"Hi Ben, I just wanted to thank you for the fantastic service we received from your company in hiring our bouncy castle. It was a huge hit with the kids and your professional manner made the pickup/dropoff extremely easy. Many thanks! Rochelle - Auckland" –Rochelle Auckland

"Hi Ben - what fantastic service thank you very much. The kids had an absolute BALL yesterday on the bouncy castle , the thing was so big they kinda got lost in there which suited the parents just fine. Thank you again Vicki - Auckland" –Vicki - Auckland

"Hi Ben, Had a fantastic day with the bouncy boxing everyone really had a laugh. Your employee who dropped off and picked up the ring was also very helpful and efficient. Many thanks once again it made my husband’s day!! Kind regards, Jan - Auckland" –Jan - Auckland

"The Rotary Club of Pauranga very much appreciated your partcipation and the enjoyment you bought to the children with your bouncy castles and water walkers supplied at the Pakuranga Family Carnival Day. We look forward to your bouncy castle hire at our next years carnival. Regards - Ray - Auckland" –Ray - Auckland

"Just want to say thank you for your services and was very happy with ease of everything! Kids loved the candy floss machine!" Kindest reguards - Mahina and Jeremiah - Auckland – Mahina and Jeremiah - Auckland

"Just wanted to say thanks for your excellent service. The bouncy castle hire was a huge hit for us today. We were thoroughly impressed with your service & will definitely be recommending your company to our friends & family" Thanks & regards, Jenine - Auckland –Jenine - Auckland

"I would like to thank you, and your staff for being helpful and changing the bouncy castle, I was very concerned about the weather (and Matt) I think that was his name, Was very helpful in the fact that he was happy to change it for me. The bouncy castle and popcorn machine went down a treat, but the real winner of the day was the candy floss machine! ( so much fun)" Warm Regards - Sonja - Auckland –Sonja - Auckland

"Hi Ben, I just wanted to say thanks to you and your company for the excellent service provided this past weekend. The bouncy castle and candy floss machine were a HUGE hit and kept the kids all entertained all night and the next day. It was a great way to have an adult party with kids and keep them busy" Regards, Lisa - Auckland –Lisa - Auckland

"Hi Ben just wanted to drop you and Matt a quick mail to say thanks very much for the Bouncy Castle Hire on Saturday especially for letting us use it until Sunday. The kids ( and adults loved it )" Cheers, Alister - Auckland –Alister - Auckland

Kids birthday parties are a real blast, well they should be and with a little help from this step by step guide and your natural party finesse it will be!

Step 1. Will it be a girls, boys or mixed party as this may affect the theme you might choose.

Step 2. Decide on the number of children you are going to invite to the party as if you are working within a budget it may affect the amount of games or activity’s you will have.

Step 3. Theme, consider whether or not if you and your child wants a theme for the party. Having a theme can make planning activities and games for the kids much easier and you also have the option of letting them dress up. There are many low cost dress-up shops around that have a good range of girls and boys costumes.

Step 4. Decorations, if you have chosen to have a themed party the decorations should be fairly easy. Balloons are a must have and streamers look great to, if you have chosen a theme then this will help decide with the colours.

Step 5. The cake, one of the most important and essential parts to any kids birthday party! The cake should be a focal point; if you are having a themed party make sure it fits in. If you’re not having a theme, try your child’s favourite cartoon or sport or even the number of their birthday.

Step 6. Food, kids love to pick their own food, small bite sized options are the best for a kids party, pizza fingers, sausage rolls, small sandwiches that can be cut into interesting shapes (again themes can really help here). For healthier foods, cut up red and yellow peppers, carrots and cucumbers into sticks and serve them with humus or a dip. Small cupcakes are a good idea and can easily be matched with any theme by altering their colour or by writing and drawing with icing.

Step 7. Games, simple games often work the best. Beginning your party with a popular game such as musical statues is a great way to get the kids running around building up an appetite. Pin the Tail is a great classic which can also be used with a theme. Pass the parcel is a good game for after the kids have eaten. If you have chosen a theme work the games around this, a treasure hunt would be perfect for a pirate party. Bouncy castles are another great game if you have the room, they keep kids occupied for hours and help use all of the extra energy from sugar they may have eaten.

Step 8. Party bags, a goodie bag is great for a child to take home and remember the great party they have been to. They don’t have to be expensive, just add bubbles, stickers, bouncy balls or anything small and fun for children.

Step 9. Last but not least remember to keep the party short, a few hours should be plenty. If there are going to be siblings about get them involved with all aspects of the party, perhaps ask them to help with decorating the cake or making the games.

If you use follow this step by step guide you’re on your way to planning a fantastic and memorable kids party!

This guide has been put together by Blast Entertainment Hire Auckland Ltd, visit www.blastentertainment.co.nz for bouncy castles and more great party ideas.