advice
I
f – like me – you never quite get
to the bottom of your kids’ school
bag, there’s a high likelihood that,
in addition to mouldering bananas
and plaintive notes about PE kit, a party
invitation or two lurks. Here are a few
crafty hacks to make you look creative
and thoughtful (as opposed to slummy
and forgetful) the next time you find
yourself staring down the barrel of a
birthday bash that begins in just over an
hour.
Gift hacks
Finding a short-notice gift can actually
be pretty straightforward, depending on
the type of party you’re invited to. There’s
the classic re-gifting option, although this
is not without its risks unless you’ve kept
an infallible record of exactly who gave
your kid the “Super Mega-Noize Blaster
Max” last year.
If you’re at all unsure, move on to
phase two, which I like to optimistically
think of as an educational
pay-forward, rather than
plain old cheapskate. Put
simply, you wrap a much-
loved book for the birthday
boy or girl, and present it
as a thoughtful gift. “My
little cherub simply adored
this slightly chewed copy of
Angelina Ballerina/Thomas The
Tank Engine/anything by Julia
Donaldson, so we thought we’d
share the joy with you!” (Note:
this is always more
convincing if your
child isn’t clinging
to your leg, sobbing “Mummy, please
nooo! It’s my favourite!”). The birthday
child will probably hate you, but their
parents will be taking note. (And let’s be
honest, they’re who you’re really out to
impress here).
Too squeamish for such blatant
subterfuge? Then the DIY option is your
friend. A batch of freshly-made animal
cookies or a sleepover voucher are
quick and simple to whip up within a
few minutes and look thoughtful - even if
they’re not.
Card hacks
Gift sorted, it’s time for a card. If you’ve
exhausted your stash of spares and
it’s too late for a trip to the nearest
stationers, something handmade by
your little invitee is the
Mum hacks:
Party time
Need a birthday pressie and card pronto, but the cupboards are bare?
Don’t worry, says
Kate Farr
. There is always a solution…
most obvious option. Get them busy
with the glitter glue and stickers making
something “unique” that passes muster
(offer bribes if necessary to get the job
done in time).
Failing that, record and share an
enthusiastic Happy Birthday video
via iCloud for a really personal touch.
If you spot any raised eyebrows, cite
environmental concerns as your reason
for swerving a traditional card. There is
literally no arguing with this, leaving you
totally off the hook.
Gift-wrap hacks
Recycle kids’ artwork for a colourful
finishing touch to your hacked gift. As
an added bonus, this also helps to make
space for more “memories” to join the
rolling gallery adorning every wall in your
apartment.
Show off the craft skills you picked up
during all that time spent on
Pinterest with brown paper
and twine giftwrap. (Added
hipster points if you bring
your own mason jars and
paper straws for drinks).
Own your lack of
planning with some ironic
newspaper wrapping,
but do proceed with
caution. True story: I used
this trick for my son’s third
birthday pass the parcel but
realised halfway along that
I’d accidentally wrapped the
kids’ treats in a sex advice
column. Always check your
headlines carefully.
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