9 Cool Ice Cream Treats to Celebrate Your Kid’s Summer Birthday

Last year, we introduced you to the height of #extra entertaining: the giant pool float. Maybe it was hubris, but we were 100 percent certain that no oversized inflatable thing could ever rival the neon glory that was a 10-foot pink flamingo party raft complete with cupholders. How wrong we were. We quickly realized our mistake when we first laid eyes on what’s sure to be this summer’s smash-hit for backyard entertaining: the 6-foot-tall unicorn sprinkler inflatable from Target’s Sun Squad collection.

Where to begin? These irresistible, enormous inflatables hook up to your garden hose to become the centerpiece of any party, spraying refreshing bursts of water over your guests (in the case of the unicorn, directly from its magical silver horn). Unlike the status symbol pool floats of yore, you don’t need a pool to enjoy this infinitely ‘grammable new toy, making it a perfect pick for city-dwellers or those without much outdoor space. Just turn on the outdoor tap and let ‘er rip.

Choose from the aforementioned unicorn, a rainbow tunnel (we pity the six-year-old girl who has to contend with deciding between those two), a mischievous-looking T-Rex, or a purple gorilla. (Why a purple gorilla? We honestly couldn’t say.) No matter which one you pick, we’re certain that having one of these in your backyard will fast-track you to Instagram fame — and solidify your position as Best Hostess Ever for the rest of the summer.

While these are obviously a shoo-in for kids’ parties — we think the T-Rex and this even-taller Dino from PBkids would make for an awesome Jurassic Park setup — they’re pretty tempting for adults too. Picture yourself lounging beneath the rainbow tunnel, gentle mist cooling you and your pals, margs in hand. Sounds like a memorable summer to us. These inflatable sprinklers range from $50 to $100 and can be found at Target stores and online.

RELATED: 10 Pool Float DIYs To Keep Your Summer Going All Year Long

(Photos via Target)

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

You’ve sent out invitations, deep cleaned the house, and mentally prepared for an evening of minimal sleep and maximum giggles. Congrats! You’re well on your way to hosting the most epic slumber party *ever* to celebrate the kiddos being on Spring break. We’ve got you covered with a foolproof plan to ace your way through the rest of the festivities. Get ready to win maximum mom points ;)

Ready? We've teamed up with our friends at Disney to celebrate the launch of Mary Poppins Returns on Digital & Blu-ray by hosting an imagination-fueled slumber party! Sleepover success is just four practically perfect steps away.

A little bit DIY, a little bit expert styling of pillows and blankets, and the most colorful party treats around — let's do this thing!

Tip #1: Plan the ultimate DIY activity to bring the film to life. Between flying umbrellas and upside-down rooms, Mary Poppins Returns provides the ultimate inspiration for an evening of adventure. Start the fun by setting the kids up for a snug viewing of the movie that will bring the magic into your home. Set them up with an easy DIY project like whipping up their own stylish fascinator inspired by Mary Poppins’ hat.

Materials:

Provide the kiddos with the materials to attach the ribbon, feathers, and bird to make their very own hat. If necessary, Mom can always step in to help!

Tip #2: Create a cozy space that will transport the kids straight into a magical world. Just like our favorite nanny says, “Everything is possible! Even the impossible!” Create a whimsical, floating, umbrella light garland and uplifting quote wall to do the trick. For maximum comfiness, create a snuggly space in one, big, cloud-like bed. Finally, add the balloons and cherry blossoms for an extra touch of Mary Poppins.

We chose one of our fave phrases from the movie to adhere to the wall as an easy and inexpensive decor solution. We then added clusters of cherry blossom flowers and balloons around it. Ta-da!

Some string lights will add a twinkle to your house and serve as an easy way to also hang your umbrellas. Use a little fishing line to secure every umbrella in place. Bonus points for adding built-in night lights for the little ones.

Tip #3: Don’t forget to stock up on the snacks! Ready to impress your crew? Surprise the kiddos with the ultimate crowd pleaser inspired by Mary Poppins: cotton candy! For a little extra magic, you can add a sprinkle of edible gold dust!

For dinner, serve easy PB&Js in the shape of an umbrella using a cookie cutter. Pro tip: We like to semi-freeze our bread so we get the perfect cut and shape.

Polish the evening of excitement off with a special treat for the girls — sparkling flavored water.

Lastly, it’s no secret that popcorn is a must-have for any movie night.

In the spirit of keeping things creative, we're putting a whimsical spin on the slumber party classic with our confetti party recipe. Drizzle with a little white chocolate and sprinkles for a snack that all kids (including the Banks) will love.

Tip #4: Make a quick & easy photo booth. Every child deserves the opportunity to feel like they can fly above Cherry Tree Lane. Whip up this playful photo op with any balloon, string, and some tape. Attach the materials to the wall as if the balloon is floating and photograph each child holding onto the string as they “take flight.”

