Plan the perfect party!
We're so excited to share this blog and give you ideas for planning your parties and events. Organising an event can be such a challenge. Do you find yourselves asking "What theme should I choose?", "How do I entertain all those kids?" and "How can I make my event extra special?". There are some fantastic local businesses out there who can make your party dreams come true! We hope to put you in touch with them to help you take your special occasion to the next level.
Some of these companies don't have their own website so, we thought we could use ours to raise awareness of their spectacular products and services and, make your party planning easier at the same time!
Let's get started!
We have collected 10 party/event hire businesses in Gisborne who want to make your vision come to life. Each has been recommended by someone on Facebook or we have worked with them personally. If you know someone in the industry, let us know - we're keen to chat with them about joining this blog.
WARNING! The following content is party planning heaven and may cause you to organise the best party ever!
The Amazing Maze
We love the Maze truck. Our base is Bouncy Castles and the two just go hand in hand so nicely. Amy (the owner of The Amazing Maze) is great with the kids and really takes care to make sure everything is just how you want it. They can set up on a variety of different surfaces so you have an a-maze-ing mobile playground right in your backyard!
"Amy and Steve moved to Gisborne ten years ago. After the birth of their first child and visiting family here, they fell in love with the place and people! Together with their two children (soon to be three!) they run The Amazing Maze with the goal of bringing joy to parties, events and families across the city! The Amazing Maze is a two storey playground on wheels!! Fully enclosed and complete with a Bluetooth speaker, punching bags, two ball pits, tunnels, a maze of magic mirrors AND a slide, kids will be entertained for hours!! For enquiries visit their website or find them on Facebook."
Super Sleepovers
Super Sleepovers is one of two lovely sleepover businesses in Gisborne. Maata really goes out of her way to make sure your party is set up just how you want it and her customers can't get enough! She also offers catering options that can be tailored to a range of different requirements. If you haven't already, it's worth checking her out. BubbleWrapFun do a package with them to include a bouncy castle for the high tea parties!
"Hi I’m Maata from Super Sleepovers, a kids party hire service 5-14yrs, saving you the stress of organising and setting up a Super Sleepover. With different themes to choose from for your child and guests, you can enjoy connecting and creating fun memories to last a lifetime. We come back at the end of the party to pack up so no washing for you. In addition I offer high tea parties during the day with catering options. GF (gluten free), DF (dairy free), SF (sugar free) included. Why not add in some Dress ups for 5-8yrs or high tea dresses or perhaps some props for a Mad Hatter tea party? I have various themes including wedding, Christmas, and pink. I also provide adults high tea for fun hen parties, fundraising events or just for a relaxing time with friends. See you soon!"
You can find them on Facebook.
Blue Tutu Face Painting
Gizzy born and raised, Renee loves connecting with our kids through face painting and creating magical moments. Renee has worked with many of our local rūnanga, specialising in their large events. She's painted at business promo days, Christmas parties, charity events and of course many, many birthdays saying "it's such a privilege to be invited into someone's back yard to add that extra magic on their special day". Renee spent a few years overseas where she began her face painting journey at her daughter's kindergarten. Returning home in 2021 she says:
"With home comes grounding, with grounding comes passion and with passion Blue Tutu Face Painting was born again"
You can find Renee on Facebook.
Seventeen Slumbers
A little bit from Selena herself:
"Hey Everyone! Selina here from Seventeen Slumbers! We specialise in making slumber parties extra special. We have a range of themes for children aged from 3 - 16 years. We have Indoor Teepee Parties and Outdoor Glamping Options with a new Family Staycation. We make it super easy by setting up for you and coming back the next day and packing it away all stress free! All you need to do is message us the number of children you are after and the directions of where you would like to set up and the rest is for us to do and you to relax! Head over to the Seventeen Slumber page and give us a message for more information! Looking forward to hearing from you!"
Martins Event and Party Hire
We used Martins Event and Party Hire for our wedding years ago and the service was top notch. They have an amazing showroom for you to dream up your big day or exciting birthday. Or, maybe you simply want some helium balloons and a cake topper - they have you sorted!
"We have Gisborne’s largest range of party ware, balloons and cake decorating supplies. Our range of balloons is extensive featuring both latex and foil balloons, balloon garlands, arches and decorative circles. Whatever the occasion we will have a balloon that suits. Our Cake Zone is filled with cake decorations, tools and everything you need to create the perfect cake. We have trained staff on hand to assist with any of your cake decorating questions. If you are after a special product just ask one of our friendly team and we may be able to source it for you. Call us or drop in to our showroom. We’d love to see you."
Face Painting by Julia
We first met Julia at our son's 2nd birthday party and were blown away by the speed of the face painting. Julie came to our house, set up, painted all the kids faces in an hour and was gone again. She left behind a beautiful trail of coloured and happy faces. Face paint and birthday parties seem to be something that go hand in hand. It's also an exciting way to bring some colour and excitement to your next event.
