Post # 1
Member
358 posts
Helper bee
Hola Hive! So my husbands birthday is coming up, and not only is it his 30th, but its also the first birthday since we’ve gotten married. So even though we usually are more the “go out to nice dinner and show” people, I really want to throw him a simple, casual family+friends party. We’ll have the usual BBQ, beers, etc, but I wanted to have an activity that would be a little extra special/different. My first thought was renting a mechanical bull (along those lines), but yikes, they’re over $900 in my area! I’ve drifted the idea of interactive inflatable rentals (basketball shootout, football pass), but not sure the hubby’s feeling that.
Does anyone have any ideas for me? Maybe something unique that you have done for your party, or seen at another party? Doesnt have to be something over the top, but anything interesting/different to make the party a little more memorable would be soooo much help for me!! He’s a baseball coach and very into sports/athletics, so any game ideas would be especially awesome!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Post # 3
Member
1729 posts
Bumble bee
@prncss47: What about lawn darts/quaits, cornhole, bean bags, horseshoes, stuff like that. A Cornhole tourney would be soooo fun.
Post # 4
Member
2622 posts
Sugar bee
@phillybride61513: I was going to saw these items as well. Even crouquet is a lot of fun at a party. My family loves to pull it out at BBQs.
You could do an old school pinata and fill it with nips instead of candy.
Post # 5
Member
1021 posts
Bumble bee
@phillybride61513: Exactly what I was thinking. Cornhole is always fun at outdoor bbqs. Maybe have a bonfire or set up tiki torches.
Post # 6
Member
5784 posts
Bee Keeper
Bags or Bocce? Firepit + Smores?
Post # 8
Member
1951 posts
Buzzing bee
Our family gatherings usually include competitive board games and full contact bocci, among other lawn games. What about having a photo-booth or a bounce-house?
Also, you could do a theme party. For example, we will be having a “Hawaiian Shirt Party” this summer for our friends and family. Prizes will be given out to the guests with the best (i.e., brightest/ugliest/flashiest) shirt; maybe have some trivia questions lined up? How about an American Gladiator competition? Set up an obstacle course, buy some foam tubes (pool toys) and have a little competition.
Post # 9
Member
9917 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
Lawn games all sound fun. My fiance had a shirt at his thirtieth birthday that had a square root symbol with the number 900 under it, and then on the back it had the date of his birthday. You could also get him something from here: http://www.zazzle.com/30+gifts
Post # 10
Member
358 posts
Helper bee
Thank you all for your awesome suggestions so far! Everything sounds really great.
@Miss Mauverick: my very FIRST idea was a bounce house but all my co-workers slammed that idea, and my husband said he’s not sure anyone (himself included) would go in it. I actually thought some ppl would love it. Have you ever been to an “adult” party that had a bounce house or something similar??
Post # 11
Member
7229 posts
Busy Beekeeper
@prncss47: I’ve never been to an adult party where there was a bouncy house, but I have been to children’s parties where there was a bouncy house and booze… and believe me, adults got in the bouncy house. 😛
Post # 12
Member
9917 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
@prncss47: A bouncy house is not appropriate for an adult birthday party.
Post # 13
Member
1951 posts
Buzzing bee
@prncss47: Yes, I’ve been to an adult party with a bounce-house. Some of the over-18 crowd climbed in an bounced around. BUT, I do think it depends on your guests. It can be a hit with some groups, but completely fizzle out with others. Just something to think about.
@peachacid: I wouldn’t label it “inappropirate” but its definitely not the norm. I doubt anyone would be offended by it, but they may find it odd/awkward.
Post # 14
Member
358 posts
Helper bee
Thank you everyone! Any more ideas/suggestions out there…bring ’em on 🙂