ML Interest Tag: party-supplies

There Are So Many Seussical Ways to Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday This Year!

by Jennifer Swartvagher

Dr. Seuss’ birthday is the perfect day to celebrate your love of reading. On March 2, millions of educators, booksellers, parents and children across the nation participate in a celebration of reading and literacy. To commemorate Dr. Seuss’s birthday in 2020, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, together with Random House Children’s Books is introducing new ways to honor the genius behind Dr. Seuss’s beloved characters and books through a variety of events, merchandise, partnerships and more.

Dr Seuss Logo
Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.

“This annual holiday celebrates how Dr. Seuss books and characters infuse learning with fun, while also giving people of all ages an opportunity to express their love of the Dr. Seuss brand in creative and new ways,” said Susan Brandt, president of Dr. Seuss Enterprises. “Dr. Seuss’s birthday is a great time to celebrate reading and literacy by taking a moment out of your day to read to a child.”  

“There is no better time to celebrate a love of books and reading than on Dr. Seuss’s birthday,” says Mallory Loehr, SVP & publisher, Random House Books for Young Readers Group. “We are always thrilled to be a part of the festivities that surround this day and are proud to be the publisher of Dr. Seuss’s unforgettable stories that generations of readers continue to enjoy.”

Here’s how fans everywhere can celebrate Dr. Seuss’s birthday:

Target, Barnes & Noble, Party City, buybuy BABY and independent bookstores across the country will be hosting Dr. Seuss reading events leading up to the birthday. Events at Target, Barnes & Noble, Party City, and buybuy BABY will be hosted in stores on Saturday, February 29.

Meet the Cat!, a 16-stop Cat in the Hat Costume Tour, will be taking place in late February/early March, making stops at bookstores across the country. For more information, visit Seussville.

In collaboration with renowned creative innovation studio Sugar Creative, Dr. Seuss Enterprises will launch the first in a series of augmented reality (AR) apps set to enhance the way children learn to read. The first app in the series is Dr. Seuss’s ABC – An Amazing AR Alphabet!, based on the bestselling book Dr. Seuss’s ABC, and will allow children to learn their ABC’s in a fun, engaging, and unexpected way.

The 3rd annual Dr. Seuss Word Challenge will track the number of books being read by kids across the country. Parents, caregivers, and educators can submit the number of Dr. Seuss books their child has read during the sweepstakes week by visiting Dr. Seuss’ Word Challenge. Daily prizes, as well as a grand prize, will be awarded. The sweepstakes kicks off on March 2 and runs through March 6.

Several of Dr. Seuss Enterprises’ leading licensee partners will be launching limited edition Seussian product lines in honor of the birthday that feature beloved characters and Dr. Seuss’s original artwork. This includes:

  • A line of whimsical baby and toddler apparel at Target 
  • Costumes and accessories available on Elope
  • A full line of Dr. Seuss classroom décor from Eureka School
  • Ornate figurines from Jim Shore
  • A plethora of party supplies and decorations with Oriental Trading
  • Adorable Hanna Andersson kid and toddler pajamas and apparel
  • A new collection of socks, t-shirts, and underwear by Stance

For more information on Dr. Seuss Enterprises, visit Seussville.com, Instagram or Facebook.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Features photo: Dr. Seuss Enterprises L.P.

RELATED STORIES

My Name Is Inigo Montoya; Prepare to Buy This Book!

Little Feminist Releases 3 New Inclusive Board Books for Toddlers

Jonathan Van Ness Wrote a Children’s Book about a Nonbinary Guinea Pig & Your Kiddo Needs This

 

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Which Stores Will Be Open on New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day?

by Keiko Zoll

Life happens—sometimes you need to make an emergency run to the grocery store or an eleventh-hour Target run—and life doesn’t care that it’s a holiday weekend. Whether you’re out scrambling for last-minute NYE party supplies or need an extra bottle of Advil come New Year’s Day morning, here are TK stores open on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day 2019.

Photo: Jira via Rawpixel

Stores Open on New Year’s Eve (Monday, Dec. 31)

Note: all times local.

