Planning for a Birthday Party during the Holidays + Gift Ideas!
Birthdays around the holiday season can be a daunting task, even more so if it is for a little big kid. With the busy holiday preparation schedule, including finding Halloween costumes for those birthdays that land around spooky season, finding the time or energy to organize a memorable celebration can be challenging. We are a military family, so we have always been away from relatives and loved ones. Additionally, the weather is quite cold during this time of the year, making it hard to plan outdoor activities. I always find myself in a very tight spot during this time of the year. How about you?
Our son Josiah King is turning 6 in just a few days! Time really does fly. We had thought about inviting his friends and classmates to celebrate, but given that they are all still too young, it’s proving difficult to coordinate schedules with the other parents. Plus, Josiah’s birthday falls on a weekday, so he will be in school. So we’ve ultimately decided to have an intimate celebration at home and host a sweets and treats day in his class. I greatly appreciate this age; they are big enough to express what they want, making gift-giving much easier! Honestly, I can’t be the only parent pondering these things. Right?
If you are in the same tight spot as I did, let me help you navigate the challenge! Are you ready for a successful and stress-free birthday celebration during the holiday season? The 3 main things to remember are as follows:
• Who is coming while considering everyone’s schedule – a small, intimate gathering will do!
• Finding a venue or where it will be celebrated – keep it short and straightforward.
• Gifts that truly excite!
Coming from the birthday boy himself, we asked what he would like to receive for his birthday. Needless to say, his answer also works as a Christmas Gift! If you haven’t finished shopping and are still searching for a last-minute gift to purchase, we have a Kid-Approved list and a first-hand commentary on why it is a COOL GIFT and why we approve of them as a family.
We have the “Treasure X Lost Lands Skull Island Lava Tower Micro Playset“! Treasure X has gone MICRO, and according to Josiah, it is more thrilling to explore a whole new world of MEGA ADVENTURE. The journey begins with an exciting adventure with two adorable micro-sized figures named Clifford and Magma Scar. Together, you will help them explore the hidden secrets of the Lost Lands Skull Island Lava Tower while crossing a bridge, steering clear of tricky traps, and even lava ooze while searching for real gold-dipped treasure!
*** Check out our previous post: Not-so-Obvious Back to School Essentials
If you haven’t seen the commercial, you need to catch up! As a parent, I searched for unboxing s’ online and thought this was super cool! Since there are two characters in one playset and it has 15 levels of adventure, we give this a big thumbs up. Great for sharing and building social interaction.
Ready to add this to your list? Shop Amazon by clicking the link below:
https://tinyurl.com/stw6a25m
See the other towers and available accessories here:
https://www.moosetoys.com/brand/treasure-x/
During our last getaway before returning to school, Josiah discovered the World of Akedo and is thrilled that there are NEW “Beast Strike” warriors to collect and fight with! He is so fascinated with their beastly fighting styles, and now that he is in school, he claims he has the strength of a warrior to power through his martial arts class.
We love that this fuels his imagination and encourages him to partake in his self-defense class. He comes prepared to sprint, show off his kicks, and strengthen his super-strike like his favorite characters.
To add, our budding Hero is already requesting that Santa bring the Legends of Akedo Beast Strike Serpent Fury Arena to complete the overall experience.
Ready to add this to your list? Shop Amazon by clicking the link below:
https://tinyurl.com/ycx87yv2
Discover the other characters here:
https://www.moosetoys.com/brand/akedo/
Are you ready to wiggle and jiggle? Can you master the moves to beat the blocks? Test your memory and speed by yourself or challenge friends or family in the multi-player mode!
The master of speed claims he has everyone beat in our household. He loves the upbeat sound and can get through a long car ride without asking for a gadget to pass the time. We love that he can take it anywhere and play it anytime.
Ready to add this to your list? Shop Target by clicking the link below:
https://www.target.com/p/flipslide-handheld-electronic-game/-/A-53361030
The Goo Jit Zu team is back in action! You’ve seen us feature Blazagon with a unique “Power Core” in our back-to-school post. Now we’re back with Tyro to defeat the gooey underwater villains!
Our little reviewer is thrilled that Tyro has TWO DIFFERENT goo fillings with DOUBLE the ATTACK POWERS – “Squish Power” and “Stretch Power“! He has Claw Pop Attack and can stretch his body 3 times its size and return to its original length and shape after. There are 6 hero packs and 2 double goo packs to collect!
