It’s Miss NHM’s 8th Birthday today!!

Wow, she’s 8 already!!!!

It’s true when they say that the days are long but the years are short! lol. It seems like only yesterday that the picture above was taken on the day she was born.

Despite being THE most strong willed little girl and bloody hard to parent sometimes (aren’t all children at some point! lol) she is absolutely the light of my life.

As cheesy and cliched as it is, she’s brought so much joy to my heart.

NorthHantsMum wouldn’t even exist without her!!

Although now she’s 8 that does also mean that the NorthHantsMum blog is nearly eight years old.

I NEVER expected that! I honestly thought I’d end up stopping when she got to 6 or 7 years old but it seems I can’t stop as people have an expectation and it’s too big a part of my life to stop now.

NorthHantsMum was always meant to be for pregnant Mum’s and parents of babies and young children aged 6 and under but it’s gone WAY beyond that now so I don’t feel too bad about continuing.

We’ve decided not to have a birthday party for Miss NHM this year because we’ve got lots of very exciting events planned throughout the year so instead we are going out to one of our favourite restaurants for dinner tonight.

I’m very grateful that Mr NHM has been so helpful with getting everything sorted when my car broke down on Friday which meant I couldn’t get half the stuff I needed too. It never rains but it pours!!

Miss NHM was very excited that Mr NHM was home this morning and we opened all of her presents as a family together and had birthday cake for breakfast! She seemed very happy with her presents this morning although last night she told me she didn’t want to be 8 as that meant she was nearly a grumpy teenager and she doesn’t want to be a grumpy teenager! I agreed with her! lol.

Although I got in trouble for not having a birthday badge ready for her so had to make something up at 7.45am, literally just before we left for school. “Creativity” isn’t one of my strong points, let alone before 8am on a week day (the joys of parenting! lol), but she was happy with her “make shift” badge and has now gone off to school with a bag of gluten free sweets for her peers.

Happy 8th Birthday to my amazing, smart, beautiful, fantastic little girl who is the inspiration and drive for everything I do!

Don’t miss out on future posts like this – you can receive updates directly to your inbox by email by adding your email address to the box on the top right of this page and hitting subscribe. You can also follow NorthHantsMum onTwitter,Facebook ProfileLinkedIn and Feedly. I hope to see you there! 

Organising a children’s party

Thank you very much to Shona who put this post together!!

Organising a children’s party

Parties can feel like a nightmare to organise, especially if you are on a budget. Here we will share all the information we have gathered about birthday parties, including cheap ideas, venues and entertainment.

So, first you need to decide where it is you want to do your party. Is your home suitable for the amount of guests you will have? If you have a younger child’s birthday, remember parents will stay with their children so there does need to be enough space. In the summer you will be able to use the garden, but in winter you need to ensure there is indoor space.

If your house isn’t big enough, here are some venues in North Hampshire that you can rent.

St Lawrence Church Hall

St Lawrence Parish Centre provides a venue for private hire. It is conveniently in the town centre and popular for parties, meetings and conferences.

Cost: £15 per hour on weekdays and £12.50 per hour on weekends.

Contact: 0142082442

28 Park Close Road, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2HA

Crookham War Memorial Hall

There are 2 halls for rent here, both have kitchens and large off street parking. Ideal for weddings, christenings, parties and dances.

Cost: upon enquiry

Contact: 07784830989

Sandy Lane, Fleet, Hampshire, GU52 8LD

Hatch Warren Community Centre

There are daytime and evening slots for parties and you can rent either the main hall or the lounge. Hire of the kitchen is included in hall hire cost.

Cost: £22 per hour for main hall and £18.10 per hour for the lounge (reductions available if you live locally and can join the Community Association).

Contact: 01256811262

Longcross Lane, Hatch Warren, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 4XF

Hiring Hatch Warren Community Centre

The Cross Barn, Odiham

An absolutely stunning building built in 1532 and converted in 1997. There are two rooms, a large hall and a small room available for meetings.

Cost: £26.50 per hour for the Great Hall during summer or £27.50 per hour during winter.

Contact: 01256701803

Palace Gate Farm, Hook, Hampshire, RG29 1JX

The Cross Barn

Hook Community Centre

Newly refurbished, Hook Community Centre offers a range of spaces for hire. There is parking for around 100 cars. There are 3 different rooms of different sizes.

Cost: Varies from room to room. Cheapest is £32.50 to Hook residents and £36.50 to non residents. This is for a 3 hours children’s party (based on 2 hr party and half hour either side to set up/clean up).

