Need Help with Entertainers for First Birthday Party!!

I don't mean to sound like a party pooper, but it all seems a bit much for a 1 year old! Of course, at this age it's for the parents and not the child, but since this is an "advice" board I'll give it. When your child IS old enough to know, don't over-do it. They are thrilled with simplicity and you don't want to get into escalating expectations and them needing/wanting "more" to be satisfied and happy. One day they will be on their own and have to supply that for themselves. I told my 16 year old that if give her a brand new car at 16, it will diminish her pleasure when she later is able to afford one for herself. Simplicity and restraint is ultimately the best gift you can give your child. Just my 2 pennies of course!

3 moms found this helpful

First I want to preface by saying I really thought about whether or not to respond. On one hand I thought I should mind my own business, on the other, you posted this on a mamas advice board and you said you would appreciate any comments. So it's my 2 cents and take it for what it's worth.

Someone mentioned that a one year old won't remember much, when in fact he won't remember any of this, so what ever you do, you are doing for yourself. I'm all for getting people together and having fun, but I honestly don't think that you should serve alcohol for dads or moms at a baby's party.

Simple is better. If you have too much going on, your baby will get over stimulated and fussy, and trust me that's no fun.

K.
SAHM to 3 ages 7, 5 & 3

1 mom found this helpful

Wow...all this for a 1st birthday? Obviously you are well to do, but it seems like too much for someone that won't even remember it. Use your money for better purposes in life. Make the food yourself and think of some great games and prizes for the other kids...I'm sure the dads can make their own drinks too. It seems more rewarding to me. Just my comments.

1 mom found this helpful

Good morning, C.,
I have to agree with another poster below. This is a lot of fuss and expense for a 1-year-old. They will not remember much. It's best to keep things simple until they are old enough to really play and enjoy the activities. Then a pinata or some active games are great for young kids. It's best to have a separate party for the adults. Good luck with whatever you decide and Happy Birthday to your little one....!
B. G. (mother of 8, grandmother of 4)

1 mom found this helpful

I second the Blue Mesa recommendation. Awesome food and great service. They'll do a good job on the catering. For the entertainer, if you have a safari theme, the Critterman is really good. I'm not sure your 1-year-old will appreciate it, but the older kids will go nuts. It's www.critterman.com.

What about a petting zoo? My neighbor across the street has this kind of business. look at www.cathyscritters.com to see what they have, the "babys for babys" is a great party for little ones... And the kids REALLY get to pet the animals, Cathy is GREAT.

Cheers, D. B.
www.usborne.biz

Also check out Bill Cody's Party Time.

He is a great DJ and has more DJ's but also has entertainers.

Have Fun, They grow up too fast!!

For catering, Blue Mesa does a wonderful job with catering and they provide bartender. They set up and clean up.
Alejandro catering company (you will need to google this one) has somewhat good food (compare to Blue Mesa) with very reasonable price.
For entertainer, google "MerryMaker" ask for Shelly. She does face painting + balloon sculpturing + entertain the kids with dance and music and even dress up to match your theme.
If you don't want to have the party at your house, check out the toy store in the Galleria- the amazing toy- I think. It's near Nordstrom on 3rd level. It's awesome for the safari theme.
Good luck,
T.

Hi C. - Unfortunately, I don't know anyone to help you but I sure wish you would invite me! Sounds like fun! lol

I love the idea for the bartender but just for the Dads? C'mon...let the Moms have fun too!

Have a great time and enjoy your childs first birthday; mine is 12 now and I cherish those baby days.

I can help you with everything you need! I work for O2KOOL! Entertainment. www.o2koolentertainment.com We help with everything from face painters/balloon artists to catering/bartenders from small events (like your birthday party) to large events (like corporate parties). Give me a call at ###-###-#### or send me an email ____@____.com and let me help you get exactly what you want for your budget.

have you checked with your local big church for entertainers? what about the children's hospital for face painters/clowns? at one time there was a clown ministry that would go into the hospitals. good luck.

