My family was invited to a birthday party at Kidz n Kaboodle, in which we thoroughly enjoyed…read more Located in Spotswood, we would not have known about this locally owned and operated business if it was not for our friends' event. Honestly, we were a bit reserved when we arrived to the location. The outside appearance of the establishment did not necessarily present any sort of grandeur, with the parking lot being a bit confusing to get to (Google Maps will put you in the parking lot of Kearny Bank which is reserved for bank customers only). We were not sure what this venue had to offer from the small outward appearance. Once we stepped inside, the entire vibe changed. The reception and front desk area were full of different party items, from decorations to toys, all of which can be purchased. This area is almost its own gift store and business within itself. We had to quickly separate ourselves from being overwhelmed in our exploration of this area. The entire venue was reserved for and catered to the guests of the birthday family (for a specific time block I would imagine). This was nice to be a part of because it definitely felt like everyone received a more private and intimate service (compared to larger, corporate venues), with nothing but the utmost dedication from the owner and workers in providing the best experience. One of the owners greeted us when we arrived, immediately making us feel welcomed. There appeared to be a formalized event agenda. This was nice because it helped corral and integrate guests together which facilitated mingling between both close friends and acquaintances (while not forcing any unwanted interactions). From start to finish, we felt that we were always doing something and never really felt that we were waiting for the party to end. This is a great reflection on the mamagement skills of the ownet and staff. If you are comparing Kidz n Kaboodle as a playspace to lets say Princeton Playspace, the venue is smaller in size. However, as a party venue, Kidz n Kaboodle is ideal. Our daughters were aged 5 and 2, and the various activities they had were appropriate for their age. There are about 10 distinct activity areas with a dining/social area. The dining/social area is a bit small (I believe there is a suggested cap on adults) and really meant for children. One of the 10 activity areas is a larger, indoor, "almost-obstacle course/playground" that offers monkey bars, some seesaws, ballpit, foosball, amongst other physical activities. The other 9 areas consist of smaller rooms and spaces, ranging from a small arcade to themed play areas. Overall, the size of the venue works out. We continued to be pleased with the friendliness of the owner and staff. They were incredibly attentive, while taking off some load of the parents (we still had to supervise, but the staff definitely helped more than required to ensure the safety of the children). This was a great bit of relief - as I am sure most, if not all, parents would appreciate. The staff was super sweet with the kids which was a nice change from the usual apathetic young adults that usually work these venues. All in all, a great venue to host your kids' birthday parties! Highly recommend, especially as a small, local business.

Honestly, I was very disappointed with my experience here. I went to a birthday party for my…read morenephew, and it was fun for the kids but not so much for the adults. For what they spent, it was a little ridiculous that they only got 6 pizzas total to feed over 30 people. The cotton candy machine was smoking and smelled like plastic, and the cotton candy produced from this machine tasted like plastic as well. It was very odd. For some reason, they wouldn't let us turn on the light in one of the rooms we were in. No drinks were provided for the adults, and the drinks for the kids were coming out of odd plastic jugs. Some homemade juice mixture, maybe? I imagine it was fine and mostly watered down juice to save money, but the jugs looked dirty to us. My cousin tried to give the 2 teenage girls working there a tip, but the one was in the back, so the owner said, "I'll take it." We assumed to imply to give it to the other worker, but she just stuck it in her pocket, and when the other girl came out of the backroom, she didn't give her the money. Why does the owner even need a tip? You own the place; you were paid $1100 for 2 hours of fun for the kids with watered-down juice, no drinks for the adults, and not enough pizza to feed even 10 people. Oh, and a smoking cotton candy machine whose smell made us naucious. Then to top it off, they tried to charge them extra sales tax. Who does that? -Edit Ok so I guess the very prideful and respectful business is going to argue with customers now, be condescending and call them liars. But what else can I expect from the company that I found to be completely unprofessional during my nephew's birthday party. But if you want to argue, Im game. Regardless of what the parents signed, I stated your pricing was ridiculous regardless of what the parents agreed to. $1100 for what? Honestly, that wasnt worth $700. Its a criticism of your pricing in general regardless of what the parents agreed to. I can have my opinion ma'am and they have theirs. Maybe they feel differently but I dont find the price reasonable. A dust of cotton candy? Sorry but that was a little bit more than a dust and I dont really care if it was burning actual plastic or not. It smelled odd. It surely didnt smell like blue raspberry. And you can quote me the entire safety manual but the machine looks like it was made in the 60s. Ive seen other machines that didnt create a "dust" and didnt give off that horrible smell so it was shocking to see your machine do these things. About the lights, you turned them off twice. My cousin and his wife's cousin turned them on and you turned them off. I was there ma'am, dont tell me there wasnt an issue with leaving them on. It was awkward with the lights the way they were, thats why 2 different people turned them on. You turned them off, twice. Now the tip, yes, the girls did get it. Because after you pocketed the money as if it was your own, my cousin made sure to give the other girl a tip. You did not give her the money he gave you when she came out of the backroom. Youve got nothing but 5 star ratings and Im not sure how. We could have went to Dave and Busters and got more for less and they wouldnt sit here arguing with us over a bad review. But hey, this is actually a great look for you and your company so if youd like to keep being condescending and arguing with me, Id love to continue.

