**1. Party Decorations**
**A. Balloons**
* **Types:** You got your regular latex ones, the shiny foil/mylar type, some with LED lights, others filled with confetti. And, of course, water balloons for kids' parties! Also, giant number or letter balloons are cool.
* **Shapes & Themes:** Round ones are classic, but you can also find heart, star, and animal shapes. Character balloons are always a hit, as are letters and numbers for birthdays.
* **How to Blow Them Up:** Use a hand pump if you're feeling it, an electric pump for speed, or go all out with a helium tank.
* **Extras:** Ribbons are a must! Balloon weights keep them from flying away. Balloon clips are handy. Garlands and arches are super festive for ceilings too.
* **Quick Tips:** Latex balloons break down over time, so they're better for the earth. Foil balloons stick around way longer. Balloon garlands and arches? They seriously make a party POP.
**B. Banners & Signs**
* **Types:** Grab a Happy Birthday, Congrats, or Welcome banner. Or get something custom-made instead.
* **Stuff They're Made Of:** Paper, cardboard, fabric, or plastic are the usual suspects.
* **How to Hang 'Em:** String, tape, wall hooks, or sticks work.
* **Make It Your Own:** Write on it, print something out, or use a cutting machine.
**C. Streamers & Ribbons**
* **What They're Made Of:** Paper, shiny foil or satin, or fabric.
* **How to Use 'Em:** Great for draping from the ceiling, decorating walls, using as table runners, or sprucing up chairs.
* **Pro Tip:** Mix different textures and colors to make things interesting. Curl ribbons with scissors – it's fun!
**D. Table & Centerpiece Stuff**
* **Tablecloths:** Plastic, fabric, disposable, or printed with a theme.
* **Runners & Overlays:** Adds some extra color and style to your table.
* **Centerpieces:** Flowers (real or fake), candles, little figurines, lanterns, or stuff you make yourself.
* **Place Settings:** Get matching napkins, plates, cups, cutlery, and name cards.
**E. Lighting & Special Effects**
* **Fairy Lights:** Battery-powered or plug-in. Makes everything feel magical.
* **Fake Candles:** Just like candles, but without the fire risk.
* **Party Lights:** Colored spot lights, disco balls, or paper lanterns are fun.
* **Fog or Bubble Machines:** If you want to turn your party into something like a theme park!
**F. Things to Stick on Walls & Ceilings**
* **Paper Fans & Honeycombs:** Adds some fun 3D shapes to your walls.
* **Confetti:** Paper, shiny stuff, or the kind that breaks down in nature.
* **Garlands:** Little pennant flags, tassel decorations, or beaded strings.
* **Hanging Swirls:** Shiny or paper spirals to hang from the ceiling.
**2. Gift Supplies**
**A. Gift Wrapping**
* **Wrapping Paper:** Plain, with designs, shiny, or made from recycled stuff.
* **Tissue Paper:** Stuff it in gift boxes or wrap fragile things.
* **Gift Bags:** Paper or cloth bags with handles that you can use again.
* **Boxes:** Cardboard, tin, clear plastic, or shaped boxes.
**B. Extras for Wrapping**
* **Ribbons & Bows:** Satin, thick ribbons, wired ribbons, or pre-made bows.
* **Tags & Stickers:** Write names on them, add To/From info, or decorate with fun stickers.
* **Seals & Decorations:** Wax seals, little charms, dried flowers, beads, or mini ornaments.
**C. Cool Gift Ideas**
* **DIY Kits:** Put together a little kit with art supplies or a mini project.
* **Themed Gifts:** Gifts for birthdays, holidays, or special events.
* **Personalized Stuff:** Add names, messages, or photos to make it special.
**D. Safety & Being Green**
* Use wrapping paper and packaging that breaks down over time or can be recycled.
* Don't use small decorations that kids could choke on.
* Think about using gift bags or cloth wraps that people can use over and over.
**3. Party Kits & Bundles**
* **Pre-Made Decor Kits:** Balloon decorations, tableware sets, or a whole party in a box. Makes things easy!
* **DIY Kits:** Make your own decorations.
**4. Tips for Being Organized**
* **Colors:** Pick 2 or 3 main colors to tie everything together.
* **Theme:** Make sure your balloons, banners, tableware, and gift wrap all match.
* **Do It Early:** Set up your decorations the day before so you're not stressed.
* **Storage:** Use bins to store decorations and gift stuff for next time.
**5. Random Stuff You'll Need**
* Tape, glue, scissors, string, hooks, and clips. Have 'em handy!
* Gloves if you're working with fragile things.
* Weights for tables so things don't blow over.