Aldi: Regular store hours; check your local store 1/1 closed

Costco: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

CVS Pharmacy: Most locations open 24 hours; check your local store

Home Depot: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

IKEA: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Kroger: Regular store hours; check your local store

Lowe’s: 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Party City: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Publix: All stores will close at 9 p.m.

Rite Aid: Regular store hours; check your local store

Safeway: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sam’s Club: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Starbucks: Most stores will be open, but store hours will vary by location

Target: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Trader Joe’s: All stores will close at 6 p.m.

Walgreens: Most locations open 24 hours; check your local store

Walmart: Regular store hours; check your local store

Wegmans: All stores will close at 8 p.m. 7am 1/1

Whole Foods: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Photo: Kevin Bidwell via Pexels

Stores Open on New Year’s Day (Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019)

Note: all times local.

Aldi: CLOSED

Costco: CLOSED

CVS Pharmacy: Most locations open 24 hours; check your local store

Home Depot: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

IKEA: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Kroger: Regular store hours; check your local store

Lowe’s: Regular store hours; check your local store

Party City: Most locations will be CLOSED; check your local store

Publix: Regular store hours; check your local store

Rite Aid: Regular store hours; check your local store

Safeway: Regular store hours; check your local store

Sam’s Club: CLOSED

Starbucks: Most stores will be open, but store hours will vary by location

Target: Regular store hours; check your local store

Trader Joe’s: CLOSED

Walgreens: Most locations open 24 hours; check your local store

Walmart: Regular store hours; check your local store

Wegmans: All stores re-open at 7 a.m.

Whole Foods: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

As always, your local stores’ actual holiday hours may vary depending on where you live, so be sure to check either the store website or call up the store before you head out.

—Keiko Zoll

Featured photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr

 

RELATED STORIES:

These Pre-Made Appetizers from Trader Joe’s Will Save Your Party

The 17 Best Finds from Target’s Huge After-Christmas Clearance Sale

Target to Expand Same-Day Delivery Option for TONS More Items in 2019

Holiday Return Policies for Amazon, Target, Walmart, Costco & 33 More Stores

The Best Times to Shop at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Costco & More Grocery Stores

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Amazon Homemade Adds ‘The Baby Store’ Because We Didn’t Want Our Money Anyway

by Red Tricycle

Photo: TheSlanted

Adding a handcrafted touch to our kids’ lives has been en vogue for ages now, and Amazon’s making it easier for those of us who are challenged in the crafting department. Amazon’s Handmade at Amazon is expanding it’s store to offer handcrafted items in new categories such as Baby and Toys & Games. Everything is genuinely handmade, crafted and sold directly from artisans.

The categories in the handmade baby store includes:

  • Baby & Toddler Toys
  • Nursery Bedding
  • Nursery Décor 
  • Nursery Furniture
  • Nursing & Feeding

For those buying gifts for older children, Amazon offers homemade toys and games. Some of the categories included are:

  • Sports & Outdoor Play
  • Pretend Play
  • Learning & Education
  • Dolls, Toy Figures & Accessories

Homemade at Amazon also incorporates Home Decor, Handbags & Accessories, Furniture, and Stationary & Party Supplies.

Are you addicted to handmade items? Tell us in the comments below!

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Party Hearty: Five Crafty Shops You Need to Know for a DIY Bash

by Allison Sutcliffe

There’s a time in every party planning parent’s life when inspiration strikes and the quest to design the coolest kiddo bash in town begins. If you’re left wondering what Martha would do in this situation, we’ll let you in on a secret, she’d hit up these amazingly crafty shops. They’ve got everything you need, from invites to goody bags, so you can throw one unforgettable event.