Contact: 012567604000

Ravenscroft, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 9NN

Hook Community Centre

Alton Community Centre

Located behind the High Street there are rooms to hire at Alton Community Centre. The room recommended for children’s birthday parties is the Garden room which has a kitchen area too.

Cost: For the Garden room for a 3 hours slot (2 hour party and half an hour either side) the cost is £35.

Contact: 0142085057

Amery Street, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1HN

Alton Community Centre

Oakley Village Hall

There are two halls available for hire: The Committee Room is suitable for up to 20 people and the Main Hall is suitable for up to 120 people. A kitchen is available on site.

Cost: available on request

Contact: 01256780918

Andover Road, Oakley, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG23 7HA

Westside Community Centre

Westside Community Centre in South Ham has 3 different rooms available to hire.

Cost: Main hall costs £18 per hour (only available during the day on Sundays, every other day is evening only). The small room costs £12 per hour and the Russell Howard room is also £12 per hour.

Contact: 01256464571

Paddock Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 6QB

Westside Community Centre

The Sycamore Centre

There is a hall available for hire at the Sycamore Centre for a variety of functions.

Cost: Available upon request

Contact: 01256330375

Sycamore Way, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG23 8AB

Westside Community Centre

Westside Community Centre in South Ham has 3 different rooms available to hire.

Cost: Main hall costs £18 per hour (only available during the day on Sundays, every other day is evening only). The small room costs £12 per hour and the Russell Howard room is also £12 per hour.

Contact: 01256464571

Paddock Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG22 6QB

Westside Community Centre

Bramley Village Hall

There are three rooms available to hire at Bramley Village Hall.

Cost: Main hall costs £18 per hour (only available during the day on Sundays, every other day is evening only). The small room costs £12 per hour and the Russell Howard room is also £12 per hour.

Contact: 07464749997

The Street, Bramley, Tadley, RG26 5BP

Bramley Village Hall

Chineham Village Hall

Cost: from £8.20 per hour

Contact: 07935328172

Thornhill Way, Chineham, Basingstoke, RG24 8YE

Chineham Village Hall

Next up you will need to decide on party games (if your child is old enough for these).

Here are some ideas of cheap/free games you could play:

  • Pass the parcel – You can buy many things to put in the middle of a pass the parcel with a sweet in each layer as you unwrap it.
  • Musical chairs – FREE
  • Musical bumps – FREE
  • Musical statues – FREE
  • Scavenger hunt – Use clues to help the children find what you want them to find. This could be done even more cheaply by hunting items found in nature i.e. pine cones, rocks. Then the winners get a prize.  
  • Fancy dress – If your children have lots of fancy dress items, you could put a fancy dress box in at the party for all the children to use.
  • Simon says – FREE
  • Pass the balloon – split into 2 equal teams and sit in lines. Each person has to hold the balloon under their chin, no hands and pass it along to their team. Whichever team gets it to the end of the line wins.
  • Dead ants – for older children. The children dance around the room until you shout a number from 0-4. When they hear the number they put that many body parts on the floor. If you shout 0 they have to lie on their backs with their limbs in the air like dead ants.
  • Pin the tail on the donkey – print out a donkey picture and make a tail out of paper/material. Here you have pin the tail on the donkey.
  • Sports day type activities – egg and spoon race, three legged race or a water balloon toss.
  • The chocolate game – a bar of chocolate, knife and fork and a dice. Sit in a circle and roll the dice. If someone rolls a 6 they have to try and cut up the bar of chocolate and eat some with the knife and fork. The other guests continue and when someone else gets a 6 they swap in.
  • Pinata

You can also have some activities set out around for children to do such as:

  • Bubbles – many parents have a bubble machine at home already.
  • Colouring books / printable colouring activities i.e. masks
  • Decorating cupcakes – you could have cupcakes and part of the party activity could be decorate your own cupcake to take home.
  • Decorate your own party hat – see below
  • Pasta necklace making – string and dried pasta tubes create great pasta necklaces.
  • Ball pit – many parents will have these knocking around, even if it’s a small paddling pool filled with plastic balls.
  • Disco – just use your own music on a stereo or smartphone with speaker. Much cheaper than hiring a disco.
  • Skittles – using empty drinks bottles, you could fill them with various things to make them a little heavier then use a ball to try and knock them over.

