Flying Wishes

Preparation Time:  10 - 30 minutes, based on whether you blow up the balloons or not

Duration:  15 Minutes

Ingredients needed: Balloons, helium tank, ribbon, paper

Description: This is a great activity for a spring or summer shower.  The guests jot well-wishes for the Guest of Honor on small pieces of paper.  The papers are placed in individual balloons, the balloons are filled with helium, and then the whole bouquet is released!  This makes a great closing to an outdoor shower!

How to get ready:  Have the papers cut into the correct sizes ahead of time.  Purchase a bunch of balloons in appropriate colors, and purchase or rent a helium tank.  (I've seen them for about $20.)  Pass out pens and the papers to each guest, give them some time to write their wish, then have each person put the paper in the balloon, blow it up, and tie on a bit of ribbon.  Everyone troops outside for the grand launching!

Variations:  To keep from having to blow the balloons up and tie them during the shower (some people are not adept at this), you can have the balloons blown up before hand, then just tie the papers on (punch holes in them for easy attachment).  You can also include a card with the information on the grand event, along with an address, so that whoever finds the balloon can convey their wishes to the Guest of Honor!

Credits: Thanks to guest Angie for this idea!