PakMag Party e-Guide Cairns 2017

CAIRNS PARTY e-GUIDE • 2017 •

CONTENTS PAGE 05 Top Tips for Party Success

Hello and welcome to PakMag’s Party e-Guide.

06 Birthday Party Etiquette

At PakMag we love to celebrate, and we love to make your life easier- so of course it’s why we created this cute little party guide for you.

08 Your Party Peeps 12 Dino-mite Party 14 When in Doubt,

Add More Sparkle

16 High Tea 18 Animal Party 20 Baby Shower Power 22 Sports Party 24 Adventure Party

This party guide is complete with inspiration, and the best party suppliers in Cairns.

So whether it’s your first child’s party or your tenth, we hope this practical guide helps you plan that important moment for your child’s special day.

If you’d like to submit something for our 2018 guide, drop us a line to admin@pakmag.com.au.

Have a wonderful party, hashtag #pakmag if you take any photos, we’d love to see them!

Until next time, take care, and don’t forget to tell everyone, you read it in PakMag.

26 Party Pirates 28 Party in Space 30 Ready, Set, Party 32 Under The Sea 34 Little Princess Party

Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-cheif Bree James Operations Manager Rose Foster Graphic Designers Clare Winter Lise Mardon-Smith

Bree James Grand Publishing Founder and Editor-in-chief Contact Us: p 4053 3331 f 4053 3350 e admin@grandpublishing.com.au a Po box 7433 Cairns Qld 4870 fb facebook.com/pakmagcairns t #pakmag

Sub-Editor Kate Moloney Supply & Distribution Manager Gleisy Meireles Accounts Trent Stievano

Marketing to Families Experts Lisa Gillman Steph Bartram Administration / Production Manager Janelle May

Media Intern Monique Saggers

Disclaimer: No part of this magazine, including the advertisements within it may be reproduced, in part or in whole without the expressed permission of the editor. Whilst the greatest of care is taken to ensure that the information in the magazine is correct at the time of going to press, readers are advised to check details before visiting. The publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors, inaccuracies or omissions. The expressions expressed within PakMag are not necessarily the views of the publishers, but those of individual writers.

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Party Perfect

Top Tips for Party Success It’s easy to get carried away when planning a birthday party. You want everything to be perfect and there are so many awesome party finds out there that are just begging to be bought. So how can you minimise costs and stress and still host a party worth remembering?

H ere are our ten tips: 1. Plan, plan and plan some more!

You can’t control every aspect of the party. Guests may get sick the day of the party; the weather may not cooperate or you may be faced with a problem with the cake. The best way to ensure success is to stay on top of the things you can control. And the best way to do this is to plan.

2. Have a checklist and a backup plan.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, make sure you have an alternative venue, even if it’s just inside your house rather than at the park.

It is also a good idea to have a basic checklist to help ensure you don’t forget anything. Here’s a few things to remember: •• Create a guest list •• Send invitations •• Organise a venue •• Book the entertainment •• Shop for supplies (party favours, decorations, requirements for any games) •• Order birthday cake (or decide on what you will make) •• Purchase food •• Set up decorations •• Buy party ice 3. Know your guests.

If your guests have any food intolerances or special requests, find out about them beforehand.

4. Simplify.

Stick to the basics when it comes to decorations, themes and sweets and treats. Doing too much or trying to make things too complex can lead to unwanted stress as well as extra costs.

It’s always fun to have a theme but this is often when it gets expensive. Stick to two colours to help make things easier if you do want to colour code the party.

5. Start a party box.

You are most likely going to host at least one birthday party a year. And, from that party, you will most likely have some leftover supplies, including candles, lolly bag supplies, balloons, plates, platters, cups and more. Start a birthday box and keep all of these items together. That way, when it’s time to plan another party, you can go to the box, make a list of what you already have and go from there.

6. Welcome your guests.

Make it your mission to greet every guest (or as many as you can) as they walk into the party.

7. Have music on hand.

Create a playlist that is appropriate for your guests to keep on in the background. This adds an extra ambience to the party.

8. Choose the right time.

Many birthday parties and small gathering will not include a main meal and this is okay. If you want to avoid having to serve your guests a large meal with several courses, then avoid having the party at between 12 and 1.00pm (typically lunch time) and 5.00pm to 7.00pm (dinner).

9. Have a somewhat set agenda in place.

You don’t have to have every ten minutes planned but it is a good idea to have a slight itinerary including when to do the games, when to bring out the cake and whether you want to open presents at the party or not.

10. Keep the lolly bags at the door.

So often, in the disarray of the party, you will forget to pass out the lolly bags, especially to guests that leave a little early. Have the party bags somewhere close by so you don’t forget them (but hidden from the kids who may dig into the loot before the party is over).

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Party Perfect

BIRTHDAY PARTY ETIQUETTE As kids get older the humble birthday party exposes a whole new world of underlying politics, writes Amanda Cranston While for many of us, childhood birthday parties bring back lovely memories of pass the parcel and musical chairs, today’s parties can be a minefield of competitive parents and over-the-top events with entertainers, inflatable castles and mobile zoos. The peer pressure amongst parents can be enormous so we asked our readers about their views on birthday party etiquette.

