Planning a kids' birthday party, or any other kind of party, can be a lot of fun. However, if you are not a seasoned party planner, it can also be stressful. If you are planning your first kids' party, for your first child, niece, or nephew, you may be in need of ideas. Your planning is also limited by your budget; not everyone can afford a huge birthday fireworks display!
If you are able to go all out for a huge celebration, by all means, do it. But that is not a necessity to plan a party that the children will enjoy. Oftentimes, kids are unaware of the cost of activities; they only know whether or not they're fun. Here are some ideas to keep in mind as you begin your planning.
1. Choose a theme. This will make all of the planning easier, especially when it comes to decorations. If your child has a favorite character, such as Doc McStuffins or Spongebob Squarepants, make that character the theme of the party. Buy plates, cups, and banners that go with the theme. You could even dress up your child like the character!
2. Keep the food simple. You do not want to spend hours preparing the food, nor do you want to spend hours cleaning up the kitchen. There are other aspects of the party to focus on, too. Choose simple items like chicken wings, hot dogs, or pizza. You can even pick it up from a restaurant to minimize the prep time. Just make sure you place your order in advance. Your cake can fit with the party's theme, and you can order it from a bakery, or make it at home. Make sure to have some beverages and snack foods, too.
3. Have one large activity and several supplemental ones. Your main activity can be a huge thing like a petting zoo or a fireworks display, but it doesn't have to be. It can also be something free and simple, like a baseball game in the backyard or a movie in the living room. It's all in the way it is planned and presented. Another good idea is to keep some bubbles, coloring books, and extra toys around for kids who get bored or distracted from the main event.
4. Add special touches. A candy table is sure to make any party a hit. A special birthday chair for your child will make him or her feel special. You can also send home goodie bags with all of the guests.
5. Ask others for help. You should definitely not be the only adult involved in the planning OR the execution of the party. If you have siblings, enlist them. Get your friends to help. Ask two or three parents to stay with their kids at the party and help supervise. This will make everything run more smoothly.
No matter what you theme or your activities, make sure you are focused and organized in your planning. The kids will be entertained whether you have a clown, fireworks, a movie, or a family member dressed as Elmo! Once you get the formula for planning a party down, it will get easier.
If you are able to go all out for a huge celebration, by all means, do it. But that is not a necessity to plan a party that the children will enjoy. Oftentimes, kids are unaware of the cost of activities; they only know whether or not they're fun. Here are some ideas to keep in mind as you begin your planning.
1. Choose a theme. This will make all of the planning easier, especially when it comes to decorations. If your child has a favorite character, such as Doc McStuffins or Spongebob Squarepants, make that character the theme of the party. Buy plates, cups, and banners that go with the theme. You could even dress up your child like the character!
2. Keep the food simple. You do not want to spend hours preparing the food, nor do you want to spend hours cleaning up the kitchen. There are other aspects of the party to focus on, too. Choose simple items like chicken wings, hot dogs, or pizza. You can even pick it up from a restaurant to minimize the prep time. Just make sure you place your order in advance. Your cake can fit with the party's theme, and you can order it from a bakery, or make it at home. Make sure to have some beverages and snack foods, too.
3. Have one large activity and several supplemental ones. Your main activity can be a huge thing like a petting zoo or a fireworks display, but it doesn't have to be. It can also be something free and simple, like a baseball game in the backyard or a movie in the living room. It's all in the way it is planned and presented. Another good idea is to keep some bubbles, coloring books, and extra toys around for kids who get bored or distracted from the main event.
4. Add special touches. A candy table is sure to make any party a hit. A special birthday chair for your child will make him or her feel special. You can also send home goodie bags with all of the guests.
5. Ask others for help. You should definitely not be the only adult involved in the planning OR the execution of the party. If you have siblings, enlist them. Get your friends to help. Ask two or three parents to stay with their kids at the party and help supervise. This will make everything run more smoothly.
No matter what you theme or your activities, make sure you are focused and organized in your planning. The kids will be entertained whether you have a clown, fireworks, a movie, or a family member dressed as Elmo! Once you get the formula for planning a party down, it will get easier.
