Preparing a memorable Children’s Birthday Party

Every mum wants to try and throw a fantastic memorable Children’s Birthday Party, yet trying to organise a birthday party can can lead to a very stressed out and exhausted mum. Here are some useful tips to help create a successful, memorable children’s birthday party.

• Choose the best date and time for the party
Often we like to have the party on the exact date of the birthday, however if this is not possible, choose the closest date suitable. Think about the age of your child and their current routine. Are they sleeping in the afternoons? Perhaps a morning party would be best then? Do you have family commitments that make it preferable to have the party on a certain day?

• Decide on a theme for the party.
In choosing a theme, consider your child’s favourite cartoon characters, TV series or movies. If your child has a lot of favourites, you can ask him or her what particular theme they would like. When my daughter didn’t have any particular favourites I opened the cookbook of party cakes and showed her the pages asking her which one she wanted. She chose the cake she loved and this gave me the theme for the party.

• Consider the venue.
Feel free to decorate your house to your liking if you have a spacious garden or a big living room where you can hold the party. If your home space is limited, then it is best to consider booking venues that would accommodate the guests in your list. Parks can be a great place to hold fantastic birthday parties where the children can run wild. Try to find an age appropriate park and ensure that you have a backup wet weather plan. Community Halls can be ideal wet weather alternatives as they often have play equipment.

• Plan the menu and the birthday cake.
Key to a party for young children is the cake and party food. Think about what food you are going to offer at your party: Lunch? Snacks? Are the parents coming and staying – do you need to cater for the adults as well? If you are booking a venue, some venues may have different menu options for the kids. But if they don’t, you can look for a reputable caterer who could prepare foods that the kids will enjoy. Most parents opt to prepare the food themselves. Of course the kids are going to love some sweet treats but you may also want to consider some healthy options. You can make healthy food fun with watermelon star sticks and more. It is also a good idea to ask parents if their children have allergies.

• Prepare the invitations and decorations.
Depending on your preference, you can make the invitations or get your child to make them (if they will enjoy this), otherwise buy them from most newsagents, party places or online. You can even find invitations that will match your theme. There are great party warehouse stores that stock a vast range of decorations, activities and treats that will enhance your party.

• Prepare entertainment for the kids.
Entertainment can be in the form of a party game, for example pass the parcel or pin the tail on the donkey or can be as extravagant as hiring farm animals. There are so many options – face painting, balloon twisters, magicians, jumping castles, clowns. Entertainment will be determined by your party budget. Often the simplest of parties are the most fun. Kids are just happy to be together playing and eating their favourite foods.

• Make party bags for the kids to take home.
If you don’t like the idea behind lolly bags, don’t stress. Instead you could create a party bag that includes a balloon and trinkets related to your party them. You can include one or two toys to avoid disappointment. A very easy lolly bag option is to have a Pinata. The kids love hitting it and all you have to do is hand out empty bags and let them fill their own with the Pinata lollies. See our kids party bags article for tips and different party bag ideas.

Children’s Birthday Parties can be great fun for all involved. Remember to enjoy the day as well and ensure that the Birthday child is having a great time.