Broke Bestie Boutique entered the new year early with their Noon Year’s Eve Party, hosted on Wednesday, December 31, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Families joined the intimate festivities that included open play, activities, bubble bash, dance party, balloon pop, and a toast to a new year of new beginnings and good wishes. Snacks were also included for the kiddos and parents alike to munch on throughout all the fun!
Upon entering the boutique, parents were handed beaded necklaces and New Year’s headbands for themselves and the kids. It added that extra layer of cheer for everyone to get into the mood. From there, kids had their choice of play from fishing out for alphabet letters in beaded trays, engaging in arts and crafts, or going down the slide, dressing up, playing with the kitchen, or one of the many toys out in the open.
Broke Bestie Boutique owner and lifelong Garfield Ridge resident, Jessica Ramirez, decided to throw a last-minute Noon Year’s party for the kids. She pulled it off while still being on maternity leave and a mother with 2 under 2.
“To keep them up after midnight is kinda crazy, and I can imagine that a lot of parents feel the same way. We have the resources and space, so I figured that I might as well do it if I was going to do it for my own family,” said Ramirez.
She continued by saying that the choice of a kid-centered New Year’s party was not only for the kids but the parents. As she hoped it could alleviate parental guilt, for those choosing to celebrate the New Year with their spouses for a date night.
“They can focus on themselves and their children, which is the best of both worlds for everyone,” Ramirez added.
Throughout the early morning and afternoon, she was a gracious hostess and engaged with all the parents and kids, making sure that everyone was comfortable and having a great time.
Other hostess activities of hers included explaining to the kids the Noon Year countdown and some of her family’s traditions to ring in the new year.
Families gathered in the playroom close to noon as they watched a prerecorded New Year’s broadcast on the mounted televisions as Ramirez handed out pens to each parent. While parents were instructed to take one of the balloons with confetti that would be popped promptly as the clock struck noon.
As the popping of balloons rang through the room, children giggled in delight as their faces contorted into surprise and excitement. Parents quickly snapped photographs of their children’s celebration.
The fun didn’t stop there; families toasted to the year with apple juice and champagne.
Ramirez started off the toast by thanking everyone for coming out and celebrating early with their kids.
“Peace, good health, wealth, and general happiness. Do good and be good!” She cheered for the new year.
Additionally, Thundersticks, which are inflated long balloons that sound like pots and pans, were given to each child to take home. This mirrored Ramirez’s family tradition of hitting pots and pans, a ritual that many share across the world to ward off evil spirits, negativity, and usher in good fortune and positivity for the new year.
Broke Bestie Boutique is a hidden gem in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood, located at 6559A W. Archer Ave., just by Coler Chiropractic and across the street from McDonald’s. It offers a variety of scheduled and free play hours, along with the opportunity for families to host private events for their kiddos. They are open Monday through Sunday, with varying times.