Decorations can also be made economically:

  • Decorate your own party hats – rather than buying party hats you could use paper for children to make a cone and decorate their own party hat with crayons, pens or even sticking sequins, buttons or feathers on.
  • Pre decorated party napkins – buy some napkins, a rubber stamp and an ink pad, then you can stamp anything onto your napkins!!
  • Make your own happy birthday banner – using things around the house i.e an old bedsheet and some pens/paint.
  • You don’t need helium balloons – children are happy with normal balloons so if you want a helium one, then just perhaps get one in the number of the child’s age.
  • Make your own party favours – in place of a party bag, each person could go home with a homemade sweet cone. Sweets can be bought in bulk and cellophane cones can be bought from eBay.

If you want entertainment, here are some options in the local area:

Routine Riots

Specialising in children’s entertainment for parties, events and shows, all the performers are trained and experienced in working with children. You can choose from Magic Shows, Princess Parties, Face Painting and many more!

Routine Riots Facebook Page

A Message From.

A Message From. is run by Jade who dresses up as your children’s favourite princess characters to provide entertainment for children’s parties and events. You may have seen her as Elsa from Frozen as she has attended many local events. She also provides personalised video messages for your little ones.

A Message From. Facebook Page

Website – A Message From.

Silly Scott

Silly Scott is a popular children’s entertainer in the south. He can provide a comedy magic show, games, competitions, balloon modelling, dancing and music. You can also book face painting through the website too. There are also party tips and suggested venues.

Silly Scott

All Puffed Out

All Puffed Out provide balloon twisting entertainment within the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey and parts of Hampshire areas. They combine 1, 2 and 3 balloons to make models, wands, hats and swords if they are booked to attend. You can also just ask them to provide pre-made balloons for the day, perhaps as prizes for a game.

All Puffed Out

All Steps First Dance

All Steps First Dance provide children’s birthday dance parties within the chosen venue. All dance teachers are fully qualified and have a DBS check as well as insurance. You pick from a theme such as Street Dance, Bollywood, X Factor or Disney (these are just a few) and you can also pick your own. They do games and learn dance routines.

All Steps First Dance

Juggling John

Juggling John is a children’s birthday party entertainer, magician, party clown, juggler, jester and much more. He is fully police checked and insured as well as a member of the Magic Circle.

Juggling John

Miss Sunshine

Miss Sunshine has an enhanced CRB check and has previously entertained at previous pre-schools, in holiday parks as well as on P&O Cruises. Wearing bright colours she makes children laugh with her silliness. Popular for both boys and girls. She provides a magic show and can also do music and games.

Miss Sunshine

DNA Kids – Hampshire

DNA Kids is a nationwide provider of children’s parties from age 4 – 13 years. They host a variety of different things such as discos, Princess, Heroes and Pirates Parties, Magic Shows, Beach Parties, Monster Parties, Soccer Superstar Football Parties and Popstar Parties.

DNA Kids

Bouncy castle hire can also be good for little ones because they don’t need any entertainment. NHM recommends JV Bouncy Castle Hire.

If you are looking for face painting, NHM recommends Neon Fairy Face Painting

Top tips

  • You MUST decide on a budget and stick to it. Perhaps try and work out how much you want to spend on food, decorations, cake etc.
  • If you have a theme, not EVERYTHING has to go with the theme. Napkins, plates and decorations can be very expensive. Just use the theme for invitations and cake, the children won’t notice all of the extras as long as they are having a good time!
  • You can save money by having a birthday party for a time where you don’t need to provide food (e.g. 2-4pm).
  • Having a reasonable limit on the amount of guests can save money as then you don’t need to spend as much on favours and invitations
  • Can you find a template to print out party invitations online? Then you could print your own.
  • Keep it simple!
  • Can you host a party at home rather than rent a venue? If not, shop around for a cheaper venue but still local.
  • Search for pre-filled party bags – you can often get these cheap if buying a couple or you could go to the pound shop and get some cheap fillers for party bags.
  • Ensure there is easy cleaning floor if you are serving food!
  • Ensure there are tables and chairs for adults to sit on as well as refreshments such as tea/coffee
  • Don’t forget a knife to cut the cake!
  • Check if anyone has any allergies to food/latex balloons
  • Remember if you have a venue to take: Rubbish bags, balloons, sellotape, blu tack, napkins, tea towels, scissors
  • Ensure there is public liability and insurance if you hire a bouncy castle.
  • Double check with your venue if they can use their plates, cups etc.

