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We put together a “Birthday Party Directory” to help parents with the research phase of party planning. This info updated July 2006.

Birthday Party Idea
Download this fun Scavenger Hunt list to use at the nearest mall!

Inexpensive Birthday Party Ideas

Birthday Party Specialists:

Ceramic Canvas is the place for hosting a truly original, one-of-a-kind party. Birthday party packages, designed for at least six participants, include the exclusive use of their party room and a dedicated staff member. Guests will complete an art project, with themes as varied as "Paint, Glitter & Go," a "Purple or Orange Party Package," "Friendship Bracelets" or design your own theme. There is also an option of an after-hours party package, for 12 guests. Call for all the fun details and specialized help in designing a very original party. Ceramic Canvas is in the Westloop Shopping Center, Manhattan: 785-770-8851

Lorissa Ridley, owner and operator of K.O. Boxing"Gymnastics, Dance & Fitness in Manhattan would like to invite you to celebrate your child's birthday at K.O. This brand new facility located in the Bluehills Shopping Center. Lorissa and her excellent K.O. trainers will construct an obstacle course, teach gymnastics, dance, sports and play many inner-active games with party guests. Creativity is the key! A spacious, clean party room is available for cake & ice cream. Call 785-341-1708 today for birthday fun!

American Academy of Cosmetology & Massage Therapy in Manhattan offers birthday parties fit for any age. Lasting 2 hours, this party includes make-up application, polishing of fingernails, & a specialty style for each child. Cost is only $10 per child, and must be booked in advance for scheduling purposes. If clients would like to customize their party package to include other services such as manicures, pedicures, or spa services they can contact Michelle Adolph at 785-539-1837 Ext. 108 or 1-866-444-5394.

The Washington Dance Studio, at 1124 Waters, in Manhattan, offers dance theme parties, including Ballerina, Princess, Rock & Roll, and Dance Party Games or "Create Your Own Dance" Theme, complete with an experienced dance instructor. They provide space in the studio for refreshment set-up. An hour and a half is allowed for each party and the fee is $65 for 10 guests ($5 each additional participant.) Call Sharron at 785-537-2549 for details and reservations.

Let the feasting begin! Just right for small, medium, large or extra large parties (the Party Room seats over 70), Valentino's Grand Italian Buffet in Manhattan is sure to please everyone. Their "all you can eat" buffet features soft serve ice cream & toppings, great cookies and other desserts, along with a huge salad bar, a pasta bar, a pizza bar and a special kids bar. Make your reservations today by calling 785-539-6444. Located at 3003 Anderson, Suite 901, Valentino's is open Mon-Sat, 11am-9pm and Sun, 10am-9pm. And there is always free cotton candy & balloons on Toosdays, from 5 to 8pm. Check out page 2 for details on a $30 Gift Certificate drawing this month and page 12 for a great birthday coupon!

Distinctive Images, on the square, in downtown Clay Center, is the place to find the perfect gift for the sports fan on your birthday list. They have gifts and apparel for all ages and will even gift-wrap it for you. There's a great line of college team, professional team and local team gear as well. Stop by Distinctive Images, 503 Court, or call 785-632-3341.

The Dance Company of Clay Center, offers Birthday Parties that are both fun and affordable. They will take care of all the arrangements so Mom doesn't have to lift a finger. Your child can choose an exciting theme, such as Ballerina Princess, Karaoke, Dance Star, Cheerleading or Sports! Each party incorporates fun music, a short dance and lots of age-appropriate games-all coordinated by a studio instructor! They will provide cake, goodie bags - everything to make your child's party special. Prices start at just $40. Book your next party at The Dance Company. Call 785-632-2241 or visit their website at ccdancecompany.com

Sun Rock Ranch Resort, LLC, is located 7 miles south of I-70, near Junction City. It's a great place to have a unique birthday party for children or adults. This family owned authentic working ranch provides a relaxing stress free atmosphere. In addition to hosting birthday parties, they have horseback riding and lessons, fishing, camping, and hayrack rides. Call 785- 238-2728 or Toll Free: 800-710-2728 for more information and reservations or visit www.sunrockranch.com

Happy Parenting and Happy Birthday!


A Sweet (and Cheap) Birthday!
By Lorie Calder

Birthday parties can put even the most calm, self-assured, organized, and "with-it" mom into a tail-spin. You can feel the pressure mounting the minute you realize your child has a birthday arriving soon, especially when you start adding up the cost of this grand party.

What will you do this year to top what you did last year? How will this party compare with what Bobby's mother did? Never fear! There are many low-cost and creative alternatives for the mom with a lot of love but not a lot of cash. Here are a few of some really exciting birthday alternatives:

* Themed parties. Be creative and host a themed party. For a boy who loves baseball, host a baseball inspired party. Have kids come in uniform, serve hot dogs, and play a game or two at the local park or in your backyard. Other fun themes: trains, 1950s, farm, etc. You get the idea!

* Bigger and Better party. Great fun with little cost. Give each group of 2-4 kids an item, such as a paper clip or toilet paper roll and have them go door to door in your neighborhood and ask for the home owner to trade with them something that is bigger and better (adult supervision suggested). The group then moves on to the next house. Give them a time limit, an hour or so, ending with a meeting back at your house. The winning team (find an impartial judge!) can donate its item to the birthday child or to a charitable organization in need. You will be surprised, as will the kids, at what they end up with in their hands at the end of the evening.

* Pamper Me: a girl event. Get together some of your mom friends and organize some beauty stations in your home: facials, manicures, pedicures, hair styling, makeup. Invite your daughter's friends over for a few hours of pampering. Enjoy the gossip, relaxation, and fun.

* Bon Appetit. Have the kids do the culinary work. Choose a food item (cupcakes, sundaes, pizza, etc.) and have the kids do the creating. Everyone will enjoy the process and end results. Relax afterwards by watching a good movie.

Don't let the lack of funds make for a lacking party. Be creative and adventurous and design a party based on your child's interests. Your child will benefit from a wonderful experience with his friends and family without putting your family in debt!

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