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Packaging Specialties
PS Stores are a DIYer’s dream because they stock just about everything you can think of to assemble a party that won’t soon be rivaled. They make tying in colored themes easy with straws, cellophane packaging, organdy and muslin bags, as well as that cute baker’s twine everyone uses these days. They even have baking boxes and tins for everyday treats like cupcakes or colored M&Ms, right on through to custom boxes (think macarons and more!) for stand out assemblage. As for printables, the party planner in you will delight in the many flags, tags and labels that will add that special touch to your invites, goody bags or games. And if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, take it down a notch and grab one of their adorable ready-to-go boxes of invites. Finding matching elements for circus, pirate or ladybug themes is a cinch in this store. It’s easy to look like a pro when you’ve got the right stuff!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Good to know: Packaging Specialties hosts classes a few times a month where those who are craft curious learn techniques that transform projects from amateur to amazing. The cost is usually around $25.

515 S. Michigan St.
Seattle, Wa 98108
206-768-0540

15120 N.E. 24th St.
Building 18, Suite F
Redmond, Wa 98052
425-885-0264
Online: ps-stores.com

Paper Delights
This stylish Wallingford store is the party and card store you’ve been looking for your whole life, in that “had me at hello” kind of way. If you’re not already drooling when you walk through the door, you will be after leafing through the invite booklets and wandering the rows of irresistible cards that you must have. We love this shop because it’s one place you can create custom invites in small quantities without breaking the bank. Plan on about $1.75 per card, with a 20 card minimum (although you can fudge that and order less, you just have to pay $10 to do so) and voila, you’ve got an adorbs card for your cutie’s next bash, just 48 hours after it’s been approved. While you’re there you can also grab matching straws, baker’s twine, cupcake sleeves and paper globes to round out your party décor. Simple elegance is always in style!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

2205 N. 45th St.
Seattle, Wa 98103
206-547-1002
Online: paperdelights.com

Paper Source
We love the knowledgeable staff at Paper Source, who can take all those awesome ideas you’ve pinned and show you how to make them by yourself. It’s the go-to store for the craftily inclined (but maybe not so crafty) who have more confidence in their inspired ideas than they do in their skill. It’s also a great one-stop-shop because everything you need to create the look you’re going for can be found in the store, right down to crafty favors, centerpieces or activities for the party. And if you want to be less do-it-yourself, and more do-it-for-me, please (and who can blame you if you do?), their pre-packaged invites and accessories are the way to go. Psst! We totally love their printable invites that couple with online templates, so you can customize the message and look, plus print everything at home. It’s the breathe-easy, DIY option for busy parents!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Good to know: Throughout the year, Paper Source holds classes so you can up your craft ante from season to season. Check out their online schedule to see what’s next on deck. Classes are usually between $20-$35.

1908 Queen Anne Ave. N.
Seattle, Wa 98103
206-284-2615

2606 N.E. 46th St.
Seattle, Wa 98105
206-523-3683

610 Bellevue Way N.E., Suite 100
Bellevue, Wa 98004
425-646-0100
Online: papersource.com

Impress
Stamps as far as the eye can see, in every imaginable shape or size, is what party planners will find at either of Impress’s two locations. It’s a true stamper’s paradise, just waiting for your next party project. But beyond stamps, they’ve got amazing ideas that line the shelves, and staff who can help you bring a certain look to life, if you’ve got grand plans. Plus, they’ve got all the embellishments (think brads, buttons, sequins and ribbons), tools and stamp pads right there in the store, which is always appreciated by busy parents. And if you can’t find the exact stamp you’re looking for, you can make one that’s the perfect fit for your little one’s next bash (be sure to plan turnaround time into this one). DIY-ing here is one way to make an impression!

photo: Allison Sutcliffe

Good to know: Mark your calendar for an upcoming class at Impress to level-up on your party prowess.

2621 N.E. Village Ln.
Seattle, Wa 98105
206-526-5818

120 Andover Park E.
Tukwila, Wa 98188
206-901-9101
Online: impresscardsandcrafts.com

The Red Balloon Company
If balloons are what you need to complete your party look, you gotta check out the Red Balloon Company on Capitol Hill. They do balloons the way Marshawn runs the ball, like a boss. They’ve got everything you need, from simple uninflated balloons on through to helium-filled balloon arches that really make a doorway pop (wink, wink). And did we mention they (can) deliver? Yes, please!

