Holidays

The greatest gift of the holiday season? Family memories

When I was in second grade, a friend told me Santa was made up. Although every part of me wanted to believe, my faith...

Holiday baking with kids makes delicious tradition

It’s easy to understand why time-crunched holiday bakers shoo kids out of the kitchen. Who has the time to teach a 7-year-old how to...

Carefree Christmas Festival’s Santa is checking his list twice

A handwritten sign announces his workshop, tucked into a tree-lined neighborhood in central Phoenix: “Welcome to the North Pole. Santa is in!” Ron Bacher’s blue eyes...

“Elf the Musical, Jr.” brings holiday spirit to Scottsdale

If you love the 2003 film it's based on, seeing “Elf the Musical, Jr.” at Scottsdale Desert Stages Theatre is a must-do this holiday season. The show...

Care Card: Save on holiday shopping and help Phoenix Children’s Hospital

It never hurts to have an excuse to shop. This month, the Board of Visitors Care Card offers just that. During 10 days each...

Moms: Find the gift of “me time”

“I don’t have time for myself” is a common lament among mothers. With work commitments, managing a household and caring for children, finding pockets...

10 best family movies to watch during the holidays

It's tough to keep up with every new movie out there these days, but the holiday season is a great time to revisit the...

Holiday gift experiences for all kinds of kids

Holiday shopping is in full swing. If you're trying to find the perfect present for older kids or preteens, think outside the box. What...

Making the Santa magic last

Most parents lament the day their children are too grown up to believe in Santa Claus. Phoenix author and mom Julie Atkinson has written...

Eating issues? Holidays can add stress

The holidays should be a joyful time of year---but for adults and kids experiencing body-image or eating issues, it can actually be stressful. Cramped...

Places to buy and make holiday ornaments in Phoenix

If your family likes making or giving ornaments this time of year, we've got some ways you can keep the tradition going with creative...

Gift-wrapping events support Amazing Aussies rescue dogs

There are two kinds of people in the world: those who enjoy gift-wrapping and those who do not. For the former, holiday gift-wrapping is a...

10 creative thank-you notes kids can make

Writing holiday thank-you notes is a lot more fun for kids when they get the chance to make their own cards. Keep these ideas...

3 ways to volunteer during the holidays

As many of us are enjoying holiday feasts with family and friends this holiday season, others will be struggling to find food or shelter....

10 great places to take Thanksgiving visitors

Entertaining friends and family who travel to the Valley for Thanksgiving provides a great excuse to get out and explore the hometown destinations we...

Is face paint safe?

The art of embellishing the skin with color and shading dates back to Cleopatra and her kohl stick…and beyond. Applying color and glitter to...

PARTY ARTICLES

Money Lessons from Birthday Parties

Teaching Kids the Value of Gifts & Gratitude Between the cake, balloons, and wrapping paper tornado, birthday parties are often all about fun, but they also provide the perfect opportunity to teach kids early lessons...

Time to Paw-ty

Celebrating your favorite furry friend Call me crazy, but when my husband and I adopted our first dog together, we threw her a birthday party complete with cake, streamers, guests, appetizers, games, and more. Was...

Unique Ways to Host a Joint Birthday Party

My brother and I have birthdays that are just one day apart—his on March 3rd, mine on March 4th, and our oldest brother just a few weeks later on March 21st. Fast forward 31 years...

Out-of-the-box Birthday Party Ideas in Phoenix & Tucson

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Birthday Traditions & Clever Theme Ideas

Childhood birthdays are unlike any others. I have fond memories of waking up on my birthday morning anticipating all the fun that was in store. With three kids who had birthdays all in the same...

Out-of-the Box Birthday Party Ideas

Wanting to do something a little extra special for your child’s next birthday party? Maybe it’s a milestone birthday—like turning double digits or entering the teen years. Or perhaps your child has requested to...

Party Etiquette

Whether you’re hosting a party or attending one, you may be wondering—do people really RSVP anymore? What about goodie bags, are those still a thing? Do I need to stay with my child at...

How to Throw a Birthday Party that Won’t Break the Bank

I remember the days when birthday parties consisted of colorful balloons, streamers, a simple cake, and the classics like musical chairs and tag with a few friends. Times have changed and suddenly it feels necessary...

How to do a drive-by birthday party

As we get deeper into quarantine, people have gotten creative with birthday celebrations. One result: the drive-by birthday party.

Home pool party? Hire a lifeguard!

Drowning happens silently and quickly. That’s why children are at risk even when — and sometimes especially when — adults are nearby. Even a "designated pool watcher" can avert his or her eyes for a...

Hiking birthday party

For a child who loves adventure and outdoors, turn a hike into a birthday party.
Tour de Liam, Biking birthday party theme, bike race, outdoor activites, arizona parties

Bike race birthday party

When there are lots of neighborhood friends who love to ride their bikes together, host a birthday party that feels like an official bike race.

Island birthday party

Pool parties are popular in Arizona. Make a stylish upgrade at your next birthday party by incorporating décor and details that will transport guests from the desert to a tropical island paradise.

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