It’s official — you’re all set and ready to open the door for some Spring fun! The best part? You’ll get to indulge in all of your favorite Mary Poppins nostalgia throughout the night.

Mary Poppins Returns is on Digital and Blu-ray now!

What are your secrets to sleepover success? Share with us on Twitter by tagging @BritandCo and @Disney.

Production and Styling: Kayla Haykin & Cassidy Miller

Photography: Brittany Griffin

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie created reality TV gold when The Simple Life debuted in 2003. Their antics were outlandish, but we couldn't help repeating their iconic phrases like "That's hot" or "Sanasa" during random moments in our own lives.

It's no secret the two didn't really act that way, but their 'characters' left a huge mark on a generation of millennials. "I knew what I was doing but the whole world didn’t, so it was kind of frustrating to me to be perceived in that way because it’s not who I am at all," Paris told People.

Even though she may have felt judged, it seems that Paris Hilton realizes how many people actually loved The Simple Life because she and Nicole Richie are teaming up to film a reunion special that'll debut on Peacock as we speak! Here's everything we know so far!

When did speculations about 'The Simple Life' reboot begin?

NBCUniversal Media

Peacock first shared a video clip on Instagram that hinted something special involving Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie is coming in May. A nostalgic TV set with a black and white screen can be seen while our favorite duo's voices can be hearing saying, "Sanasa, Sanasa."

Peacock captioned the post, "New Era. Same Besties. Coming soon to Peacock," and fans could barely contain their excitement. Even celebs like Naomi Campbell and Katy Perry commented on these hot vibes.

Bravo

Then Paris Hilton took to her own Instagram to share more about what fans could expect. She said, "As some of you may know, we are doing a reunion special to celebrate 20 years of our show The Simple Life and it's been so much fun."

Actress Selma Blair shared how much she's looking forward to this by commenting that she's "living for this."

So are we!

What was 'The Simple Life' about?

The Simple Life/20th Century Fox

The Simple Life showed Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie as they basically traded their wealthy lifestyles for 'everyday' living. Cameras followed them from fast food jobs to dealing with getting out of sticky situations they'd supposedly never experienced. Needless to say, it was hilarious, iconic, and instant reality TV gold.

How long was 'The Simple Life' on air?

Peter Kramer/Getty Images

The Simple Life was on air from 2003 to 2007 with five successful seasons. It seemed like it wasn't going to be hit at first, but it defied expectations. By how much you ask?

According to reporting from The Cut, somewhere around 13 million viewers tuned in to watch Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie's oddball take on daily life. That's a pretty huge deal if you ask us!

When will 'Paris & Nicole: The Encore' debut?

Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images

Paris & Nicole: The Encore will premiere on Peacock December 12! The two were previously seen at a Sonic drive-thru yesterday so it can be assumed filming is underway (via People)!

Sporting partial Sonic uniforms, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie added accent pieces that match their signature flairs. Paris wore a pair of reflective sunglasses, silver sequin heels, and added a pink flip phone to front of her blue apron. Nicole wore gold hoops and a pair of slingback pumps alongside her hotdog mascot costume. That's hot (dog).

How does Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie feel about reuniting for a reunion special?

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Paris Hilton has expressed how much she loves to be sharing the screen with Nicole Richie again. "I'm so excited to be doing this with Nicole on Peacock. Nicole has been my best friend since we're 2 years old, every memory that I have is with her," (via E! News).

Nicole also posted a few throwback moments from The Simple Life on her Instagram, but the most notable one is the video mashup of them singing "Sanasa, Sanasa" over and over. "20 years ago, not only did we become television stars… we became song writers. Happy Anniversary Sill @parishilton#TheSimpleLife#sannnasaaaaa" she wrote in the caption.

What have Paris and Nicole said about their reunion special?

Peacock

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie sat down with W Magazine to let the world know the Paris & Nicole: The Encore show is on its way! Not only that, but fans can expect to see an Opera version of the show they fell in love with two decades ago. Paris said, "The idea of the opera was unexpected" while Nicole chimed in with, "What people need, even though they don't know it yet, is for 'Sanasa' to be an opera.'"

The two besties came up with the idea via a series of texts that started off as ideas between them. Nicole said everything "came up organically" for the two and we can only imagine the memories this brought up for them. OG influencer Paris even talked about how The Simple Life was an "important show in pop culture history" and we couldn't agree more!

Nicole truly wants people to enjoy themselves while watching Paris & Nicole: The Encore and "find the same joy" she had while filming it. According to Paris, she feels what they have is "magic" because "there's just so much history behind it."

It's not every day that you can get to have fun with your best friend while coming up with long-lasting memories that contribute to pop culture, but Paris and Nicole have always danced to the beat of their own drums. Now we'll get to see them in action again!

Follow us on Facebook for even more pop culture news!

This post has been updated.