Don’t miss out on future posts like this – you can receive updates directly to your inbox by email by adding your email address to the box on the top right of this page and hitting subscribe. You can also follow NorthHantsMum onTwitterFacebook ProfileLinkedIn and Feedly. I hope to see you there! 

NHM Readers Recommend: Children’s party entertainers and face painters for 6 year old’s party

I recently received a question from an NHM Reader: “would you mind asking if anyone can recommend a children’s party entertainer and face painter for a 6 year olds party?”

Thank you to the NHM Community for all of your responses, listed below in no particular order:

NHM Readers Recommend Children’s party entertainers and face painters for 6 year old’s party

Party at Proteus

Sarah said “Parties at Proteus. Becky”

Victoria said “Parties at Proteus with Becky”

Dinky Disco

Vicky said “Nikki from Dinky Disco held the party for my 6 year old son last year. She was brilliant!! Worth every penny and I just stood back and enjoyed watching.”

Neon Fairy Face Painting

Nikki said “I’ve worked alongside Caroline from Neon Fairy Face Painting and she is AMAZING!!”

Stephany said “We also have used the Neon Fairy at the studio”

Cookery Doodle Doo North Hants

Katie said “I can do a cookery or cookie art party for something a bit different! Katie.Black@cookerydoodledoo.com Https://www.facebook.com/cookerydoodledoonorthhants

Routine Riots

Elfie said “Kim and Routine Riots”

Kim said “We have lots of face painting and other fun party entertainment options to choose from. Let me know if we can help www.routineriots.co.uk

Katie said “I had Routine Riots for 2 of my daughter’s parties – highly recommended”

Stephany said “I was going to recommend Kim too.”

Terri said “Definitely recommend my daughters friends loved having their faces painted even had mine done too. Super friendly and just generally lovely.”

Diana said “https://www.facebook.com/routineriots/

Liane said “Routine Riots every time.

Pop Tots

Victoria said “https://www.facebook.com/poptotsoverton/

Katie said “Seconding pop tots”

Kiri White

Kelly said “Kiri White is amazing and really reasonable. I highly recommend I have used her for several summer and xmas school fayres”

Twinkle Parties

Jeannita said “http://www.twinkle-parties.com/

Sarah said “Twinkle Parties”

Penny Layne Parties

Rebecca said “Penny Layne Parties been to a few parties done by Layne and ages brill!”

Tot Cross Buns

Allison said “We can offer you a Tot Cross Buns Cookery Party too https://www.facebook.com/totcrossbuns

Funky Play Bus

Aimee said “The Funky Play Bus …without doubt the best party I have ever booked. Our son had it for his 5th birthday and it was just fab. They come to your house (with the bus), there is soft play, activities and games on the bus and Simon, who owns it is absolutely amazing with the kids. They also do food aboard the bus too which is amazing. The games are all themed around the birthday child’s interests too. Couldn’t recommend it enough”

Jiggy Wrigglers

Kelly said “Www.facebook.com/jiggybasingstoke

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NHM Reader Recommendations: Games and activities for a 10th birthday sleepover

I received a question from an NHM Reader that I asked the NHM Community to help with: “My son would like a sleepover for his 10th birthday. I’m looking for ideas about what sort of games and activities the boys can do. I’m a single mum with a small house, and a small budget and it will be in the middle of winter so indoor activities. Many thanks”.

Thank you for all of your responses, listed below in no particular order:

NHM Reader Recommendations: Games and activities for a 10th birthday sleepover

Kimberley said “Pizza making. Buy some pre made bases and let them do own toppings?”

Kelly said “Home cinema”

Lisa said “Blink Murder”

Rachael said “Ask him what he would like, get him involved in organising it”

Wendy said “Old school games console with old games they haven’t played before. Lots of people have them buried away so you could probably borrow from a friend.”

Natalie said “Do you know the game were each person takes it in turns to roll a dice. If you roll a six you start putting on gloves hat scarf etc, then try and cut some chocolate to eat before another person rolls a six. Always laugh especially if you use oven gloves.”

Hannah replied “Put the chocolate in the fridge first … makes it much more entertaining & lasts longer. My class love this game at Christmas!”

Susan said “Simpsons Cluedo went down well with my son and his chums on his 10th birthday sleepover. They dressed as characters!”

Gail said “Treasure hunt, you can even find the clues on the internet!!”

Helen said “Twister is always a giggle”

Don’t miss out on future posts like this – you can receive updates directly to your inbox by email by adding your email address to the box on the top right of this page and hitting subscribe. You can also follow NorthHantsMum onTwitter,Facebook PageFacebook ProfileLinkedIn and Feedly. I hope to see you there! 

