Tuesday, February 28, 2012

13 Unique Wedding Gift Ideas for Couples

We get it. Sometimes buying a place setting of China doesn't quite send the right message to the bride and groom. Looking for more personal, unique wedding gift ideas for couples? Look no further!

These gift ideas can be as extravagant or as budget-friendly as you wish. But no matter what, they are sure to be remembered by the wedding couple!
  1. Personalized Wall Art: From contemporary art prints to word decals, you can find something to fit any and every style. Of course, we recommended browsing independent Etsy artisans for a truly special touch.
  2. Personalized Games: If the bride and groom like family night board games or entertaining, consider these cool personalized board games from companies like 521 Promo or Lovopoly
  3. Photo Collage: This is a great gift, particularly if you have known the bride and groom for years. Buy or make your own collage frame and display photos you've collected. Photos can be from childhood to present or just photos of the couple since they've known each other. Bonus points if you incorporate fun captions or write dates and occasions on the back of each picture.
  4. Personalized Signs: Will the couple be moving into a new home after the honeymoon? Decorative signs with the street number and the couple's last name are perfect for the front porch or the entryway. 
  5. State & City Crafts: This idea is inspired by Pinterest and Our Mini Family. These crafts are cute without being over-the-top kitschy. Make one for the city and state where the couple will reside.
  6. Source: yfrog.com via Holly on Pinterest
  7. Weekend Getaways: Do you remember what it was like just starting out? Sometimes it's hard to fit a weekend getaway into the budget in your first year of marriage. A helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon or a weekend at the amusement park could be just the thing the b
    ride and groom need! Look for fun packages that the couple could escape to in just a couple of hours.
  8. Wine or Coffee Subscriptions: So  maybe enrolling the couple in a cheese of the month club isn't the best gift ever, but what about wine or coffee clubs? We think these would make great gifts for couple who consider themselves connoisseurs of some of life's finer pleasures.
  9. Stationery & Labels: If your budget is tight, personalized stationery and address labels make a thoughtful and useful custom gift.
  10. Couples Letter Book: You can't go wrong with an heirloom book. We love how these gifts take scrapbooks to a whole new level. We love the Treasured Pages book for couples.
  11. Pre-Paid Dates: Encourage the bride and groom to make time for themselves with pre-paid dates. Stuff envelopes with date ideas and admission to some of their favorite places and events. Your package could include things like theater tickets, restaurant gift certificates, miniature golf passes or admission for two to the art museum.  
  12. Massage Packages: Who doesn't enjoy escaping from the pressures of the everyday sometimes? Massage packages and spa retreats are loved by one and all.
  13. Movie Rental Subscription & Popcorn: If the wedding couple likes quiet evenings at home, you could opt for a subscription to a service like Blockbuster or Netflix. Toss in some microwave popcorn and Junior Mints and you've got date night at home for great quality time together.
  14. Moving & Cleaning Services: While the couple's away on their honeymoon surprise them by helping the move, unpack or clean so that they come back to reality without a thousand chores nagging them. (We suggest getting approval for this wedding gift, however. Don't want your helpfulness to backfire!) 

2012 Brides Can Save 10% on Pinwhirls! 

Thursday, February 23, 2012

100 Birthday Party Theme Ideas for Girls

We couldn't do 100 Birthday Party Theme Ideas for Boys without also adding 100 Party Theme Ideas for Girls!


