HOLIDAYS
HOLIDAYS
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.
Step 1: Talk to Your Child: 6 Weeks Before the Party
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.
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.
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.
Step 2: Plan the Party: 4 Weeks Before the Party
Tip: If your child's birthday is around a holiday, give yourself an extra week or two of planning.
Help your child decide on 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.
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.
Step 3: Send Out Invitations: 2 to 3 Weeks Before the Party
Tip: Consider using an online invitation and party planning website to save money on postage, track RSVPs, and help organize your event.
For more tips about how to make sure your snail mail invites get to guests on time, read our article on Creating the Perfect Invite.
Set aside a block of time to organize and address invitations.
Make sure to include a zip code on the invitation so guests can easily find directions on line.
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!
Make sure to include a zip code on the invitation so guests can easily find directions on line.
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!
Step 4: Shop for the Party: Party Week
Tip: Save time by shopping for party décor and supplies online.
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.
Step 5: Throw the Party: 1 Day Before the 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.
Decorate for the party.
Get the activities, games and goody bags ready.
Pick up the cake.
Step 5: Throw the Party: On Party Day
Big Tip: 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.
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!
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!
2-Hour Kids' Party Timeline
: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.
: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.
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