NHM Reader Recommendations: Entertainment for a First Birthday Party

An NHM Reader asked “I am looking for entertainment for my daughter’s first birthday party. So something like Baby Sensory or Caterpillar Music. I am currently checking their availability but need to look for back up in case neither can accommodate me. Would appreciate any suggestions.”

Many thanks for the responses from the NHM community, listed below in no particular order:

Tots Play

Tots Play Basingstoke & Hook

Michelle said “Hi, I run Tots Play classes in the area and also do birthday parties, get in touch for more info www.totsplay.co.uk/basingstoke

Jiggly Wrigglers

Jiggy Wrigglers Andover & surrounding villages

Gemma said “I run Jiggy Wrigglers, we are very well established in Andover and heading to Basingstoke so would be happy to come and entertain. If you’d like to know more here’s our page and just pm me.

Dinky Disco

Dinky Disco

Tanya said “Dinky Disco’s”

Cesca said “Dinky disco are fab”

Victoria said “Defo Dinky Discos! Nikki is AMAZING”

Nikki said “Thanks so much for the recommendations Tanya, Cesca and Victoria. Take a peep at our FB page and full party details on our website. Don’t hesitate to drop me a line if you have any questions”

Lucy said “Dinky Disco! I’ve had compliments for months following our 1 year olds birthday party.”

Pop Tots

Pop Tots

Alison said “Pop Tots”

Jollypop Entertainment

Jollypop Entertainment

Grace said “Jollypop Entertainment run ‘jollypoppets’ parties for little ones. Rhythm and Rhyme time type fun!”

Gym Minis

Gym Minis

Emma said “Gym Minis would have a good selection for you and they do parties”

Caterpillar Music

Caterpillar Music

Jaz said “Nicky does an awesome job at Caterpillar Music”

Hartbeeps

Hartbeeps Farnham, Hook and Godalming

Sarah said “I do multi-sensory 1st birthday parties/ I am a franchisee of Hartbeeps. If you look on our website you can see what we are all about”

Baby Sensory

Baby Sensory

Claire said “I’m Claire from Baby Sensory. Please feel free to pm me and I can check dates for you”

Don’t miss out on future posts like this – you can receive updates directly to your inbox by email by adding your email address to the box on the top right of this page and hitting subscribe. You can also follow NorthHantsMum onTwitter,Facebook PageFacebook ProfileLinkedIn and Feedly. I hope to see you there! 

March Birthday Party offer – TNT Family Fitness

?March Birthday Party Offer ?

Stuck for kids party ideas? Want something different and fun? Want to promote family  fitness in a new way?

Then why not have a Party?! One hour session of games, music and fitness all rolled into one. We supply all the equipment and keep the kids on the go for plenty of party fun.

Normal party price is £75 plus travel but for March we are offering you a great deal at £60 plus travel. That’s 20% off!! ???

Book and pay for the party in March (can be used anytime of the year) and get a super deal!

Limited numbers and t&c’s apply. Please message for more information. Find us on Facebook @TNTFamilyFitnessUK or check out the website www.tntfamilyfitness.co.uk

Here is the Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/TNTFamilyFitnessUK/

Don’t miss out on future posts like this – you can receive updates directly to your inbox by email by adding your email address to the box on the top right of this page and hitting subscribe. You can also follow NorthHantsMum onTwitter,Facebook PageFacebook ProfileLinkedIn and Feedly. I hope to see you there! 

NHM Readers recommend: Pottery painting with children

I recently asked the Friends of  my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook where can you do pottery painting with children in the local area. (Thank you very much to everyone who responded and to Shona for putting this post together!!)

This is what they came back with, in no particular order!

NHM Readers Recommend Pottery Painting Venues to take children

Pots2Paint

Units 9&10, Viables Craft Centre, The Harrow Way, Basingstoke, RG22 4BJ

Open Tuesday to Saturday between 10.30am and 5.30pm

Please also see the NHM Review about Pots2Paint.

Pots to Doodle Do

The Old Village Shop, Church Lane, Cliddesden, Basingstoke, RG25 2JQ

Open during term time Thursday to Saturday 10am to 4pm. During school holidays, open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 4pm

Please also see the NHM Review about Pots to Doodle Do.

The Ceramics Cafe  

Unit 2, Coronation Road, Basingstoke, RG21 4HA

Only open on Saturdays between 10am and 5.30pm

Just Ceramics

Unit 3, The Old Stables, Oakhanger Farm Business Park, Oakhanger, GU35 9JA

Open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday’s 11am – 4pm.

