Kids Birthday Cakes Dog
What are some simple meal ideas for a birthday party with kids?
I am planning a horse's birthday party... yes strange but, it is actually going to be one of the special events at a trail operation next summer.
My dilemmaa is that I don't usually feed children! I am looking for some lunch ideas that are simple and kids will eat as well as parents being happy with what their kids are being fed...
I was planning to serve hot dogs but, what could I serve with them?
What are some good drinks?
And what about extras? Condiments, etc?
Also, how many hot dogs do children usually eat? The age range would most likely be 6-12 years old and mainly girls.
There will be carrot cake for dessert too (it's a horse's party).
Any reccomendations?
Finger food is GREAT for kids. And since it's a horse's birthday, go with it! Try to keep a lot of foods based on things a horse would eat and it'll save you a lot of grief. As for hot dogs, plan on at least two per person since some kids will eat more and some will eat less- go for the Hebrew National hot dogs if you can since they're kosher, that way you should be okay with any potential religious dietary restrictions. Generally condiments are mayo, mustard, ketchup, and sweet relish... I've noticed most kids prefer the sweet stuff to the more sour dill relish, so you probably don't need to buy both.
In the horse theme, keep apple juice boxes to drink. You'll also want some kind of single-serving bottled punch like Sunny-D and water pretty well stocked for the drinks. This way you'll satisfy the kids' sweet teeth while making the parents happy that you aren't hyping them up on sugary sodas. If you aren't going to be outside with bugs, you can afford to have these things in large bottles and just dole it out in cups.
Apple slices and carrot curls (recipe later) are a healthy appetizer or side dish for kids, plus they can share with the horse if they want to. Oatmeal and raisin cookies (recipe in sources) will be good to have on hand too, since kids are notoriously picky and some may not want the carrot cake.
You might want to have little bags of salted mixed nuts on hand as well- just be sure you are informed of any allergies- and some form of baked potato chip (NOT the fried ones). In general BBQ, Sour Cream & Onion, and Plain flavors of chip go pretty well with everything and cover most kids' wants in a salty snack. Amounts are generally 1 bag of chips to every 7 people, so depending on how many kids you'll have you might want to buy just one bag, one of each, or more than that. You know how many people will be there, I'm sure you can do the math. It's usually best to buy an extra bag of plain just in case... You might want to do a potato salad (recipe in sources) instead of/along with chips, but make sure you'll be able to keep it cool and covered so it doesn't go bad. Good luck!
Carrot Curls:
You need: 3-4 large carrots (make sure they are firm and have no splits), toothpicks, wide-bladed veggie peeler, large bowl of cold water, clean hands
Instructions:
Wash the carrots well, then trim off the top and root ends. Peel the carrots so that all the skin is off. Using the peeler, make long ribbon-like strips of carrot and set them aside. When all the carrots have been made into ribbons, take one strip at a time and wrap them around your finger loosely. Gently remove your finger, holding the curl, then stick a toothpick through the curl and place it in the bowl of cold water. Repeat until all carrot curls are in the bowl, then refrigerate overnight. Just before the party, take out all the toothpicks and arrange your carrot curls on a party platter with some low-fat ranch dressing for dipping in the middle.
How To Plan A Kids Birthday Party On A Budget
There's always going to be a little bit of pressure when you are planning your child's birthday party. On one hand you will want to spoil them rotten make it a day that they will remember for years to come, on the other hand if you know that at least a couple of dozen of their friends will be attending then you will be conscious of the impact it will have on your wallet. There is no need to worry as with a little careful forward planning there is no reason at all why you wont be able to throw a birthday party that all the children can enjoy - and they will have no idea that you managed to do it on the cheap!
The first thing to do is decide on your budget. This is especially important if you have a significant number of guests. Once you have decided on how much you can afford to spend then make a point of keeping that budget and sticking to it. The next task will be to pick a suitable location. Try to avoid venues that are likely to require a hire fee and opt for alternatives such as hosting the party at your own home. If the weather is likely to be pleasant then a garden party or a picnic in the park is always a good idea. Parks and gardens are absolutely perfect for large groups of children as there is plenty of space to play and even better - they're free.
No doubt you will want to have some games for the children to play. The old favourites from back in the day when you were a child are still good choices today. Kids still love pin the tail on the donkey, simon says, what time is it mr wolf or good old musical chairs. If you are stuck for game ideas then perhaps it could be worthwhile speaking to other parents who have recently hosted a birthday party to see how they kept the kids entertained. If you decide to buy a few games to play then have a look round some discount stores.
No birthday party is complete without food and drink. If you are catering to a large party of children then it could get expensive quite quickly if you buy all your food from the local supermarket. Try to make most of the party food yourself, especially the cake as your child will no doubt enjoy helping you to make it. If you do have to buy your food from the shop then try to do it in bulk. This is especially advisable for premade foods and do rememeber that children are usually more than happy with cheap foods like pizza, hot dogs or past salads. It's very easy to buy snack foods such as crisps and soda in bulk.
