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Archive for the ‘Holidays’ Category

How to Celebrate Persian New Year

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

painted eggs for persian new yearPersian New Year, also known as Iranian New Year, is celebrated on March 21 to 22. The holiday’s real name is Nowruz, which means “new day.”

Nowruz may be where Americans got the tradition of spring cleaning, as a deep clean of the home in the weeks leading up to the holiday is part of the traditional festivities. The holiday dates back 3,000 years, and was a Zororastrian holiday, which means it spread far beyond the boundaries of its native Iran.

How do I decorate for Nowruz?

Your haftsin table will be the centerpiece. It will hold a collection of seven items, each representing a different hope for the year ahead (see below).

You can also decorate with colored eggs, similar to the way you’d decorate for Easter. The associations are even similar: they symbolize productivity, creativity, rebirth, and spring.

Decorating with new flowers, fresh green plants, and light, springtime colors are all highly appropriate.

What goes on a Haftsin table?

haftsin tableThe Haftsin or haft-seen table is a collection of seven items that symbolize a different hope for the new year.

  • Sabzeh is a sprout or grass that will grow to symbolize rebirth or renewal. You should start the sprouts at least 10 days before the holiday. Three days after Nowruz, you’re supposed to toss it into a moving body of water.
  • Senjed is dried fruit for love.
  • Sib is apples for beauty and health.
  • Seer is garlic, for medicine and for taking care of yourself.
  • Samanu is a sweet pudding for wealth and fertility.
  • Serkeh is vinegar for patience and wisdom.
  • Sumac is for the sunrise of a new day.

You may hear these items referred to as the “seven S’s” of Nowruz.

Once those seven items are set you can decorate, customize, and add to the table as you see fit. Note that this table is set aside, it’s not the table where you eat your meal.

Celebrants take great pride in setting a gorgeous table. You can also add candles, eggs, and other decorations. A nice tablecloth will help to offset your table.

What are Persian New Year eggs?

The tradition of decorating eggs for Nowruz predates Christianity and may have been the origin of the tradition at the Easter holiday. You can decorate them just as you’d decorate Easter eggs, or you can go more elaborate by painting designs onto your eggs with nontoxic paint. Some even prefer using artificial eggs.

For more visual interest, you can branch away from chicken eggs so that you can offer eggs of different sizes. Egg-shaped candy is also appropriate!

Persian New Year Traditional Gifts

readying the haftsinIt is traditional to bring gifts when you are invited to a Nowruz celebration. Traditional gifts include flowers, sweets, and pastries.

When you bring gifts, presentation is a big deal! Use nice handmade paper or fancy ribbons. Create a beautiful flower arrangement or decorate the pot on a potted plant. Whatever you do, make it look nice.

It’s also traditional to give a little money to the children on this day.

Other Persian New Year Traditions

Cook lots of food! Try traditional Iranian foods, or choose dishes that center on greens and herbs to symbolize renewal.

Buy a new set of clothes for your Nowruz party. This is traditional too, and there’s nothing like having a great excuse to shop!

Paper Plus has plenty of items to help you with your Nowruz celebration, from egg coloring kits to brightly colored napkins and tablecloths. Stop by to see what’s in stock!

How to Celebrate International Women’s Day

Wednesday, February 1st, 2023

International Women Day graphic with hugging women

International Women’s Day is a day that’s set aside to celebrate the accomplishments of women and to imagine a world where gender equality is the norm for every person. It’s also a lovely day to get together with the special women in your life!

While many mark this occasion with little more than social media posts and the occasional well wishes, we’ve got tips on how to throw yourself an International Women’s Day party, as well as a bit of information about the holiday itself.

Why do we celebrate Women’s Day on March 8?

On March 8, 1957, female textile workers marched to protest unfair working conditions and unequal rights for women. It was one of the first organized strikes by working women, and won workers many of the rights they enjoy today. International Women’s Day began as a day to commemorate this event.

In fact, you could say this day was the beginning of the feminist movement in America, and would go on to spark more collective action on behalf of women’s rights.

Why is International Women’s Day important?

International Women’s Day isn’t just an observance. Every year there’s a different theme, and that theme suggests real actions people can take to achieve gender equality, as well as climate change and other issues that concern women and the entire world.

