I have been getting a lot of calls lately from people out of state wanting cakes delivered to loved ones here. I got to thinking that these unsuspecting recipients are not prepared for cake! I am going to start offering an "Add a party pack" option (for $$ of course) and was wanting feedback on the contents. So far I plan on including enough napkins, plates, and forks for the servings ordered (and a few extra) as well as a box of candles (how many are in a standard pack? Anyone have one handy? 12? 16?), a lighter, a disposable camera, disposable cake server, and a helium balloon bouquet (1 mylar, 6 latex). I am going to pack it all in a cake box. I will be buying the plates, napkins, and forks in bulk at costco and they will be in the box in a ziplock.
Looking for any feedback here. Is the ziplock tacky? Should I offer anything else? (If someone didn't want a part I would leave it off and discount for it).
I think this is a cool idea. BTW in the cheapy box of birthday candles there 24. Maybe instead of the balloon bouquet you can do the helium tank kit (Balloon Time, it comes with balloons and ribbon) http://www.balloontime.com/BT_Product.htm
yes and you can get balloon time at michaels and use your coupon, so you could stock up on them, and they come with a lot of balloons 
I think it is a neat idea.... let us know how it goes
Great idea. I would do a boxed presentation for the plates/napkins, etc. It doesn't have to be elaborate. It could be as simple as using flat white boxes (like shirt boxes) and tying a ribbon around them. The box could be placed on top (or tucked in on the side) of the box that is holding your cake.
I didn't see anything to cut the cake with. I'd add one of those plastic cake servers with serrated edges for cutting.
Edit: Never mind about the cake server. I saw it on your list.
http://www.birthdayinabox.com/lobby.asp
Here's a business I found when I searched for "birthday party in a box". Their (no cake) kits are around $22. (I clicked on the Barbie Princess, then clicked on "details" by the price to see what was in the box).
If you don't want to do ziplocs, wrap the plates in saran wrap. This is how dishes are kept sanitary in kitchens, rental centers, etc.
Thanks indydebi! I knew you'd have something smart to say
And thanks for that link... that $22 set is for 8 people so most cakes would need at least 2 sets AND you have to blow up your own un-helium balloons and curl the streamers... not to mention pay shipping. On the other hand, it is character themed and mine will be generic. I am starting to think that $50 might not be such a bad price
Actually I think that is very cheap for all that they are getting. It also depends on how many of each. You can always do for the first # it cost $ much for every # after it cost $ much. SOrt of like when you order invitations.
Are you including the cost of the ballons? Out here the ballons are not that bad but if you get the ballon tank that is about $30.00. In that case you would be breaking even. Other than that I think that the "party package" would be great!!!
Vic
I think that I would add a table cover. That is it.
Yes that includes the balloons. There is a party store here that will make me the arrangement with streamers and a little gift box weight thing for like $11. I don't want to deal with the tanks (or give them to the customers). Table cover is a good idea... anyone know where to buy them in bulk?
If you have a dollar store near you (ex. Dollar Tree), they often carry colored plastic table cloths, plates, cups & plastic flatware. Also can get helium balloons for $1 each & a decorative weight for $1 as well. Sometimes they have various party supplies but those depend on what stock they've been sent. Anyway, if you can't find any place else, you might try a dollar store if you have one near you.
...... I am starting to think that $50 might not be such a bad price
The reason I think this idea will do well is because people are so busy, that any time you can save them is ALWAYS appreciated, and (2) I've seen the reaction from my brides on my package pricing. They LUV not having to make forty-eleven decisions and getting everything they need in one shot. They don't have to think about it.
The $50 is a small price to pay for one-stop shopping and no thinking! 
I think that is a great idea. i would check www.orientaltrading.com they have all kinds of party supplies. Sorry I don't know how to add it as a link/
I think that is a great idea. i would check www.orientaltrading.com they have all kinds of party supplies. Sorry I don't know how to add it as a link/
Sorry for popping on here so often, but just wanted to add this place is GREAT! I just got 3 catalogs from them and have so many things flagged! Their pricing is perfect for a project like this!
as for the table covers Bj's has them in the "Party" section. They have a section near the paper goods where they sell plates, cups, napkins and table covers that are party themed. I am assumeing that it would be a generic style of party paper products, if that was the case than you might want to try Walmart or some of the other large chain stores, they sell the generic items very cheap. As someone already mentioned you also have the $ store there is so much you can get there. Good luck and what a great idea.
Vic
As far as the weights go, I work in a baby nursery.
When we get balloons, sometimes they are weighted down with another balloon that has been filled with sand about the size of a golf ball. That would save alot. You can get a bag of sand for 2 or 3 dollars. And the bulk balloons shouldn't be that much.
Lu
What a great idea. You could take this idea over into cookies and cupcake also, but in another way.
Exp: Decorate A Cupcake Gift Box, and make cupcakes iced, then add the things for them to be able to decorate them. Could even do this with cookies also.
Sharon
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