Guest List While some parents lose sight of the fact that the party is for their child and not themselves, it’s important to let your child decide who should be on the guest list.

Often the best party is one with your child’s closest friends rather than the whole class. Remember that handing out invitations at school is frowned upon if not everyone is receiving one as this leads to many children feeling left out and rejected. Hand out invites individually after school or mail them, and on the day of your child’s birthday take in cupcakes or slice to share with everyone.

Reciprocal Birthday Invites What do you do if your child has been invited to another child’s birthday party who they’re not bothered about inviting to their own?! The consensus seems to be yes, you should invite that child although circumstances can change and friendships obviously come and go throughout the year. One way around this is to make the party a family-only affair.

RSVPs Many parents don’t bother to respond by the RSVP date or even at all. This is inconsiderate to the party host and makes it tricky for them to plan for catering, games, prizes and goody bags. RSVPs are particularly important if the party is being held at an outside venue which requires a deposit or booking fee. While the host normally pays for all invited guests, it’s obviously not fair

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for them to have to pay for no-shows or uninvited siblings.

Uninvited Siblings While it is a common occurrence for parents to bring along other uninvited siblings, the consensus is that it is completely inappropriate. For families who are close friends the host may assume siblings will be present at the party too but it is never okay to rock up at a child’s birthday party with your other children in tow. If you absolutely have to stay at the party and can’t get your other half or friends to watch your other children, then you should always check first with the host if this will be okay. Often the host will have a limited budget and may have only allowed their child a certain number of guests.

You may want to circumvent these problems by adding extra wording to the invitations such as ‘Invited guests only, no Siblings’, ‘Siblings welcome but will not receive a goody bag’, ‘Parents welcome to stay’ or ‘Drop off 2pm and pick up 5pm’.

Party Food Many parents stick around at kid’s birthday parties, especially when kids are under the age of six so it is often assumed and acceptable for the host to provide party food for everyone present at the party. However, it is still recommended to be mindful that the party food is firstly for the children.

Keep It Simple The only person you really need to impress is your child and they just want to have fun with their friends.

Traditional party games are always fun and goody bags don’t have to be expensive. If you can afford an expensive party then go ahead and have one, but do it for the right reasons. Otherwise in the end you only ruin it for all the other parents who can’t afford a similar party or who feel pressure to compete. Kids can also be overwhelmed by over-the-top parties so check with your child first to see what kind of birthday party they want.

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YOUR PARTY PEEPS

LaserFun Cairns Kids’ birthday party packages are their specialty!

Starting from $24.00 per child, a minimum of 10 children for packages.

LaserFun parties that the kids will rave about include a party table for the duration of the party, party invitations, LaserFun membership, laser tag missions, the laser maze challenge and slushies. Some packages include lolly bags or tokens for the ticket redemption arcade where everyone gets a prize! The LaserFun party host will take the stress off you and ensure all runs

Nikki the Clown Nikki is a children’s entertainer and face painter and provides a wide variety of entertainment tailored to your requirements. She travels from Mossman through to Innisfail and throughout the Tablelands. Services provided include face painting, puppet shows, balloon

smoothly and to time.

twisting, music and games. She offers different

Enjoy their indoor air-conditioned laser tag games

and has reasonable prices. Costs vary with activities

featuring a movie-set style arena of a destroyed city after an alien invasion. You can track your stats, unlock achievements and level up. Plus, there is a laser maze

costumes to suit each party (clown, pirate, fairy, etc.) required, length of time required and location. For quality, professional entertainment contact Nikki.

and state-of-the-art ticket redemption arcade games.

Email: nikki@nikkitheclown.com

Anyone can play, and it’s great for parties and groups.

Call: 0408 183 032

Gift Vouchers are available.

Web: www.entertainmentcairns.com/nikkitheclown

Email: bookings@laserfun.com.au

Facebook: www.facebook.com/nikkitheclown

Call: 4031 9865 or 0477 008 803 Web: www.laserfun.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/LaserfunCairns Location: DFO Shopping Centre, 274 Mulgrave Road, Cairns, QLD

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Your Party Peeps

Painting Party Painting Party Cairns brings a new concept to Far North Queensland. Whether you are a seasoned artist, a regular tinkerer at home or you have never painted in your life, they offer a new and unique experience for everyone.

The studio is an alternative to the traditional night out or social occasion and can be a catalyst for change as well as a really fun and addictive way to meet up with your friends, colleagues and family. It’s for ages 12 and up.

While enjoying your beverage of choice at the BYO Studio, add music and step by step instruction and you have a fantastic recipe for a fun night out while creating your very own work of art! Beginners are welcome and encouraged. All art equipment is included in your booking price and step-by-step the whole group will complete master-piece on a stretched canvas.

Leisure Island Family Entertainment Leisure Island is full of fun indoor games and amusements for everyone from toddlers, teenagers to grandparents.

Video games include car rally simulators, shoot-outs with your favourite underworld and sci-fi characters.

There’s also pinball machines, basketball shoot out, coin pushers and many more ticket redemption games. Have fun and win great prizes.