Consider donating to women’s organizations on this day, or organizations which promote civil rights, positive action towards mitigating climate change, or worker’s rights.

What are the colors for International Women’s Day?

The colors are purple, green, and white.

Purple signifies justice and dignity for all people. It also can signify loyalty to a cause.

Green symbolizes hope.

White represents purity.

How do you celebrate International Women’s Day?

Host a party!

To launch a proper International Women’s Day party, decorate in purple, green, and white. Then, purchase food and other supplies from female-owned businesses.

You can create fun party trivia games revolving around women’s history to make it educational.

Don’t feel like hosting a party? Write cards to the women you admire in your own life. Choose elegant stationery so you can write a beautiful, decorative note.

Paper Plus is a woman-owned party store business that has plenty of paper, stationary, party decorations, and balloons in all the colors you’ll need to celebrate International Woman’s Day. Visit our store to stock up on all the items you’ll need.

How to Make DIY Chinese New Year Decorations

Sunday, January 1st, 2023

chinese new year red packets

You can DIY your lunar New Year decorations and make this fun occasion more festive than ever.

In fact, few other holidays lend themselves to the handmade approach quite so well as the Chinese New Year, simply because paper crafts are such a big part of the holiday to begin with, and paper is an easy medium to work with.

DIY Chinese New Year Decorations by Using Red Packets

Giving red envelopes full of money is a cherished Chinese New Year tradition.

If you plan to give money, you can simply slide a few dollars into red envelopes. You could also decorate them with stickers or calligraphy to jazz them up a little. Remember, if you give money you should give even amounts: odd amounts of money are considered very unlucky. The number four is also very unlucky.

If money is tight and isn’t an option, making red packets out of paper lets you offer warm wishes on stationary, or small gifts like candy, sticks of incense, or erasers. Candy is especially appropriate, as sweet food signifies a “sweet life.” Just avoid wrappers with unlucky colors such as black, white, or blue.

Origami Chinese New Year Decorations

family celebrating chinese new year

Grab some red, gold, and yellow paper and you can make fun origami animals or shapes. If you’re feeling ambitious you could even fold one into the year’s animal.

Flowers, fish, stars, and fans are also quite traditional.

If you’re holding a party, setting out sheets of red paper and instructions for children who want to try their own hand at a little origami can be a fun way to entertain the younger ones while the adults get caught up.

Chinese New Year Baskets

Fill a pretty basket with red tissue paper and tie it with a red bow, then add whatever you want.

Traditional basket gifts include oranges, cakes, chocolates, and candies. Fortune cookies are also appropriate, and you don’t have to stick to plain ones. They come in a variety of flavors and colors, and you can either make them yourself or order them.

Banana fortune cookies might be especially fun, as yellow is a lucky color and a bright pop of cheery yellow in a predominantly red basket could look quite incredible.

Chinese New Year DIY Lanterns

chinese new year red lantern

Red hanging lanterns are traditional, and you can make them out of red and gold paper. While they won’t light up, they’ll still look festive if you hang them all over your space. It’s not hard to find instructions for several good designs.

If you want light-up paper lanterns you’re better off purchasing those, and stringing them up according to the instructions.

It’s Easy to Make Your Own Chinese New Year Decorations

Just bring your creativity and your sense of fun. Your decorations don’t have to be perfect, and the very act of making them can bring you and anyone you invite to join you a ton of joy.

We have Chinese New Year party ideas too!

Need to find all the paper, glue, glitter, scissors, envelopes, stickers, candies, and other decorations you might need for your Chinese New Year celebration? Come on down to Paper Plus. We’ve got all of this and more in stock right now!

You Can Make Halloween Costumes With Balloons – Here’s How

Saturday, October 1st, 2022

gumball machine

Looking for a creative way to win this year’s Halloween costume contest?

A balloon costume might just be the way to go. DIY balloon Halloween costumes are some of the easiest Halloween costumes you can create—and they’re fun, too.

Note that we’re talking about costumes literally made with balloons, not inflatable costumes like the ubiquitous alien balloon costume.

What kinds of wearable balloon costumes can you create?

Quick and Easy Balloon Costumes

We’ve seen cute balloon animal costumes. We’ve also seen funny grape balloon costumes, or hot air balloon costumes. The possibilities for a wearable balloon costume are endless.