417 15th Ave. E.
Seattle, Wa 98112
206-467-0318
Online: redballoon.com

Looking for original favors for goody bags? Or the perfect present to bring to the party? Be sure to check out our guide to unique stores for birthday gifts for some awesome ideas.

What’s your favorite place to pick up DIY party supplies? Share it with others in the Comments below!

— Allison Sutcliffe

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Playing Dress-Up: 6 Unexpected Places to Score Cool Kids’ Costumes

by Ayren Jackson-Cannady

In addition to your wedding dress, there is one other day that can have you spending an arm and a leg for just a few hours of outfit fun: Halloween. Your kiddos will all want new, original costumes, and your first instinct will probably be to swing by the big box store to pick up a pre-packaged dress for a small fortune (don’t forget all the accessories!). Not only can you save money by picking a costume from one of these Halloween alternatives, but you can get your kids’ creative cogs turning, too.

For cheap thrills and chills: Goodwill
Not only will you find great used costumes, vintage dresses, and other creative threads on the racks, but they’ll only cost you a few bucks! Check out a Goodwill near you and see what you and your kids can dig up in the $1 bin, or on the shelves of castoffs in great condition. Plus, around Halloween many of them sell cheap decorations, so you can pick up a glowing pumpkin or singing skeleton, too.

Online: goodwill.org

For last minute looks: Unique Thrift Shop
Unique is a great place to look for Halloween costumes because they sell both new and used get-ups for all ages, and all for great prices. Plus, they have locations all around the DMV area. Where else can you get new life-lke fairy wings for only $7.99? Bonus: The store’s employees go ALL OUT in their Halloween costumes, which they wear throughout the month of October. Locations in Adelphi, Md, Silver Spring, Md, Wheaton, Md, and Falls Church, Va.

703-992-6569 (Falls Church, Va)
301-422-2406 (Adelphi, Md)
301-431-7450 (Silver Spring, Md)
301-962-0600 (Wheaton, Md)
Online: imunique.com

For period pieces: The American Backstage Company
Try The American Backstage Company if you’re looking to rent a costume. They also sell packaged costumes, including not just the typical Halloween costumes but their selection of theater costumes, too. If none of their options work for your kids, The American Backstage Company also makes custom ensembles.

5380 Eisenhower Ave. (Alexandria, Va)
703-212-8982
Online: americanbackstage.com

For the costume du jour: 529 Kids Consign
If the words “thrift shops” scare you, try this local consignment gem, instead. Consignment shops tend to only sell the best of the best, and the people who give their used clothes get a cut of the sales. However, around Halloween, this popular spot (with two locations in Northern Virginia) collects used Halloween costumes in great condition and resells them.

122A. South Royal St. (Alexandria, Va)
703-567-4518

7918 Fort Hunt Rd. (Alexandria, Va)
703-721-2921
Online: 529kidsconsign.com

For the one-of-a-kind creation: Michael’s
If you (or your kids) are crafty, take a trip to your nearest arts hub to pick up cardboard, paint, foam, felt, and many other cool glue-gun friendly decorations. Think of how you could turn a foam ball and cone into a studded microphone for a “rock star,” or a vest into a leather jacket for a “motorcyclist.” This way you save money by making costumes at home, and you also have a great activity for your kids on the next rainy day! Plus, since the focus in craft shops is home décor and therefore their Halloween items are often bought way before the holiday, their Halloween items are already on sale! Snatch.

Online: michaels.com

For the cool costume-in-a-bag: Total Fright
Total Fright is a more traditional Halloween costume shop so prices will be a bit higher, but it’s awesome because of its convenient Ballston Mall location. If your kiddo has a special costume in mind, the variety at Total Fright will make the search simple. Plus, they also have party supplies–not just for Halloween but year-round.

Ballston Commons Mall
4238 Wilson Blvd. (Arlington, Va)
202-333-5950
Online: totalfright.com

Where do you shop for kids’ Halloween costumes? Tell us in the comments section below. 

