With
a little planning and common sense,
you can host a great birthday party for your child!
Decide how many guests.
An old
rule of thumb is one guest for each year. Of course 1st birthday party
celebrations are the exception, with many of the guests being family
members. But it does make sense not to have an overwhelming amount of
kids for a toddler party. For older children, consider having the party
at the local roller rink or park. There will be lots more room and you
won't have to worry about the clean-up at home!
Kids Party Themes
Your child
will have a lot of fun just choosing the party theme. The theme can
determine not only the decorations but also the food and party games.
Remember that most skating rinks and playgrounds have areas where you
can use your party decorations, favors, balloons, etc.
Setting a Time
It is best
to have a children's party that is not too long. That way you don't
have to worry about cranky, over excited kids. A good idea is to keep
a child's party to a 2 hour limit. For kids under 5 you might want to
shorten the time. Be sure to include the beginning and ending time on
the invitation!
Invitations
It is best
to send out invitations 2 weeks in advance. You should also follow up
with a phone call 4 days before the party to contact those you have
not heard from.
Party Games, Activities and Party Favors
Keep it
simple and plan for more than you need! Your crafts and activities can
match the party theme. Make a crown for a Barbie party, an animal mask
for a jungle party theme, pin the tail / ears on Mickey Mouse, etc..
If you will be making a craft, be sure to have extra art supplies. There
will always be a torn tooter, messed up craft, etc...
Also, when
putting together goodie bags - be sure to have extras! Someone may bring
an extra guest. (one good way to handle goodie bags is to pass them
out as each guest leaves!)
Planning
activities for a kid's party doesn't have to be elaborate. Just have
a few, simple games in mind. If the kids are enjoying what they are
doing, don't feel the need to rush them on to the next party game. Take
your cue from the children and enjoy!
Have a back up plan
If you
are planning an outdoor party, have a back up location in case of bad
weather. Planning on some games or activities that can be done inside
or outside is a great idea. This might mean having a cartoon movie rented
for the VCR, coloring books and boxes of crayons for everyone (remember
the extras), pin the tail on the donkey, etc.. The library has some
neat books with lots of kid's party games, crafts and activities if
you are at a loss for ideas.
The
main thing to remember when planning a child's party is to keep it simple
and don't sweat the small stuff!
