Organize Your Greeting Cards

by Barb | May 25, 2021 | Planning, Special Days

Organize Your Greeting Cards

or

How not to be “that person” who always sends a card late

or not at all.

WHY Should We Organize Our Greeting Card Stash?

Life is crazy! That is a simple fact for most of us. We have relatives and loved ones spread throughout the country or around the world. Using a greeting card organizer allows you to be able to stay on top of your greeting cards and cuts down on being late ad missing an occasion completely.

It is so important to let people know we care about them and sometimes a phone call or an internet chat just doesn't do it. That is why greeting cards, letters, and a simple note are so important. Organizing our greeting cards, so that we can send one at a moment's notice is a wonderful way to let people know we care.

HOW to organize your Greeting card stash.

There are many ways to organize your cards:

Box-Do a DIY and cover a box with decorative paper and add dividers.
Binder-Get a 3ring binder, add pocket folders, and label them for the occasions you send cards for. -This system works well and can easily be stored in a bookcase.
Purchase a box intended for card storage. These boxes should have dividers that you can label.

T his is a great choice because you can store your cards in the month in which you will send them. By having the dates at a glance, you can tell what you need to purchase and always be on top of getting those memory-making cards to those you love and care about. I used this method for several years.

I switched to a plastic box designed to organized greeting cards. Why? As the family grew, I felt I needed more space for card storage. A plastic box provides a safe storage location and I like that it allows space to also store stamps easily.

Another advantage is that it allows space for “Thank You” and “Thinking of You” types of cards. It is so nice to have those cards at a moment's notice. Sometimes, a simple card to let someone know you are thinking of them is just that kind and thoughtful reaching out to let someone know you appreciate them.

The box comes with 6 dividers that you label so that they fit your needs.

The labels I use for the card organizer are:

Birthday-child
Birthday Adult
Thinking of You
Wedding/Anniversary
Baby Shower
Sympathy & Misc.

How I use the Greeting Card Organizer.

Keeping a year-at-a-glance calendar (in the Kit) in the organizer, you know when a card needs to be sent.
Add Birthdays, anniversaries, and all-important dates for your friends and family to the Year-at-a-Glance Calendar
When you purchase a card for a specific person, can put a checkmark beside their name on the Year-at-a-Glance Calendar to show that that card has been purchased.
Next, address the card and put a stamp on it, so that's ready to go when you need to send it.
When a new month approaches, go through the year-at-a-glance calendar, and if necessary, purchase, or make the cards you need to send.
Pull out the cards you are going to send and put them in a location that makes it easy to grasp as you go out the door.
In addition, I add a post-it note with the date the card should be sent.
As you can see, I store stamps and Birthdays, and other important dates to the Year-at-a-Glance Calendar.

It's a great feeling to make life easier in any way. This one is especially wonderful. Remembering people, you care about enough to send a card is a small but powerful gesture. A snail mail card can be kept and enjoyed for years to come.

I keep many of the cards given to me. It's so warm and fuzzy to read them over again. It makes me happy and I know I am not the only one.

Get the Kit and make your life easier while you help others feel appreciated!

Organize for Awesome-Plan Your 2020 Family Celebrations

by Barb | Jan 21, 2020 | Planning, Resource Library

Organize for Awesome-

Plan Your 2020 Family Celebrations

plan and organize 2020

Traditionally, January is often the time of year we attempt to make the coming year better.

So how do we do that? (drum roll) The answer is:

Organize and Plan

According to Psychology Today, we can feel stress for a variety of reasons. Among them are:

we don't have enough time to accomplish something we need to do
we have enough time but don't know how to manage it
thinking that we do not know how to accomplish something we need to do.

The most straightforward answer to reducing stress is to look at what you need to do, organize to accomplish your goal, and then create a plan to achieve it. Then WORK THE PLAN.

Simple? Can be.

Planning is Stress Prevention

That's why Cool Parties 4 Kids is here.

And we are going to start by helping you organize and then plan your family celebrations for the year.

Make a list of all the:

Birthdays
Graduations
Anniversaries
Graduations
Holidays
Vacations

List all your family celebrations on the chart shown below.