The Heroes of Goo Jit Zu are the super stretchy and the squishiest action hero – unlike any other toys out there. Each Hero has a different texture and is filled with a magical goo, making them extra fun to play. Bring their imagination to life with a twist, squeeze, and stretch to see their inner core power come to life! Great for a sensory, imaginative play. Big plus, I can’t resist not to SQUEEZE!
Ready to add this to your list? Shop Amazon by clicking the link below:
https://tinyurl.com/3hyj3h34
Discover the other characters here:
https://www.moosetoys.com/brand/heroes-of-goo-jit-zu/
If you’re looking for a fun party game that doubles as a family bonding activity, welcome this Kooky Kangaroo home. It’s silly and fun and will deliver lots of laughs as it shimmies its way around.
Our celebrant loves spending time as a family and is very competitive. He is eager to impress everyone with his reading and counting skills. This makes the race to pick up the first 5 donuts to win even more exciting.
We love that this Kangaroo can be played between 2-4 players and encourages patience, taking a turn, and sharing among other kids.
Ready to add this to your list? Shop Target by clicking the link below:
https://www.target.com/p/doo-doo-kangaroo-game/-/A-87882658
Now that we have the gift ideas covered, all that is left is to have fun and enjoy the celebration. Remember, it doesn’t have to be big and grand for the party to be successful. I actually opted for some balloons, a mini cake, cupcakes, donuts, and last but never least … TOYS! With some creativity and planning, overcoming ANY challenges and having a fantastic birthday party is possible.
*** Big nod to Moose Toys for constantly thinking outside the (toy)box and pushing innovation boundaries.
laura
November 16, 2023Thanks for sharing these amazing gift ideas for an amazing birthday as well Thanks for sharing this with us.
LavandaMIchelle
November 16, 2023I’m definitely trying out the Treasure X Skull Island and Akedo for my grandson’s upcoming birthday. Your recommendations make the whole celebration planning feel like a breeze.
Richard Lowe
November 16, 2023You have taken some great pictures that really capture the fun of these parties. I like your ideas. They will surely help make for better parties.
Richard Lowe
November 16, 2023There are a lot of good party idea here and the pictures are great. Thanks for the tips. I’ll remember them when I go to a kids party.
Jennifer Prince
November 16, 2023Flipside sounds like such a fun one. And six is such a fun age!
Clarice
November 16, 2023I agree with you! A small, intimate gathering works and that we just spend more on gifts and experiences (we usually take a trip a week after somewhere new)
By the way, thank you for these gift suggestions — very helpful this holiday season.
Ntensibe Edgar
November 16, 2023Hhhhmmm…I love the idea of the Akedo most. It has an element of uniqueness I’ve not seen around here. I should begin searching for it soon as the birthdays of the little ones are getting real close.
LaToyia Dennis
November 16, 2023Super fun party Ideas. Having good games snd activities is key.
Richelle Escat Milar
November 16, 2023Wow! What a nice thoughts about planning a birthday party during holidays. Its very hard to plan a birthday party during holidays because birthday party is very important especially to the kids because they are excited about it.
Claudia Krusch
November 16, 2023Awesome birthday ideas! I can’t wait to use some of them on my nephew’s upcoming birthday!
Fransic verso
November 16, 2023This is very cool, love the ideas and we have a birthday coming. I could try these ideas. Thank you for sharing!
JRC
November 16, 2023Cute post Angela! You have a gorgeous family and those snacks look amazing!
Sonia Seivwright
November 16, 2023My daughter’s birthday is coming up early next year, and I have to say this is a great guide. I would love a big party for her but due to costs and timing, I think she’ll have a small one with close friends and family.
vidya
November 16, 2023great gift ideas for young ones, and especially love Flipside for it can easily provide entertainment to people across ages and on long car rides
Christy G
November 16, 2023My daughter was born on the 15th of December. It was always hard having a birthday close to the holidays. We usually didn’t do anything extravagant and had a party with the family only.
Tara Pittman
November 16, 2023Having a birthday party during the holidays can be hard. People can be so busy during that time.
Monidipa Dutta
November 16, 2023Every thing in the list is new and different for all to have fun. I am going to try each of them out in the upcoming birthdays.
bright loveland snow
November 16, 2023Great, this post has really helped me get ideas for my son’s coming birthday. thanks so much
Gervin Khan
November 16, 2023Wow! These are amazing ideas and plans! Perfect, my sibling’s birthday is coming, I should try this on his birthday!