The studio is also available for venue hire for up to 20 - 24 people seated for corporate training days in a relaxed environment, plus you also have the option to offer and plan for a team building painting party to add value to the end of your programs and workshops.

Leisure Island offers party fun for all ages with four party packages to choose from. They also cater for birthday parties, group functions, corporate chill outs and team building. Prices start from just $10.00 per person.

Email: info@paintingparty.com.au

Email: game@leisureisland.com.au

Call: 4031 2996

Call: 0488 553 743

Web: www.paintingparty.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/paintingpartycairns

Web: www.leisureisland.com.au (online booking form available)

Location: Shop 1, 203-205 Mulgrave Rd (cnr Aumuller St), Bungalow

Location: Stockland Shopping Centre (Opposite the Cinemas), 537 Mulgrave Rd, Earlville, Cairns, QLD 4870

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Your Party Peeps

Cairns Wake Park and Aqua Park Danny Simony Paris born, Cairns based comedian-magician, Danny Simony has over 30 years of experience in the entertainment industry and is renowned for his incredibly realistic Charlie Chaplin impersonation. Danny is also well known for his comedy, mime, magic and pickpocketing show. His unique style is interactive and hilarious to all ages. Danny is available for children's parties, festivals, private functions, shopping centres, corporate events and schools.

Be ready to be entertained!

Call: 4093 7549 or 0407 937 549 Email: sannydimony@yahoo.com.au Web: www.dannysimony.com Location: Lot 70 Warril Drive, Kuranda, QLD 4881

Cairns Wake Park has been providing fun exercise and entertainment for the whole family in Far North Queensland for 12 years. Located at the base of beautiful tropical rainforest, Cairns Wake Park offers a unique way to escape the heat 364 days a year. In 2015 the owner and operator and their dedicated staff decided to go one step further by introducing an inflatable obstacle course, called the Aqua Park. Climbing, slipping, sliding and splashing - this experience is such an enjoyable and innovative way to cool off.

Experience the Far North's best value fun water park for kids’ parties. Party packages start from just $24.00 with three packages to choose from. All party packages include a table allocated to party guests for three hours, selected hot food, water or popper and a bag of mixed lollies per child. Your party booking comes complete with fridge space for your BYO birthday cake, BBQ facilities, table tennis, bean bags and plenty of space for outdoor games. From their qualified Aqua Park attendants to our reception staff, Cairns Wake Park team members are all committed to making your party one to remember, giving you the ability to sit back and watch your party gleam with smiles, thrills and spills and a whole lot of laughter. Plus the birthday child receives a free return aqua park session Email: info@cableskicairns.com.au Call: 4038 1304 Web: www.cairnswakepark.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/cairnsaquapark Location: Lot 5 Captain Cook Hwy, Smithfield, QLD 4878

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Your Party Peeps

INFLATABLE KINGDOM Come and join in the fun of North Queensland’s largest Indoor Inflatable Playground which is located right here in Cairns.

Icingbits Made from fondant icing, their handmade, edible cake toppers will turn your cakes into a creation!

Icingbits is based in Cairns, locally owned and all their cake decorations and cupcake toppers are handmade to order. They turn your cakes into works of art. They love what they do and pride themselves on the quality of their work. All their decorations are made from flavoured fondant and are edible and delicious.

Your satisfaction is their number one priority and they produce beautiful cake decorations and cupcake toppers that will enhance all your special occasions.

Order online using their new secure website. They also post Australia wide.

Call: 0410 107 722 Email: jen@icingbits.com Web: www.icingbits.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/Icingbits

Inflatable Kingdom Cairns is the perfect venue to have a great time for all ages and for birthday and Christmas parties, school holiday programs, vacation care, and corporate functions.

Inflatable Kingdom is all about having a great time with 2 designated areas; a special Tiny Tots area for children 5 years and under and then a separate area for all ages fun.

Sessions are for a minimum of 2.5 hours and during this time you can have unlimited fun on all the equipment.

All children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Hot chips, snacks and hot and cold drinks are available to be purchased from the canteen. Alternatively you can bring your own snacks with you.

For more information head on over to the Inflatable Kingdom website.

Opening Times – Inflatable Kingdom is open every day of the School Holidays from 9.00am until 4.00pm.

During the School Term Inflatable Kingdom is open every Saturday and Sunday 9am until 4pm and the Tiny Tots end is open in addition to this every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday Morning from 9.00am until midday. $7 per child 5 and under, $14 for over 6 years and spectators are free. This will give you at least 2.5 hours of action packed fun!

