Few days before Christmas Day, I attended the birthdays and dedication day of my college friend's two sons. One will be celebrating his 7th birthday while the youngest will be turning 1.
One month prior to the event, she made a group chat for her college friends where she informed us about the party. The initial date of the party was December 14 but was later on moved to December 21.
Since I still have lots of time and had extra money, I decided to give gifts for all of her three sons. I feel like the middle child would get jealous if he sees his siblings unwrapping gifts so I included him as well.
I want my gifts to be practical especially for the boys who are already attending school. Something they could use everyday.
It was difficult to choose a gift for boys considering that the choices at the mall I've went to was limited. But in the end, I think a lunch box would be very useful for their daily student life. I'm not sure though if they like the We Bare Bears characters.
Of course, it will be too plain if I will only give lunch boxes. I also added chocolate biscuit sticks inside for a surprise.
And another little box of chocolates on top. I assume other people would gift them toys, so I went for something that's more useful and something for them to munch on while playing with the other gifts they got.
I know the party is for birthday and dedication but it's also almost Christmas and the extra gift wrappers I have are for Christmas. Why not use it? Lol.
Anyway, I made it more personalized by using colored pens on the gift tags and also tied a ribbon into the wrapper. I was also able to use the single hole puncher I bought for the gift tag and wrapper.
For the youngest son, I decided to gift him a little cute stuffed toy (inside the blue paper bag) which can also be used as cushion. I didn't take it out of the paper bag so I haven't taken a photo of it. Sorry. But it's a gray cat wearing a blue shark onesie. I think the name of the cat is Ollie.
Aside from these, I also asked my friend if she would like to have mini jelly cupcakes for the party. She agreed right away. I made a dozen mini cupcakes and packed it with a little spoon.
Of course, events like these are great opportunities to promote your product and business, right? So seize the chance!
The party venue is at a popular fast food chain. And since I live nearby, I was able to go early. We had enough time to put the "thank you" stickers which my friend printed.
There were still few people around so I was still able to take photos of the party arrangements and designs.
The theme of the party they had was Madagascar. Looks fun! I was trying on the hat but it was too small and only meant for kids.
My friend took the opportunity to have their family photo while most of the visitors still haven't arrived.
And of course, I chose to sit at the table near the gift table. Haha!
Few minutes later, one college classmate arrived followed by another one arrived before the program began.
The program began soon after the room was filled with visitors. The hosts welcomed the celebrants together with my friend and her husband.
The first part of the program was the children's games. I noticed they have the same children's game with the McDonald's branch where my nephew had his birthday. However, this branch added a "Bring Me" game. It was fun watching the kids play. One little girl was even dominating the game and racking up all the prizes!
Next part of the program was the Dedication ceremony or similar to baptism for Catholics. One of our classmates was a godfather. Chairs were arranged on the middle for the godparents while the pastor stood in front and my friend's family on the side. The chairs doesn't seem appropriate though for the program. I thought they were going to do a trip to Jerusalem game when the crews were arranging the chairs.
Photos were taken with the godparents after the Dedication ceremony and soon after that, foods were distributed to the tables. We had fried chicken and a drink. Later on they also gave us apple pie and large fries.
When most visitors were done eating, the program resumed welcoming a special visitor, Grimace! Kids were happy for sure, including kids at heart like me.
The purple mascot joined the party as they lit the cake and sang happy birthday. After the blowing of candles, the parents gave their messages to their children.
Next, the kids were asked to go in front and dance with Grimace. After the dance party, the staff said visitors can now take photos with the mascot. Nobody was coming up after a few seconds so I insisted my classmates that we take pictures with the mascot. Lol. People soon followed after us and also had their photos with Grimace.
The mascot bid goodbye after the photo session with the visitors. When Grimace was near the exit, Grimace came near at the little boy who was afraid of mascots. There was again a loud shriek and visitors can't help but laugh at the hilarious sight.
The program ended and visitors began to leave. Two of our classmates weren't able to come. One was sick while the other have totally forgotten it and was busy with her cake orders. We soon bid our goodbyes as well and separated ways.
It's also fun being an adult, you know. On the early years of adulthood, the events you have to attend to are weddings then couple of years later you'll find yourself in a kiddie party.
Thanks for reading! 💚