Style & Decor

Kid baskets

I really don't want kids at the reception but my mother, FH and MOH all talked me into it. But I was thinking of things to keep them entertained so what do you ladies think of doing kid baskets with crayons, coloring books, etc in them? I haven't had to much experience with children and wedding receptions so do you all think this would be a good idea? Also any ideas as to what else to put in them would be greatly appreciated.

Posted On: Nov 6, 2009 at 12:05 AM | Vendors are allowed to participate

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J.J

Wedding: 09/10/2011

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beckyboo

Wedding: 08/11/2011

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 12:09 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
bubbles...they will be entertained for hours! haha. I like the crayons and colouring books idea!

J.J

Wedding: 09/10/2011

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 12:11 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
YaY for bubbles :-). The only thing that concerns me with that is that is just another thing that they will have the chance to spill. But that is just the worrier in me coming out though.

Allison N.

Blessed Events

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 12:12 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Having something to preoccupy the little ones at the reception is ALWAYS a great idea! If you would like to have a special "kids table" at the reception to corral them into one area you can do that, but keep in mind there may always be a child or two that would feel more comfortable siting with their parents. Regardless of your seating arrangement, crayons and coloring books are good, and other kid friendly - and venue friendly :) - favors such a mini etch-o-sketches and other small toys work well. If you decide to with a toy or a coloring book, try and tie it in with your wedding colors or theme! Your guests will be even more impressed :)

J.J

Wedding: 09/10/2011

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 12:14 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I like the etch-o-sketch idea. That is definitely something that would keep them entertained and something that won't make a mess. Our colors are black and blue with a star theme so it might be hard to tie that into a kids basket.

beckyboo

Wedding: 08/11/2011

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 12:17 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
ohhhh I never thought of spills...eep no good. ahh an etch o scetch or magna doodle!! they make the little ones at Target! :D

Ravenbird

Wedding: 05/28/2011

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 12:37 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I am making my own wedding coloring books and making enough copies for the kids while maybe a couple extra you know how kids can get lol

Trina

Wedding: 09/10/2010

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 1:01 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I love that idea. That is great. I have a six year old and he has theese things called benaroos. You can get them online a Amazon.com. I cames w/alot in the pack for about $12.00 also look on Oriental Trading

J.J

Wedding: 09/10/2011

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 1:02 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Yeah, actually Oriental Trading is actually where I got the idea from..hehehe...

Nda_ r.

Wedding: 06/05/2010

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 1:05 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
A while back Michaels had these mini wooden puzzles that came with markers that had a picture on them for little kids to color then play with. They were only a dollar each

J.J

Wedding: 09/10/2011

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 1:08 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Puzzles sounds like a great idea...So now we have crayons, colouring books, puzzles, etch-o-sketch, bendaroos, maybe some little dinosaures(sP) for boys and my little ponies for girls or something like that. I think I see a trip to Dollar General in my very near future.

Adriana M.

Married: 09/19/2009
Reviews: 11

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 1:25 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
If they are like the kids I had at my wedding they will need just music to keep them occupied they all danced the night away!

Nda_ r.

Wedding: 06/05/2010

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 1:27 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Yes, definitely dollar store! Just make sure to avoid any toys that could potently contain lead. I think what you listed would be great though. Give them too much and they will get overwhelmed.

analy m.

Married: 10/03/2009
Reviews: 5

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 2:04 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I strogly disagree with the idea of giving kids anything that can be spilled or used to mark on ANYTHING in the venue. At my wedding, we allowed the kids (only 4-5 total) to sit with their parents, and all they needed was some music. They danced allllllll night and payed no attention to the toys we provided them with.

TiNyTiGeR

Wedding: 10/15/2012

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 2:15 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
hmmm this also depends on the age group that you think are kids. But this is a really good idea i will keep it in mind when my wedding comes along. I probably wouldn't use crayons in fear of them writing on stuff maybe some play do and those huge building bricks. Or maybe you could have an area or room just fo kids to play with some supervision with movies for them and some toys to play with

Amy C.

Wedding: 06/05/2010

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 6:42 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
i did want kids at my wedding i figured they would be there untill fsil came up with an idea to get a babysitter for the kids her son will be 2 and fh little girl is the same age ) they will be there for alittle while but not long

Jessica B.

