Friends of mine are adopting three children: 4-week-old, three-year-old and five-year old. They don't have any children of their own, which means no toys, necessities, etc. We would like to have a party for them. Any ideas for themes, decorating....?
How wonderful!! If they don't already have 'kid stuff', why not throw them a baby shower?? WHY NOT?! Same principle applies, they still need baby stuff!! Then have a potluck dinner in their honor; that's so great :)
I would suggest having the party Before the kids come because it will be too ever whelming for the kids and because the parents will need to do a lot of shopping before they arrive. IF they come from another country that is a great theme to go with and maybe parents will get some great items to add that culture to their home. If not from another country just go with a Spring Shower theme.They will need SO much stuff maybe you could suggest new items AND gently used items!
What an awesome idea! The are very brave people for adopting 3 little ones at once! They will need all types of things so a shower of some kind would be great!
Are you planning on doing the party before the kids get here or once they are here?
If you are going with before the kids are here (and I don't know you or your friends obviously) I would bill it as a upscale baby shower. Don't do all bottles and diapers, as they are bringing home two older ones too, but you could do some of that.
Are the kids all from another country? Maybe do a theme revolving around where the kids are all from if they are (Ukraine or China etc... ). See if they will register for things they need to help people pick out some stuff, but if they won't just spread the word as best you can about the types of gifts you had in mind (books, toys, clothes) etc.
Awesome of you to put this together for them! People often forget how hard it is to bring home adopted kids and all that goes with that!!
"a kiddieland" shower.....& do it before the kids arrive.
First of all don't overwhelm the kids. Are they coming from another country or the US? So maybe a party at a park. Ask the parents what they need/want. A good source might be a kids consignment store not too expensive and yet you can get great stuff. Maybe take the two older ones to a store and let them pick a few things that are special to them. Ask friends if they have toys etc that their kids not longer use and are in great shape and just start stocking their house. Goodwill or Salvation Army for books is a great place sometimes they are new. Good luck to you and them and PLEASE let us know what happens
Wow. What amazing people!!!
Theme: Jungle buddies!!
http://www.birthdaydirect.com/jungle-buddies-birthday-par...
Think of it as a baby shower and 2 birthday parties in one.
I think you're awesome for doing this!
Here's what I've heard: If the adoption is imminent (kids are there in the home already), go ahead and throw a shower for things to help with the kids.
If there are still hoops to jump through and red tape to slash, have a party celebrating the parents-to-be. It's akin to gatherings people have now to announce the gender of the baby, or even the pregnancy... it's about getting together with people you love, but not exactly about the baby/children just yet. You can still throw a shower once the kids are there. Give them things to help them relax and make this waiting period even more memorable. Maybe scrapbooking supplies to commemorate their transition from couple to family.
I would throw them a shower like you would for someone who was expecting a new baby. I would make sure the children are included and have a child themed party. Find out what the two older ones are interested in and try to use that as a theme. How exciting for this new family.
Good luck.
K. K.
a kids shower!!! I love the idea! Such a great thing they are doing too! Yay for them!
Themes?? Disney everywhere!!
That age is perfect for a Birthday B. Party. We dont just do birthdays. Its a dance themed party with a real professional B.. Check out their website for video, pictures and more!
www.BirthdayBallerina.com
I would just have a celebration for them as a family or a "baby & child" shower. Necessities and toys for the kids or gift cards for the parents to utilize in getting all the things kids need (bed, bedding, etc.).
Decorations could be neutral like primary colors and balloons or a bit of baby and toddler/your child things (cartoons) as accents. If they are all girls or all boys you could go more gender specific (blue & red or pink & purple).
Since all the children are younger Dr. Suess theme would be great you could use books as your centerpieces and would be gifts for the children. You could also get some Dr. Suess plates and decorations for baby shower and party at www.birthdayexpress.com. I would not purchase every item I usually get 1 packs of themed napkins 1-2 packs of plates depending on the guest count and go to party city or another discount store and get solid colors to mix with the themed items and get regular cups instead of themed cups. You could add a few balloons and make a custom banner and it would not be too expensive to put on and would be colorful and fun!
How many people will attend and how many of you are parents?
Are the children related?
More details please.
Blessings....
For most shower gifts I usually say "new" only -- however, where they need everything maybe work the theme around "recycle". With the invitation send out a list of items that are needed and in addition to new gifts have friends donate other gently used items and clothing. (the other moms had great ideas too)
We were given a "shower of love" for our newly adopted daughter 6 years ago - and it was wonderful. It was at our house. Pot luck, open house-style, on a Saturday afternoon. It showed amazing support and love for us, our new family, and one wiggly, smile-y six-month-old!
theme? - along with other suggestions below, I'd add - polka dots, bright florals, or primary colors and squiggles. . . think cheerful!
food ?- potluck is easy on the budget, the hosts, and usually tasty. Make a rough listing, & ask for folk to bring side dishes, salads, sweets, drinks, party paper goods, and cleanup aprons.
You didn't ask about gift suggestions, but here's unsolicited opinion from me! Ask what they need, or get them what you know they need - a digital ear thermometer, dishes, silverware and glasses that are kid-friendly and unbreakable, age appropriate toys and books, some clothes that are sturdy and comfortable for our climate & the the season, bedding, towels. . . oh my the list is long). Gently used things are just fine, in our experience - it all works, and they need multiples of many things.
Some friends came to our shower, and then later returned with that last bit of "what-is-needed-for-baby" or what they thought would help with our particular yard and our house. Truly thoughtful and loving, and it felt like the welcome was weeks long. This was heartening in the wee hours of sleepless nights.
other gift ideas -
- gift certificates of time - at home or on a trip to the park/zoo/shoppping center. . . redeemable when suitable. It might be a few months before the parents feel able to take on such a thing. Going from 0 to 3 is going to be a huge change and both emotional and logistics support will be helpful
- a bottle of the parents' favorite wine
& please, tell your friends that they are giving and receiving a gift that cannot be quantified. Parenting is by far the best and yet the most difficult thing we've ever done.
They are brave and fearless, and they will never be the same.
We were told: "It's an amazing ride". Indeed, it is.
