Any ideas for a 10-year-old-girl birthday party? We want to have at home, but something fun and different.

–Celia

Alyssa at Groove Camp (groovecampnyc@earthlink.net), puts on a great "Project Birthday" party and best of all....she comes to you with everything the girls will need to design their own t-shirt. First she'll have the girls sketch out their design then they'll transfer it on to a t-shirt with fabric markers. After the girls are through designing, they get to put on a little runway show with some kickin' music. If you really want to step it up, line a red carpet with some "runway lights" from Canal Lighting and Parts, 212.343.0218 313 Canal Street. Blast some Beyonce and let the girls walk the walk.

Any ideas for a birthday party for a 7 year old in the downtown Manhattan area?

–Adrianne

We have a few ideas: the new Seaport Ice Rink, the Striking Vikings Story Pirates (they can come to you!), Cupcake Kids does a fun cooking party, a pool party at the brand-new Manhattan Youth Center, and Bowlmor is easy and always makes them happy. You might also want to consider a movie party--many theaters will give you a group rate, plus a room for pizza and cake.

Any ideas for an eleven year old boy's birthday?

–Diana

This advice comes straight from an eleven-year-old boy: check out Web2Zone, Scratch DJ Academy, Dave and Busters, the Sports Museum of America, and Ripley's Believe it or Not. Another suggestion was paintball...but we figured you'd hate us if your son wanted to do it. Happy birthday!

A few friends are putting together a 40th birthday celebration for another "mom" friend. We can't do a weekend get-away but would really like to do something fun and special.

–Amy

We haven't been on a Nosh Walk ourselves, but we're looking for any excuse. Custom tours are available year round. Nosh your way from Odessa to Bombay and never leave New York!

Despite trying to keep sweets from becoming one of my 3-year-old's main food groups - grandmas, nannys and now pre-school are constantly working against me.
An occasional special event cupcake is fine, but every freakin' week in school, right before lunch?!
When it's my turn to bring in the birthday treat, can you suggest something that is not frosted, iced or carmelized - and dare I request - somewhat healthy - but that is still fabulous enough to avoid the skeptical eye of other moms?

–Felicia

Babycakes NYC will deliver refined sugar free, gluten free, vegan cupcakes to your door. We know that to a cupcake connoisseur this might sound dreadful, but they're actually really good! Ask about cupcake insurance.

I want to send a 21st birthday gift to a son's friend who is in college. Probably something food related. What should I send?

–Rebecca

Go for the birthday numbers and brownies box from Eleni's. When you order, you can choose the age and either pink or blue icing. Perfect for a late night of studying. Or after a late night of partying.