Planning a party? Don’t sweat it. We’ve got you covered with great finds, including fun ideas for kids, that will make your next shindig a hit!
Party Plan On the Go
Need a little inspiration? The Partyology app (free for iOS, www.partyology.com) lets you design, plan and shop from top retailers with your iPhone or iPad. Get instant access to great party tips from bloggers and party experts, and find neat ideas for throwing a splendid celebration.
VIP Invites
Invite Bandz ($14.99-$59.99, packs available for up to 40 guests, www.markedprivate.com) are a new twist on party 
invitations. Each kit comes with uniquely coded silicone wristbands that are used to access your personalized Party Page. Using the code on the wristband, guests log in to RSVP, chat and share photos. When the party’s over, send thank-you notes to your guests via the Party Page.
Tableware For a Cause
Dress up your party table with Cheeky ($3.99 per pack, www.cheekyhome.com, sold exclusively at Target), a vibrant line of paper and plastic products that includes plates, bowls, cups, napkins and utensils. The line includes designs from artists Lotta Jansdotter and Molly Hatch. For every item purchased, Cheeky will donate a meal to someone in need in the U.S.
Test Your Taste Buds
Have you been BeanBoozled? The BeanBoozled Jumbo Spinner Jelly Bean Gift Box ($24.99, www.jellybelly.com) comes with a spinner and 45 individually wrapped jelly bean packs that include an assortment of 20 lookalike jelly beans – half of them tasty, the other half not so much. You’ll enjoy a few laughs and an unpleasant taste or two, but it’s all in good fun.
Share Party Memories
Looking for a cool and easy way to showcase party photos? Mosaic is a free app (compatible with iOS and Android devices, www.heymosaic.com) that creates a quality, 7-inch-square photo book ($25) from your mobile device. Select 20 photos (each displayed on an individual page), add a title, and create a chic keepsake that will be delivered in less than a week!
Sip With This
Add a cute touch to your drinking cups with the original paper drinking straws, Aardvark Straws (24-pack, prices range from $2.99-$5.25, www.aardvarkstraws.com). Yes, paper straws! They’re completely eco-friendly and don’t dissolve in your beverages or lose their color. Made with FDA-approved materials, these straws are biodegradable, compostable and sustainable. The patent-pending Eco-Flex paper straw is the newest addition; it’s bendable and available in two sizes. Choose from a variety of classic colors and prints, plus you can order custom designs!
DIY: Tasty Treats
Photo Courtesy Rosanna Pansino/Nerdy Nummies Instagram
In honor of Nintendo’s 30th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros., add some iconic treats to your dessert table such as Mario Kart 8 Koopa Shell cake pops! Whether you’re a fan of Mario and the Super Mario Bros. franchise or simply love to bake and decorate, these are neat and nostalgic treats. Click here to watch the Nerdy Nummies YouTube video for a step-by-step tutorial. And if you decide to have a Mario-themed birthday party, make sure to take photos and share with the hashtag #NintendoBirthdays. Head to Play.Nintendo.com for more fun ideas for kids.
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