"Birthday Party" wasn't really in my mother's vocabulary while I was growing up. I can only…read moreremember having ONE party, which was in 2nd grade. If I recall, it went well and I received a lot of Barbie Dolls (even though I wasn't really into Barbies but I think the mothers of the other girls assumed I was).
Walking into Happy Parties was a journey into my absent past and started to heal all the psychological effects that one is traumatized from by not having childhood birthday parties. Happy Parties wasn't even open when I attempted to walk in but Don, whom appears to be the owner or manager; was still in the shop because the other crew was working on a party that night so since he was there, he allowed me to be there as well, even after hours!
The shop is a mixture of party favor supply and vintage toy store. The shelves are filled with standards like party board games, costumes, party favors such fake rings for the little girls and toy guns for the boys, little stuffed animals, rubber stamps, etc; which are sold individually or can be purchased in bulk for your child's party guests. The best part, no matter what your age, is the toys that we remember from our years as a tyke: Smurfs figurines, rubber Gumby dolls, and slinkies to name a few. It is almost like being at a flea market which is always a treat!
Happy Parties doesn't just sell party supplies or favors, it also helps plan/run the party providing entertainment (clowns, costumed characters, and face painters), themes, and games. This will take the strain off of any stressed parent! Plus, Don announced that they are starting to run adult parties, as well.
To add the icing to the cake (I love puns), Don was kind, polite, and very cheerful. Again, he allowed me to browse even after closing hours but he also exchanged (graciously) information with my boyfriend after learning that he is an artist and would be interested in providing caricature drawing services at future parties. Don genuinely seems happy with what he does for a living (and I learned that he didn't have birthday parties growing up, either!).
Whether you are a stressed parent needing party-planning help or just a nutcase needing birthday party therapy like myself, Happy Parties seems to be the solution. Now let me go cry if I want to.