Call: 4032 2844 Email: lachlan@inflatablekingdom.com.au Web: www.inflatablekingdom.com.au Facebook: www.facebook.com/inflatablekingdomcairns

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Celebrate

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1. DIY Dinosaur Place Setting - www.icecreamoffpaperplates.com 2. Folkmanis Little Hands Pteranodon Puppet - RRP $24.95 - www.earthtoys.net 3. A4 Triceratops with Butterfly Print - RRP $30.00 - www.belleandbo.com.au 4. Folkmanis Little Hands Trex Puppet - RRP $24.95 www.earthtoys.net 5. Miann & Co Kelvin Crocodile 46cm - RRP $70.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 6. Adopt a Dinosaur Party Favour - www.100layercake.com 7. Edible Icing Bits - www.icingbits.com 8. Spray Painted Plastic Dinosaur Cake Topper - www.icecreamoffpaperplates.com

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9. Schleich Quetzalcoatlus - RRP $29.95 / Schleich Brachiosaurus - RRP $39.95 / Schleich Triceratops - RRP $32.50 / Schleich Carnotaurus - RRP $39.95 / Schleich Kentrosaurus - RRP $29.95 - www.earthtoys.net 10. Dino Print Biscuits www.pagingfunmums.com

Celebrate

WHEN IN DOUBT, ADD MORE SPARKLE What’s more fun than throwing a birthday party for your little one? A party that’s full of everything sparkly and magical of course! Whether you are three or 33, this majestic unicorn and princess filled party will have you jumping off your feet with excitement.

Sprinkle Station Set up a cupcake sprinkle station where your guests can express their inner sparkle, decorating their very own cupcake with sprinkles and editable glitter.

What you’ll need: •• Several bowls of sprinkles, edible glitter and other decorative edible treats •• Pre-made cupcakes, already iced

Glitter Galore Balloons To add that extra sparkle create these awesome glitter balloons!

•• Table space to set up your sparkle station

What you’ll need:

•• Display the pre-iced cupcakes on an easy to reach tray, so all party guests big and small can reach.

Let the magic begin:

•• Craft glue

•• We suggest placing a disposable party cloth over the table to capture the sprinkles and glittery spills.

•• Bowl/s of glitter •• Balloons

•• Let your party guests’ imaginations run wild as they create their very own sparkling masterpieces that they also get to eat.

Magical steps: •• Blow up balloons to your desired size.

•• Dip each balloon into a bowl of craft glue, making sure that the top half of the balloon is evenly covered.

•• While still wet, dip the balloon into a bowl of glitter, rotating it to evenly spread the glitter over the glue area.

•• Leave to dry completely before hanging up on display.

Princess Gift bags Thank each guest for coming with their very own gift bag fit for a princess or prince. To complete their magical party experience fill these bags with a set of stylish bracelets, desired treats and their very own crown, all of course, sprinkled with an abundance of fairy dust.

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1. Twinkle Little Star Party - www.suzannecarey.com 2. Icingbits Golden Unicorn Bits Set - RRP $16.00 - www.icingbits.com 3. Unicorn Cake - Instagram: cintia_costa 4. Miann & Co - Emily Unicorn - RRP $71.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au 5. Classic MJ Lurex Gold - RRP $29.95 - www.hellomisspoppyseed.com 6. Princess Pearl by Nana Huchy - RRP $49.95 - www.hellomisspoppyseed.com 7. Gold Heart Earrings by Holiday - RRP $14.95 - www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 8. Dreamer Bracelet by Blue Scarab - RRP $35.00 - www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 9. Salome Crown - RRP $32.00 - www.earthtoys.net 10. Salome Wand - RRP $26.00 www.earthtoys.net 11. Peche Royale Cedarwick by Sohum - RRP $35.00 www.prettylittlesomething.com.au 12. Down to the Woods 10m Gold String Lights RRP $73.00 - www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au

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Whether it be Mother's Day, your child’s birthday party or just an afternoon get together, these delicious treats will have the whole family wanting more.

Icingbits Edible Cake Toppers www.icingbits.com

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Sitting back on a grand chair as you sip your perfectly brewed tea in the finest china tea cup while devouring a fluffy scone may be a normal day for the queen, but it's just a mere daydream for the rest of us. But don’t throw away that old tea set you’ve kept packed away just yet, why not throw your own tea party full of delectable treats for you and your friends to share?

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These beautiful fruity ice cubes are the perfect idea for adding a little flavour to your water. Simply fill up your icecube tray and add chopped fruits to them before placing them into the freezer.

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Berrylicious Punch For those who aren’t a fan of tea or for those who just want to freshen their pallet, try making a delicious fruit punch.

From fresh berries, to zesty lime, there are plenty of recipes available to match your desired taste.

Setting the scene It’s not a High Tea without the lace dollies, decorative table cloths and detailed crockery, so dust off that tiered cake stand with the matching tea set and deck the table with these simple tips and tricks. And if you don't have a tea set, check out your local op shop!

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HoneybakeWooden Dotty Toy Kettle www.earthtoys.net (RRP $29.95ea)

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If you don’t own a table runner, make a doily alternative instead. All you’ll need is a variety of doilies ranging in different size and a hot glue gun (or craft glue). Simply arrange the doilies in the formation you are happy with, making sure it reaches the length of your chosen table, then glue the overlapping edges to create a decorative table runner.

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Wooden Party Cake - Strawberry www.earthtoys.net (RRP From $39.95ea)

Delicake www.delicake.com.au (RRP From $49.95ea) The Delicake Master is a unique, lightweight, three piece cake ware product; designed to help you create non-bake dessert masterpieces. The Master’s clever three piece assembly means your desserts can be prepared, set and served using a single kitchen item.