Don’t miss out on future posts like this – you can receive updates directly to your inbox by email by adding your email address to the box on the top right of this page and hitting subscribe. 

Cheap children’s party ideas

Thank you very much to Shona who put this post together. Hasn’t she done a FAB job!!!

Birthday party games that don’t cost the earth

Pass the parcel – You can buy many things to put in the middle of a pass the parcel with a sweet in each layer as you unwrap it.

Musical chairs – FREE

Musical bumps – FREE

Musical statues – FREE

Scavenger hunt – Use clues to help the children find what you want them to find. This could be done even more cheaply by hunting items found in nature i.e. pine cones, rocks. Then the winners get a prize.

Fancy dress – If your children have lots of fancy dress items, you could put a fancy dress box in at the party for all the children to use.

Simon says – FREE

Pass the balloon – split into 2 equal teams and sit in lines. Each person has to hold the balloon under their chin, no hands and pass it along to their team. Whichever team gets it to the end of the line wins.

Dead ants – for older children. The children dance around the room until you shout a number from 0-4. When they hear the number they put that many body parts on the floor. If you shout 0 they have to lie on their backs with their limbs in the air like dead ants.

Party activities

Bubbles – many parents have a bubble machine at home already.

Pinata

Colouring books / printable colouring activities i.e. masks

Decorating cupcakes – you could have cupcakes and part of the party activity could be decorate your own cupcake to take home.

Decorate your own party hat – see below

Pin the tail on the donkey – print out a donkey picture and make a tail out of paper/material. Here you have pin the tail on the donkey.

Pasta necklace making – string and dried pasta tubes create great pasta necklaces.

Sports day type activities – egg and spoon race, three legged race or a water balloon toss.

Ball pit – many parents will have these knocking around, even if it’s a small paddling pool filled with plastic balls.

Disco – just use your own music on a stereo or smartphone with speaker. Much cheaper than hiring a disco.

Skittles – using empty drinks bottles, you could fill them with various things to make them a little heavier then use a ball to try and knock them over.

The chocolate game – a bar of chocolate, knife and fork and a dice. Sit in a circle and roll the dice. If someone rolls a 6 they have to try and cut up the bar of chocolate and eat some with the knife and fork. The other guests continue and when someone else gets a 6 they swap in.

Monday saving decoration ideas

Decorate your own party hats – rather than buying party hats you could use paper for children to make a cone and decorate their own party hat with crayons, pens or even sticking sequins, buttons or feathers on.

Pre decorated party napkins – buy some napkins, a rubber stamp and an ink pad, then you can stamp anything onto your napkins!!

Make your own happy birthday banner – using things around the house i.e an old bedsheet and some pens/paint.

You don’t need helium balloons – children are happy with normal balloons so if you want a helium one, then just perhaps get one in the number of the child’s age.

Make your own party favours – in place of a party bag, each person could go home with a homemade sweet cone. Sweets can be bought in bulk and cellophane cones can be bought from eBay.

Top Tips

  • You MUST decide on a budget and stick to it. Perhaps try and work out how much you want to spend on food, decorations, cake etc.
  • If you have a theme, not EVERYTHING has to go with the theme. Napkins, plates and decorations can be very expensive. Just use the theme for invitations and cake, the children won’t notice all of the extras as long as they are having a good time!
  • You can save money by having a birthday party for a time where you don’t need to provide food (e.g. 2-4pm).
  • Having a reasonable limit on the amount of guests can save money as then you don’t need to spend as much on favours and invitations
  • Can you find a template to print out party invitations online? Then you could print your own.
  • Keep it simple!
  • Can you host a party at home rather than rent a venue? If not, shop around for a cheaper venue but still local.
  • Search for pre-filled party bags – you can often get these cheap if buying a couple or you could go to the pound shop and get some cheap fillers for party bags.

Don’t miss out on future posts like this – you can receive updates directly to your inbox by email by adding your email address to the box on the top right of this page and hitting subscribe. 

Ideas for Baby Showers: Venues, decorations and gifts from local businesses in North Hampshire

Thank you to Shona for putting this post together. She’s done a great job!

Let us know, via NorthHantsMum@gmail.com, if there are any other venues, decorations or gifts from local businesses that you think should be added.