For my daughter we hired a gentleman that sang and played guitar for the kids. He also brought instruments and let the kids play with them, showed them how to use them, etc. Most of the songs were songs that appealed to the adults as well, it was great!

When my daughter attended Preschool (before I started being a SAHM) he came once a week and sang to all of the classrooms. His name is Mr. Isaac and he is absolutely wonderful and great with kids. If you would like his contact info let me know and I will send it to you.

For the other entertainers you might try PartyPop.com

If you need invitations, I would be happy to help www.WorksofaWink.com

Try the James Wand Secret Agent Magic Show (http://www.jameswand.com/). If there's going to be a range of ages there, he'll do a great job.

call Bravo entertainment - Dave Grainger; they have all sorts of talent and wonderful to work with (I am a special events planner and have been using them for 5+ years now) ###-###-#### x 105; www.bravo4u.com; they have face painters and everything you can imagine - worth the call and look on their web site.

Creative Cuisine is a great catering company to work with; they will work within your budget; Lisa Flick ###-###-####; www.creativecuisinegroup.com. I'd also call your favorite mexican food restaurant to see if they will cater; my favorite, Uncle Julio's, caters; On The Border caters and others will as well. Creative Cuisine will handle everything for you - and make it all too easy!

Note the U.S. Toy store off of Parker/Independence in Plano is a great place to buy bulk novelty items for goodie bags - as well as Party City. Another place online that I often look to for inexpensive party items is www.orientaltrading.com - great prices and a great source for party items, decor, etc.

Feel free to contact me should you have any other questions or need any more advice!

For face painting, we have always been very pleased with Angela of Snazzy Faces. www.snazzyfaces.info She does an amazing cheetah face that would be a fun addition to your safari theme. She uses face paints that are food safe and dry to a powder so they don't destroy clothing, carseats, furniture etc. I think that she offers a Mamasource discount as well. :)

Hi C.,
I would like to recommend Michael Susko to you. He is a magician, balloon artist and a face painter. He is wonderful with kids and does an awesome job. His number is ###-###-####. Tell him the Garage Door Lady sent you. On The Border does catering for mexican food. I have attended many functions they catered and they do a wonderful job. Hope this helps!! Make that first birthday as memorable as possible as he only gets one :) Good Luck
K. O'Connor

For your Catering needs, you can Contact:
ENCHILADAS
Contact: Tony or Cindy Waldrop
6931 CLIFF BROOK DRIVE
DALLAS, TX 75254
[P] ###-###-#### [F] ###-###-####
Web: http://www.enchiladarestaurants.com

The food is OUTSTANDING! Their staff is amazing.

Hope this helps. If we were in California I could give you list upon list of great entertainers, bartenders and anything else you would need for a party. But I just dont have all the connections here yet. Sorry! :)
Good Luck and Enjoy the day!

Wow! You sure are going all out. I felt like we were a little over-the-top and later I felt silly for making such a big deal out of the "stuff." It was really just a lot of fun to watch the kids play with each other. We borrowed a bounce-house from a friend and had Blue Mesa cater it. It was fantastic! Only one server/caterer set it all up buffet style and served food and drinks on trays. Good luck!

We have had Ewe Pet Petting Zoo for the last 3 birthday parties for my 3 year old, he is already requesting that they come back for his 4th birthday in June. They do everything related to the animals (set up, watching the kids clean-up). They have bunnies, ducks, tortoises, goats, chickens, kittens, ponies, etc. We have been thrilled with them year after year. They are the same petting zoo that you will find at the Scarborough Faire. ###-###-####
We had cocktails for the adults at the first 2 parties, but after the paramedics had to be called for a guest that had too much, and another guest was ill all night, we cut it off. The adults do seem to forget that it is a party for kids. (Just my experience) Save the liquor for when the kids go home. Can't help with a caterer. good luck and happy day to your little one.