A great idea...for $1

There's a lot you don't know before becoming a parent.  For example, it took me a couple of years to figure out that "goodie bags" are an essential part of a birthday parties.  I'm still trying to wrap my head around how my children attend some of the coolest birthday parties at pump-it-up, bowling parties, swimming parties, etc and they come home raving about the small plastic bag-o-crap that they were handed as they were leaving....it doesn't make sense.

But, alas, my children have begged me into submission and now I'm always on the look out for "goodie bag" ideas.  Last year I gave out mini-gumball machines...needless to say, the kids LOVED them, but I'm not sure any of the parents are still speaking to me. 

Natalie's birthday is coming up and as I was combing Target for the "perfect" idea, I thought of this.

I saw these cute little buckets of sidewalk chalk...and they were only $1 each....score!  But, they seemed a little boring.  I considered tying a ribbon to them...Peter said that was lame.  I kind of agree.  So I decided to spray paint the lids with my handy-dandy chalk board paint (if you don't have some, you should get some.)  Then I used my chalk pens to personalize each little bucket.

I think they turned out great.  I was also thinking that this would make a great end of the year gift at preschool, or mom's group, or whatever...you could just write, "have a great summer."

So, there you have it!  A great idea for $1 each.

Kids...here's your little bucket-o-crap...have fun!!!