Who would have thought at the start of 2020 that we would be in the situation we’re in? Did you ever think that terms like ‘Self Isolation’ and ‘Social Distancing’ would become go-to phrases in our vocabulary or on our google search??
Over the past few months, we have all banded together (separately) and self-isolated, kept our distance and washed our hands – A LOT! This has had varying levels of difficulty for people… the introverts are loving themselves sick with all their quiet, solitary Christmases coming at once! Happy to stay in, read, sleep, day drink or take full advantage of their unlimited data. Those poor extroverts though – spare a thought for those poor socialites sitting at home starved of personal contact, counting down the hours until they get to hug their friends and be endearingly oblivious to the personal space of their nearest and dearest.
But what about those, be them introvert or extrovert, who have made it through these months of lock down, restrictions and isolation and during that time, have ‘celebrated’ a birthday or significant occasion?
While we finally see restrictions starting to ease and we can start to look forward to meeting with our closest friends and family within the parameters set out for us – many of us still want to celebrate with a large group, or help the little people in our lives (who have no doubt been counting down to this birthday for the last 362 days) see their friends, celebrate with them and be sung Happy Birthday to, loud and blissfully off key. AND WE CAN! Let’s turn our lemons into lemonade and make this year’s celebration one to remember by getting online and throwing a Virtual Party!
Here it is – your 3-step guide to embracing the environment we find ourselves in for this year’s celebration, staying home without missing out on the fun:

1. Know your platform: Get yourself online and find the platform for your party that is going to work for you. Make sure it allows you to accommodate the number of guests you are inviting. There are so many Apps & Websites to choose from. If you are really tech savvy and you can get set up on multiple devices and you can have even MORE guests online to sing to the birthday boy or girl!
2. Gather your gang: We live in a tech savvy world so look to your mobile phone or computer to send an E-Vite!  Time, date, dress code or theme (we will get to this!)
3. Plan your theme: Let everyone know if there is a theme or a dress code for some extra fun! Maybe make a competition out of it! Of course, for some people, just the opportunity to see the faces and hear the voices of their loved ones (especially after what may have been an extended period having NOT seen them) is enough. BUT young kids (and TBH – the young at heart!) love nothing more than to get dressed up! Superheroes, Princesses, Tiger King, Stranger Things or your favourite character… the choices are endless!

These are the 3 bases you need covered – of course you can build on this to make it more elaborate OR keep it as simple as you like! Depending on your location and what restrictions in your area allow – you may be able to arrange a contact less drop off.  For the kids the best part of a birthday party is the lolly bag – so why not drop these party favours to your guests’ front doors before the big bash?
Considering we have not seen anything like this in our lifetime – and fingers crossed we never do again, it is certainly safe to say 2020 has ensured that if you have had or are having a celebration soon… you won’t be forgetting this year any time soon. Sing loud, laugh hard and make sure that Covid-19 doesn’t take away from someone’s special day!
Stay safe, stay well and remember we are all in this together.
Celebrating with you,
The Costume Party Shop

Looking to deliver a smile? Let us send something uplifting now that we all need it the most.
As a partner to 'Balloons Online' is following best practice hygiene and social distancing rules to safely keep 28 small businesses around Australia afloat (no pun intended!).
Support small business, support smiles and let us brighten someones day.

Our priority is to do what is best for you - our customers and our staff. We are monitoring the COVID-19 outbreak as it evolves and continue to follow the advice of the Australian Government regarding the health and safety for our customers and team.
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As of today, our store is currently operating and the team are taking additional measures to ensure we are adhering to World Health Organisation guidelines. We are sanitizing all of our work spaces and equipment more frequently, and our team are also taking all necessary precautions.

Without doubt, we will be facing some challenging months ahead. We will not see many events and gatherings but something to remember is… Large parties may have to stop but birthday’s and special celebrations in our life don't! Our children will still celebrate their special day in the coming months, loved ones will still be getting engaged, babies will be born and anniversaries will be shared.  If you need birthday candles and cake plates, some party hats and a balloon feel free to reach out to the The Costume Party Shop team as we are still available and we are not going anywhere!

The whole world will be ready to party before we know it, and we will be here for you when that happens!

Most importantly stay well and thank you!

In 2019, the Department led national celebrations for the 20th anniversary of Harmony Day. The event was renamed Harmony Week to recognise diversity and inclusion activities that take place during the entire week. Harmony Week will include 21 March, which is the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Since 1999, more than 80,000 Harmony Week events have been held in childcare centres, schools, community groups, churches, businesses and federal, state and local government agencies across Australia.

