Okay, so I signed up to do this party-gig-bash for a bunch of three-year-olds in June, and now I have to deliver on the goods. Because who wants to anger a gaggle of toddlers in the heat of summer? Not me, that's who. 

This is my niece, Lu, who is about to turn three. She also just became an older sister, so her mom (my sister-in-law) isn't exactly in party planning mode with a newborn. To help her out, and because I'm a nerd for all things fun and pretty, I volunteered to throw Lu's birthday party this year. 

Name: Max & Molly, 1
Location: Stamford, CT

For my twin's first birthday party I decided on a Milk & Cookies theme. Since I have a twin girl and boy, I wanted to stick with a gender-neutral theme. I had seen some cute parties with this theme on Pinterest and liked it because at one they could finally have milk and who doesn't love cookies! Our colors were brown white and green.

Camping in your backyard is a special way to celebrate a birthday, while also enjoying the great outdoors. (It's also really, really nice that shelter is steps away in case of rain or other party catastrophes). Get into the spirit with a campfire, lanterns and — perhaps most importantly — a cake that looks like a big ol' S'more. 

What kid doesn't love elephants, lions, and monkeys when they're young? A zoo or general animal-themed party is a slam dunk when you're looking for inspiration. And if the birthday cake doesn't get a bunch of kids bouncing off the walls, these bright colors certainly will. Let them have their big day with these fun decorations:

My favorite 6-year old is turning 7, so in honor of his birthday I've collected some projects worthy of his ever-increasing LEGO-mastery. Happy birthday, LEGO kid!

Your cassette tape of Beastie Boys' Licensed to Ill isn't quite the party animal it used to be back in '86, but your old tapes still deserve a better life than collecting dust in a box in the attic. Fight for your right to party all over again with these clever decorations and gift embellishments made from old VHS and cassette tapes. More

Throwing a party can be stressful at the best of times. Add 15 cake-smooshing, diaper-wearing, toy-throwing guests into the mix and you might be just about ready for a long winter's hibernation! However, there are some strategies you can adopt to reduce the crazy factor. More

This interactive punch wall looks just like a strip of candy buttons. It borrows a page from The Price Is Right, where contestants have been playing Punch A Bunch since the 1970s, only Maddie's guests played for favors instead of cash prizes. More