“How many days till my birthday?” If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard this sentence many, many times before. Kids LOVE birthdays, especially if they’re the star of the show. The fact they’re the center of attention and showered with gifts is enough to make them super excited. And if they also get to share this experience with their best friends and spend the day having all sorts of fun, it becomes a precious memory they’ll cherish forever.
In many ways, organizing a kids’ party is no different than throwing a get-together for your adult friends: it takes meticulous planning and can get pretty stressful. Add to this the fact that children are an especially tough crowd and it’s clear you need a solid strategy. After all, disappointing your precious girl or boy on their big day is out of the question.
Let’s see how you can take it up a notch and make the bash extra special for your little one (without losing your mind in the process!).
Planning: 9 Easy Steps
We’ve asked the experienced kids’ party planners at Uptown Jungle Avondale to share a few expert tips for doting parents planning their kid’s b-day party. Here’s what they had to say:
1. Consider your budget
When it comes to pampering your little prince or princess, nothing’s too much. However, the expenses can easily get out of hand if you aren’t careful. Decide how much you’d be willing to spend and plan within your budget.
2. Think about the guest list
Would your little one like only their closest friends to be there or do they prefer inviting their whole class? Schedule the event after you make sure that the most important guests, like the closest family members and best buddies, can make it.
3. Select a venue
You could either have a house party or opt for a kid-friendly venue. If you invite people over, you’ll be on home turf and you’ll cut your expenses. On the other hand, a kids’ party place is better equipped with toys, safer, and you don’t have to clean any messes when the party’s over.
4. Pick the right theme
To get some cool ideas, you can search for party themes online or talk to other parents to see what worked for their kiddos. When you spot something you like, think about how doable it is – consider the costs, necessary supplies, and other details. If your child is old enough, you can also include them in the decision making process.
5. Choose the activities
If you’re organizing the bash at home, you’ll have to provide a safe area to play in and enough playthings for everyone. Children can get sidetracked and start acting out if their energy isn’t channeled properly. A kids’ party venue will take care of the entertainment, including play equipment and age-appropriate activities.
6. Plan the menu
Serve some snacks that most children know and love. Stick to food that they can grab quickly while they’re taking a short break from playing. For example, you can serve tortilla chips with tasty dips, mini pizzas with different toppings, delicious tacos, and fun kabobs.
7. Handle the decorations
The decor will depend on the theme you pick. Whether you choose the nautical white and blue scheme for your little sailor or cute pastels for your precious sweetie, no party’s complete without balloons, banners, and streamers.
8. Invite your guests
Print and send out colorful personalized invitations at least a week or two before the event. Your child can have fun handing them out at school or you can set up a playdate with their best friends and give them out then.
9. Have a great time
Finally, it’s showtime! Celebrate your little one’s big milestone and how much they’ve learned and grown. Share this special moment with your child and revel in their joy!
