Planning Your Child’s Birthday Party
Planning a successful kids birthday party
Planning is the key word in having a successful party for your little one. Here are some key points to remember, and ways to save money on each.
When to hold yourparty
Timing is everything!
Consider what time of day will work best for the age of your guests and theme of your party. For toddlers, naptime is an important consideration and you should try to plan your party at a time of day that does not conflict with sleep schedules. Also, if you party is outdoors, consider avoiding the hottest times of the day; or consider maximizing daylight hours. Also, be sure to set an end time to the party. This will help avoid tired, cranky children and a party that ends on a sour note.
Invitations
Get theword out!
Today’s families are busier than ever. I know in my own experience it is not uncommon for us to have two birthday parties in one day. If you do not give your guests enough notice, you may not get the turnout you would like as people juggle commitments to work, sports and extra-curricular activities.
There are many affordable options for invitations
1. Email invitations with programs such as e-vite or your email provider
2. Make invitations with the help of your child. This can be a great way to get your child involved in planning the event. Making
them can provide many opportunities for learning as you discuss colors, dates, and practice handwriting. The completed
invitations then become a keepsake.
3. Purchase invitations from the clearance section of your local party supply store or the local Dollar Store. This can be a great
way to get your theme for the party. Go to the store to see what is on clearance and work from there. You may be able to
coordinate paper goods, balloons and d�©cor for pennies on the dollar.
4. Print invitations on your computer. Inexpensive cardstock can help jazz up the invitations and make them sturdier.
Party Themes
Selecting an age appropriate party theme
You can search the Internet for party theme ideas. Some websites to consider include http://www.kidspartyfun.com/ and http://familyfun.go.com. Remember to consider your child’s interests and the age of your guests- not just the age of the birthday child.
Very young children may be oblivious to party themes and themes for them can be as simple as a color choice or type of activity. For example, you might have a red party and ask all the guests to wear red. Serve red punch, hot dogs with red ketchup, and use red paper goods, balloons and streamers. You can carry the theme over with red party bags and red colored candies and party favors.
You could also use your child’s favorite activity as the theme. For example, have an art party. Set tables with crayons, paper, and coloring books. Make a cake shaped like an artists palette and decorated with blobs of colored icing for paint. Use sketchpads, crayons and other art supplies as favors.
Menu
Kid friendly foods
Be sure to consider safety issues when planning your menu. These can include food allergies of your child and the guests. To help avoid dangers here, keep labels or packaging so allergic guests can read ingredients before consuming food. Food allergy reactions can ruin a party and worse yet, pose a serious health risk to the allergic child.
Other important safety issues to consider include potential choking hazards, food temperatures and safety of the utensils and seating arrangements.
Party games
Are we havingfun yet?
With a little imagination you can alter traditional games to suit your age group and/or party theme. For example, have the kids complete a scavenger hunt where all the items on the list are related to your theme. Or, use music for musical chairs that is related to the theme. For young children, party games should remain non-competitive with many opportunities for everyone to “win”. You can do this by providing small prizes for each participant and being creative with the awards. Pin the tail on the donkey might include a prize for the furthest away, a prize for the highest point, the lowest point, or for taking the first turn.
Prizes
Again, your local dollar store can be a valuable resource. Just remember to consider safety issues and manufacturer’s age recommendations on toys. Stickers and snacks can make great inexpensive prizes that will be enjoyed by all ages. Also, these can be tied into your party theme. There are several companies online, such as Oriental Trading Company, that offer inexpensive packs of themed party favors.
Just remember, whatever your child’s age, you CAN plan a successful party that will provide fun for all the guests, and precious memories for you and your child.
