G.H. asks from Quakertown, PA on April 29, 2009
Grandfather/Granson Combo Birthday Party
My son and my father share the same birthday--very special, I know:) For the past 2 years we have had a big b-day celebrations with the focus being mainly on my son. This time, however, my father will be 65 and I would like to have a surprise party with the focus of the party being more about him. I am looking for ideas/themes that would work to celebrate both grandfather and grandson. For example, we could build a party around the theme of "family", but what sort of favors would you give and what kind of cake would work with that theme. I am an amateur cake decorator so the cake is a big deal for me. Any ideas and/or suggestions are greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!
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T.S. answers from Pittsburgh on April 29, 2009
I say keep it simple and go with the "birthday party theme" You know, a cake, some balloons, some dancing, maybe some games.....
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L.T. answers from Pittsburgh on April 29, 2009
Is there anything in particular they enjoy doing together, such as reading a favorite book, playing a certain game, watching a special movie. That could give you more theme ideas. If they like Candyland for example, you could decorate the cake with a big gingerbread character and a small one. Or you could pick their favorite characters from the game. That would open up a variety of candy-type favors.
If you go with a family theme, maybe think about a time line or growth chart. If they like country music, the Judds had a song out several years ago that I think was called "Grandpa". They only words I can remember at the moment are "Grandpa, tell me 'bout the good old days". If one of your talents is drawing people, draw them onto the cake and use photos for the faces if necessary.
I get a lot of favors from oriental trading company. Other favors I've given include cans of animal crackers, candy bars with homemade wrappers, bubbles. Have fun planning your party.
1 mom found this helpful
K.K. answers from Erie on April 29, 2009
I know this people have seen this before but it's totally appropriate for this situation. Comparing what the world was like 65 years ago to what it is like today.
like the cost of milk and bread, news head lines etc.
cake themes, family trees, grandfather clock, i really like the photo idea
Sounds very fun. I'd love to hear what you decide.
D.P. answers from Pittsburgh on April 29, 2009
What about antique cars?
M.R. answers from Philadelphia on April 30, 2009
Mercer Mayer has a children's book Just Grandpa and Me. The characters are cute and you could build on that. He also has Little Monster's You Can Make-it Book. I have not seen that one - but it might give patterns that you could use.
The library would also have subject listings for Grandfathers. You might find some other ideas there.
This is such a special time! I wish you the best. I know you will have a great time getting ready for this birthday party. Please let us know how it turns out!
R.K. answers from Philadelphia on May 05, 2009
Hi,
Not sure if it will help but you can check the website www.getmyribbon.com
I have used their gift idea for a lot of occasions,you could check if it will suite your requirement.
T.S. answers from Pittsburgh on April 29, 2009
I say keep it simple and go with the "birthday party theme" You know, a cake, some balloons, some dancing, maybe some games.....
C.O. answers from Scranton on April 30, 2009
how many kids are coming to the party? my grandmother and i use to celebrate our birthdays together too (as hers was the 2nd, mine was the 9th) one of her big birthdays we had a surprise party with all the family at a nice restaurant (only to find out it was a surprise for me too, hehe) but because your son is so young... i'd say thats a good idea, something family oriented, get a nice cake that your father and son both will like... have a table set aside with games for the kids coming, balloons are great for both ages so have them on hand :) we sometimes forget that even though we grow older, we still enjoy the simple toys we always have, so many basic party favors are great for both children and older adults. maybe make some cupcakes with the name of both ur father and son on each one... decorated, for each guest. they'd both like that i'm sure (hoping your father isnt diabetic?) good luck! :D
T.M. answers from Allentown on April 30, 2009
hi G. H,
ok ....I too am old ... we l-i-k-e- simple .
go 'EDUCATIONAL' ...... grandpa was born a war baby [ ww2] post war years he grew up , a crew cut , train sets , real cook'n, a cooked meal daily @ a kitchen table, respect elders , mow the lawn , hard working , fix'n his own bike, no tv [ only the rich had one] , baseball, football in the streets ,,, than the 1960's happened ...grandpa saw it all!!!
teach your son simple...[ and history]
-home cooked meal [ pot luck]
- baseball tix to iron pigs [ for the 2 boys] !!!![ cheap too]
- music in background [ harbour lights to Elvis to beatles to woodstock] also ; he would l-o-v-e- baseball on the radio station [ am channel]
-bean bags , baseball cards,************** a red bike [ shwinn.. they were made on race st. by abe airport] classic [ sears & k mart sells them] buy 2 for the boys !!!!! [$150.00 tops ,sons$40.00] they have lay a way .
- a red wagon .. grandpa can use 1 for garden work and pull around his grandson ...
- just a home made cake lopsided with l-o-v-e- !
- a pix of grandpa at age 2 and your son also @ age 2 in a frame as a display and gift .
- old fashioned paper tiaras, paper hats , pin the tail on donkey
- old candy , such as .... shoe string lic, dum-dum pops,
mary janes , etc
- a sprinkler[ if fun outside w/ hot temps]
-every boy in the 40's were gi joes , davey croket,
or a baseball player ...
find old 'dick and jane' books [ your son will learn to read , grandpa will love the memory]
look for old cowboy children books, [ hop along cassidy]
in the process you have ' blended' 1940's with 2007
you have given your son 'history' ,simple family life, and grand pa will ' get it' and will be the proudest man around to have matching red cruiser bikes , baseball tix with grandson , and the picture of the 2 2 year old s... now this is bragg'n rights for grandpa ....
trust me .. us old people do not like foo foo .. tah dah .. crazy parties w/ children ...
we are looking for a heart warming memory .
ps- take 1,000 pixs
you are blessed .
save your $$$$$ just have the old fashioned party. !!!!!!
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