Use these ideas as a launching pad for planning a girl's birthday party or sleepover.
  1. Princess Theme
  2. Hello Kitty Theme
  3. Strawberry Shortcake Theme
  4. Dora the Explorer Theme
  5. Zoo Theme
  6. Fairy Theme
  7. Roller Skate Theme
  8. Cupcake Theme
  9. Luau Theme
  10. Ballet Theme
  11. Butterfly Theme
  12. Flower Theme
  13. Hannah Montana Theme
  14. Farm Animal Theme
  15. Ladybug Theme
  16. Mermaid Theme
  17. Polkadot Theme
  18. Pink Theme
  19. Tea Party Theme
  20. Wizard of Oz Theme
  21. Spongebob Theme
  22. Ocean Theme
  23. Model Theme
  24. Spa Theme
  25. Harry Potter Theme
  26. My Little Pony Theme
  27. Candyland Theme
  28. Science Lab Theme
  29. Rock and Roll Theme
  30. Sesame Street Theme
  31. Winnie the Pooh Theme
  32. Barbie Theme
  33. Movie Theme
  34. Scavenger Hunt Theme
  35. Twilight Theme
  36. Dance Theme
  37. Mystery/Detective Theme
  38. Angry Birds Theme
  39. Art Theme
  40. Minnie Mouse Theme
  41. Fiesta Theme
  42. Dressup/Costume Theme
  43. Cinderella Theme
  44. Sock Monkey Theme
  45. Face Painting Theme
  46. Panda Theme
  47. Water Balloon Theme
  48. Musical Theme
  49. Sesame Street Theme
  50. Makeover Theme
  51. Elephant Theme
  52. Country Theme
  53. City Theme
  54. Magic Theme
  55. Prom/Dance Theme
  56. Karate Theme
  57. Pinwheel Theme
  58. Space Theme
  59. Camping Theme
  60. Smurfs Theme
  61. Mermaid Theme
  62. Muppets Theme
  63. iCarly Theme
  64. Elephant Theme
  65. American Idol Theme
  66. High School Musical Theme
  67. Pizza Party Theme
  68. Sock Hop Theme
  69. Beach Theme
  70. Strawberry Theme
  71. Heart Theme
  72. Soccer Theme
  73. Softball Theme
  74. Volleyball Theme
  75. Salon Theme
  76. Kite Theme
  77. Ice Skating Theme
  78. Invetions/Inventors Theme
  79. Garden Theme
  80. Unicorn Theme
  81. Jungle Theme
  82. Kitten/Puppy/Pet Theme
  83. I Spy Theme
  84. Monster Theme
  85. Clown Theme
  86. Ice Cream Parlor Theme
  87. Candy Shop Theme
  88. Teddy Bear Theme
  89. Superhero Theme
  90. Safari Theme
  91. Karaoke Theme
  92. Decade Theme (60s, 70s, 80s, etc.)
  93. Cowgirl Theme
  94. Honey Bee Theme
  95. Dr. Seuss Theme
  96. Caterpillar Theme
  97. Tree House Theme
  98. School Bus Theme
  99. Tie Die Theme
  100. Veggie Tales Theme

Friday, February 17, 2012

100 Birthday Party Theme Ideas for Boys


Sometimes thinking of a new and fun theme for your child's next birthday party is tough. We've compiled a list of 100 birthday party theme ideas for boys to help you be a more creative party planner! Use one of these ideas or use the list as a springboard for something new, then plan your party down to the last detail--from invitations and party hats to favors and thank you notes.