(Available for free in the Party Planning Resource Library)

You can take this a step further and designate a date each month to purchase or make celebration cards for those you have listed. Purchase or make your cards, address them and remember to mail them so that the recipient gets them in time for their special day.

Next, add other important dates to the chart. Examples include Federal (US) Holidays, state holidays, your religious holidays, and another else that you want to remember to celebrate.

Add Some Fun and Wacky Celebrations

There are also a lot of fun and kooky days to celebrate. Among them are:

National Milk Shake Day
and National Dress Up Your Pet Day
Winnie The Pooh Day
National Hot Chocolate Day
Ice Cream for Breakfast Day
Random Act of Kindness Day
National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day
Dr. Seuss Day
National Learn About Butterflies Day
National Space Day
and National Star Wars Day
There are so many, many more.

Look through the days those that excite you and your family, and include them in your schedule. Enjoy a round of miniature golf with your family on “National Miniature Golf Day.” Eat Ice Cream on “Eat Ice Cream Day.” for Breakfast Day. If you would prefer to eat your ice cream in the evening, make it a breakfast for dinner night and enjoy your favorite ice cream. There is so much fun to have. 2020 is your year to do it!

Fun and Goofy Holidays

Many websites list weird and fun holidays. You can try: Major 2020 Daily Holiday Calendar or National Day Calendar.

Make 2020 a year to celebrate

special days and every day.

Be spontaneous and flexible. Celebrate the everyday!

My children are grown and I don't see some of them nearly as often as I would like. When they were growing up, we had a very simple form of celebrating. Hot Fudge Sundaes. We would go out or make them at home and celebrate a rainy day or anything good. Often it wasn't the reason that was important, it was just relaxing and talking to each other.

Now, when my daughter and I talk and plan some time together, one of us always says, “We'll go out for Hot Fudge Sundaes!” It's just a fun thing we do. Find your fun things to do. It does not need to be big or expensive. It's really about being with those you love.

Celebrate the everyday

Make 2020 a year to enjoy your family and celebrate!

Get the 411 on Planning Cool Parties Guide for Kids

by Barb | May 7, 2019 | Planning

Get the 411 on

Birthday Planning Guide for Kids

Get the Birthday Party Planning Guide for Kids– It's time to celebrate another year in the journey of your child's life.

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

—Benjamin Franklin

It often seems like party planning can be either so simple or way too complicated.

First of all—You want:

Your child to have a great party
The guests to have a great experience and enjoy celebrating with your child.
By the way, I am sure you don't want to go broke. That comes later. I know because I have four grown children.

So how do you create this remarkable and unique experience for your child?

Having a Birthday Party Planning Guide helps you stay on track so that during the birthday party planning process you can stay focused on the steps necessary to create a wonderful celebration. It is more than helpful-It is necessary.

Certainly, a Birthday Party Planning Guide is essential for the smooth flow of planning for that fantastic and memorable party. It helps avoid the scattered doing things in a here and there pattern.

A Birthday Party Planning Guide charts a directed, logical planning flow that results in a coordinated and meaningful moment not only for your child but additionally for all those who attend the celebration. Most significantly, it helps avoid the stress that can accompany party planning.

[bctt tweet=” Planning a Pinterest Worthy Party can seem like an overwhelming task, it doesn't need to be. That's why the Birthday Planning Guide for Kids was created” username=”Cool Parties 4 Kids @PrintablesParty”]

Do you want help in planning a party-specific to your child, that reflects the personality and interests of your child?

The Birthday Party Planning Guide for Kids will help you.

The Birthday Planning Party Guide will help ensure that your party:

Is well-coordinated and well-planned,
Fits the needs of your family,
Meets the requirements of your party guests
Works with your budget
Addresses unforeseen circumstances
Results in an incredible memory-making celebration you and your child.

Don't panic!

Here are some things to consider when you plan the party so that the experience is a wonderful experience for all those you love and care for.

THEME: A find a quiet time where you and your child can sit down and discuss ideas.

Consider hobbies, favorite movies, books, favorite sports and more
Have fun with your child while making it fun quality time with a favorite snack.
You could consider making it a unique time together by going out for a treat like an Ice Cream Sundae.
Above all, it’s about enjoying your time together.

BUDGET: This needs to near the beginning of the planning process.