Page Thirty Three - Bath Brews www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au (RRP $16.00ea)

Delightful Tea Gift Box: Clay Bead Bracelet, 10 hour Sohum Botanical Candlette in Mint Tea & Botanica Bliss Tranquil Nights Organic Bath Tea - beautifully presented in a gift box with a gift card. www.prettylittlesomething.com.au (RRP $45.00ea)

DIY Flavoured Ice Cubes www.letsmingleblog.com

Large Brass Bucket by Lightly www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au (RRP $120.00ea)

Birds of Australia Fine Bone China Cup Round The World Home and Gifts, The Pier, Pierpoint Rd, Cairns City

KW Ceramics - Vintage Lace Serving Board www.korufurnitureandhomewares.com.au (RRP $127.00ea)

pakmag CELEBRATE

Does your home sometimes feel like a zoo? Full of animals (or children, as some people call them!) running around wild? Why not celebrate their wild side and throw an animal themed birthday party? Invite your guests to join in on the craziness and dress as their favourite animal, whether it be a roaring lion or a cute little lady bug, the kids will have fun being their chosen creature for the day.

ANIMAL TREATS:

DECORATIONS:

Create cute turtle rolls by using tiger crust buns from your local supermarket, then by using thin slices of cucumber, create the neck and legs of the turtle. Simply add raisins for eyes and your favourite sandwich fillings for a delicious, unique treat.

Use animal figures for delightful party table decorations.

Add mini party hats made from paper scraps and pompoms for an extra birthday touch.

For a simple and healthy party snack, fill a bowl up with grapes and label it with ‘snake eggs’. This can be done as well with carrots as ‘crab claws’ and sultanas as ‘dried ants’.

Purchase some stuffed animals and create an animal adoption centre. Add a name tag and certificate so your party guests can leave with a memento, as well as a new friend.

Place animal masks on the back of the chairs for a unique table setting display. This can be helpful for the little ones to remember their seat at the table as well as adding a personalised touch to the decorations.

Pop-Out & Play - Woodlands www.earthtoys.net (RRP $16.00ea)

Tegu Magnetic Wooden Blocks Blues 24 Pieces www.earthtoys.net (RRP $139.95ea)

www.bestfriendsforfrosting.com

www.projectnursery.com

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www.karaspartyideas.com

www.100layercakelet.com

Petilou OwlyWoo Puzzle www.playmackay.com.au (RRP $15.95ea)

Crocodile Birthday Cake Cakes Upon A Time Smithfield, Cairns 0488 176 024

Icingbits Edible Cake Toppers www.icingbits.com

Homely Creatures Sleeping Bear Cushion www.korufurnitureand homewares.com.au (RRP $58.00ea)

www.karaspartyideas.com

www.willowday.net

Bring out the pink and blue balloons, the three-tiered nappy cake and the baby bottle centrepieces! Whether you’re saying, "Ahoy, it’s a boy" or welcoming a princess to the throne, shower the expecting mum in your life with a day that she won’t soon forget with these dazzling decoration and sweet gift ideas.

Have a special area for food and gifts: We love the idea of using a tepee to place all the gifts under! Decorate a table with your chosen colours and display food at different heights so everyone can indulge in tasty treats while they socialise.

Think cute: It’s a baby shower – you are allowed to bring out the over-the-top cutesy accessories. Baby cake toppers, blue and pink coloured food and itty bitty nest egg crackles are a must! And don’t forget to decorate with the natural floral choice for any baby shower – baby’s breath!

Get your game on: Baby showers provide the glowing mum-to-be with a chance to relax and socialise with friends. But it’s also a great opportunity to bring out the classic baby shower-themed games, including Nursery Rhyme Trivia, Baby Name

www.stylemepretty.com

Bingo and Guess the Baby Food.

Quins Medium Play Teepee www.earthtoys.net (RRP $130.00ea)

Gift Ideas

Pamper & Bliss Gift Box: 1 x Large Botica Bliss Organic Bath Tea, 1 x Paw Paw Lip Butter 15g, 1 x Sohum Botanical Candlette - Pink Champagne 50g & 2 x Pure Vegetable Tilley Australia Soap Bars www.prettylittlesomething.com.au (RRP $43.00ea)

Ladybug Small Wheely Bug www.playmackay.com.au (RRP $99.95ea)

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Hardwood High Chair www.earthtoys.net (RRP $210.00ea)

Wood & Clay Bead Bracelet www.prettylittlesomething.com.au (RRP $19.95ea)

The Day You Came into the World Book www.franceslalor.com (RRP $24.95ea)

Bunny Paddie Ride On - Im Toy www.playmackay.com.au (RRP $110.00ea)

M&D Rainbow Stacker www.earthtoys.net (RRP $22.00ea)

Crochet Billy Bunny www.earthtoys.net (RRP $85.00ea)

www.bestfriendsforfrosting.com

Ready To Frame Print - XOX Etsy store: HelloFernAustralia (RRP $25.00ea)

Icingbits Edible Cake Toppers www.icingbits.com

Egg Nest Recipe www.sendomatic.com

Mini Champagne Bottle Labels x 8 Etsy store: LabelWithLove (RRP $23.13ea) "It's a Girl" Cupcakes & Pretty in Pink Cake Cakes Upon A Time Smithfield, Cairns 0488 176 024

www.stylemepretty.com

Is your little superstar a sport fanatic? Why not give your biggest fan a sports-themed party that celebrates this passion? We’ve got a great selection of sweets, treats, games and decorations that will give the whole team something to cheer about.

