Girlfriends' Guide to Parties and Playdates

This year I have attended so many kids parties with my 3 1/2 year old, and now its my turn. I am so glad to have this book as a guideline. I have seen parents throw parties where the guests arrive and everyone is just sitting around, there is no plan. They put some food out on a table for people to nibble on and the kids just run around. No structure, no plan, no fun party. Maybe I live in another world, but I found the girlfriends guide a great guide to avoiding having a dull gathering for a kids special day. Weather Lovine wrote it or not, the book is a valuable tool and I will be sharing it with all the mothers I know....especially the ones who have been throwing those dull parties.

This book was a godsend when I was organizing my 3-year-old daughter's birthday party. It not only made suggestions about what to do, but gave critical info about what not to do (and why). The advice worked like a charm -- three moms told me it was the best party they'd ever been to. As for the other readers' complaints about voice, maybe it's because I've only read one other Iovine guide (Pregnancy), but I had no problem with it -- it's fun, friendly and concretely helpful. My copy is now lost in the house somewhere, and if it doesn't turn up before the next party, I'm buying another.

Having loved Iovine's previous books, I felt betrayed to learn early in the book that Iovine was not the primary author of "her" book. Although the content is helpful, it does read like someone trying to write like Iovine which I found distracting. Also, I couldn't help feeling like girlfriends don't false advertise to other girlfriends--just couldn't get past that. Fine if Iovine wants to support the primary author, but apparently she is now just a brand.

Vicki's book is wonderful! While other books sometimes make you feel like you aren't doing enough for your kids and you need to constantly find new things to entertain them, Vicki helps you relax. She gives excellent advice on throwing parties that will work for all ages, good suggestions on appropriate toys which will get lots of miles and a breather for mom's and dad's tired of playing dinosaurs and dress up. It was so nice to have an author suggest that you don't have to play with your children all day...sometimes it is best to let them play alone and explore their creativity. Like the title suggests, it is an excellent reference for playdate's.

The title of this book is not at all inclusive. It is about parties and such, but has a lot of great information about everyday home play as well. All of the moms I know, myself included, ask the question "What am I supposed to do with the kids all day?" This is the first real and practical book I have read that answers that question. It has great ideas for setting up your home, play rooms, and game and activity ideas as well. This book most directly answers the questions that plague moms all the time - like how you financially handle all the birthday gifts,what to buy, how to plan your own parties without the pretentious tone of all the other books I've read. The funniest was "How to Play Without Moving Your Body (too much)" Who hasn't felt that? A true must have for every mom.