The next task is to write and distribute your invitations. By all means design and print them on your computer as this will save time, however if you want to add a personal touch and there is a relatively small crowd attending then you may wish to hand write the invitations yourself.
At the end of the party you will want to give out some goodie bags for the children to take gome with them. Try to use paper lunch bags as it may be a fun activity for the children to decorate them at the party. Fill them up with sweets and candy that you bought in bulk earlier and why not try adding some low cost gifts in the bag too as things like stickers are always a surefire winner with children.
 Elmo's World - Birthdays, Games & More List Price: Sale Price: $8.99 You save: $3.94 (30%)  Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionMovie DVD While it's true that Elmo's World is one that most 2- to 5-year-olds wouldn't mind waking up to any day of the week, Birthdays, Games & More makes plain that, as far as preschool meccas go, this is as good as it gets. Here, the furry little red guy gets the festivities under way watching real, live kid friends festoon pretty packages with colorful bows (his way of answering the endlessly curious Dorothy's question about how to wrap a present) before tuning into the Birthday Channel for a whirlwind trip to Mexico, where ebullient kids whack away at a piñata, and Israel, where a dizzy gang dips to the ground, doing its best to put on hats sans hands. After a chat with a talking birthday cake, it's game time. A chubby baby gets his toes tweaked in a round of "This Little Piggy"; Ernie and his ducky stop by via e-mail to demonstrate hide-and-go-squeak; and a couple of kids crack Elmo up with their search for Thumbkin, first in English, then in Spanish. The games give way, in a third segment, to a pack of pets. Mr. Noodle the lovable numbskull tries to play fetch with a fish; Elmo's tricky drawer trots out a parade of lettuce, a tiger, and a Telly monster, hoping for some help with the question "What can be a pet and what can't?"; and friend Alisa shows off Fluffy, her cat, and dog Spike. Taken together, Birthdays, Games & More is 60 minutes of playful, furry fun destined to be dusted off for repeat watchings by all wannabe Elmo's World inhabitants. --Tammy La Gorce Features
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 Melissa & Doug Birthday Party Birthday Cake List Price: Sale Price: $15.88 You save: $4.11 (21%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionIt's a wish come true! This uniquely playful wooden birthday cake has enough slices and toppings for every "party guest" and enough candles to last for years! Includes wooden spatula and convenient storage box. .caption { font-family: Verdana, Helvetica neue, Arial, serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; } .headline { font-size: 15px; font-weight: bold; } ul.indent { list-style: inside disc; text-indent: -15px; } You are invited to Melissa and Doug's birthday party! Let the fun begin with this playful birthday cake. It has enough slices and toppings for every party guest the whole family can join in the fun. Now kids ages three to five can throw birthday parties year round. A Wish Come True This simple wooden toy fosters creative play and is a wonderful addition to imaginary kitchens everywhere. Use the wooden spatula to serve the cake and the fake candles to make a wish. This toy will make an excellent birthday gift for future bakers. The cake itself is painted white with blue icing swirls and has seven removable candles that fasten to the top. Three delectable toppings -- strawberries, jellybeans, and gumdrops -- can be added to the top and the cake comes in a decorative box kids love. This delicious dessert is already cut into slices that fasten together with Velcro and easily pull apart. It also has a bright red serving platter and each of the six pieces is about the size of a real piece of cake. Also, as a well-made and durable wooden toy, it withstands child play and the paint won't easily chip off, even if it is accidentally dropped. Storing all the pieces may be a challenge, but a party box is included to contain the candles and decorations. Features This birthday cake is a hit for those who like to help out in the kitchen. Children love redecorating and serving it using the wooden spatula. Unlike many of today's modern toys, it encourages creativity, as children get to design their own cake and parties. It amuses future hosts and hostesses for hours and is an exceptional value as a 33-piece set. This cake remains child's favorite for years and includes enough candles to celebrate a lot of birthdays. The cake has a 10-1/2-inch diameter. What's in the Box Includes 6-slice cake, serving plate, 19 toppings, 7 candles, wooden spatula and storage box. Three delectable toppings can be added, and the cake comes in a decorative box Features
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 FamilyFun Birthday Cakes: 50 Cute and Easy Party Treats Sale Price: $12.94 See Reviews For This Product DescriptionLooking for that unusual cake to make your child's birthday extra special? FamilyFun Birthday Cakes is filled with recipes that will surely be the highlight of any occasion. From mermaids to fire trucks, horses to sunflowers, and ladybugs to treasure chests, these goodies are certain to take the cake. With more than 50 recipes, and easy step-by-step instructions, FamilyFun Birthday Cakes is the perfect resource for planning the ideal centerpiece for any birthday party. |
 Wilton 101 Dalmations Dog Puppy Cake Pan (2105-3250, 1996) Disney ~ Retired Collectible See Reviews For This Product DescriptionNEW WILTON 101 DALMATIONS CAKE PAN - INSTRUCTIONS INC. FAST SHIP - APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS - PRIORITY MAILING WITH CONFIRMATION Features