**A. Balloons**
* **Types:** You got your regular latex ones, the shiny foil/mylar type, some with LED lights, others filled with confetti. And, of course, water balloons for kids' parties! Also, giant number or letter balloons are cool.
* **Shapes & Themes:** Round ones are classic, but you can also find heart, star, and animal shapes. Character balloons are always a hit, as are letters and numbers for birthdays.
* **How to Blow Them Up:** Use a hand pump if you're feeling it, an electric pump for speed, or go all out with a helium tank.
* **Extras:** Ribbons are a must! Balloon weights keep them from flying away. Balloon clips are handy. Garlands and arches are super festive for ceilings too.
* **Quick Tips:** Latex balloons break down over time, so they're better for the earth. Foil balloons stick around way longer. Balloon garlands and arches? They seriously make a party POP.
**B. Banners & Signs**
* **Types:** Grab a Happy Birthday, Congrats, or Welcome banner. Or get something custom-made instead.
* **Stuff They're Made Of:** Paper, cardboard, fabric, or plastic are the usual suspects.
* **How to Hang 'Em:** String, tape, wall hooks, or sticks work.
* **Make It Your Own:** Write on it, print something out, or use a cutting machine.
**C. Streamers & Ribbons**
* **What They're Made Of:** Paper, shiny foil or satin, or fabric.
* **How to Use 'Em:** Great for draping from the ceiling, decorating walls, using as table runners, or sprucing up chairs.
* **Pro Tip:** Mix different textures and colors to make things interesting. Curl ribbons with scissors – it's fun!
**D. Table & Centerpiece Stuff**
* **Tablecloths:** Plastic, fabric, disposable, or printed with a theme.
* **Runners & Overlays:** Adds some extra color and style to your table.
* **Centerpieces:** Flowers (real or fake), candles, little figurines, lanterns, or stuff you make yourself.
* **Place Settings:** Get matching napkins, plates, cups, cutlery, and name cards.
**E. Lighting & Special Effects**
* **Fairy Lights:** Battery-powered or plug-in. Makes everything feel magical.
* **Fake Candles:** Just like candles, but without the fire risk.
* **Party Lights:** Colored spot lights, disco balls, or paper lanterns are fun.
* **Fog or Bubble Machines:** If you want to turn your party into something like a theme park!
**F. Things to Stick on Walls & Ceilings**
* **Paper Fans & Honeycombs:** Adds some fun 3D shapes to your walls.
* **Confetti:** Paper, shiny stuff, or the kind that breaks down in nature.
* **Garlands:** Little pennant flags, tassel decorations, or beaded strings.
* **Hanging Swirls:** Shiny or paper spirals to hang from the ceiling.
**2. Gift Supplies**
**A. Gift Wrapping**
* **Wrapping Paper:** Plain, with designs, shiny, or made from recycled stuff.
* **Tissue Paper:** Stuff it in gift boxes or wrap fragile things.
* **Gift Bags:** Paper or cloth bags with handles that you can use again.
* **Boxes:** Cardboard, tin, clear plastic, or shaped boxes.
**B. Extras for Wrapping**
* **Ribbons & Bows:** Satin, thick ribbons, wired ribbons, or pre-made bows.
* **Tags & Stickers:** Write names on them, add To/From info, or decorate with fun stickers.
* **Seals & Decorations:** Wax seals, little charms, dried flowers, beads, or mini ornaments.
**C. Cool Gift Ideas**
* **DIY Kits:** Put together a little kit with art supplies or a mini project.
* **Themed Gifts:** Gifts for birthdays, holidays, or special events.
* **Personalized Stuff:** Add names, messages, or photos to make it special.
**D. Safety & Being Green**
* Use wrapping paper and packaging that breaks down over time or can be recycled.
* Don't use small decorations that kids could choke on.
* Think about using gift bags or cloth wraps that people can use over and over.
**3. Party Kits & Bundles**
* **Pre-Made Decor Kits:** Balloon decorations, tableware sets, or a whole party in a box. Makes things easy!
* **DIY Kits:** Make your own decorations.
**4. Tips for Being Organized**
* **Colors:** Pick 2 or 3 main colors to tie everything together.
* **Theme:** Make sure your balloons, banners, tableware, and gift wrap all match.
* **Do It Early:** Set up your decorations the day before so you're not stressed.
* **Storage:** Use bins to store decorations and gift stuff for next time.
**5. Random Stuff You'll Need**
* Tape, glue, scissors, string, hooks, and clips. Have 'em handy!
* Gloves if you're working with fragile things.
* Weights for tables so things don't blow over.