By having a longer planning time, you may be able to save more money for the party. You will have more opportunity to find items on sale and have more time for DIY projects.
Planning a party at home can be a money saver.

DATE: Choose a date and time that is good for your birthday child, and also consider:

School events,
Extracurricular events
National Holidays,
Other family events,
Finally, consider different dates that might affect choosing a date and time.

HOW LONG SHOULD THE PARTY LAST?

—This is often determined by the ages of the children.

1st and 2nd Birthday-The party is mainly for the parents. Because of the age of the children, all children should be accompanied by their parents. One hour is often considered appropriate.
But again, this part is mainly for the parents to commemorate the 1st birthday.
Consider nap-time to help ensure a happy event, including both one-year-old children their siblings and parents.

Toddlers-Similar guidelines for to those of toddlers. It is highly recommended for parents to stay with their child during the party. Nap-time should also be a consideration. Less time is more for young children. HOW MANY CHILDREN SHOULD I INVITE?

— While it is important to realize that the number of guests is often determined by the ages of the children attending, an event that is also a family gathering has a different set of guidelines appropriate for your family.

PARTY DÉCOR: Decide how much you want to DIY.

Decide what do you want or need to purchase?
What can you DIY? What do you want to DIY?
While doing things by yourself or with family/friends can take some time, you can often save money while adding that custom element to your party.
4. Decide how much time you have or need to create items for the party.
5. You may want to devote your time and money to those things that have that wow factor that will make your party memorable.

GAMES AND ACTIVITIES: Consider the ages and attention spans of the children attending the party.

Will you have enough adult helpers to provide the necessary supervision for the games?
While you consider games/activities that will add to your theme, consider:

Do you have space and props needed for the games?
Overall, — Do they enhance the theme of your party?
And are they age appropriate?

Make the Menu Kid Friendly!
Plan enough for children and helper
Consider the time of day for the party, which will help determine the type of menu provided.
Do you want a dessert table instead or would you like include a meal menu dessert and also a dessert table. How about a healthy snack menu.
How do I determine if people with food allergies or sensitivities will be attending?
Do you need to consider food allergies or sensitivities?
Does the food compliment the theme?
Most Importantly, (for many people) will you have a cake, cupcakes or a combination?

ENTERTAINMENT

Will you decide to pay for professional entertainment to come to the house?
Would you be able to find neighborhood teens to read and/or act out stories or skits?
Can your games and/or activities also be your entertainment?
Will you provide entertainment as well as games and activities?
If you are providing both entertainment and games/activities, then how will you balance party time and children's' attention?

FAVORS/GOODIE BAGS:

First, consider the age group you are planning for.
All items should be age-safe and age-appropriate.
What will you include in the goodie bags?
a.Food/candy items
b. Coloring books/crayons
c. Lego blocks or other toys in zip-lock bags
d. Will your party craft be a substitute for a goodie bag?
e. Books related to your theme
f. Finally, What else could you add to enhance the party theme?

GIFTS: Opening gifts-2 schools of thought.

Will you open gifts at the party?
Or will you choose to open them after the party?
How will you keep track of who gave what?
Lastly, do you provide a “Thank You” with the Goodie bag or send a snail-mail note later?

HOW DO YOU BRING YOUR PARTY TO A CLOSE?

It’s a good idea to wind your party down so that the children know that it is nearing time to go home.
Will, you read a book?
Could you use a circle activity-quiet game.?
In addition to quiet time games,

A PLAN FOR THE UNEXPECTED!

If you plan an outdoor party–be prepared for rain or other inclement weather.
Do you have phone numbers readily available for the children in case one feels ill?
Then, there are always unforeseen circumstances, brainstorm so you can be ready for whatever happens.

To summarize…Well, let's keep it simple and…

Let CoolParties4Kids help you create your own custom party!

To sum it up–let CoolParties4Kids.com help you plan an amazing party. The Party Plans include a mega-collection of printables for you to pick and choose from. Additionally, menu suggestions and recipes, games and activities, decorating ideas and so much more are included.

Above all—-Make your next party AMAZING because in these moments–you are creating magical memories. Enjoy the process! So next–visit the Shop with a growing collection of amazing party plans.

Say “Thank You!” and Magic Happens!

by Barb | Oct 10, 2017 | Planning

Good Things Happen When You Say

“Thank You!”