Miss NHM

Baby Shower Venues in North Hampshire Area

The Parlour Tearoom

Within Viables Craft Centre, The Parlour Tearoom serves homemade cakes and lunches. They are open from 10am to 5pm Tuesday to Saturdays. They were also voted Hampshire Life Tearoom of the year 2014. As it isn’t very big this would be best for a small baby shower.

Parlour Tearoom 

Trip Advisor – Parlour Tearoom

For further information, call 01256 325795

The Tea Bar

Right in the top of town, the Tea Bar is a lovely tea room in the day and at night turns into a bar in the evening with music and sometimes live bands. They provide lunches and afternoon teas. Lovely seating and space means tables could be put together for larger groups.

The Tea Bar 

Trip Advisor – Tea Bar

For further information, call 01256 353332

Sundaes Gelato

Sundaes hasn’t been open that long but is definitely a hit! If ice cream, crepes, waffles or just deserts in general are your thing, this is where to head! There are booths, tables and even sofas so a nice comfortable area.

Sundaes Gelato

Trip Advisor – Sundaes

For further information, call 01256 351122

Relaxing Gifts for Mum

Relaxation Session

Relax for Birth provides hypnobirthing, antenatal preparation and Doula support across Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire and West Sussex. Wendy has worked within the birthing field for over 20 years and supports women and couples to have a positive experience that positively impacts their journey into parenthood.

Relax for Birth

For more information contact 07716 321477 or email wendy@relaxforbirth.co.uk

A voucher for a pedicure

The Beauty Lounge Oakley offers vouchers for a relaxing pedicure for the mum to be. Perfect for a bit of me time and some pampering before the big arrival.

The Beauty Lounge Oakley

Gift voucher for Relax, Stretch and Breathe/Yoga for Pregnancy

NCT offer a course suitable from 12 weeks pregnant right through pregnancy. It enables you to relax, focus on your baby and think about your wishes for birth.

Relax, Stretch and Breathe

Reflexology Session to prepare for birth

Wendy French Reflexology can offer gift vouchers and/or sessions for the mum to be.

Wendy French Reflexology

Birth Doula and Maternity Support Services

Linda Cooks offers treatments such as pregnancy and postnatal massage, reflexology, birth preparation, placenta remedies and mother blessings which all could be a lovely gift for a mum to be.

The Celtic Touch – Birth Doula and Maternity Support

Reflexology Taster Session for mum to be and guests

Jill Lewis can provide taster sessions at the baby shower. Massaging using pressure points can help with stress, back pain and hormonal imbalances.

Jill Lewis Reflexology

Gifts for mum to be and baby

An activity for when baby arrives

Jolly Babies provides various classes for parents and children. Music with Mummy involves singing, clapping, dancing and waving. There are bubbles and simple instruments for babies to explore.

Music with Mummy

Gifts from the Little Barn Gift Shop

There are plenty of things such as gift vouchers, baby products, coconut oil and natural health remedies available, perfect for mum and babies.

The Little Barn Gift Shop

Katie Book Lady

There is every type of book available for new babies including cot and buggy books, cloth books as well as well known children’s titles.

Katie Book Lady – Usborne Books

Unique gift idea – Book about teething

A rarely covered topic that is never discussed in detail, teething can be a nightmare for parents. Having a read about it before baby arrives could be an excellent idea.

Your Teething Baby: From one parent to another

Cuddly toy for the new arrival

Over at Snuggly Sockimals they  make gorgeous animals from brand new socks. All Sockimals are CE tested and handmade.

Snuggly Sockimals

Gift voucher for Ceramic Painting

Pots2Paint have a wide variety of gifts available and you can purchase a gift voucher. They have done commissioned pieces which include a paint with a footprint for every month of a baby’s first year so definitely worth discussing any ideas you have.

Pots2Paint

Babywearing consultation

Carryoncarrying can provide a consultation to find which baby sling works best for mum. There are also packages for groups.

Carryoncarrying

Art Gift Voucher

My Tiny Gallery by Emma Vallis creates artwork, prints and cards that are ready to buy as well as commissioning individual pieces. Name paintings and nursery art are her speciality. You can buy gift vouchers or even a gift for the mum to be.

My Tiny Gallery

Keepsake Gift Voucher

Smallprint captures precious moments with unique items of jewellery hand-crafted in silver. From fingerprints to doodles and drawings, there is jewellery for all. Gift vouchers are available.

Smallprint

Photography Gifts

Photoshoot Gift Voucher

Mum to be could have a gift voucher for a maternity or newborn photoshoot from Your Family Deserve this.