Advanced Balloon Costumes

man with red balloonsSome of these require a few more props. For example, if you want to do the hot air balloon you’ll need a basket. You stand in the basket. Attach 36” helium balloons to the basket.

Character Balloon Costumes

Any character or object that comes with a lot of round components can be a good source for balloon costume ideas. What about a bubble gum machine? You could use many different balloon colors to create the gum balls. Or you could create a plastic jar and use long balloons to make a jar of jelly beans. Using a large clear plastic bag will get the job done in either case.

You can also use the balloon as a prop. The Red Balloon costume, for example, where you go to your party as the boy from the movie. One 17-inch red balloon and you’re good to go! Or grab a pair of suspenders or a scouting costume, and dress as one of the kids from Up!

disco balloonsThere are also thematic options from certain eras. Balloons are part of how disco was done. A summer outfit with a sun balloon is very 70s. And with a disco ball helium balloon, you can carry some Saturday Night Fever with you wherever you go.

Your imagination is the only limit!

Here at Paper Plus, we’ve got loads of balloons in all sizes, shapes, and colors. We can fill them up with helium if you need us to. We’ve also got a wealth of paper products to offer, as well as many items which could be used as props in your next Halloween costume. Stop by, see what we’ve got, and let’s chat about your ideas!

Our store is open and ready to help you have the best Halloween ever!

 

How to Order Balloons

We’d love for you to swing by our store to place your order!!

Don’t get us wrong, we’re happy to chat over the phone (510‐525‐1799) and take your order that way, but there’s something special about seeing all the colors and styles in person.

Plus, when you come into our store, we can get a sense of what you’re going for and help you pick out the perfect balloons for your Halloween costume or party.

Just a heads up, we don’t take orders over email or messaging, so let’s chat in person or over the phone to get your order started.

It’s Time for National Vanilla Cupcake Day!

Monday, November 1st, 2021

vanilla cupcakes with strawberry frosting

Are you ready to celebrate just about anything after a tough 2020 and 2021? You’re not alone. We’ve all been cooped up for far too long.

Fortunately, thanks to the 365 Holidays calendar, there’s something weird, fun, or kooky to celebrate just about every day. Coming up soon: November 10, National Vanilla Cupcake Day.

Why celebrate national vanilla cupcake day?

vanilla cupcake with vanilla frosting and fruitWhy? Because vanilla is awesome, that’s why. So are cupcakes (first created in 1776). Amelia Simmons invented them in her book: American Cookery. She simply called them “a cake to be baked in small cups.” Later, Eliza Leslie would name the same dish “cupcakes” in her 19th-century book, Receipts.

So by celebrating National Vanilla Cupcake Day, you’re celebrating the historical contributions of two women who probably could stand to get a little more recognition.

Then again, do you need an excuse to eat delicious vanilla cupcakes? Or to decorate them in fun, festive ways?

Great Ways to Celebrate National Vanilla Cupcake Day

You probably won’t want to hold a big cupcake party (though you could). It is an ideal time to do something with the kids or to bring vanilla cupcakes to work. You can grab a few festive liners from us and some cool toppers too. For example, you can sit down with the kids and they can each top the cupcake with a letter to represent their names.

vanilla extractIf you’re into making everything homemade you can even make your own vanilla extract. It uses exactly two ingredients: vanilla beans and 80 proof alcohol. We’ve been known to give them out as holiday gifts after setting them up in pretty bottles with homemade labels. This allows you to choose the vanilla beans you like (there are multiple varieties) and get a stronger flavor than you could get from store-bought, mass-produced vanilla extract.

Add edible confetti to your cupcakes for extra fun, and inedible confetti to your party space for even more fun.

If someone’s birthday falls on November 10th then you’ve got your theme good to go. Grab some cupcake-shaped balloons, or even create a balloon bouquet and go to town. Create a few cupcake-shaped wall decorations and grab some napkins and cups with cupcake patterns on them.

If they don’t love vanilla you could probably get away with having a few other flavors on hand too. We won’t tell!

Keep on celebrating! We all need it.

vanilla cupcakes with pink frostingWe all want to have more fun these days and celebrate even small things after coming out of the pandemic. Be the funnest friend around by gracing your group with a little celebration based on one of these holidays every month. Start here because November can feel rainy and dark, and this holiday is primed to offer a little much-needed levity and festivity.

