OMG — I almost forgot my daughter's half-birthday! Walmart+ to the rescue with same-day delivery
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“Eee! My half-birthday is tomorrow!” squeals our 7½-year-old, pointing at the calendar.
My husband and I stare at each other. Uhh...
She has been counting down the days. (We have not.)
She’s positively bubbling with excitement, and I do not want to burst it.
See, our daughter turned 7 on Thanksgiving Day 2020. She was grateful for the video messages and her Zoom party, but with all those pandemic workarounds, it just didn’t feel like a birthday.
“OK,” I hear myself say. “Want to invite a friend to the yard tomorrow to celebrate?”
“Yes!” she shouts, pumping her fist.
My husband sing-songs, "Half birthdays aren't a thing," but she's already off to make an invite for her BFF and I'm headed to the computer to place an order.
Now, I'm not going to drag my child through a store (she’s too young to be vaxed). Plus I want there to be some element of surprise in her life. So I log in to my new Walmart+ account to get some goodies delivered through their same-day service. I’m currently midway through my 30-day Walmart+ trial. (When that ends, I can choose to continue the service for either $13 per month or $98 per year.)
The annual fee is comparable to Amazon Prime, but the benefit here is yummy produce and perishables that are far less expensive than the ones Prime offers.
Alrighty, let's make a party!
As I assess our needs, it hits me that tomorrow is going to be in the mid-90s — that's superhot for a midday shade-free yard hang. Clearly I didn't think this through. Luckily I notice that Walmart+ can deliver everything from ice-cream cake to playful sprinklers! Today!
Before sundown, my order arrives. This was the easiest and fastest party plan ever. Check out some of the awesome summer celebration items I found!
Carvel Lil' Love Ice Cream Cake
First things first: Cake is in order. Not just any cake. A tiny party on a steamy day calls for a mini ice cream cake! Obvi. This decadent chocolate and vanilla Carvel Lil' Love Ice Cream Cake serves five — perfect, trust me when I say we don't need leftovers.
Topped with whipped icing (her fave) and chocolate crunchies, the surface offers space to add our custom half-birthday message — "HAP BIRT" (get it?) — and decorations.
If you are hosting a larger gathering, note that Walmart+ offers this ice cream cake in large sizes as well.
Great Value Unicorn Gold Birthday Candles
What kid (or adult for that matter) wouldn't want to make a wish upon a golden unicorn horn candle? For my daughter and her crew, the unicorn remains the most beloved of magical creatures.
Several of the candles and decorations on offer via Walmart+ would work well for this cake, but this cute three-candle set really brings it to life. Let's face it, every cake looks better with a horn and ears. Maybe draw some eyes on front?
Banzai Wigglin Outdoor Water Sprinkler for Kids
I searched "sprinklers" primarily to keep my kid and her buddy from melting. Then I landed on this fun variation! The 12-foot Banzai Wigglin Outdoor Water Sprinkler for Kids has 15 wiggly sprayers to keep 'em running, jumping and cool.
Unpredictable sprinklers never fail to elicit happy shrieks from kids. Your thirsty lawn will thank you too. This solid PVC and foam sprinkler is designed for ages 3 and up.
Imusa Manual Yellow Lemon or Lime Squeezer
Ice-cold lemonade is on the menu for tomorrow, so I was thrilled to find that this handheld juicer (and a two-pound bag of organic lemons) was available for delivery. The simplicity of this device enables my kiddo to squeeze lemon juice on her own while I prepare the simple syrup. Easy-peasy lemon squeezy.
Pretty soon she'll be opening that lemonade/drawing/rock art/newspaper stand she's been dreaming about for the past year.
American Greetings Blank Card (Pink Heart)
When you can't find the right sentiment, a lovely blank card does the trick. (Can't imagine why, but the half-birthday greeting card category is fairly narrow.) Our wee celebration will include fun and cake, but really it's about love. This pretty pink card gives us plenty of space to express our admiration and adoration.
Might be smart to nab a few of these to stash away for emergency greetings. It's a great choice for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, new baby, Valentine's Day, get well wishes, friendship — most anything.
Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70+, 2-Pack
Last but not least: Sunscreen! The full sun in our yard is no joke, so I nabbed this two-pack of 5-ounce cans of broad-spectrum SPF 70+ sunscreen to keep by the back door. Water-resistant and oil-free, Neutrogena Wet Skin is my go-to brand for water play. It's labeled for kids, but I use it too. Whether we're at the beach, the pool or the kiddie pool, it keeps us scorch-free all summer long.
And as we all know, a quick-spray works way better on an excited kid who's rarin' to play than that slow, sticky, "this is taking forever" rub-in lotion. Stock up.
I'm so happy I signed up for this risk-free, 30-day Walmart+ trial. It's making impossible-seeming tasks, like impromptu parties, feel easy and fun. And we could all use a little easy fun right now — especially our half-birthday unicorns.
Read More from Yahoo Life:
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