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 Sweatshirt with birthday, cake, dog, puppy Medium White Sale Price: $21.95 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionGildan - Crewneck SweatshirtA value fleece, made from Air Jet Spun Yarn, offers a soft feel and no pill, wash after wash.7.75-ounce, 50/50 cotton/poly; double needle throughout, banded bottom, 1 x 1 athletic rib with Lycra, set-in sleeves. The "SHOPZEUS.COM" label is just a watermark in the picture. |
 Clifford The Big Red Dog Thinking Adventures List Price: Sale Price: $11.75 You save: $8.24 (41%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionHelp Clifford's owner handle all her chores before the Big Red Dog's birthday party! / Ages 4-8 Features
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 Plush Green Puppy Dog Kids Easter Gift Basket - Candy, Games, Coloring, Activites, FUN! See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis adorable plush neon green puppy dog Easter basket comes with lots of fun inside! Includes: A plush velour animal shaped basket that can be used again and again for years to come, A Gund Easter quacking duck, 1 Spring into Spring Fun Pad activity book, crayons, a bag of cotton candy, a slide puzzle, a carrot bag full of toys, an Easter Rubic's cube, Assorted candies like M & M's, Starbursts, Skittles, candy bars, Tootisie Rolls, Dots, etc. Plastic Easter eggs full of even more candy and toys, and EVEN edible Easter grass! What fun to receive, at an INCREDIBLE price! Let us know any preferences you have in the gift message box. Basket size is about 6" around and 10" tall. Comes gift wrapped in clear cellophane with a ribbon tied on top. A personal message can be included with the basket. Not recommended for children under 3. Features
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 12 Mini CAT Kitty Rubber Duckie Ducky Duck Party Favors Sale Price: $7.69 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionThis set of 12 kittys makes great party favors or a great little gift for any cat or ducky lover. Each duck measures approximately 2-1/4"H x 2"W x 2-3/4"L. These do not squeak or float upright. They have holes in their mouths for squirting water. Features
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 12 Assorted Puppy Dog Shaped Cake Topper Candles Sale Price: $11.95 Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours See Reviews For This Product DescriptionAdd these puppy-shaped candles to your birthday cake for a fun party accessory! These candles are the perfect way to top off your puppy dog or animal birthday party theme! 2 1/2" Features
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![Elmo's World - Birthdays, Games & More [VHS]](http://www.kidsbirthdaypartygames.org/media/images/i/51VREZHC6WL._SL160_.jpg) Elmo's World - Birthdays, Games & More [VHS] List Price: Sale Price: $6.87 You save: $3.11 (31%) Eligible for free shipping!Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days See Reviews For This Product DescriptionFirst up, it's birthday time! Elmo knows everyone loves birthdays and here takes a close-up look at the celebration. The zany Mr. Noodle gives us a gift-wrapping lesson, but first gets caught up in the wrapping paper! Then we join a son and his father in their kitchen as they go through the steps of baking a birthday cake for mom. After that, we watch as Elmo is visited by a chatty birthday cake who playfully admits that being a cake is in fact, "a piece of cake!" Who can think of all this birthday fun without games coming to mind? Elmo loves to play games and here he explores all his favorites with his Sesame Street friends. Mr. Noodle joins in the fun with a jump rope lesson, of course, with a little silliness mixed in. Two Sesame Street kids teach each other 'where is thumpkin' in both English and Spanish. Finally, Elmo uses his imagination to become a basketball star where he announces, "Elmo got game!" Pets are last up on this fun-filled home video. First, Mr. Noodle tries to play fetch with a goldfish and a hamster before Barkely the dog shows up. Then, kids explain how they play with their own pets - lizards, cats and guinea pugs included. Last up, Elmo gets a real sense of what being a pet is like when he imagines himself as a fish, a hamster, and a bird! While it's true that Elmo's World is one that most 2- to 5-year-olds wouldn't mind waking up to any day of the week, Birthdays, Games & More makes plain that, as far as preschool meccas go, this is as good as it gets. Here, the furry little red guy gets the festivities under way watching real, live kid friends festoon pretty packages with colorful bows (his way of answering the endlessly curious Dorothy's question about how to wrap a present) before tuning into the Birthday Channel for a whirlwind trip to Mexico, where ebullient kids whack away at a piñata, and Israel, where a dizzy gang dips to the ground, doing its best to put on hats sans hands. After a chat with a talking birthday cake, it's game time. A chubby baby gets his toes tweaked in a round of "This Little Piggy"; Ernie and his ducky stop by via e-mail to demonstrate hide-and-go-squeak; and a couple of kids crack Elmo up with their search for Thumbkin, first in English, then in Spanish. The games give way, in a third segment, to a pack of pets. Mr. Noodle the lovable numbskull tries to play fetch with a fish; Elmo's tricky drawer trots out a parade of lettuce, a tiger, and a Telly monster, hoping for some help with the question "What can be a pet and what can't?"; and friend Alisa shows off Fluffy, her cat, and dog Spike. Taken together, Birthdays, Games & More is 60 minutes of playful, furry fun destined to be dusted off for repeat watchings by all wannabe Elmo's World inhabitants. --Tammy La Gorce |