guides

Our Ultimate Party Planning Guide

Party Ideas and Fun in Gardner-Spring Hill-Paola and Beyond!

By Brittany Marsh April 10, 2024

Planning a party in Gardner, Spring Hill, Paola or a surrounding area? It’s no secret that I love hosting parties! From baby showers, to birthday parties, family get togethers or girls night in ... it’s great way to bring people together and have a good time. However, it's important to remember that supporting local businesses and organizations can make a big difference in the success of your event.

One way to support your community is by choosing a local venue for your party. This could be a community center, park, or other public space that is available for events. By choosing a local venue, you are not only supporting the community, but you may also be able to save money on rental fees.

Another way to support your community is by choosing local vendors for your party. This could include a local caterer, baker, or florist. By choosing local vendors, you are not only supporting small businesses, but you may also be able to get better quality and fresher products. You could also consider partnering with a local non-profit organization that gives back to your community. One way I've seen this done is by asking for donations in lieu of gifts. 

Having a party in your local area can be a fun and rewarding experience for everyone involved. We always love supporting local businesses and organizations, and in doing so, you too can make a positive impact and help your community thrive.

Avery's Inflatables



Type of Party Business: Party Entertainment

Location: Lawrence, Topeka, Edgerton, Gardner, Tonganoxie
and the greater Kansas City area(delivery fee may apply).

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Avery's Inflatables, based out of Lawrence, Kansas, brings boundless joy to gatherings with its extensive range of bounce house rentals. Catering to the young and the young at heart, Avery's is the go-to for adding a splash of excitement to any event. With a commitment to safety and quality, their collection boasts an array of vibrant and meticulously maintained bounce houses, ensuring hours of entertainment for all. Whether it's a birthday bash, a school fair, or a neighborhood block party, Avery's Inflatables transforms ordinary occasions into extraordinary memories. Their exceptional service and dedication to customer satisfaction make them a cherished asset in the community, promising laughter and delight at every bounce.

Yard deSIGNS Gardner, KS

Type of Party Business: Party and Event Services

Location: Gardner, New Century, Edgerton, Spring Hill, De Soto and Bucyrus (delivery fee may apply).

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Yard deSIGNS Gardner is a company that provides yard sign rentals for various occasions such as birthdays, graduations, and holidays. With the aim to spread joy and celebrate special moments, Yard deSIGNS Gardner has quickly become a popular choice for those looking to add a personal touch to their celebrations. The process is simple, customers can choose from a variety of pre-designed yard signs or create their own custom sign with the help of Yard deSIGNS Gardner team. The signs are then installed in the customer's yard, creating a colorful and personalized display for all to see. Yard deSIGNS Gardner's unique and customizable yard signs have brought smiles and joy to countless individuals and families.

Creative Play KC

Type of Party Business: Party Favors + Sensory Play

Location: Spring Hill, with Nation-wide shipping available

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Creative Play KC is a local company that specializes in creating products allowing children the opportunity for hands-on play. Valerie’s products are designed to help children explore their senses, use their imagination and develop their creativity. The company offers a wide range of products that are suitable for children of all ages, while primarily focusing on sensory bin kits and wooden play items. These items are designed to provide children with a range of tactile experiences, which helps to develop their sensory processing skills. Valerie also offers custom dough orders, which is why she is my go-to for party favors. Overall, CreativePlay KC offers a range of products that are both fun and educational. If you're looking for a way to help your child develop their creativity and explore their senses, then this company is definitely worth checking out!

Squishy Buns & Biscuits



Type of Party Business: Bakery

Location: Spring Hill

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We specialize in customized cakes, cookies, pastries, seasonal candies, and sweet. We also have gluten-free and keto-friendly options!

The Sweet Shack



Type of Party Business: Desserts

Location: Gardner

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The Sweet Shack is a home-based bakery known for its delicious cookies that keep customers coming back for more. The Sweet Shack also offers a wide variety of other sweets, including cupcakes, chocolate covered pretzels, and more.

The Perfect Pear



Type of Party Business: Custom Charcuterie

Location: Rantoul

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Holiday, custom and event charcuterie boards. Created to bring people together!

Terrace Catering



Type of Party Business: Food & Beverage / Party & Events

Location: We are based out of Edgerton, but provide services in KS and MO (delivery fees may apply). We go as far south as Waverly, as far north as Atchison, as far east as KCMO and as far west as Topeka!
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Welcome to gourmet from Terrace Catering, where we believe that every event deserves a unique and tailored culinary experience. Whether you're planning an intimate dinner for two or a grand celebration for a thousand, we've got you covered.

Our team of experienced chefs and event planners are dedicated to creating personalized menus that perfectly match your tastes and preferences. From mouthwatering appetizers to decadent desserts, every dish is made with the freshest ingredients and a passion for excellence.

We specialize in off-premise events, so whether it's your home, office, or a special venue, we'll bring the gourmet experience to you. We're based in Edgerton and pride ourselves on providing exceptional service that exceeds your expectations. Contact us today to start planning your unforgettable event!

Paul's Better Bakery



Type of Party Business: Desserts

Location: Lawrence (free delivery with a $25 minimum)

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Paul's Better Bakery is a licensed commercial food establishment that operates solely on a "by order" basis. We specialize in creating unique and delicious desserts with a focus on French macarons and our signature large Salted Espresso Caramels, which are twice dipped in 64% dark chocolate. Our products are available in Lawrence via delivery or in-person at select retail partners: Au Marche, The European Market, and at On The Rocks Liquor.

Crumb and Take It



Type of Party Business: Desserts

Location: Shawnee

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At Crumb and Take It, we’re leading the way in an artificial dye-free revolution in baking. Our specialty is beautifully decorated sugar cookies that taste as good as they look, made with natural ingredients to enhance both flavor and appearance. Our signature cookie cakes are perfect for any celebration, showcasing intricate designs and delightful flavors. From classic favorites to seasonal treats, each item reflects our commitment to quality. We also happily donate funds from each cookie cake sold to The Brave Like McKenna Foundation to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Join us for delicious, beautifully crafted baked goods—no artificial dyes, just real flavor!


Kansas City boasts a wealth of skilled culinary artisans and small businesses specializing in party planning, ranging from expert cookie bakers to adept cake makers. To discover more local establishments worthy of your support, peruse these party planning guides for additional recommendations:

Macaroni KID SE Kansas City's Ultimate Party Planning Guide

&

Macaroni KID Kansas City's Community Guide for Birthdays & Special Occasions


To inquire about including your business in this guide, please email us at brittanym@macaronikid.com