Foods of Fanatics

Decorations of Champions

In addition to the traditional game day meals (sausage rolls, party pies and mini hot dogs), give your little champions the energy they need with some of these simple and (somewhat) nutritional ideas:

When decorating for your child’s sports party, you will probably want to choose plates, tablecloths, crepe paper and balloons to represent your child’s favourite team colour(s).

For example, if your little guy or gal is a Cowboys fan, then you will most likely stick to dark blue and yellow.

Use edible black markers to transform a bowl of oranges into mini basketballs.

Serve treats, like popcorn, pretzels or nuts, out of trophylike cups.

Turn water bottles or juice pops into referees by adding a band of black and white paper around the base and topping each drink with a whistle.

Serve up a veggie platter with plenty of greens to represent the pitch.

Serve fairy bread using sprinkles of your child’s favourite team colours.

Pick up a sheet of fake grass (from any hardware store) and cut it into placemats for the table setting.

Transform paper lanterns into balls with a bit of paint (orange for basketballs and black and white for soccer balls).

Fun, Games and Lolly Bag Ideas Keep the superstars happily sweating with some physical activity. Then send them on their way with a lolly bag.

Set up a mini golf station in your backyard.

Play cricket, baseball or footy at a nearby park.

www.sugarandcloth.com

Make fruit sticks using fruits of the same colours as your child’s favourite team (watermelon for red, grapes for green, blueberries for blue and banana for yellow).

Invite guests to the party by designing a ticket-themed birthday invitation.

DIY Party Favour www.ideas.evite.com

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Shannon Bond Cake Design

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22 July 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

omm a.com

Icingbits Edible Cake Toppers www.icingbits.com

Wooden Golf Set www.earthtoys.net (RRP $105.00ea)

Rubber Sponge Cricket Ball www.earthtoys.net (RRP $4.50ea) www.catchmyparty.com

www.afternooncrumbs.com

The world is filled with places to explore, things to discover and lessons to learn. And this is no more the case than when you are a child. For your little one’s next birthday party, why not nurture this sense of adventure with a party that oozes with excitement?

If your children love treasure hunts, jungle safaris, Geocaching or even Pokemon Go, then an adventure party is a great option. Rather than the traditional birthday party games, set the stage for an imaginative escapade through the backyard as your guests hunt for animals or search for buried treasure (and treats).

Adventure is Out There

www.petitandsmall.com

There are plenty of different themes to consider when planning your adventure party.

Jungle safari – Stick to green, brown and tanned colours for decorations and bring the jungle to your backyard with plastic lions, tigers, bears and zebras.

•• Gold chocolate coins

Pirate adventure – Set sail for the seven seas with black, white and checked decorations, pirate hats for each guest and a scavenger hunt that leads to a treasure chest of surprises.

•• Plastic army people

Reptile explorers – Transform your house into a garden of discovery with plastic insects, lizards and snakes to search for.

Treats Ants on a log (sticks of celery with peanut butter and sultanas on top) Dirt cups (cookie crumble and chocolate mousse with gummy worms placed on top) Trail mix (various nuts, dried fruit and chocolate M&Ms) Lolly Bag Ideas

Quins Play Teepee Medium www.earthtoys.net (RRP $120.00ea) Backpack Terra Kids - Haba www.playmackay.com.au (RRP $79.90 $54.95ea)

24 July 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

www.hipandhooray.com.au

Up the ante of adventure with themed lolly bags. Here are some fun gadgets to send the kids home with:

•• A colouring in treasure map •• Toy binoculars •• A plastic compass

Entertainment Let the kids dig for buried treasure in a sand pit. Add plastic insects, jungle animals or chocolate gold coins.

Set up a scavenger hunt in the backyard or at a nearby park.

Set up an obstacle course in the backyard with obstacles to jump through, climb over and squeeze under.

Consider playing Capture the Flag where the kids are divided into two teams and the play area is divided into two areas. The objective is to “steal” the opposing team’s flag from a hidden position within their area. For extra toughness, add a strip of coloured face paint to each child’s cheeks.

Nature & Explorer Case www.earthtoys.net (RRP $58.00ea)

Pony Rider Good Times Wall Dot 44cm diameter, korufurnitureand homewares.com.au (RRP $80.00ea)

Icingbits Edible Cake Toppers www.icingbits.com

www.thecakeblog.com Great Adventure Kit www.earthtoys.net (RRP $59.95ea)

Kaisercraft Kaisercolour Free Spirit Colouring Book www.prettylittlesomething.com.au (RRP $12.00ea)

Arrr matey, it’s time to get into the swashbuckling spirit with this month’s party guide. Gather the little buccaneers for a whale of a good time with these treats, sweets, games and lolly bag ideas.

Treasured Treats Ocean jelly – Top your individual cups of blue jelly with miniature pirate flags.

Bandana Bananas – Ddd bandanas and faces to your bananas.

Pirate platter – Det sail with a fruit salad boat made of watermelon with apple slice sails.

