Party TipZ from Wendy

Shep and I have been working together on ShindigZ since 1990, the same year we got married. Through the years we have planned a countless number of special events and parties for friends and family around the world. We turn to ShindigZ to help us with deocorationss and favors every time. If we can’t find what we need, we add it to the next catalog. We thought it might be fun to share some of our learning with you. Through our Wendy’s TipZ section online, you can find ideas to make your party planning unique and affordable. I understand the pressure of being a mom - juggling work, home and the busy lives of my children. Let us help you in one area, celebrations. We have solutions for everything from birthdays, to New Years, to school Holiday parties and more. It’s our pleasure.

Elfing How-To
Start a new tradition of spreading holiday cheer to your neighbors and friends this year by Elfing. This fun activity involves leaving a special package of goodies at the front door of a few friends’ houses, with instructions for them to do the same. The joy of gift giving becomes contagious and soon everyone you know will be involved in Elfing!

As Christmas approaches, make up 3 or 4 gift bags with special Elfing goodies inside. The list below contains foods that Buddy the Elf ate in the movie Elf.

• Candy
• Candy Corn
• Candy Canes
• Syrup
• The Elf DVD
• Elf costumes (can be purchased at ShindigZ.com)
• Elfing letter (from below)

Next, print off the following letter and stick a copy in each goodie bag to explain the surprise and to make sure the fun gets spreads to all!

Hi, it’s Buddy the Elf stopping by to say,
“What’s your favorite color?” this holiday.
To bring you a smile “his favorite thing”
And warm Christmas Greetings the season brings.

Amidst all the hustle of this Holiday Season,
Let’s not forget the purpose and reason
To celebrate the birth of a special baby boy
Who brought us peace and everlasting joy.

So take time with your family to relax and have fun,
With Buddy the Elf, the “gynormous” one.
Then sign this and take it and “Elf” someone new
And spread Christmas cheer, it’s easy to do.

Buddy

After dark, maybe right before bedtime, dress your kids in Elfing attire and sneak out for some crazy, quiet, sneaky fun! Here’s how it works: Put on your elf costume, creep up to your friend’s door, leave the goodie bag with the letter at the step, ring the doorbell, and RUN LIKE CRAZY! Do this to 3 or 4 neighbors in one evening. The idea is for everyone in the neighborhood to get “Elfed” and spread some holiday cheer!

 More of Wendy’s TipZ
#1 - Each year I give my son’s teacher a Gingerbread Man and a Personalized Christmas Banner to place outside the classroom. The kids and teachers all love this special entrance to the room!

#2 - We line our front walk with star luminarias several weeks before Christmas. Now that our kids are older, everyone gets a chance to light them. On Christmas Eve we go out as a family and set our front walk a-glow. It’s a family tradition!

#3 - We love to celebrate New Year’s with the kids - they won’t want to do this for too many more years! Each year we let the kids vote on our party kit. Last year we went with the holographic kit. Can’t wait to see what they choose this year!