Married: 09/05/2009
Reviews: 6

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 9:29 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I thought about this too, but honestly, if you are having music, the kids will be out dancing most of the time. We didn't want a lot of kids, so we only invited family, which luckily only came to 5. They literally danced the entire time they were there and had a blast!

lovethebeach16

Wedding: 09/17/2010

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 9:36 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
This is probably entirely too cheesy and depends on the age of the kids, but if I was a wedding guest, I'd be amused if they could write down some wedding advice and then your DJ could read what they said. Kind of like a play on Kids Say the Darnest Things or whatever that show was called.

Jessica B.

Married: 09/05/2009
Reviews: 6

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 9:38 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I like that idea beach...cute :) I can just imagine what some of the kids at my wedding would have said!

MJ Decorations

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 9:42 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I saw a wedding that had about 10 kids of varying ages. Kids finish dinner a lot earlier than their parents, and that's when they get into trouble. The bride had a teenage cousin corral them over to a table that they covered with paper. She gave them crayons and pipe cleaners and puzzles and watched them so they wouldn't wander around with crayons and make a mess. They loved it! When the dancing started, they lost interest in the toys, but most of them visited the table at least once or twice more during the night, without the crayons! They did have a kid's table with a special centerpiece for the older kids as well, (no candle).

The Potters

Married: 09/12/2009
Reviews: 8

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 9:45 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I have 6 nieces/nephews and we invited kids. I'm glad we did because it really made it more fun. At rehearsal dinner we provided coloring books and crayons. Which I have also seen done at receptions. Although we didn't do it at the reception because I knew they'd have lots of fun dancing the night away.

J.J

Wedding: 09/10/2011

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 12:47 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
The ages of the kids will vary from like 1 1/2- 9 or 10. I was also thinking that their bags could be their favor from the reception. I know that the adults are fine with w/e we give them but at least the kids will have something to play with after the fun is all said and done.

3.6.10Bride

Wedding: 03/06/2010

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 1:22 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
We'll be having quite a few kids at our wedding/reception and I plan on doing something like this. Since I have a 4 year old daughter who loves crafts, I'm planning on getting a bunch of crafty things from JoAnn Fabrics and setting up a craft station. Not sure exactly what will be in there yet, but I hope to find some wedding-y type things.

Ebony

Married: 10/03/2009
Reviews: 3

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 7:05 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I'm not sure what venue will allow but what about a kids room? We had 9 kids and we created a kids room for them. They ate their dinner in the room, and we provided a tv/dvd player and played movies all night. I also created bags for them of coloring books, candy, cameras, puzzles, etc. We gave each child a camera to take pics so we could develop them later and have memories of them. It's also cute to see what the kids took pictures of.

Consonance J.

Married: 06/13/2009

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 7:09 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Make sure you check with your venue about whatever you plan to do. Some places have guidelines about giving kids markers or crayons and especially crafty stuff since they are the ones that will have to clean it up. And keep in mind that if some kid colors on the walls with marker, you're going to have to compensate the venue for the clean up.

LuckyinLove

Wedding: [Private]

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 7:11 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
If your venue allows it...Play-Doh is awesome. It is inexpensive (you can make an edible version), buy cookie cutters from the dollar store and cheap scissors. I mean really, who doesn't like playing with Play-Doh? LOL

Married: 10/17/2009

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 7:14 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
That is a wonderful idea. I thought about it fleetingly for my wedding but I ended up not doing it, due to time and budget constraints. I'm all for it though. I had about 60 kids at my wedding. Not kidding. What a zoo, but they were very cute.

Consonance J.

Married: 06/13/2009

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 7:21 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I was going to do Play-Doh, but EVERYONE asked me if I was nuts. I quickly nixed that. Ours had a personalized wedding coloring book I made, a Tonka/Strawberry Shorkcake coloring book, pad of construction paper, a few markers and crayons, a car/pony, pinwheel, candy, and a slinky. I put it all in a beach pail that I wrote their name on in paint pen and they LOVED them. It was amazing seeing them tote around their pails all night and the parents thanked me profusely.

Consonance J.