What is Harmony Week?It is a time to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, and the successful integration of migrants into our community.
Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world and we should celebrate this and work to maintain it.
Harmony Week is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values.



How to celebrate?Let's come together with friends and family and through schools, workplaces and our wider communities to celebrate our diversity.
Getting involved can be as simple as hosting an event or attending a local celebration. 



Why orange?Orange is the colour chosen to represent Harmony Week. Traditionally, orange signifies social communication and meaningful conversations. It also relates to the freedom of ideas and encouragement of mutual respect. Australians can choose to wear something orange during Harmony Week to show their support for cultural diversity and an inclusive Australia.

The Costume Party Shop has a range of ORANGE accessories from headbands, wigs, face paint, tutus, shoe laces plus a lot more.

If it's your'e Birthday today we are giving away a FREE jar of chocolates, All you have to do to claim this giveaway is to call in to
​The Costume Party Shop at Shop 6-64 Manning St , Tuncurry  NSW and provide proof of your'e birthday date.

Helium balloons balloons are one of the core products for sale at The Costume Party Shop. There are literally thousands of balloons to choose from in , suitable for any occasion. The selection of balloons is ever growing and developing to match the increasing demand of our customers and the latest trends in the world of parties and celebrations. Of course we have the classic latex balloons and foil balloons, but we also have character shaped balloons, modelling balloons, bubble balloons, singing balloons, swimming balloons and even walking balloons! The selection must be seen to be believed.

Helium Balloons – The Costume Party Shop, we aim to make your life easy. You can pre order your helium balloons online,on the telephone or in store, and then they will be prepared for your collection or delivery at your requested time. Online is open 7 days a week so whenever your party is, there can always be balloons present. If you prefer however, we can also fill balloons whilst you wait.

As well as offering helium balloons in bunches, we can also create balloon displays for you, such as balloon trees (columns of balloons staggered in heights and weighted at the base) for floors or tables, and even balloon arches. Whatever your ideas, please speak to the balloon experts at The Costume Party Shop who will work with you and your budget to create a spectacular display. Every balloon order is tailored to the individual, so the suggested balloon sample arrangements below are merely for inspiration. The options are endless since there are so many types and colours of balloons to choose from!


For more information, please telephone 026557 2012

Happy 90th Anniversary Mickey Mouse and Happy Valentine's Day to all Lovers. Mickey will be celebrating 90 Years of Love at The Costume Party Shop  Tuncurry Forster. There will be free giveaways.

Celebrating your best friend's birthday with a party is a wonderful way to catch up with other canine pals and also treat your mate to a day of fun and excitement. And if you have adopted your pet, there's no reason why they should miss out. If your pet's birthdate is unknown we encourage you to celebrate on the anniversary of his/her adoption day.
Now that you have decided to host a canine party, there's lots to think about so here are a few tips...

Deciding where to hold a party depends on your dog and guests. Things to consider:-

• What is the likelihood of territorial aggression from your pet/s? If your pet is familiar and friendly to canine visitors then your home/backyard may be the perfect place for your party. If not, choose a neutral location.
• How many guests and how big are your guests? Does your chosen location provide enough room to play and run?
• Are your guests well behaved? If it is likely one or two guests may not come back when called consider a fenced in public or private area. Some councils offer enclosed dog parks and some boarding facilities may allow you to hire or use their space.
• Are fences and gates secure for all guests? If one of your guests is tempted to flee the party, make sure your fences and gates are secure.
• Will guests have access to open water such as a pool, river, ocean or lake? Check with your human guests to make sure all pets are familiar with water. You may want to reconsider your choice of location if guests are uncomfortable around open water or swimming, the chances are at least one pooch will end up taking a plunge.

As guests arrive provide instructions on where the rubbish bin and poo bags are kept. This provides a subtle yet immediate expectation each owner is responsible for their own dog's business.

Make your pet's birthday party fun with some creative game ideas. Here's some ideas we love:-

• Pin the nose on the Labrador! Find a photo of your favourite breed and ask your local printer to print an A1 size poster for your game.
• Musical Sit - everyone sits when the music stops.
• Name the breed - display a range of dog breed photos and prepare answer sheets for your human guests to complete. The person who correctly identifies the most breeds wins.
• Competitions - award a prize for the best dressed, best trick, waggiest tail or best behaved.
• Setup your very own agility course - using cardboard boxes for tunnels, hula hoops for jumps and PVC water pipe for weave poles.