Party Kits: Make Hosting a Party (Almost) Effortless

When I host a party, whether it is one of my children’s birthday parties, a New Year’s Eve party or just a casual get-together, I like to keep it simple. Sure, it’s easy to head to one of those party destinations that do all the work for you, but I find there is nothing like having a party in your home. It takes a bit more effort but it is so much more rewarding and guests really appreciate the effort! Party kits can definitely facilitate the party preparation and relieve some of the related stress. They are the easiest way to create a themed party and they take the guesswork out of figuring out all the pieces to make the theme work. Plus, all of these kits can be ordered on line. Even more convenient and time-saving! So, whether the party is for the young or old there is no reason not to host a party in your home using one of these great party kit ideas.

	Mystery Party Kits: From High School Mystery to Fairy Tale Mystery, Dramatic Fanatic has party kits perfect for both boys and girls that are between 8 – 13 years of age. Before the party, your child will send their guests (minimum 8 players) Character Cards along with the invitation. Guests arrive as their character. Once the crime is disclosed each player acts out the scenes that are loaded with clues, evidence and details on whodunit. Once everything is acted out, each child gets a Crime Report to fill out on who they think did it and why. The Host announces who did it (which is a surprise to them also) and how. The whole Mystery takes between one to two hours depending on the age of the players and how much the guests enjoy acting. The whole party kit is downloaded directly from their website for $34.95.
	Posh Party Box: Whether you want to invite the girls over for a spa day or your tween/teen wants a sleepover party for her birthday, Posh Party Box have all you need to make the event memorable and easy with everything  in one beautifully packaged large box filled with high quality keepsake party goods. Visit PoshPartyBox for their complete Party Box selection.
	Kids Party Packages: This Esty artist has created adorable themed and styled party packages for up to eight children. Check out her selection on her PartyPops Etsy site for up to $116.00.
	Baking Party Kits: Does your child like to help you cook? Then host a party in the kitchen. Start off with each guest making their own pizza with these great Pizza Party Kits and complete the party with a sweet treat that they can bake themselves (with a little help from the Master Chef). These two kits and more are available from Sassafras for between $14.95 – $24.95.
	Swinxs: Move over Wii. The Swinxs outdoor game console ( it can also be used indoors) is perfect to get the party started. Up to ten children (ages 5 and up) can play Swinxs at one time by wearing the bright colored wristbands. It is these bands that communicate with the Swinxs console and other players. Games, downloadable for free from the computer, are as simple tag games, obstacle courses and ball games, so everyone gets in the action. Parents can sit back and relax while Swinxs entertains the party goers. Buy on Amazon for $150.00,  which includes ten preloaded games, four colored wristbands, adapter and USB cable. This video shows the game in action.
	Surprize Ball: Although this is not a party kit, the Surprize Ball is definitely the highlight of any party. Perfect for all age groups, Tops Malibu’s Surprize Ball are fun for everyone. Children and adults alike love unwrapping the layers of paper until a prize is reached. Once they get the prize, they pass the ball to the next person to unwrap to the next surprise. Each person, up to 10, is guaranteed to take something home at the end of the party. TOPS Malibu can also custom make one for you if you have more than 10 guests. This is a great alternative to a pinata. Check out Tops Malibu’s whole line.
	Complete Party Kits: We know that Party City is the go-to destination for any party needs but who knew that they would make it so simple by offering complete party sets. Whether it is for birthdays, New Year’s Eve or family reunions Party City has a complete party kit just for your occasion and at affordable prices.
	Party Themes: ACME Party Box Company has party themed decor for children’s parties as well as adult parties. All their products are either reusable, recyclable or biodegradable, from their bamboo dinner ware to their organic linens. Their motto is “Party. Rinse. Repeat.” Check out their irresistible assortment of Party Theme Boxes here for between $95.00 – $290.00.
	Fairy Wishes and More: Fairy wishes can come true with Meri Meri. This party pack will make any little girl feel special. But boys do not have to feel left out (or you). Check out the entire range of partyware at Meri Meri.
	IndieFlix: We have mentioned IndieFlix before and here we mention them again as simply we could not write about party kits without including them. Pick a theme, add some refreshments and munchies and host your very own film festival. Perfect for sleepovers, birthday parties or girls-night-in. Check out all their genres at IndieFlix.
	Concert in Your Home: Host a Dinner and Song party for your  friends to listen and engage with an up-and-coming artist to perform in your own home or backyard. How cool is this! Typically guests will pay a donation of $10.00 and up and the host provides a place for the artist to sleep. The host also provides adult drinks and food (hence the name dinner and song) for their guests. Think special birthday party or just a chance for you and your friends and neighbors to get together and listen to some great music. For details on how to host a Dinner and Song evening in your area head to their website here.

In addition, here are some great resource sites for further party ideas:

The Party Dress: For invitations and custom party planning advise.

Hostess with the Mostess: A bounty of gorgeous themed entertaining landscapes are featured in this blog.

Catch My Party: Features photos of “real life” parties and great ideas plus a list of vendors.

Kara’s Party Ideas: A blog featuring party themes of every kind.

Bird’s Party: A blog featuring great ideas and tutorials and a shop with themed party printables.

And if you still need inspiration, Tara Riceberg, our resident Party Expert, has also given great tips here and here and here in her regular monthly articles. You can also visit Tara’s website here.

We love pictures so please send us some of your party pics if you would like us to post them!