We're looking into some new ideas for birthday parties. We have a few coming up really soon, and would like to try some new things. We bought tons more childrens magic (to do with a younger group of children). We'd like some skit ideas, does anyone have any, or know a good book with birthday party skits. We also have a hard time with the birthday child getting shy, and not wanting to participate, any suggestions?

For the really young kids, personally I don't think any thing works better as an ice breaker than bubbles. Several years back I got a battery operated bubble gun for $5. Kid love the bubbles then I let them make the bubble, birthday child goes first [gives me time to set up] and btw very comical gun, doesn't look like any kind of weapon. My last party with the 2 yr.old hid as soon as he saw me, we started playing with bubbles 2 sec. later he was right in the mix. Songs are great too, think of your child hood, Hokey - Pokey and the chicken dance will never go out of style.