Creating Theme Birthday Parties for Twins

By Nicole M. Gates-Hulbert

Birthdays for multiples don't necessarily mean multiple parties, planning and stress! Try planning a party for your multiples that will include a theme. Theme parties make it fun for all in attendance. They're great for all age groups and present a new and exciting twist that allows parents to create some meaningful memories for their children.

When planning a theme party for multiples, consider the following:

• Choose a theme that will compliment both of your multiples' personalities.
• If your multiples are old enough, ask them to agree on a theme; don't impose one on them.
• Prepare to have a cake for each child, especially for milestone birthdays.
• Select a theme that can be easily carried over into the games/activities, prizes, presents, food and drinks.
• Allow each multiple a set number of guests to keep the party controllable.
• In addition to the cake or cupcakes, create invitations and keepsakes for the guests that incorporate the theme and will knock their socks off!
• Forget about the typical commercial theme party stuff . . . CREATE your own!

Are you ready to get your creative juices flowing? Plan a "Star Power" party, because at this age your children really do run the show! Have some creative pictures taken of them: Dress them up, enlarge the pictures and have them on display at their party. Have girls wear tiaras and boys wear crowns. Roll out a red carpet and enlist family and friends to serve as the paparazzi by taking pictures of all guests as they arrive.

How about a "Picasso Party"? Lay a long roll of paper out on the driveway or sidewalk (or on the floor inside if it's winter or poor weather), as well as some Crayola washable markers, colored pencils, crayons, modeling clay, chalk and paints. Let the little geniuses create their own masterpiece! Enhance the party by hiring a local artist to draw caricature pictures of the guests in attendance. Consider gift bags of Crayola products for future use.

Another great idea is a "Fast Food Fantasy" party, complete with a smorgasbord of fast foods: Subway sandwiches, Taco Bell tacos, McDonald's hamburgers, etc. Set this party on another plateau by having a candy cake instead of a traditional birthday cake. (Candy cake recipes can be found by doing a search online for "candy cakes.")

As your multiples get older, they may enjoy a "Scavenger Hunt" or a "Mystery Party." This type of party allows all guests to get involved and have a great time. Prizes to the winners are the reward for being a guest at this type of party.

Planning a multiples theme party allows you to let your creativity flow. Think about your children's favorite things and create a party based around them. Everyone will remember and rave about your unique and fun birthday celebration. Happy theme party planning!

Nicole M. Gates-Hulbert is a Joliet, Illinois, native. She currently resides in Memphis, Tennessee. She is married to Darrick and is the proud mother of four daughters: Yolanda, Savanna, and twins Brooklyn and Bheanna. She is owner of More than a Memory Event Planners and Delicious Wishes Confectionary. Nicole's life passion is to "Reach for the Moon and You'll Land Among the Stars"!