  1. Construction Site Theme
  2. Legos Theme
  3. Soccer
  4. Football
  5. Zoo Theme
  6. Safari Theme
  7. Car Theme
  8. Bicycle Theme
  9. Motorcycle Theme
  10. Monster Theme
  11. Dr. Seuss Theme
  12. Carnival Theme
  13. Airplane Theme
  14. Camping Theme
  15. Space Theme
  16. Baseball
  17. Basketball
  18. Hockey
  19. Science/Laboratory Theme
  20. Angry Birds Theme
  21. Super Mario Theme
  22. Dinosaur Theme
  23. Harry Potter Theme
  24. Pirate Theme
  25. Sock Monkey Theme
  26. Thomas the Tank Engine
  27. Batman Theme
  28. Spiderman Theme
  29. Circus Theme
  30. Music Theme
  31. Jungle Theme
  32. Karate Theme
  33. Soldier/ Camouflage Theme
  34. Guitar Theme
  35. Skateboard Theme
  36. Treasure Hunt Theme
  37. Train Theme
  38. Firefighter Theme
  39. Magic Theme
  40. Detective Theme
  41. Rock and Roll Theme
  42. Pool Party Theme
  43. Shark Theme
  44. Robot Theme
  45. Farm Theme
  46. Panda Theme
  47. Auto Racing Theme
  48. Starwars Theme
  49. Favorite Animal Theme (Dogs, Giraffes, Horses, etc.)
  50. Bug/Insect Theme
  51. Scooby Doo Theme
  52. Age Themes (Number Theme)
  53. Frankenstein Theme
  54. Face Painting Theme
  55. Puppet Theme
  56. Theater Theme
  57. Aquarium Theme
  58. Snake Theme
  59. Desert Theme
  60. Snowboarding Theme
  61. Mountain Theme
  62. Medieval Theme
  63. Castle Theme
  64. Mythology Theme
  65. Survival/Hunting Theme
  66. Nautical/Sailing Theme
  67. Surfing Theme
  68. Water Balloon/Water Gun Party
  69. Shipwreck Theme
  70. Bowling Theme
  71. Video Game/Arcade Theme
  72. Caveman Theme
  73. Bob the Builder Theme
  74. Costume Theme
  75. Disney Theme
  76. John Deere Theme
  77. Wrestling Theme
  78. Boxing Theme
  79. Pokemon Theme
  80. Guitar Theme
  81. Skyscraper Theme
  82. Computer/Technology Theme
  83. Doctor Who Theme
  84. Road Construction Theme
  85. Nature Theme
  86. Rocket Theme
  87. Wizard Theme
  88. Big City Theme
  89. Country Theme
  90. Presidents Theme
  91. Hot Air Balloon Theme
  92. Famous Inventors Theme
  93. Famous Scientists Theme
  94. Truck Theme
  95. Elephant Theme
  96. Toy Story Theme
  97. Hollywood Theme
  98. Ocean Theme
  99. Fiesta Theme
  100. Sesame Street Theme

Friday, February 10, 2012

Valentine's Day Wedding Tips & Ideas

Valentine's Day is popular day to get married. And why not? A day already filled with love and romance is the perfect time to start the rest of your lives together. If you're looking for ways to plan a Valentine's Day wedding while keeping the event fun and fresh and not too cliche, we've got some great wedding planning tips for you!

Use Red or Pink as an Accent Color

Instead of using red and pink together as your main color, try black and white with small accents of either red or pink for your attire and wedding decor. Overdoing it on the red and pink can look kitschy and old fashioned. If you're look for a modern classic, try grey, white and burgundy or grey, white, and petal pink.

Use Floral Centerpieces

Valentine's Day and flowers go hand-in-hand. For your centerpieces, try a floral arrangement or even a single flower in a crystal vase. Roses are classic, but stargazer lilies and daisies are also great choices. It al depends on the mood you want to set for your reception.

Avoid Using Too Many Hearts

Yes, it's a Valentine's Day wedding, but that doesn't mean you have to bombard your guests with hearts galore. For something more subtle try heart necklaces for the bridesmaids, wedding favors (like our Pinwhirls made with Heart Day Papers) with a heart-shaped pattern, or a single heart on the place cards. Just avoid the temptation to put them everywhere.

Use Valentines for Invitations or Place Cards

We love the idea of invitations and place cards that look like retro Valentine's Day cards. Depending on your personal preferences, you may want to choose something lacy and Victorian. Or if your style is more casual and fun, bring back your Valentine's Day cards from when you were a kid with well-known characters and gobs of bright colors.

Give Away Sweet Wedding Favors

Homemade conversations hearts, Godiva chocolates, sachets of personalized M&Ms. There are lots of different ways to sweeten up your guests' wedding favors.

Did you have a Valentine's Day wedding? How did you incorporate the holiday into your special event?