Need supplies for your National Vanilla Cupcake Day Party? We’ve got all the cupcake-themed balloons, napkins, cups, and tablecloths you could possibly need. Stop by to see what’s in stock or give us a call for ideas!

Do you like sweets? How about an ice cream party or a cookie exchange party?

How to Have the Best Glow-in-the-Dark Party this Halloween

Friday, October 1st, 2021

glowing halloween decorations

Glow-in-the-dark parties are a fun way to celebrate a super spooky Halloween. With the right supplies, you can transform your home, garage, or backyard into a spooky monster revelry zone that your guests will absolutely love.

In fact, these parties are perfect for kids and adults alike.

Here are a few glow-in-the-dark party ideas to get you started.

Glow-in-the-Dark Decorations

Let’s start with the decorations. You can start with glow-in-the-dark balloons (these would make a great balloon costume, too!). You don’t have to stop there, though. Glow in the dark paint can help you transform your jack-o-lanterns into spooky sentinels. Add a few glow sticks to jars wrapped with a little masking tape, add some googly eyes, and you’ve got little mummies to turn into centerpieces.

Grab black plastic tablecloths and splatter them with glow paint, then add them to all of your tables.

To get the best results you’re going to want to block out all the light, so cover all your windows in black builders plastic. You can splatter those with glow paint, too! You’re also going to want to add LED black lights to ensure all your glowy items look their best.

glow in the dark bottles halloweenYou can find pre-made glow-in-the-dark decorations too. There are glowy party letters, glowy balloons, and other fluorescent and neon party supplies that can help you make your space look amazing. Use your imagination!

Glow-in-the-Dark Party Favors

You can create glow-in-the-dark confetti and place it into jars to create some awesome party favors that people love at just about any age. The same paint could be used to glow up small bags that can hold just about anything, from candy to tiny bottles of alcohol.

Glow Party Food

glow in the dark ghosts halloweenYou’d be amazed how many party foods you can make glow. Certain ingredients do it naturally, including tonic water, cooking oil, eggs, honey, olive oil, ketchup, pineapples, and milk.

Some foods also reflect black light, like marshmallows, white bread, pasta, rice, and chips.

Create food that incorporates any of these glow-up ingredients or use some of the ideas below.

Here are a few ideas:

Here’s one last trick: you can add liquid vitamin B2 to foods to add some additional glow!

Glow-in-the-Dark Party Ideas for Adults

You’ve already seen how just about any adult party cocktail can be given a glow-up.

glow in the dark facepaint halloween

Pump up the jams, make sure there’s plenty of space on the dance floor, and add some tiny liquor bottles to your glow-in-the-dark piñata, put plenty of food out and you should have the party atmosphere good to go.

Glow-in-the-Dark Face Paint

What would Halloween be without face paint? Get a black light makeup kit and get creative. Go spooky with ghosts, jack-o-lanterns, or skeleton features.

We’ve got all your glow-in-the-dark party supplies right here!

Here at Paper Plus, we keep all sorts of glow-in-the-dark party supplies in stock. Stop by and we’ll help you stock up for your Halloween party!

Ace Your MLK Diorama Project With These Ideas

Monday, January 4th, 2021

martin luther king mural with quote

Dioramas are a common assignment this year, especially for Martin Luther King Day, or to celebrate the civil rights movement. Feeling strapped for ideas on how to make a cool cardboard diorama? We’ve got good news and bad news.

Bad news first: you won’t find any diorama kits anymore. There aren’t really any pre-made kits these days, which means you’ll have to make your diorama from recycled materials and cardboard boxes you have lying around the home.

Good news: with a little creativity, your local party supply store can become your diorama supply store.

Diorama Materials

  • 1 Box
  • Stiff Construction Paper
  • Patriotic Stickers
  • 1 3D Structure
  • 1 MLK Cutout – 18″
  • Modeling Clay
  • Felt
  • Pipe Cleaners

Diorama Ideas

martin luther kingCover the bottom of your box in felt to create grass or a street. You can also use the felt to decorate the outer parts of the box, creating a diorama with a little texture.  Usually, a shoebox will do, but if you want to give yourself a little more space a gift box can provide some extra room.

