Children's birthday party planning can be difficult, but parents can do a lot to minimize their stress and simplify party planning by approaching it with these helpful party planning tips.
Kids' Party Planning – Pick a Birthday Theme
A few decades ago, most kids' parties didn't have a specific theme. But today it's a whole different ball game. And not only does choosing a birthday party theme make party planning easier and more focused, it lends structure to the entire day and is lots of fun for kids and their parents.
To pick a theme, parents should brainstorm all of the kids' party themes they can, seeking input from their child if they are old enough. Usually it shouldn't be too tough to pick out one of their favorite TV characters or animals for a quick and easy themed birthday party.
How to Plan a Theme Birthday Party – Inviting Birthday Party Guests
After choosing the theme, finding or making invitations to complement it shouldn't be difficult. Themed invitations can be done one of two ways: they can be shaped like an item related to the theme (i.e: "manhole cover" invitations for a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle party) or can contain a poem relating to the theme (an Under the Sea party invitation could read: "Our little mermaid is turning 6! Splash on over for a pool party from 2-4 pm on Friday.")
A good rule of thumb is to invite as many guests as the child's age plus one. It's easy to get carried away when planning a theme party and allow the birthday boy or girl to become overwhelmed by a crowd of guests. But everyone will have a better time and clean up will be easier with a limited birthday party guest list.
Themed Birthday Planning – Party Games, Activities, and Favors
When it comes to children's birthday party planning, most parents are intimidated by coming up with themed party games, activities, and crafts. Shoot for three activities: one team game, one active game, and one that involves making something. For younger children, it's a good idea to include a "warm up" activity that guests can start when they arrive to transition them into the party.
Most children's birthday parties also include party favors for guests to take home at the end of the day. Remember that favors do not always have to be candy – in fact, many parents would prefer it. Consider giving away pieces of the party decor, stickers, costume jewelry, or crafts made during the party by the guests.
How to Throw a Kids' Party – Cake and Refreshements
Depending on the time of the party, parents may choose to forgo refreshments, include some light finger foods, or serve a full lunch menu. Refreshments can be very simple lunch foods with creative twists or interesting names. Plain old juice, for example, can become "Prehistoric Punch" for a dinosaur themed party.
Regardless of the time of day, one thing every kids' birthday party needs is a cake! Store bought cakes in a variety of themes are available, but it's also possible to create many unique birthday cakes by simply cutting up and rearranging a 9x13" cake in various ways. Search the Internet for directions for making "cut up cakes." Special molds available at major retailers and craft stores are also an option.
With careful attention to these steps, children's party planning is not so difficult after all. There's no need for parents to feel intimidated or overwhelmed about planning a birthday party for their child. Beginning by selecting a party theme makes the remainder of planning a lot easier.
Jenny Evans - Jenny Evans is a freelance writer and editor specializing in parenting and the family. She is also the Mormonism Topic Editor for ...
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