Games
• 65 Outdoor Party Games
• 10 Birthday Party Ideas using Household Items

DIY Party Inspiration:

I love to get creative and I also love to enlist every member of my family. They might not feel the same, but hey... that's what makes the world go 'round. Get your hands dirty when planning a party and create some of your decoration on a budget. Your bank account will thank me and so will your guests!!

• 55 DIY Photo Backdrops
• 50 Awesome Glow Stick Party Ideas
• 15 Adorable DIY Birthday Banners
• Donkey Piñata
• 19 Cool DIY Photo Booth Props
• 25 Clever DIY Birthday Hacks

The Secret To Gaining Back Control

There might come a time where you lose control of your party. Listen, it happens to the best of us. I found that if you have several "Minute to Win it" game ideas under your belt ready to go, you will SAVE YOURSELF. I had a party a few months ago for about a dozen girls and every time the noise level escalated, I shouted that it was "competition time". It rounded them right up!

Looking for some inspiration?

• 5 Easy Minute to Win It Party Games
• 15 Minute to Win It Party Games
• Top 30 Minute to Win It Party Games
• Family Reunion: Minute to Win It
• 5 Easy Minute to Win It Games for Kids

Winding Down!

It’s time for my favorite time of day – after everyone has left and the presents have been opened, it’s time to wind down…and get the kids to bed! I love the 3-step BEDTIME^® routine from JOHNSON’S^® to help my son Caleb get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer. There’s also the JOHNSON’S® BEDTIME App® that helps me easily prepare. Step 1 is a warm bath; Step 2 is a massage – which I always get the best giggles from! Finally, Step 3 is quiet time when I get Caleb calm and cozy, and sing a soothing lullaby to help him drift off to sleep. Check out more about JOHNSON’S^® 3-Step here!

What are some of your favorite pre and post-birthday party hacks? Do you have any DIY tips or tricks that you'd like to share? Would love to hear your thoughts!

I am a contributor for JOHNSON’S^®, the sponsor of this community, and compensated for travel and attendance at events. Every idea and word written is my own.