January 31, 2007

Birthday in a Box

Once upon a time birthday parties involved a cake, a camera and a few friends, united under a theme like dresses or dinosaurs. Now it's all about the must-have party performer and an Academy Awards-style goodie bag. But you're keeping it simple: Your 5-year-old is obsessed with outer space and insists on having an astronaut-themed birthday. How can you pull off a homemade party like that on a pre-fab schedule?

Once Upon a Box follows the simple, whimsical and practical formula. Choose a theme (carnivals & cotton candy, astronauts & aliens, surf & sand, you get the drift) – and get everything you need for an unforgettable soiree for up to 16 guests. Each keepsake-quality box contains invitations and thank-you notes, a card for the birthday child, paper goods (plates, napkins, forks and cups), birthday candles, sprinkles, a cookie cutter, a theme-related decorative item, a photo album to preserve the memories and a collection of tips for a successful event (menus, activities, decorating, and party favor ideas). It's like having your own personal party planner do all the work while you get to look like the mom who throws the best birthday parties on the block.

It's an old-fashion birthday done right. And no one has to know it came in (gasp!) a box (as did the cake...and the cookies).

Available online at onceuponabox.com.