v 4 issue 7: Birthday Bonanza

Celebrate your little one's birthday with some big-time fun. We have selected some wonderful keepsake birthday items to share with you as well as a birthday party planner.


Cover by Jodie Goodison









1 The birthday box from bloomers baby is a three piece set all neatly tucked into a fabulous ready-to-give gift box. Included in the three piece set is a top knot adjustable hat, a long sleeve lap tee (accented with a tiny footprint design and plush details), and a matching plush diaper cover. A birthday present any new Mom would be delighted to receive for a newborn child.

2 Another great decorative birthday idea is this printed birthday banner from Lisa Frost Kids. Made of medium weight canvas, and embellished with fringe and a silky ribbon, this gorgeous wall hanging can be used year after year for birthday festivities. So pretty, you may even want to bring it out early to create excitement for the upcoming celebration.

3 Get this t-shirt from EM Tanner Designs for a bit of good luck so, hopefully, you won't have to get that pinch to grow and inch. Comes in short or long sleeve to suit any time of the year. Sweet, simple, and fabulous for getting a little recognition on the big b-day.
Enter code: TTW for 20% off your total order!

4 No matter what types of tunes your little dude digs, this Jimmy Ray shirt from dmo baby is sure to get the ladies squealing. A snazzy cream print on the outside is partnered up with brightly tuned guitars in the collar, sleeves, and hiding under the buttons. Definitely the most stylin' birthday duds around! Can also be found at littlestepschildrensshop.com

5 Even the most humble of hearts deserve to be royalty on a birthday. Swing on over to the Spunky Monkey for this cute crown clip to show you are queen for the day. Lots of other great choices to add a little razzle dazzle to any birthday outfit-guaranteed. We are certain you will love these creativeclipsbycolleen as much as we do.

6 Every day can be a birthday party with the Daisy Tea Time Set from Djeco. This adorable wooden set features the colors of green and yellow delicately adorned with daisies for an extra touch. Comes with all you need for your tea party...even the teabags, birthday candles, and sugar cubes.You can find these great set at Oompa.com

7 This personalized birthday plate from teacups and tadpoles is a keeper. The custom made plate can be specialized for girls or boys with color choices of pink/green or blue/green polka dots...and playing a bit with the message is an option, too. However you do it, we are positive the kids with be tickled with joy to see this plate come out year after year.
Enter code: ttw15 for 15% off your total order!


Your funny kids

Kids say the funniest things, don't they? You sent us your funny kids' sayings and we had to share!

My Little girl Isabella (6 years old) came to me upset. She said “I’m missing my cutie". "You’re what" I said. “My cutie on my fingernail. I need my cuties for when we paint my fingernails, but some of them are gone!" (Cuticles).
-submitted by Britta

My daughter when she was four, ever so loudly asked a rather large lady, “Have you called Jenny, yet!” To make the situation worse, we were in the grocery store in the baking aisle no less! Though Addison wasn’t aware of what she was repeating, the lady took offense to it and I being spent for words, looked down grabbed my daughter and quickly pushed the buggy toward another aisle. I tried to ignore the whole horribly humiliating situation.
-submitted by Leigh Ann

When I tell my 3 year old he and his 20 month old brother were in my tummy, Matthew says, "Yeah, I came out and Andy went in."
-submitted by Tanya

When I was giving my four year old son David a hug today...I told him "I love you so much" He looked at me and said "Mom, I think were falling in love" I laughed so hard and I wanted to cry at the same time.
-submitted by Jen Schilling

My little stinker is absolutely adorable!! As I was getting ready today I thought I would get crazy and wear a hat. My daughter says to me: "What is that hat?" To which I say, "It’s a black hat." then she asks: "Are you the manager?"
-submitted by Frank and Carol

We love hearing about and seeing your funny kids...submit your kid's comment or photo to contact@tottrendsweekly.com

Planning a child's birthday
Children of all ages love birthday parties! As a parent, you probably know that planning a birthday party that all the guests will enjoy depends on using your imagination to come up with some great party ideas.

Keep It Small: Toddlers can be overwhelmed by a crowd of guests and remember that a number of parents will likely stay for the duration of the party.

Time It Right: Avoid naptime and peak meltdown times, such as late afternoon.

Choose a theme: Go with something your child will recognize. Think about your child's interests. If they have a favorite character or something they are interested in (like sports or ponies) then that would be a great idea for a theme. Try to choose a theme that will be easy to work with. Avoid something that will require a large amount of work. Choose decorations and party supplies that match your theme.

Invitations: For all those who have spare time and want to do some creative work, you can make homemade birthday invitations or we suggest these fantastic card companies for that special birthday keepsake invitation.

Tiny Prints Enter TT2008 to receive 10% off your total order.
In A Baby Carraige Enter TTW to receive 10% off your total order.

Favors: When choosing party favors, use your creativity. Include birthday favors that go well with a theme. For example, have eye patches for a pirate party or tiara feather pens for a princess party. All kids love art! Choose a rainbow of markers, tubs of brightly colored Play-Doh, a glitter glue stick. Try to keep sugar treats to a minimum.

Games: Choose simple activities that will require little help, so you do not need an adult to help every child. If you decide to plan activities that could be messy be sure you have aprons or smocks for each child to wear so they do not dirty their clothing. Kids love to dance and Freeze Dance is always fun! How about a fun edible project like stringing round cereal into necklaces? Keep your activities age appropriate and have FUN!

Get Help: Consider hiring a teenager or two to assist you with the party. They can corral kids into games and activities, pour juice, and help with cleanup when the guests have all gone home.

The basic ingredients for a successful toddler party are cute and fun decorations an attractive cake and a few easy games that everyone can play. Keep your party time frame to two hours or less and you'll have a party that everyone can enjoy, including the parents.