Use the stiff construction paper to cut out the people. These can be simple stick figures. Use different colors to represent people of all colors walking and marching together.

Choose a 3D structure of some significance, like the National Monument where MLK made his speech, the White House, or any other monument that makes sense to you and your child. If you can’t find a 3D structure you can use more stiff construction paper. Cut out a picture of the monument from a magazine or print a copy from the Internet, paste it onto the paper, and stand it up inside your box. You can add the large pre-made MLK to the box to finish the effect.

Pipe cleaners will help you keep most of your structures upright, and can easily be glued down to the bottom of the box and to the back of your figures. The Mod Podge is nice here because it has a better hold than standard craft glue, and the one thing you need when making a diorama is a solid hold.

If you don’t like the construction paper method you can use 3D modeling clay to achieve the same effect.

Decorate the outside of your box with patriotic stickers, and you’re done!

Diorama Examples

Your diorama doesn’t need to be perfect for you to knock this assignment out of the park.

Here are a few examples:

Remember not to stress. You’re helping your child express themselves while exploring some of history’s most poignant and important moments. You’re not trying to make something that will go sit in the Smithsonian. Have a little bit of fun with it and enjoy the exercise!

Paper Plus carries all the supplies you’ll need for your diorama project…right down to the Mod Podge! Stop by and see us today at 1629 San Pablo Ave in Berkeley or call us at 510-525-1799.

Easy Thanksgiving Decorating for Your Zoom Dinners

Sunday, November 1st, 2020

metallic thanksgiving balloons

Most people won’t be doing a lot of travel for Thanksgiving this year. Instead, we’ll use Zoom to get our togetherness time while stopping the spread of the pandemic.

Yet there’s no reason to think you can’t be just as festive as you were when the entire family gathered in your dining room. With a little creativity, you can make your virtual Thanksgiving just as special as your in-person gatherings.

Decorate the Gathering Space

easy thanksgiving decorations - cornYou don’t have to decorate your whole house this year, and that might be kind of nice! Instead, you can just stage your Zoom background.

Of course, nothing says you can’t decorate the whole house, especially if your immediate family will be there, celebrating Thanksgiving with you. Indeed, going all-out might help you create a festive space in the middle of an uncertain time.

Banners and crepe paper in festive fall colors are an easy way to get this done. If you want an even easier way, think outside the box and go with balloons. Some examples of great Thanksgiving balloons include beautiful latex balloons with leaves, which come in burgundy, gold, brown, and yellow, and which have elegant prints. You might also opt for metallic gold and silver balloons with a chrome finish, or look for the same in mauve or rose gold. Another option would be to go for mylar balloons with Thanksgiving-themed graphics on them, like turkeys, cornucopias, scarecrows, bales of hay, or ears of colored corn.

Allergic to latex? Mylar balloons are a solution.

Of course, don’t neglect the basics, like a stunning Thanksgiving table.

Outdoor Gatherings

easy thanksgiving table decorations for outside zoomIf you and your family have formed a “Covid Pod” then you might be doing an outdoor gathering this year. Look for decorations that won’t be defeated by wind. If you’re doing balloons, add weights to them to keep them in place.

Use cloth napkins outdoors…paper napkins tend to fly all over the place.

If you’re still Zooming with remote family members remember to set up the Zoom area inside…wind can cause a lot of mic interference and the Wi-Fi signal usually isn’t as good outside the house.

Wear Hats

If you don’t want to go all out with decorations for a Zoom call, hats are a great solution! You can DIY “pilgrim” headwear, or make boppers with turkeys on them. Make a cornucopia fascinator, or just find some premade hats.

They’ll be funny and festive, and you can take them off when it’s time to get ready for dinner in your own home.

Remember It’s About Connection

red fall leavesThere’s no glossing over the fact that a Zoom Thanksgiving isn’t “the same” as the festivities you’ve enjoyed in the past. Try not to let that get you down. If you treat your call with your family and friends like an event for the day that allows you to connect and catch up, and go out of your way to make it as festive as possible, then your holiday can still be meaningful and special.

Remember: this pandemic won’t last forever. You can still make memories this year while looking forward to better ones.

Want lots of options for your Thanksgiving decorations? Come to Paper Plus, where we’ve got a huge selection at incredible prices.