–Kelly Ann Jacobson

Photo courtesy of opencontent via Facebook

 

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

Throw a Pirate Themed Birthday Party in Los Angeles

by Erin Lem

With the re-vamping of Disney’s Pirate’s of the Caribbean, Pirates are everywhere. Does your kid crave the wide open seas? Are they vigilantly on the look-out for buried treasure? Do they keep bugging you for a pet parrot? Hopefully these Pirate Birthday Party ideas will satisfy their need for the rough and tumble of a pirate’s life.

Pirate Entertainers
In Los Angeles there are a good variety of party entertainers, all offering their own twist on this arrrr-some birthday party theme. With so many options, your kiddo’s birthday party can happen in a park, or in your backyard, giving you location and time flexibility.

Pirates for Parties
This is a nationwide company staffing Jack Sparrow look-a-likes.They have performers trained specifically for birthday parties for kids of all ages. These pirates can be calm or playful, depending on your kiddo’s age group and some even come with parrots!
714-974-0878
Online: piratesforparties.com

Parrots for Parties
Parrots for Parties is a staffing agency for animal entertainers, most involving parrots and some offering Jack Sparrow look-a-likes. Some parrots do tricks, some are silly and others are guaranteed to make your kiddo hAR hAR! Ahoy me matey.
714-745-7321
Online: parrots4parties.com

Sharpo Family Entertainment
Sharpo is another great resource for booking your very own pirate! These pirates aren’t scary, they’re silly! They also facilitate group activities with all of your birthday guests, having the kids take the pirate’s pledge and conducting a magic show.
323-205-6514
Online: sharpo.com/Pirate_Party_LA

Create A Kid’s Party
Create a Kid’s Party is a great resource to have in your back pocket. They have tons of characters to hire for any kind of birthday party theme you could think of, including Pirates, of course. These pirates come armed with face painting, games, toy balloons, a treasure hunt, and a magic show.
323-687-0919
Online:createakidsparty.com

Party Supplies
What’s a good Pirate Party without the perfect party supplies to match your theme? And we’re not talking just plates – pirate ship cut-outs, cupcake toppers, pirate accessories to go in your party guest’s booty bags. You want it, this list of party supply stores have it.

Joker Supply
Joker Supply has tons of Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean inspired loot! They’re also a great place to rent any tables, chairs, or balloons you may need to make the day extra festive.
1512 E. Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles, Ca
213-627-1840
Online: jokerpartysupply.com

Celebrity Party Planners
Everyone needs a great resource for stress-free birthday parties. Celebrity Party Planners have so much more than just napkins and paper plates. They’ve got you covered with the bounce house, the props, the balloons, and even the entertainers if you’d like. Plus, they set it up and take it away. Genius.
818-980-0032
Online: celebritypartyplanner.com

All The Extras
What turns a good themed party into a great themed party is really the extra little touches. These can be hard to come up with in the busy birthday planning phase, which is why we’ve done the thinking for you.

Check out this incredibly easy and genius idea for pirate birthday invites. What’s better than a message in a bottle to drive your theme home and get little party goers extra excited about the festivities to come?

For all the parents who love to bake and DIY, check out this way cool Pirate Ship Birthday Cake you can pull together with items lying around the house. With birthday candles sticking out of the cannons on the side, and a pile of malt balls as cannon balls on top, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

And For All of Our Little Adventurers Out There…
If a backyard, magic trick and face painting Pirate Birthday party isn’t what you’re looking for, but you’d still like to sail the seas with your kiddo for their birthday, don’t forget about Los Angeles’ abundant whale watching excursions. With a Pirate hat and a plastic sward your little one will be good to go.

Have any pirate themed party tips and tricks? Please leave us a note in comments!

— Lauren Dupuis

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement

If Your Kids Love LEGO’s, They Will Love This

by Jacqui Boland

It’s usually pretty clear – you’re either a LEGO family or you’re not – and it all depends on how obsessed your kids are with these colorful, popular building blocks! But, the land of LEGO’S has stepped it up since you were a kid (they’ve been in the United States since the 1960s!) and just like so many brands, you can fill your entire life with LEGO gear these days – from bedding to board games to room decor to clothing and more. If they make it, you can get it in a LEGO version! Thankfully, most of these LEGO products won’t hurt your feet when you step on them in the middle of the night, as every parent has done a million times. Ouch!