Melissa Cushing
November 16, 2023Such fabulous birthday party ideas for anyone celebrating a birthday around the Holidays. This looks like the party was a blast and loving so many of the cool items you have too!
Amber Myers
November 16, 2023You have some great idea here. This looks like a fabulous birthday with fantastic gifts.
Zab Zaria
November 16, 2023I love these party ideas! They are so creative and fun!
Debbie
November 16, 2023Great gift tips! Also – I know navigating holiday birthdays can be a challenge. My dads birthday is a few days after Christmas and my grandfathers was Christmas Eve.
Stephanie
November 16, 2023My husband’s birthday is on Christmas Day, he said it was always hard to have a birthday party because friends were so busy with holiday events with families. I have a few friends growing up who had birthdays near the holiday that would have a half-birthday party instead.
Ruby C
November 16, 2023The cake looks amazing. The birthday during the week is hard to deal with and timing is hard, but it looks like he had a blast.
Marysa
November 16, 2023It is so tough to plan for both birthdays and other holidays at the same time! It takes a lot of work and you also want to recognize the person’s birthday separate from the holiday. Those Goo Jit Su toys look so fun!
LavandaMIchelle
November 17, 2023Your three main points about keeping the gathering small, choosing a simple venue, and selecting exciting gifts are golden nuggets of wisdom.
Kat
November 17, 2023The custom star map idea is so touching and unique; I’m stealing it for my sister’s birthday. And that DIY spa kit? Genius! Who knew creating a spa day at home could be so easy?
Ntensibe Edgar
November 17, 2023Oh wow, this is a lot of gift ideas. May I bookmark and share with the little ones, to make their picks and choices? They must love something here.
Catalina
November 17, 2023This sounds like awesome ideas for Birthday parties! Love the gift ideas too!
Lynndee
November 17, 2023Those are such fun toys for kids. Thank you for the ideas. We do have some kids to shop for this Christmas.
Ben
November 17, 2023You did such an amazing job with this party. I love the decorations. The kids look like they’re having a blast!
Beautiful Touches
November 17, 2023These are some great gift ideas, I also like the idea of a cupcake stack vs typical large cake.
Amber Myers
November 17, 2023You have some great ideas. All of these toys look like they’d be a blast for kids.
Karen
November 17, 2023Such cute ideas! My brother’s bday is Christmas Day and it was always a challenge of when to hold his party.
Karen
November 17, 2023There are some great gift ideas for the young ones! Six is such a fun age!
Jess
November 17, 2023Looks like the kids had a great time! The cake, cupcakes, & donuts looks so good and those toys look like they were a big hit!
Erin Sluka
November 17, 2023Deciding where to have a party is difficult. It can add up fast. I loved the simple, home parties
Barbie Ritzman
November 17, 2023Having a birthday during the holidays can be tough. My boyfriend has always hated it since he was a kid. Nowadays, I think people are getting more creative and not just brushing it off as a holiday.
Kathy
November 17, 2023Love these great ideas. Those gifts are really nice too. I see one my kids would love.
Fransic verso
November 17, 2023These are great things to know, my partner’s birthday coming soon and will try this. Thank you for sharing!
Tara Pittman
November 17, 2023So many fun gift ideas. The Flipside one looks fun to play.
Beth
November 18, 2023I love these ideas. The decorations are perfect, and they’re having so much fun with their toys. Great job!
Heather
November 18, 2023Looks like your son had a great birthday. Kudos to you for all the planning that went into it and making the perfect gift choices.
Stephanie
November 18, 2023Some really clever and unique ideas for birthday gifts. I found this just in time for my nephew’s upcoming birthday party.
Sonia Seivwright
November 18, 2023I love these ideas. My friend’s son’s birthday is coming up. So this was perfect timing.
Luna S
November 18, 2023Looks like a lot of fantastic toys! I think my kids would love that flipslide the most, I will have to look for it in stores. Thanks for sharing this helpful gift idea list.
jen schreiner
November 18, 2023Happy birthday, Josiah! Mama, great job! I love all these ideas. Boy, have gifts changed since my kids were little. I love all the micro toy ideas. FOR ME, smaller is better. LOL
Celebrate Woman Today
November 18, 2023The most important thing for any birthday party is that children are engaged. Your party looks like a well-organized affair. And both kiddos are loving their toys! Interaction does matter. Kudos, Mami!