The Best Earth Day Activities for Kids and Adults

Thursday, April 2nd, 2020

earth day letters around earth

Earth Day is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to do your part as a steward of the planet. If you have kids, this is a wonderful opportunity to empower them with the tools and knowledge to create less waste, more plants, and a cleaner future. Here are five Earth Day activities for a fun, informative, and helpful celebration that takes into account our current social distancing guidelines due to COVID-19.

Plant a Vegetable Garden

Nothing tastes better than vegetables, herbs, and fruits that you planted yourself. Not only is gardening meditative, but it’s also fun for kids. Children love getting dirty and then watching their hard work grow to fruition. Having a garden helps reduce your carbon footprint while creating an aesthetically pleasing landscape. Include your community by sharing the

children planting garden earth day

bounty at harvest (be sure to socially distance while sharing). It’s also a great way to teach kids that our food doesn’t just come from the grocery store.

If you live in an area or home that isn’t conducive to having a garden, or you just don’t have time, purchase your produce from local farmers. Find the schedule for your local farmers’ market or sign up for a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, and get fresh, local, and seasonal produce every week.

 

Earth Day Crafts and Activities for Kids

child finished artwork for earth day activityGather your kids and recycled and reusable materials to create fun, practical, and decorative crafts. Look for items around the house that you aren’t using anymore and find creative ways to upcycle them.

One easy and useful craft is creating masks out of old shirts and shoelaces. Or gather old sweaters and make fingerless gloves to keep your hands warm in cooler seasons.  Create a recycled wind chime with old mason jar screw tops, hardware, and anything else you might otherwise throw away.

Commit to Using Less Plastic

Virtually rally your neighbors, family members, and friends and ask them to commit to using less plastic. Bring reusable bags to the grocery store, keeping a stash in your trunk or by your door so you never forget them. Purchase reusable sandwich and snack bags from eco-friendly stores and discontinue your use of zipper storage bags.

Take things a step further and seek bath and body goods that are not packaged in plastic. Every tiny step counts. The trick is to not get overwhelmed; rid yourself of one type of plastic and when that becomes a new habit, move to another.

Celebrate With Compostable Earth Day Party Supplies

corn cup with starsWhen you have wrapped up your Earth Day activities, consider hosting a shelter-in-place Earth Day party, with healthy food and supplies you might have around the house.

Not sure if balloons are suitable for an Earth Day celebration? Latex balloons are compostable and have the biodegradability of a maple leaf. We busted the myth about balloons being harmful to the environment here.  So, go ahead and celebrate Earth day with balloons!

Your party won’t be complete without compostable Earth Day products if you have them on hand. These products have come a long way and you can now find compostable napkins, plates, cups, and utensils that are both stylish and Earth-friendly. So you can celebrate knowing that your Earth Day party won’t be bad for the environment.

While we’re all staying in for Earth Day 2020, for your next Earth Day celebration, call us at (510) 525-1799 or drop in at 1629 San Pablo Ave. in Berkley to browse our wide selection of stylish Earth-friendly decorations, utensils, and more.

Fun Excuses to Dress Up in Costume Every Day of the Year 

Saturday, February 1st, 2020

women dressed in feather costumes

Who says it has to be Halloween to dress up? With so many fun festivals, school events, fairs, cosplay conventions, and themed parties popping up all year round, there is always a good excuse to get in character for a fun event. Stock up on face paint, make-up, costume accessories, complete costumes, and all dress-up items, and add them to your costume storage so that you can get what you need any day of the year.

You’ll have no problem taking your costume game to the next level when you have all the costume supplies you need on hand, for any event that may come up throughout the year. Have fun with it! Get creative and mix and match various costume accessories for a unique ensemble. Personalize a premade costume with a new wig, accessory items, and fun make-up. Go wild – the possibilities are endless, and your take on a costume can be one of a kind.

Purim

Purim homemade masks and hamantaschenThis Jewish holiday celebrates the Jewish people’s escape from Haman. If you’re looking for ideas for a Purim costume for adults, think about putting together a Queen Esther costume by adding a gold armband and bangles to a dress you already have. Your child will love a Haman costume that you make complete with a fake beard and mustache. Spice up a hamantaschen costume with a fun wig for easy Purim dress up. Don’t be afraid to recycle and reinvent costumes that are already in your closet. You don’t have to spend a lot of extra money on a full costume. Take stock of your current inventory and dress it up with fun costume accessories. Now that you’re in costume, it’s time for Purim crafts!

