Are you looking for entertainment for a kids' party?  Consider hiring Tom Knight to come to your house for a small version of the Tom Knight Puppet show.  It's a lot like the show he does for larger audiences, but with more participation, and special requests. Contact Tom to find out prices and availability.

Note: Due to the extra set-up time involved, shadow puppets are not included in birthday party shows, but can be added for an additional fee.

Things to keep in mind for a successful party with Tom Knight:

Age: Kids 4 years old and older, but 3-year olds are OK if the kids are very familiar with Tom's music.

How long is the show?: Usually about 45 - 50 minutes.

Location:   It's usually best to have the concert inside, so there are fewer distractions.

Participation: The concert works best if the adults can participate too.

Scheduling Tom: It works well to schedule Tom about 30 minutes after the starting time of the party, before the cake and presents.

Set-up Time: Allow 60 minutes for Tom to set up.
Booking in Advance:  Tom prefers not to schedule a birthday party more than 30 days in advance. (Those days are often booked for big shows.) But if there's a date you have your heart set on, email Tom, and he can "pencil it in," and then confirm 30 days before the party.
Payment: No deposit necessary.  Please pay the day of the performance (check or cash is OK.)

Cameras: Video cameras and snapshots are fine!

Goodie Bags: Are you giving goodie bags to the guests?  Tom may have a special offer for the goodie bags.
Another alternative to presents: Does the birthday child already have plenty of stuff? Here's an idea from a birthday party I attended.  

In lieu of presents for (your child's name here), we plan to play a present exchange game. If you would like to participate, please bring a modest ($10) present suitable for either a boy or girl, ages (within a year or two of your child, for example "4-6.") We will play a musical chairs type of game, and each child will leave with a present different from the one he or she brought. (Thanks to Caren Cooper for this idea, and Diane L. Tessaglia-Hymes for the text.)