Here we have it, another article will surely raise some eyebrows amongst my fellow industry practitioners.

Having said that, this is a list based on who I would hire. For those in the industry, the artists mentioned here are my personal preference. They are in no means the best or ranked #1 in the world. Just that throughout my encounters with them, I've personally enjoyed seeing them in action. Perhaps I haven't seen you in action and if I do, I just might rewrite this.

Magician - Magic of Markson

Right, magic shows … I've seen too many at this point that the wonder of it has faded. What remains is then the little things that magicians do to keep the session memorable. For Markson this would be the use of live animals in his show. It's a nice touch that although it looks simple, actually has quite a lot of work to it as the rabbits that Markson uses are actually his real pets. So he does treat them with a lot of care. As an animal lover, I look out for things like this and appreciate the effort he takes to go the extra mile.

Website: https://www.magicofmarkson.com/ | Instagram: @magicofmarkson

Balloon Artist - Jocelyn Balloon

Nothing is more important to me than this (lol, obviously) so really if I was hosting a party, I would hire Jocelyn.

Her works speak for themselves. It is a lush, curated operation which she has going on. When it comes to the artistic element of balloons, she deserves 10/10 no less.

Fun Fact: She can draw, I really can't.

Website: jocelynballoons.com | Instagram: @jocelynballoons

Static Party Activity - SoftPlay Folks from Joyful Bubs

Here's one that is a little under the radar. I came across Joyful Bubs on Carousell and hired them for my niece's 2nd birthday last year. What I really like about them is the attention to detail that they provide for their softplay ballpit. Anyone can rent out a ballpit, truly, but what I felt set them apart was really their level of SANITATION. Ikr I'm crazy and all but really they clean the toys real good and not only that, there is even a little sanitizing "station" that they provide which to me is really the highlight of the service.

I appreciate small gestures like this and I hope you do too!

Website: https://www.joyfulbubs.com/ | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyful.bubs/

Face Painting + Art & Craft + Activities - Hooray! Kids Party, Events and Workshops

Hooray! Kids has been around about the same time as me as they were my first B2B partner back when I first started. To date, I've been working with Idah for around 15 years!

In complete neutrality, the one thing I love most about them is how dynamic their activities are. Over the years, I've never felt their crafts and activities to be repetitive in nature. I just did an event with them in Punggol last week and I was so intrigued by their puppet show set up. It was simple but yet in its simplicity came a warm sense of nostalgia. Highly Recommended.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HoorayKidsSG/ | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hooraykidssg/

Customized Party Planners - Fizazzle

Working with Tanya from Fizazzle has really been one of the most humbling experiences for me. Over the years, whenever I look at the MASSIVE amount of logistics and effort that goes into every party, I'm really in awe. They just bring so much stuff for their parties that really, just let Tanya and her team do it. They won't "save" on the value and effort that they bring to your parties.

I've also found their party programmes to be quite interesting (even from an adult POV). If your kids like water elements such as mermaid, pool etc. then the folks at Fizazzle really have it in the bag for ya.

Website: https://fizazzle.com/ | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fizazzlesg/