Burning Man

bike riding on the playa at burning manWhether it’s your first Burning Man or your 10th, take your costume game to the next level. There are no rules when it comes to Burning Man dress-up, so let your creativity run wild. An easy way to beef up your costume game is to gather various accessories and use them in new and unique ways. Try covering yourself entirely in feathers, by gluing them on every inch of clothing, ankle bracelets, and your headband. Wigs don’t have to go on your head; using elastic, wrap it around your waist to make a long, fluffy, colorful tail. Take a hat you already have and wrap it in a new material, glue fake jewels and beads to it, and transform it into a new costume piece. You can even make a fun bra out of colorful ribbon, scraps of cloth, beads, and feathers. Don’t forget to dress up your bike as well!

Themed Parties

If you’re in a sorority or fraternity, you’ve probably been to a theme party at one point in your academic career. Even if you’re not part of the Greek row, there are plenty of adults and children who love throwing themed birthday parties and celebrations throughout the year. Create a unicorn horn with a cotton candy cone and ribbon, making sure to decorate it with sparkly, colorful paints and stickers for a kid’s unicorn party. Be the life of the next Game of Thrones party or Lord of the Rings party by adding chains, fake swords, and sashes to clothes you already have in the closet. For example, dress up as Khaleesi by adding a wide belt to one of your long dresses, donning a long white wig, and making a jeweled headpiece out of beads and string.

School Events

boy with sword and shield costumeDid your child just come home from school telling you they need a fake sword for the school play? Or they need a Chautauqua costume for their next performance? Save money by finding a complete costume that your child may have worn in the past and sprucing it up with a wig, hat, feather boa, or costume jewelry. It’s easy to dress your kid up in black pants and a button-up shirt; transform that basic outfit into a character from the past by adding a vest, a fake mustache, fake beard, wig, and appropriate hat. Little items like a pocket watch, a fake mouse, or spectacles will make your kid’s costume complete.

Cosplay

You can get really creative with your cosplay costumes using accessories, face and body paints, and wigs. For Anime cosplay spruce up a short skirt with a pair of colorful tights. Use wide white duct tape and a messy wig to create a Deku costume. Use boot covers over existing shoes to add to a My Hero Academia cosplay costume. Sailor Moon is easy when you find some red ribbon to tie in a giant bow to put over a white sailor shirt. Beef up clothing items that you already own with duct tape, feathers, paints, wigs, scarves, boas, ribbons, and beads. Get creative with costume accessories for your next cosplay, whether it’s Raven, Spiderman, Spider Gwen, Starfire, Todoroki, or Zero Suit. No need to spend a ton of money on a full-kit costume – stand out from the rest with your own personal take on your favorite cosplay character.

Themed Fairs & Live Action Role Play

If you’re attending a Renaissance fair, Dickens Fair, or a live action role play (LARP), think about all the extra accessories you can add to your clothing or box costume and really make an impression. You can get lost in the moment at a themed fair and LARP, especially if you get into character with LARP foam swords for live action sword fights, crowns and headdresses for the queen’s parade, and a goblet around your neck for imbibing with other festival attendees. Bedazzle a wig you already have with beads and a headdress for a female Twin Mask LARP costume. Perhaps you have an old cape lying around from that year you were a vampire on Halloween; throw it over black jeans, a black shirt, grab a fake sword and tie a black bandana around your face for a dark LARP character.

No matter the festival, play, party, or event, it’s easy to take stock of items you already own and inject an added flair with ribbon, tape, beads, feathers, wigs, make-up, face paint, boas, capes, swords, fake glasses, and fake facial hair to get into character. It’s fun to transport yourself to another time, another place, or another world, any time of the year.

swords, masks, and other halloween costume accessoriesDon’t wait until the last minute to get you or your children outfitted in the perfect costume for the next school play, fair, festival, cosplay convention, LARP, theme party, Purim, or any other fun celebration that may come around throughout the year.

We never put our costumes away!!

We never put our costumes or costume accessories away, so swing by our Berkley store at 1629 San Pablo Ave. or call us at (510) 525-1799 if you have any questions.

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