Throwing a children’s party can be an exciting adventure… or for some, a little overwhelming.
From choosing the perfect theme that follows your child’s interests to planning the decorations, there’s a lot to consider.
Here are the best tips, tricks, and ideas for organising an awesome kids birthday party your VIP will never forget! Let’s get this party started!
How to Throw an Unforgettable Children’s Party
Throwing an unforgettable children’s party is all about creating fun memories, from exciting themes and decorations to activities that keep kids entertained and happy all day long.
Whether you’re planning a small gathering or an elaborate celebration, this guide covers everything you need to make the birthday special, stress-free, and filled with moments that kids and parents alike will cherish.
The Perfect Guest List: Who to Invite to Your Child’s Birthday Party
A good place to start is determining how many guests to invite, and this can sometimes be tricky.
You are probably unable to invite the entire extended family or the whole class. At the same time, you don’t want to exclude anyone and you can’t always know what people expect. So, how do you resolve the guest list problem?
Ultimately, it’s up to you! Consider what will make your child and budget the most comfortable. Who does your child want to invite? Do these children have regular playdates? Decide on the list together, it’s a nice opportunity for a quality conversation.
A nice tip is to invite as many friends as the child’s age (e.g., 6 friends for a 6-year-old’s birthday party). This keeps the group manageable and allows everyone to enjoy the special date.
If you want to host a larger celebration, consider co-hosting with a family member or friend. Thats one way to resolve the long guest list! Sharing the planning also means more hands to help, less trips to the shop, more friends for your child to enjoy and potentially less costs! Word!
Choose a Cool Theme
Picking a theme is key to making the birthday party special.
From fairytale and superhero themes to unique ideas like outer space or jungle safari, a theme ties the decorations and activities together, making the day unforgettable.
Unique Themes to Make the Party Stand Out
Birthdays can be as creative as you like! Try something new with a science or farm adventure theme. Kids love exploring these worlds, and they create endless options for decorations, food, and games.
If you can’t wait for an adventure, many venues offer themed birthday parties outside of the home.
- Movie theme? Catch the newest blockbuster at the local cinema with the group.
- Jungle theme? Celebrate at an indoor playground, little monkeys love to climb!
- Outdoor theme? I’ve even seen a kids birthday party at an Alpaca farm!
If you want to get your child involved, search a website together and see what kind of parties spark their interest.
Keeping Party Costs Low: Tips for Affordable Prices
Kids love parties and planning this event doesn’t have to break the bank!
Keeping Prices Low Can Be as Simple As…
- Hosting the birthday party at home, more mess but just as fun!
- Playing classic games like ‘Pass the Parcel’, Limbo or setting up DIY craft stations.
- Make your own decorations, snacks and cake.
By focusing on budget-friendly options you can still create a memorable birthday celebration without high prices, making it easier to stick to a budget while still delivering a fantastic experience for the kids.
Invitations and Setting Up
Send out invitations at least two weeks before the big day. Digital invites are easy to create on platforms like Canva, allowing you to add fun animations or videos to excite the guests. Remember to include the general information like the “who/what/where/why and how”.
Most birthday parties last around three hours, though for children under five, two hours is often plenty. Include a brief schedule on the invitation so guests know what to expect, and plan activities like cake, gifts, crafts, and games with realistic timeframes to keep young guests happily engaged.
Remember to include your contact details so that guests can RSVP. Did you know RSVP stands for “Répondez s’il vous plaît?”, a French phrase that means “Please respond” in English. It’s a polite request for invitees to let the host know if they can celebrate or are unable to come to the birthday party.
Transforming Your Space with Party Decorations
Simple decorations like balloons, banners, napkins and party hats create an inviting atmosphere. Use the party theme to guide your choices, think stars for a space theme or greenery for a jungle party.
Birthday Parties: Planning Food and Snacks
A birthday cake is often the star of any children’s party! There are several ways to approach this sweet centrepiece, depending on your time, budget, and party style.
For a personal touch, a homemade birthday cake is always a winner. You can customise it to fit your child’s party theme, from a classic chocolate cake to a wild, multi-layered rainbow cake.
If baking isn’t your strong suit, consider supporting a local small business or ordering from a store bakery.
DIY Cupcake Decorating Station
Setting up a DIY cupcake decorating station is a huge hit with any kid at the party. Kids can become the bakers as they design their own mini cakes, adding icing, sprinkles, and toppings. This activity doubles as a delicious, creative treat!
If You’re Looking for a Healthier Choice
Try a watermelon cake: stack layers of fresh watermelon and decorate with fruit for a refreshing, naturally sweet alternative.
Whatever you choose, the birthday cake is sure to make the day special!
Trigger Warning: A Sugar-Free Birthday Party?
Many parents today are looking to protect their child’s health by steering away from the sugar rush. How do you feel about this trend? Can you still celebrate without sugar? Does sugar still belong at birthday parties? Or is that so 1980s?
Choosing Healthy but Fun Party Foods for Kids
Supplying a range of healthy but fun party foods at the birthday party is essential for keeping kids energised without the dreaded sugar crash.
Foods that stabilise blood sugar like fruit skewers, cheese cubes, veggie sticks with hummus, and whole-grain crackers are great alternatives to sugary snacks. With a little help from Pinterest and a little bit of creativity can make healthy options just as exciting!
To avoid a sugar rush trigger, limit overly sugary treats and balance them with healthier options. This approach will help protect the kids’ energy levels throughout the party, keeping them engaged and happy. You can easily find many of these supplies at your local grocery store or specialty food shop.
The parents will thank you when they come to pick up their happily tired (and sugar-stable) little ones!
Accommodating Allergies and Dietary Needs
To keep everyone comfortable, ask parents if any guests have allergies and provide a few allergen-free snack options. It’s a considerate way to make sure everyone can enjoy the party.
Activities and Games
A great way to keep every kid entertained is by organising activities that match the party theme.
Kids birthday party Games Everyone Will Love
Keep the fun going with classic games like musical chairs and pin the tail on the donkey. These simple games are nostalgic for parents and still enjoyable for kids today.
Adding a Creative Twist to Traditional Games
Give classic games a new spin. For example, make musical chairs into a dance contest or add a theme-based story to a scavenger hunt.
Fun Craft Stations to Keep Kids Engaged
Create a craft corner at the birthday party with DIY party hats, friendship bracelet kits, or photo frame decorating. These crafts double as party favours and give kids something to take home. Looking for extra inspiration? You might like this blog “babysitter games” on the nina.care website.
Gift Unwrapping Games for Kids
Try games like “pass the parcel” or use a “guess the gifter” game, where the child guesses who gave which toys. These little games add excitement and keep things organised.
Try games like “gift hunt” where gifts are hidden, and kids find them by following clues. This keeps the fun going and turns unwrapping into a memorable activity.
Wrapping Up and Goodbye
Clean as you go and organise with bins or boxes for plates and decorations. If you’re doing crafts, consider laying down plastic sheets or newspapers to keep the mess contained. It’s all about having an easy end to a fun day.
Sending Guests Home with Themed Favors
Send guests home with a handwritten thank you note or party favors that match the birthday party theme. For example, seed packets or small potted plants to care for at home – great for a nature-themed party! This is a nice way to wrap up the day and give each child a special memory.