Is your little one’s birthday approaching? Perhaps it’s a milestone age and you’d like to hold a truly memorable celebration? Or maybe your child has asked if they’re allowed a party to invite all their classmates and you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by the thought? If you’re a busy parent (let’s face it, all parents are!), putting together the perfect birthday party for your child can be a bit daunting – especially if you haven’t done it before. If you’re after a Pinterest-worthy setup,this post is a good place to start for brainstorming some ideas and ticking off the basics. And for those who want an easy event without too much fuss, you’ll feel inspired and motivated after reading through our straightforward ideas. Discover handy tips for planning the event, from choosing the perfect decorations to providing food and fun activities.
Plan to book in advance
If you’re booking a venue, the earlier the better. As an average, we’d recommend two months in advance so you can reduce any last-minute stress. We all have a different tolerance for party planning, and when it comes to logistics where children are involved, it can get tricky to align everyone’s calendars and accommodate a mixture of ages. This is because not only will you be hosting for your little one and their friends, but you’ll also most likely be catering for parents and those with younger children or babies too. There’s stuff to think about like buggy and pram accessibility, plus parking.
If you’re hosting at home, it’s still a good idea to plan in advance as you need time to get supplies ordered in and it’s always nice to give people as much notice as possible so they can be available for your child’s big day.
Decorations to delight
If you’re planning a party at a venue, make sure to check with them what decorations are allowed before you go ordering a load of banners and balloons. Some places have specific rules of what’s allowed, for example, no Blu Tack and only freestanding décor allowed.
Consider picking a theme for your decorations – preferably something your child enjoys such as their favourite TV show or fairy tale character. If you’re into arts and crafts, you can even make some of your own decorations like bunting or party hats. Don’t be afraid to call on friends or family to support you with putting up all the decorations before the party begins – there will be some who are happy to help and this will free up your time to focus on other things, like the food (read on!).
Party food and drink
Consider dietary requirements and allergies by contacting your guests prior to ordering any food. Although buffets are a popular choice for kids’ parties, sit-down meals are also an option – particularly if you’re at a venue. If you’re hosting at home, you can batch cook some dishes or prepare some nibbles in advance. We recommend shopping from a wholesaler to save on money. Another tip: use recyclable plates and cutlery to save endless washing up!
Fun party games
The following classic children’s games are a great way to break the ice and get all the kids engaged:
- Musical chairs / musical statues
- Pin the tail on the donkey
- Piñata
- Pass the parcel
- Sleeping lions – a great one for winding down!
On a final note, be sure to enjoy the party yourself. Be present and let your child see you’re there enjoying the moment together – that’s not just party advice but parenting advice too. Hollywood actress Jamie Leigh Curtis @jamieleighcurtis put it plainly when she said: “As a mom, you have to look at how much time you’re spending with your kids. There is nothing you will regret more in your life – nothing – than not being present for your children.”