It only takes a moment to say “thank you” – but your thoughtfulness will be remembered a

long time.

author-Unknown

Saying “Thank You” or having an attitude of gratefulness is satisfying for you and welcomed by those around you.

Writing a Thank-You card isn't like pulling a rabbit out of a hat, but the results it can create are awesome!

Writing that small “Thank You” is becoming more and more a relic of the old days. Today people tend to send email thank-yous. But, in my opinion, emails are not as effective.

(Free printables available in the Resource Library)

Why writing the old-fashioned “Thank You” is important.

When you take the time to sit down and write a “Thank You” card, it shows you value the time and effort the gift-giver put into buying you a gift, wrapping it and then giving it to you. This is the time they could easily have spent on something else. The physical act of writing a card and sending it through the mail shows deliberate intention to let them know that you appreciate the time and effort they gave to you.

Because the gift-giver put time into doing something for you, it is easy to see why they would appreciate that effort being returned, even in a small way. It means they matter to you.

(Free printable available in the Resource Library)

It is scientifically proven!

According to Psychology Today:

Saying thank-you or showing gratitude can have 7 positive results.

1. Gratitude opens the door to more relationships

2. Gratitude improves physical health.

3. Gratitude improves physiological health.

4. Gratitude enhances empathy and reduces aggression.

5. Grateful people sleep better.

6. Gratitude improves self-esteem.

7. Gratitude increases mental strength.

(Free printable available in the Resource Library)

Researchers in England have found that people who express gratitude feel less stress and depression.

Writing a “Thank You” card is actually doing something nice for someone who did something nice for you. It helps to improve your mental, spiritual and physical self. Taking the time to show gratitude is good for you while also being good for the gift-giver.

That's a WIN-WIN!

To help you on this wonderful journey, you can get several original “Thank You” cards from Positively Party Printables. They are available in the Resource Library. So go get them now, print them and have them ready to go,” when you need to say “THANK YOU.” Most of all, show your gratitude. It is good for everyone-including you!

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1st Birthday Party Planning Tips

by Barb | Jul 13, 2017 | Planning

Need to Know Tips for a Great

First Birthday Party

1st Birthday Tips

Planning a 1st birthday party is a momentous time, especially for parents. Relax and enjoy it with the people you love.

1. KEEP IT SIMPLE!

At this age, your child will probably not remember this wonderful event and may become overwhelmed by a large, extravaganza. Keeping it simple will make the occasion relaxed and memorable for you and your friends and family.

2. Location

Children are comfortable in familiar surroundings. It a good idea to have this party at home. If for some reason, a nap is needed, you are right there. Also, any other supplies you may need are at your fingertips.

3. Nap time

Plan your party so that it does not conflict with your child’s naptime.

They will enjoy it so much more if they are well rested. And so will you and your guests.

4. Guest List

Keep the guest list small. This is a party mainly for family and adult friends.

If there are young children attending the party, it is appropriate for their parents to stay. Children at this age need adult supervision.

5. Menu

Keep in mind that your child will need food that you have already introduced.

Finger foods are good. (Remember the bib!—This could be an occasion for a special bib.)

Food for the adults can be whatever you wish, if you wish, and may fit the theme you have chosen.

By making the menu self-serve, you save on work and confusion. Again – KEEP IT SIMPLE!”

6. Party time Usually a party 1-2 hours is good for this age. They tire and may need their naps.

7. Activities

Playspace

Organized activities are not necessary and may be impossible to carry out at this age. Provide a play space for the children and make sure they are supervised.

8. Create a time capsule
Ask your guests to write a short letter to give to the birthday at a later time.

Suggestions:
Advice for when they grow up
Wishes for the future
A party memory and memory of the child’s 1^st year.
Decorate a box and label it To: _____________________

Open on your 21^st Birthday!

More Suggestions:

Take pictures of the party goers for your child to see what the people looked like when your child was one.
Take pictures of the party scene before guests arrive and it gets busy.

Subscribe to the Resource Library and get more tips for birthdays and fun family times.

Remember to take enough pictures! You may want to designate a person to be your “event” photographer!

(get on the waiting list for the new Party Planning for kids” class.)

You might enjoy the free printable about Making Memories. Take a look