HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS
Throwing a kid's birthday party can be overwhelming, but just use these simple tips to guarantee a fun time for everyone.
Planning a kid's birthday party can be both exciting and a little intimidating for the first time mom and dad. Where do you start and how do you get to the cake-cutting part so that you can truly relax?
Follow this step-by-step guide and checklist to throw a birthday party that will make your child happy and that you can handle.
Follow this step-by-step guide and checklist to throw a birthday party that will make your child happy and that you can handle.
Start with a little one on one chat to cover the basics.
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Kids' Birthday Party
- Sit down with your child and say, "Let's talk about your birthday party."
- Listen to what they say and clarify ideas by citing examples from other parties or kid events, such as "the clown that makes balloon animals at the fair."
- Keep it simple at this point, and remember to be realistic. If you can only invite 8 kids or can't rent the bouncy house, let your child know in a positive way right from the start.
Tip: Many parents who have budget or space limitations opt to host a small kid's party at home and bring cupcakes to school for the whole class to join in the celebration.
Decide on a theme and planning will be a breeze!
- Help your child pick a party theme. With one central idea, you'll be able to focus and organize every element of your party more effectively.
- Set a date, timeframe, and location for your event. We think a 2-hour party is perfect for kids!
- Determine a budget using our Party Item Checklist as a reference and price items on line if necessary.
- Reserve party people, rentals, and the location.
- Purchase invitations.
Tip: If your child's birthday is around a holiday, give yourself an extra week or two of planning.
Have fun with your child before the party by creating or organizing invitations.
- Set aside a block of time to organize your guest list and address invitations.
- Make sure to include a zip code on the invitation so guests can easily find directions online.
- List both an RSVP phone number and email address on the invite.
- Ask guests to RSVP at least a week in advance, or more if you have a guest limit.
- Send out the invites!
Tip: Consider sending online invitations to save money on postage, track RSVPs, and help organize your event.
Set a budget for party supplies and try to stick to it while shopping.
- Make a detailed list using our Party Item Checklist and shop for decorations and supplies.
- Consider purchasing items for an independent activity like a crafts table as well as an all-play game such as a treasure hunt.
- Order the birthday cake.
- Shop for food and perishable items no sooner than 2 days before the party.
- Call and confirm rentals or party people.
Tip: Save time by shopping for decorations and party supplies online.
Take care of as many details as possible the day before your party.
- Clean your home and set up party areas.
- Decorate for the party.
- Get the activities, games and goody bags ready.
- Pick up the cake if it is ready or bake and decorate a homemade cake.
Avoid party day frenzy or forgetting details by making a list of what you need to do throughout the day.
- Make food in the morning.
- Pick up the helium balloons and ice a couple of hours before the party starts.
- Call and order food delivery like pizza!
- Set out food 30 minutes before the party starts and keep it covered until guests arrive. On hot days, set out perishable dips and similar items just before party time and keep them on ice.
- Follow our 2-Hour Kid's Party Timeline and have a great time!
Party Day Tips:
- Even though you're "running" the show, check in with your child throughout the party.
- Give them a heads up when the next thing is about to happen such as, "Seems like a good time for the treasure hunt," or "Are you ready for cake?"
- If your child is involved from the beginning to the end of their birthday party, they too will be prepared and able to handle all the excitement of their special day.
Follow this simple timeline to keep the party moving from the moment guests arrive to when they leave.
- :00 - Guests arrive, mingle, and make a craft.
- :30 - All-play games begin or a party character arrives.
- 1:00 - Meal is served if the party is during lunch or dinnertime.
- 1:30 - Character leaves.
- 1:45 - Cut the cake.
- 2:00 - Guests leave.
- Use this list to determine costs and plan party details.
- Stationary: invitations, thank-yous, postage
- Entry Décor: balloons, door banner
- Interior Décor: scene-setters, danglers
- Tabletop Décor: buffet & guest tablecloths, centerpieces
- Party Supplies: plates, cups, napkins, utensils
- Party Rentals: tables, chairs, linens, tents
- Game Rentals: bouncy house, food machine
- Activities: craft table items, treasure hunt, piñata
- Photos & Video: film, tape, processing
- Party People: clown, character, musician
- Food: meals, snacks
- Beverages: water, soda, ice
- Cake & Candles
- Party Favors: gifts, goody bags, wrapping
- Location: rental, fees
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