For kids who love Legos and want everyone to know it, LEGO clothing is the only way to go. Crocs recently released these Crocband Kids Lego Clogs ($35) that are a hit with both kids and parents, who are happy to report that they no longer have to repeat themselves 27 times when asking their kiddos to get their shoes on! 

If you’re looking for some off-beat LEGO clothing that is funkier than the average LEGO gear, head to Red Bubble, where independent artists and designers sell their cheeky, fun LEGO designs. Prices vary and most designs are available in infant through adult sizes. We guarantee your LEGO-loving kid won’t see all of his friends at school wearing these shirts!

Okay, we know that life as a parent isn’t all about us versus them, but we have to admit, these Poppin’ Pineapple Soaps with a LEGO Surprise ($7) score one point for mom and dad! What better way to trick your kids into scrubbing up than with the reward of a new LEGO figurine, that’s embedded in the middle of these soaps. Each soap is made from glycerin, Shea butter and essential oils and you can choose the figurine that is in the soap, as well as the scent. Just don’t look too smug about it when they are asking to wash their hands – you don’t want them to catch on to your trick!

Don’t say we didn’t warn you – going on to Etsy and searching for LEGO party supplies is like opening Pandora’s toy box. There is so much good stuff on there that it may, quite literally, blow your mind. Some of our favorites include these fun Personalized LEGO Cupcake Toppers ($14 for 24) that will instantly dress up some homemade cupcakes.

Or, how about this cool LEGO Head Piñata ($30) that can be custom-made with different facial expressions and colors.

And this creative LEGO Happy Birthday Banner ($30) that they’ll love hanging in their room after the party.

For the youngest of LEGO loving kids – you know, the ones who still can’t be trusted not to swallow a brick or two? – these new LEGO Duplo Read & Build sets ($13) are becoming quite the hit. East set comes with a storybook and Duplo building pieces, so that your child can build along with the story.

With this LEGO Chucky Style Coat Rack ($22), you might actually be able to get your child to hang up his coat and backpack when he gets home from school! We think it’s super cool that these are handmade by a 13-year old, Hannah, a Lego lover herself!

And to top off a LEGO-themed bedroom, these custom-made LEGO Switchplates ($48) are so unique and can be made-to-order with your child’s favorite Lego guys – from skateboarders (as pictured) to firefighters to punk rockers.

LEGO’S are hardly just for the boys anymore! Girls love LEGO’S just as much and LEGO is even taking note, designing building sets that are geared towards activities girls think are cool. We’ve found some LEGO gear that your LEGO girl will think is pretty sweet, proving once and for all that they can have it all. A hip new replacement for the classic BFF heart necklaces, this LEGO Heart Friendship Necklace ($12) is sure to win her over.

The two LEGO pieces come together to form a heart. Need to add even more LEGO accessories to her collection? Put those LEGO’S to use with these funky (and functional!) LEGO Hair Clips ($10) – they come in a set of three and you can choose your own colors – a great way to get her hair out of her face so that she can focus on building!


And, we’ve thrown a little bit of LEGO love in here for you too, mom and dad, because we all know how painful it is to step on that rogue LEGO that didn’t get picked up. Check out these two cool LEGO pick-up solutions – Swoop Bags ($48) are sturdy, canvas play mats for your Legos (or other small toys) that you can them pull up with the drawstring and rope all those little buggers up into one ready-to-go bag.

Or, if you already have a Lego storage system, check out the Toydozer ($19), which acts like a mini LEGO bulldozer to get every last block. Both products were designed by moms… surprise, surprise!

What’s your favorite LEGO gear? Bags, clips, a coat rack? Let us know!

— Katie Kavulla, Mom to two LEGO obsessed girls and one son who things LEGO’S taste delicious

Advertisement

Related reads

Advertisement