Your Family Deserve This

Photography session/voucher

Agnes Forrai Photography offers portrait sessions, maternity shoots and newborn shoots so you can keep hold of precious memories.

Agnes Forrai Photography

Decorations for a baby shower

Shampagne Occasions

Shampagne Occasions can provide everything you need to decorate your venue for the baby shower. From balloons to decorations, they have everything covered.

Shampagne Occasions

Sweet Treats

Over at Sweet Treats they make party favours for baby showers as well as sweet cones and a sweet cart for hire.

Sweet Treats

Innocent Cakes

Based in Basingstoke, Innocent cakes provides cakes, cupcakes and cake pops made to order.

Innocent Cakes

Personalised chocolates

Owow Chocolates, based in Old Basing can make some personalised chocolates for your baby shower needs.

Owow Chocolates  

A variety of gifts available from Doveys Occasions

Doveys Occasions can provide lots of different gifts to suit any budget including sweet cones, sweet filled bottles, wish trees, gift baskets and candy carts.

Doveys Occasions

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NHM readers suggested Birthday Card “hacks”

NHM readers suggested Birthday Card “hacks”

I’ve always been rubbish at remembering birthday cards, or rather, I buy the cards in advance but never quite get round to posting them in time.

I recently asked the Friends of  my “Louise nhm Smith” profile on Facebook for any good “hacks” for how to remember to send birthday cards. 

Thank you very much to everyone who responded and thank you very much to Yvette who put this post together! 

Please note, these are in no particular order!

1. Moonpig / Funky Pigeon (as recommended by Georgina, Melanie, Lisa, Cerys & Jason)

Moonpig: Personalised Cards – Greetings Cards – Cards Online

Personalised Cards| Make Photo Greetings Cards Online

The general consensus was that these websites are great as you can set up in advance what date you would like certain cards to be sent and also you can personalise your cards with your own photo’s / text.  The only downside is that it can be a bit on the expensive side, but prices do include postage and they sometimes have special offers on.  Alternatively, Cerys came up with a great idea of setting up reminders on the websites but buying the card elsewhere when the reminder email comes through!

2. Bunches (as recommended by Madeleine)

Bunches.co.uk

You can also set up reminders on this website (or other similar ones), just remember to put the exact dates in the notes.

3. Good old fashioned pen and paper (as recommended by Marie, Elaine, Sue, Heidi & Michelle)

3.1 Another great suggestion was to write every birthday on a calendar/diary at the beginning of the year and then at the beginning of every month, bulk buy all the cards you need for that month.  Or alternatively, put a reminder in your diary to buy the cards 2 weeks before and then another reminder a week before to actually post them.

3.2 A lovely alternative for keeping birthdays separate from everything else going in your diary is getting a box of cards and planner from Heidi Wadsworth at Phoenix cards.

http://www.phoenix-trading.co.uk/web/heidiwadsworth/

Just go through the planner each week, write them out and stick them in the post. The planner lasts and doesn’t need redoing each year.

4. Phone reminders (as recommended by Hayley)

Putting a reminder on her phone 2 days before to post the card has worked well for Hayley.

5. Facebook (as recommended by Jason)

6. Buy in bulk 

Peta says “I buy packs of ‘assorted’, but quality, birthday cards to suit all ages (or multiple packs to suit a range of ages) and store them in my writing desk with books of (12x) stamps (1st class, 2nd class, £1.28 for airmail). I still forget birthdays, but at least my ‘belated’ birthday wishes are not quite as belated these days…

I also buy postcard packs (e.g. from local artists when I don’t want/cannot afford to buy individual pieces or themed packs from places like TK Maxx or independent bookstores) and packs of blank greeting cards so that I have an abundance of supplies for last minute wishes ‘thank you’, ‘thinking of you’, ‘anniversary’, ‘happy house warming’.. (you get the picture).

Oh, and my ex-housemate always writes her month’s cheques & birthday cards in advance, noting the ‘send on’ date in pencil on the front of each sealed envelope. She would pick up relevant envelopes in the morning and post them on her way to work. Teachers. So organised…”

7. A final thought 

Lisa says “The sign of a true friend is one who still loves you even when you forget their birthday…maybe more than once ; )”

Don’t miss out on future posts like this – you can receive updates directly to your inbox by email by adding your email address to the box on the top right of this page and hitting subscribe. You can also follow NorthHantsMum onTwitter,Google+,Facebook PageFacebook ProfileLinkedIn and Feedly. I hope to see you there!