When I was a kid, glue and macaroni made up most of my Mother's Day gifts. Gone are the days of the picture frame covered in pasta shells, as crafting has become a mega industry that offers a plethora of project ideas for a variety of occasions.

As a mom, most of the gifts my kids have made came from the classroom, where thoughtful teachers helped my children bring lovely keepsakes to life. As much as I appreciate a fancy coffee machine or shiny new digital camera, nothing beats the gift of my child's beaming face as I open the treasure she made with her own little hands.

Ideas for Mother's Day crafts vary according to age and skill level, so even toddlers can have a hand in creating the perfect gift (with a little help from Daddy, of course).

For kids, homemade Mother's Day gifts are an opportunity to work hard at creating something for the person who works hard for them every day. And for me, as a mom, the value of the pride my children take in making something from the heart just can't be matched by anything on a store shelf.

One of my favorite things about late spring is our annual trip to the strawberry festival in Bucks County, PA. Unfortunately, another engagement on the same weekend means we have to skip it this year.

Sure, when our schedule clears, we'll find a local farm and spend an afternoon strawberry picking, but it just won't be the same without the music, crafts, games, contests and fare, all in celebration of this sweet, red berry. Unless, of course, the farm we choose doesn't mind if we host an impromptu parade or pie-eating contest, right in the middle of the berry patch. Better yet, maybe we can have our own strawberry themed party, right in our own backyard.

A party with a strawberry theme can be hosted just about anywhere, actually. An indoor strawberry patch, created with paper decorations, guarantees the celebration will go on, no matter the weather. Of course, real strawberries are a must have, indoors or out, to guarantee sweet smiles on the faces of your party guests.

Read More: Strawberry Theme Party Ideas

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For many teenagers, prom is more than just a school dance; it's a milestone event and rite of passage that just may be the most exciting event of their high school careers. With so much invested in the occasion, the days and weeks leading up to prom night can often be as stressful as they are exciting. Hopefully, by the time the actual day arrives, all of the highs and lows have settled, and your teen is ready to focus on the celebration.

For parents who share the journey to prom with their children, the arrival of prom day signifies the end of the era of childhood occasions. With the exception of a high school graduation party, prom may very well be the last event parents have any involvement in before their kids cross over into adulthood. And even that involvement is limited to the planning process.

A pre-prom party, hosted by parents, offers a chance to be a part of the celebration, and catch a glimpse of the festivities; a little reward for all of those ups and downs traveled on the road to prom.

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Ahoy! Raise ye' flags and set sail on an adventure to reap ye' finest of treasures -- birthday cake!

Is there a kid who doesn't love a pirate party? Maybe, but judging by the entire aisle of pirate-themed supplies in the party goods store, I'm guessing the ones who don't are greatly outnumbered.

What is it about pirates that make this theme so popular? Let me count the ways. Pirates wear awesome clothes and speak their own, cool language. Pirates are adventurous creatures who pillage, plunder and basically get to break all the rules. And for all of that bad behavior, they are handsomely rewarded with chests full of sparkling treasures. Sure sounds like a pretty fun way to spend an afternoon, doesn't it?

Even as an adult, it's hard not to be romanced by the notions of swashbuckling adventure, fierce fashion and shiny loot. And as a parent planning a kid's birthday, the love affair deepens, thanks to the treasure trove of ideas for pulling off a pirate party theme, including plenty of options for homemade pirate party supplies.

So, the next time your little scallywags request a swashbuckling celebration, just say Aye!

Related Reading:
The Pirates! Band of Misfits - Movie Trailers, Clips and Info
Jake and the Neverland Pirates - Review for Parents

Image courtesy of Christine Gauvreau