Here's a little bit from Julia:
"I am an artist who loves interacting with children (and big kids too!) and adding a bit of fantasy and fun to the party. I have been face painting at birthdays for over 10 years and have a wide range of designs you can choose from. I only use professional quality, cosmetic grade face paint and glitter. I also offer glitter and airbrush tattoos. To enquire or book a party, message me on my Facebook page."
You can find Julie on Facebook.
Tu Meke Face Painting
Tu Meke are another awesome local Gisborne face painter but thats not all Karen at Tu Meke can do! Check out what she has to say below:
"Those squeals of delight and fantastic smiles that come from the children as they see themselves in the mirror are so satisfying!
I cater for all ages & events and have on offer Face Painting, Balloon Twisting, Tie-in Braids and packages for Mermaid Unicorn themed parties! There’s even a Glitter Bar for big people, and a little bit of Special Effects too and much more in the works. If you're an out of the box thinker imagining something different for your event, I would love to collaborate with you, please get in touch.
A bit about me. Kia ora, I am Karen, a Mature Professional. I have been a Face Painter since training as a Make Up & SPFX Artist at WelTec in 2012. So, I have a broad creative skill set that has enabled me to work with a wide range of creatives, and corporate and private events from Wellington Fashion Week to Independent Short Films, face painting for Te Papa, the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Fab Faces and BodyFX to name a few.
I’ve lived in Gizzy since 2019 where I have whanau. I really missed being creative and so launched Tu Meke Face Painting here in 2023 to make work for myself and get into the flow again. Have a look through my Gallery and if you like what you see please show your support with a Like & Follow on my socials."
Box of Wonders
These guys know how to style a party or event! The photos and set ups are next level! We love showing up to a party to see these incredible creations. If you have a vision they'll find a way to create it. They are very popular and quite busy so make sure you get in touch early if you want some Box of Wonders magic at your next event or birthday party.
Here's a little snippet from Box of Wonders:
"We are a small business that provides set up decorations for all sort of events. From children to adult birthdays, baby showers, weddings etc. Our mission is to make the decoration side as stress free as possible. We have 2 types of services:
1. Ready to set projects – the client can change the colour, but it is not personalised.
2. Personalised set ups – the decorations and pricing are customised depending on the party design and notice given. A virtual preview is sent to the client for reference.
You imagine. We create. Contact us for more info or a quote."
You can find them on Facebook.
Sugar High Party Hire
Sugar High Party Hire super Mum, Rosie, has found way to help you add those extra bits to your party with style and grace. So many Mums love to create and celebrate their little humans and that is something Rosie is very passionate about. Every season she'll have the best decorated house and is always finding fun ways to celebrate an occasion. She is definitely worth a follow on Instagram and Facebook.
A few words from the queen of style herself:
"I love putting on a party, I love being able to set it up, getting my creative juices flowing and seeing the end result, especially the reaction for on my daughter's face. That’s why I started up this little hire opportunity, because I know so many people love doing it themselves too, they just need the “stuff”. Even if you don’t want to do it yourself and have someone doing it for you, send us a message, we’d love to see our bits and pieces at your next party. When you hire through us, we’re really flexible with pick ups and drop offs. Letting you get prepped and ready days before 😊"
Something Unique Fairy Floss
Super Mum of three, Reign, is the master mixer behind the very colourful and fun fairy candyfloss business in Gisborne. Reign has been to our BWF FunDay and we have attended many events with the family. She's always getting involved with the festivities by dressing up and is fantastic with the kids.
A few words from Reign:
"I do candyfloss on the stick, in bags and tubs as well for those wanting birthday party treats. I do glitter bombs and candyfloss birthday cakes. I wanted to start something where I could do it in my own time so I could be fortunate enough to be able to spend more time with my kiddies and catch all their school events. Doing candyfloss for markets and events is also something my kids can get involved in and help out with, so we do it all together 🙂".
You can find them on Facebook.
It would be rude not to BLOW UP our own awesome party hire services while you are busy looking at all the others!
We are BubbleWrapFun. We started our little business back in 2017 and have bounced from strength to strength. With just a few Bubble Balls, a couple of backyard parties and some very exciting Christmas parties, we saved up to buy two bouncy castles (Frozen and Jungle). Now in 2023 we have 16 Bouncy castles, loads of bubble machines, bubble balls, soft play and we're always looking to grow our list of fun things for the local community. We absolutely love what we do and always want to amaze our lovely customers. Our goal is to inflate our collection to become one of the coolest in the country! Because why not!
Gizzy might be small but it's a powerful place and we want to do it proud.
You can find us on Facebook, Instagram and on our website. Or email us at info@bubblewrapfun.co.nz.
Have any suggestions for us? Please get in touch we would love to continue to grow these lists!
If you missed out, here are links to our other useful blogs:
Happy Party Planning!
Katie
BubbleWrapFun