Just hired Laura Gibbons at the recommendation of our Caterer, Twin Oaks for a corporate event and…read moreshe did a great job. Laid back, yet entertaining, just what we needed to liven up the place.

I never thought I needed an event planner, but I am so happy I hired Laura Gibbons - Showstoppers…read morePlus. I had a surprise 60th Birthday Party for my husband at a VFW hall, and she did an amazing job making this room sparkle with elegance. Her amazing ideas really made by vision of this party come true. It was FANTASTIC! Laura also was my DJ for this party and she coordinated doing both jobs in a very professional manner...making sure everything ran smoothly and also keeping the dance floor hopping. Great Entertainer for sure! I was very impressed. Everyone had a great time and I would definitely recommend and use her again!

Wow. Talk about a seamless, stress free, effortless experience for this mom who has become…read moreexhausted with throwing 10 years of parties that have required A LOT of effort.. YCA made this year's birthday party such a refreshing change. From booking, to confirming the amount of children, to closing out... everything was extremely easy! My daughter had a party with 17 kids (birthday girl included). We showed up, they started on time, everything was completely organized... the kids were engaged the entire time and had so much fun (Thanks to both chefs)! I got great feedback from parents after. They had an apron that the kids signed as a takeaway for my LO... how clever! Each of them got a goody bag with some kitchen utensils and a chef's hat. It was in and out in 1.5 hours.. the best part was being able to have a nice meal at the end of the homemade pasta and sauce... also already baked cupcakes that the guests were able to decorate. I would HIGHLY recommend this as an birthday party option... for an 11 year old, it was very age appropriate and fun!

I have been trying for approximately one year to set up sessions for 2 highly functioning Young men…read morewith intellectual disabilities to no avail. They keep pushing for the half day program which is not of interest or need to them. I inquired about family/adult session and got the same response. I honestly feel this is due to their disability although others in the family would attend group/daily session. So very very disappointed.

My husband and I had a lot of fun and created beautiful, useful objects. The website has so many…read moregreat projects to choose from. Plus, once you're there you can further personalize through your choices of stain and paint colors. Sabine expertly explained the process and choices and was very helpful giving us tips to guide us through tricky bits. I plan to go back with friends sometime.

So much fun! Beautiful decor for my home. I cant wait to go back To Board and Brush in Somerville,…read moreNJ!

I love the order I received from Candy with a Twist! My company ordered Stroopwafels with a crown…read morelogo for an event we are having soon. These will be the cutest and most delicious party favors. Thank you so much for the speedy work! Best, Amelia

I've used this company three times. The customer service is excellent! Shipping is fast! I will…read morealways use this company for milestone celebrations.

Event: signed up for a 2 hour paint class through Groupon for 4 people for $85. The instructor was…read morefriendly and went at a good place. You were able to bring your own wine and glasses. They provided plastic cups. They also provided all the paint materials. Price: Groupon made it a good deal. Otherwise it's a little pricey but you are paying for a class and all the materials so it's reasonable. Service: good service when I called to ask questions and good service the day of Overall, it was a really fun group activity with my friends and I would do it again! Just remember to look at the schedule to see which painting you want to paint and then choose that class to go to.

Wow - SO MUCH FUN. some of us were skeptical because this painting is harder than others we could…read morehave done but our instructor, Cassie made it fun and the music was great!! The 3 hour class flew by and we all felt very accomplished by the end. We will definitely be going back again but in the meantime I'll be framing my "woman with a parasol"!! thanks again for a wonderful family night.

Thank you, EventWorks, for making my vision come to life! I hosted a bridal shower for my…read moredaughter, and EventWorks got it right. They paid attention to every detail; amazing balloon wall for photos, mason jar cookie recipe station, dessert table, 'Stock the Kitchen' baker's rack, bridal party robe display, and gift tables. All were decorated with beautiful taste, and the bride could not have been happier. Thank you for doing a wonderful job! My guests are still sending compliments and asking for the contact information of EventWorks!

I was so excited to use them, price seemed so reasonable. They came so cheap because of the work…read morethey provide! Completely unprofessional in every aspect. Completely unorganized that I didn't get everything I paid for. The young ladies that worked my wedding were very nasty to my guests and dressed like they were getting ready to go on a hiking trail. Completely unprofessional. So disappointed, I wouldn't recommend them for any kind of event!

I'm not a mum that has it together - the day before my sons birthday I had an hour between meetings…read moreto last minute plan my sons three year old party - ran here for the supplies and received really amazing customer service. The lady was so nice, had everything I needed - including a helium 3 balloon which she added small balloons to and ribbons- so it looked really special. My son loves it. It's cash only though which I didn't realise - but she was kind enough to allow me to bring the balance at another time. I love this place and will use it for all my future last minute needs. Thank you!

I always find beautiful and unusual party decorations here. And the balloons are spectacular!…read moreThe owner is like family. She can't do enough to help.