Married: 06/13/2009

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 7:21 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
(oh, and everything was from the dollar store...except the paint pens)

Danielle

Married: 10/24/2009

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 8:35 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
OMG, this was how I felt too. We were going to have about 25 kids, between 2 and 10.) But I lost the battle and kids were there. It really wasn't the big deal I made it out to be. My main concern was kids crying in the church. I was too nervous, that I didn't notice if anyone did. But on to the kid bags I made. Mine had coloring pages (I went to the $ Store and bought coloring books and put a few pages in each), I bought crayons during the before school sale this year (super cheap), I went to the $ Store and bought glow in the dark necklaces for each, each bag had crackers (like the Gold Fish ones) and a Hi-C type juice. I also found these white bags at Goodwill, like gift bags, nice ones with handles so the kid potentially could have decorated/colored on them and hopefully used them to trick or treat with this year. The kids loved the bags. 1 little girl came up to me and gave me a picture she colored! Very cute! Good luck!

J.J

Wedding: 09/10/2011

Posted On: Nov 06, 2009 at 11:48 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Thank you all for your thoughts and ideas. I just hope that there is enough money left in our budget to actually go through with this.

Whitni C.

Wedding: 06/11/2010

Posted On: Nov 07, 2009 at 12:22 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
i never thought of doing something like that, but now that im thinking about it, there will be tons of kids at our reception (3 kids are my sibs) theyll be 6,5,3 at the wedding...thats such a great idea!!! good luck with whatever you come up with!!

Not-A-Bridezilla

Wedding: 05/15/2010

Posted On: Nov 07, 2009 at 12:43 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
If you are concerned about making the kids making marks all over the venue (which I definitely would be) I would get those special crayons/markers that only work on the specific paper you buy with it. Sure its a little more expensive but you could probably find it online for cheaper and it's better to pay a little more for that then get charged cleaning/damage fees by your venue

For A Jul

For A Jul Productions

Posted On: Nov 07, 2009 at 2:59 AM \| Flag As Inappropriate
You have received great advice, I co-ordinated a wedding where the bride (against my advice) but bubbles in the “kids bag” and the Mother of the Bride fell while dancing. Parents don’t always watch everything there kids are doing so I agree with holding off with anything they can write with or spill. Now if it is in your budget you can provide a babysitter especially during dinner, toasts, first dance. Once the music begins it's party time kids and adults!! Best Wishes and Happy Planning

J.J

Wedding: 09/10/2011

Posted On: Nov 07, 2009 at 12:06 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I can't hire a babysitter or anything like that because there isn't any room to put them in. My hall is just one big room. I could always have them out up another table but then that would throw things off with my count and everything...Oh well as long as they are occupied I don't really care where they are sitting. The kids dancing out on the dance floor is another one of my worries. At my cousins wedding there were more kids on the floor than adults and it was kind of annoying and I just don't want that to happen at my reception.

adayremembered

A Day Remembered

Posted On: Nov 07, 2009 at 12:47 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
I would let the children sit with their families during dinner but then have a Kiddie table for the rest of the time with an attendant or 2... friends of friends or other younger (teenage) cousins maybe. Have coloring books, games (like candy land), maybe even some easy non gluing or painting crafts. (maybe beads for necklaces.) Ask if you can either rope off or put some tape down next to the dance floor for a kids only dance area, bring ribbons or streamers for them to dance around with and they can only use those in "their" dance area. Have your attendant dancing with them! I had this done at a clients wedding and it worked sooooo well. The kids loved it and the adults were able to enjoy the reception as well.

adayremembered

A Day Remembered

Posted On: Nov 07, 2009 at 12:53 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
an added thought. You wouldn't have to spend as much if you made a kiddie table versus each child getting a whole bag of goodies. Maybe one "favor" but the rest of the entertainment would be items all could use.

Amanda D.

Wedding: 07/31/2010

Posted On: Nov 07, 2009 at 6:11 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
orientaltrading.com has wedding theme coloring books and placemats for pretty cheap. Good idea!

First Impression Favors

Posted On: Nov 07, 2009 at 6:45 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Coloring books and crayons work great! Also for the children's tables try using a heavy drawing paper (it's sold on the roll) so they can color directly on the table - kid's love it. Also at my wedding we gave all the children separate favors - they all received personalized candy bars. Best Wishes www.firstimpressionfavors.com

J.J

Wedding: 09/10/2011

Posted On: Nov 07, 2009 at 6:51 PM \| Flag As Inappropriate
Thank you SOOOOOO much First Impression Favors. I clicked on the link to look through everything and came across the favor boxes that I have been looking everywhere for. You just made me a happy bride..for the moment anyway :-).