Skull-shaped bickies – Shiver their timbers with skullthemed bickies.

Chest of treats – Pick up a cheap treasure chest and fill with chips, popcorns or other tasty snacks.

Crafts and Games Estimation station – Guess the number of gold coins in a treasure chest.

Dig for buried treasure – If you have a sand box, then this is a great one to keep the little sea rovers happy.

Host a treasure hunt in the backyard – The losing team has to walk the plank.

Pirate photo booth – Pick up a few plastic swords, bandanas, eye patches, fake moustaches and plastic hooks and let your pirates pose for pictures.

Ring around the sword – A scurvy version of the traditional ring toss.

Make pirate telescopes – Cellophane paper, paper towel rolls and various craft materials are all you need.

Loot and Booty Bags Bandana lolly bags – Fill a bandana with chocolate gold coins and secure with an elastic band. Add other trinkets such as pirate colouring-in sheets (wrapped up like a treasure map), pirate stickers and plastic telescopes. www.blog.hwtm.com

www.grubbylittlefaces.com

Icingbits Cake Toppers www.icingbits.com

26 July 26 July 2017 2017 || www.pakmag.com.au www.pakmag.com.au

www.thebakerupstairs.com

Shark Hand Puppet - Folkmanis www.playmackay.com.au (RRP $48.00)

Crochet Maddie Mermaid www.earthtoys.net (RRP $85.00)

Pirates Treasure Island - Playmobil www.playmackay.com.au (RRP $94.95)

www.leaf.tv

Pirate Dress Up Set www.earthtoys.net (RRP $25.00)

Changing Colour Nautical Mobile www.luminouslights.net.au (RRP $39.90)

Peter Pan Hardback www.earthtoys.net (RRP $24.95)

In a galaxy far far away, the PakMag team decided to pull together a planet-themed party so extraordinary that it will be out of this world!

Stimulate their senses with spacey sweets and treats, intergalactic games and decorations that will make the guests feel like they really are in a different world. Think rocket ships, astronauts, planets, aliens, and constellations.

If your little one is a fan of all things space, then we’ve got your celestial celebration all wrapped up.

www.karaspartyideas.com

INTERSTELLAR DELIGHTS •• Astronaut bikkies •• Moon-shaped cupcake toppers •• Fruit rocket kabobs •• Round and star-shaped cookie cutters to cut out sandwiches that look like planets and stars

ASTRONOMICAL DECORATIONS •• Hang Chinese paper lanterns in different colours around the room. Add a ring around one for Saturn.

•• Balloons are a must for any party. Add eyes to make them alien balloons.

•• Save the rolls off your paper towel and get the kids to help you design rocket ships to place around the house or on the tables. You can also use this as a race your rocket ship game.

•• Design a moon-themed table. Use play dough or collect rocks (and spray paint them silver) for moon craters.

INTERGALACTIC GAMES •• Set the mood with music from some of the best spacethemed movies and TV shows including Star Wars, ET and 2001: A Space Odyssey and play musical chairs •• Play pass the planet-shaped parcel and include spacethemed toys for each child to find.

•• Set up a backyard Saturn ring toss. www.bananabakery.com

Hues Studio Design

28 July 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Blast Off! Spaceman Light Chain www.luminouslights.net.au (RRP $49.90) www.thebabybumpdiaries.com

Globe Puzzle 57pc - Goki www.playmackay.com.au (RRP $16.00)

100% Cotton Muslin Wrap www.bubs2bratz.com.au (RRP $15.96)

Grimms Spiel & Holz Elements Handmade Puzzle www.earthtoys.net (RRP $130.00)

Apollo Lunar Module 3D Model www.nightskysecrets.com.au (RRP $24.95)

Kson 102mm (4") Telescope www.nightskysecrets.com.au (RRP $240.00) Blue Summer Sparkle Doll's Dress Etsy store: DebsDollsClothes (RRP $16.00)

Icingbits Cake Toppers www.icingbits.com

R E A D Y, S ET, PA R T Y !

With the V8’s zooming into Townsville this month, we figured it’s the perfect time of year to host a car-themed party for the little racers in your life.

Red and black are two of the most popular colours for race car themed parties. Look for black and white checked buntings and flags to hang around the food area and pair it with red tableware. Black, yellow and red balloons can also add some racing flair to the party area.

Here are some more ideas on food, games and lolly ideas.

www.sportsmomsurvivalguide.com

•• You can make plenty of different ‘car’ themed treats such as apple cars with grapes as the wheels, lamingtons cars with Smarties as the wheels (and add a Tiny Teddy to the front as the driver) or brownies with marshmallows as the wheels.

•• Create spotlight brownies (brownies cut into rectangles and topped with red, amber and green M&Ms) or spotlight kabobs using a red strawberry, yellow banana slice and a green kiwi fruit.

•• Red, amber and green (spotlight) jelly will also be a huge hit with the kiddies.

•• Pick up some plastic trophies and fill them with different snacks (popcorn, chips, crackers, etc).

•• Or, use a circle cookie cutter to create “sandwich wheels” and spread with Nutella to give them the tyre look.

•• Top your cupcakes with miniature flags or stop signs.

