Disney and Hallmark create at-home birthday party kits

At our house, birthday-party planning for the kids begins almost as soon as the current celebration concludes. And by that, I don’t mean that I am organized enough to commit a year in advance to what my children will like and want to do with their friends, but they can dream about the possibilities. We all like to look ahead, so why not?

In reality, I actually do plan several months ahead of time of the events, because I like to have time to find and collect supplies, make reservations, create items we need — and I enjoy the process. But for parents who don’t have the time or inclination to devote as much planning to a child’s celebration, Hallmark has just introduced some elaborate and immersive birthday party kits with many favorite Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters.

The Dream Party line is launching with four themes:

** Disney Princess: The Royal Event of the Year
** Disney-Pixar “Cars”: The Birthday Grand Prix
** Minnie Mouse: Minnie’s Bow-tique Birthday
** Spider-Man: Spider Heroes Unite

These themes offer way more than just the traditional plates, napkins and favors. Room Transformation Kits make decorating easy and come with up to 22 pieces to decorate the ceilings and walls, balloon drops, hanging centerpieces, snack caddies, doorway curtains, and wearable items for the guest of honor. Prices per item range from $3.49 to $8.49.

Every good party should keep its attendees entertained, and the Hallmark Dream Party line offers activities and games that do just that. For example, each theme has a backdrop and props that can be used for photo opportunities. Party games include a Disney-Pixar “Cars” Red Light Green Light game, Spider-Man scavenger hunt, Pin the Bow on Minnie Mouse and a Disney Princess Tiara Bingo game. Prices range from $2.99 to $7.49.

Finally, goody bags are part of the mix, too. Hallmark offers kid-friendly souvenirs to send home with the guests to ensure they remember the good times at the party. These include bottles of bubbles with wands, stickers, favor bags and 48-piece party favor packs for eight guests. Prices range from $1.89 to $9.99 for packages with multiple favors.

“In today’s world of social media, parents see all of the great birthday party ideas on Pinterest or on blogs but can feel overwhelmed trying to do it on their own,” Cindy Mahoney, vice president of Hallmark Licensing, said in a press release. “Dream Party brings clever, affordable products to parents that make it easy to pull together the party with the Disney characters their kids love.”

Hallmark Dream Party products will be available nationwide at Walmart stores and at select independent party specialty stores.