They say on your birthday it is the oldest you've been and the youngest you'll ever be. That is truly something to celebrate and in our house we go all out. We're a family that loves a good theme and involving everyone in making it come alive. Before you get started here a few things that have helped me with creativity and cutting out the stress.

• Pinterest Board: Create a "pinterest" birthday board and just add photos and links of things that you like or that inspire you. Here's a board I did for my daughter. It's easy to be overwhelmed by all the pinterest perfect stuff but remember you're going here for inspiration.
• Search Etsy: If it's on pinterest it was likely made by someone on Etsy. Type in your theme on etsy along with any key words like birthday, decorations, invitations etc. You'll be blown away with what pops up.
• Personalize It: You don't have to spend a ton of money making the day extra special. I love doing personalized paper napkins. They're inexpensive and add a nice touch to any party!
• Write It Down: On your calendar make it a point to get invites/evites out 4-6 weeks before the party. Try to have everything you need 2 weeks before the event.

Dapper Derby Party: My kids helped paint these plastic jockeys and we planted them on fake grass we got at Michael's. Cake pops are cool.. but in the summer pie pops were a nice twist. For the adults... we had some mini fun too ;)

Princess Party: We bought plastic frames and let the kids decorate them with stickers and sticky rhinestones. The entertainment was a caricature artist who did a 'royal portrait' for each princess that she could frame and take home. You could always have them do a self-portrait too. I ripped the idea to have "Princess Parade" from our last trip to Disney World. All you have to do is play "Happy Birthday Princess" (from itunes) and let all the guest line up and enter the room and make the rounds led by the birthday girl.They wave and feel so special. Big fan of photo toppers on cupcakes and do them for every party-- I got these through etsy.

Neverland: A treasure map outlined the goodies at the party. Pirates had a place to dress up. We put tiny fairy dolls into mason jars on top of moss and glued butterflies on top. Guest got to pick their fairy. Big hit: in true Hook fashion the kids got a visit from some reptile friends.

Breakfast at Tiffany's: A friend of mine made this adorable cake. A trio of gloves, plastic pearls and tiaras was the party favor. Kids love sensory activities so they got to dig for diamonds. Food for this party is by far the best part- who doesn't like pancake skewers and doughnuts!

Lights, Camera, Birthday!: This was the easiest party. We did it at the movie theater. The kids watched the film (ages 4-5 recommended) then came out for cake and pizza. They got to dress up as their favorite movie character. I used her dolls as centerpieces. All treats were inspired by favorite movies, many bought on etsy! For favors.. slap on a personalized label on microwaveable popcorn for party favors! To make the Hollywood sign I just used white Styrofoam letters.

Little Red Riding Hood: Finding knick-knacks at thrift stores make the best decor I've found. For a craft we got a bunch of bird houses and let the kids paint away. Woodland masks were for the taking. NOTE: Don't be afraid to recruit your friends too! My colleague was such a good sport playing "the big bad wolf". When he wasn't scaring the kids.. it made for perfect photos lol!

For more on these parties just search them on my blog