•• For a fun backyard game pick up a box of race car toys and set up a racing track. You can race the cars down a hill or down a slide.

•• Or, create an obstacle course using old tyres and red pylon cones for the kids to manoeuvre through.

•• Add a toy race-car to each lolly bag. Other things to consider include racing stickers, rubbers and pencil sets.

Icingbits Cake Toppers www.icingbits.com

www.momvstheboys.com

GOKI - Roadster Red www.earthtoys.net (RRP $195.00)

www.bebehblog.com

www.aboutamom.com www.cakejournal.com

30 July 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Woodie - CandyLab www.playmackay.com.au (RRP $40.00) www.raisingwhasians.com

Maverick Thunderlane - Playforever www.playmackay.com.au (RRP $90.00) Automoblox - X9 Sports Ute www.earthtoys.net (RRP $54.95)

www.ramblingsfromutopia.com

- UNDER -

Under The Sea Party Box Etsy store: OhShinyPaperCo (RRP $83.69)

The Sea With Finding Dory swimming into theatres this month, you can expect an influx of requests for Under the Sea theme parties. We’ve tracked down our favourite finds and party tips to help you host an amusing aqua adventure for your littles ones.

Deep Sea Decorations •• Blue and green crepe paper and paper lanterns •• Message in a bottle (or sand) centrepieces •• Jellyfish and octopus balloons (ribbon tentacles) •• “Seaweed” streamers Sweets and Tasty Treats •• Aquatic fairy bread – use all blue hundreds & thousands (you can get these in the baking section) •• Crustacean cupcakes with crab, starfish and fish cupcake toppers •• Jelly Fish – Mould your jelly into a fish shape.

•• Starfish bikkies.

•• Fishy fruit platters – experiment with turtles, octopus, starfish, crabs and more.

•• Boat shaped sandwiches.

Aquatic Activities •• Crab racing – have the kids race on all fours like a crab in the backyard.

•• Water balloon wars – fill up a bucket of water balloons and let the kids go crazy.

•• Fish, Fish, Shark – give the classic Duck Duck Goose an oceanic twist.

•• Find Nemo, Dory and other fish friends – set up an ocean-themed scavenger hunt.

32 Collage July 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au Petit - Pop-Out - Ocean www.earthtoys.net (RRP $14.95)

Floating Whale - Kid O www.playmackay.com.au (RRP $19.95) Lil Sailing Boat www.earthtoys.net (RRP $5.50ea)

Blue Paisley Summer Dolls Dress Etsy store: DebsDollsClothes (RRP $14.00)

Grimm's Sailboat Puzzle www.earthtoys.net (RRP $49.95)

Starfish 3 Piece Set www.okgift.com.au (RRP $15.95)

Icingbits Cake Toppers www.icingbits.com

Little Princess

] Paleo Gourmet Trail Mix www.thesourcebulkfoods.com.au Icingbits Cake Toppers www.icingbits.com

PARTY!

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Ask a little girl what theme she wants for her birthday party and you are often going to be greeted with “Princesses!”

While not every little girl wants to have a princess-themed party, it does seem to be a pretty popular choice.

Whether going with Disney or sticking to a more generalised princess party, here are some ideas to ensure your little princess’ special day reigns supreme.

Crowning Colour Schemes and Decoration Delights Most princess parties will stick to the pink and purple theme but other good colours to incorporate include silver, gold and even a light blue. Make sure you choose napkins, tablecloths, plates, cups, balloons, crèche paper and paper lanterns in your colours of choice.

Princess Squeaker www.ellej.com.au (RRP $16.95)

Crowning centrepieces – place a tiara and wand in the centre of the table for the perfect centrepiece Majestic Lolly Jars – fill baby food jars with pink and purple jelly beans topped with miniature tiaras Add a princess themed bunting to the walls or food table Give each guest their own tiara by gluing a paper crown to the front of a party hat and adding a small amount of clear fabric to the back

Cinderella Cups 8 Pack www.instantpartypacks.com.au (RRP $4.00)

Royal Treats and Sovereign Sweets Princess popcorn – popcorn mixed with red food colouring (or red beet juice if you prefer not to use food colouring) Pink and purple fruit wands – strawberries, pink marshmallows and grapes placed on a kabob stick and topped with a star-shaped slice of watermelon Princess topper cupcakes Waffle cone castles – waffle cones, flipped upside down, topped with princess-themed cake toppers and sitting on a bed of whipped cream

Cinderella Large Plates 8 Pack www.instantpartypacks.com.au (RRP $5.50)

Pink lemonade with hundreds and thousands sprinkled around the edges Fairy bread – add a dash of red food colouring (or red beet juice) mixed with the butter to create a pink base.

Grandiose Games Decorate your own crown Musical thrones (musical chairs but with a royal twist) Pin the tail on the frog (or pin the gem on the crown) Icingbits Cake Toppers www.icingbits.com

34 July 2017 | www.pakmag.com.au

Dream Dazzlers Princess Dress Up Set www.toysrus.com.au (RRP $29.99)

White Hearts Summer Dolls Dress Etsy store: DebsDollsClothes (RRP $14.00)

Princess Train - Bigjigs www.playmackay.com.au (RRP $35.95)