I am always excited to prepare for our children’s birthday parties. If I had my way, I would volunteer to do the preparations for other kid’s parties. That’s how much I like it.
My husband thinks as the children grow older, there should be lesser preparations, but I disagree. I think as they get older, it gets a bit tougher and challenging because then, you have to factor in what your child wants. And when he wants an aliens theme, you have to start bargaining.
Just in case you miss out a few details during the preparation, we have this list of must-have for you:
1. Theme
Themed parties are always more fun and more memorable for our children. Ask your child for his suggestions on the theme.
You can do movie themes or even a colour theme, like rainbow, (and your child can wear her multi-colored butterfly wings!), in our book Awesome Kids Birthday Parties we provide lots of party theme ideas.
When you have the theme, it is easy to choose what costume to look for, decor, games and food ideas also become so much easier.
Your child may love to dress-up as his favorite character, he would feel like the star of the day. You could also have his friends dress up too.
2. Venue
A venue is an important decision which needs to one of the first decisions which you make.
There are many options, we have had ours in our home, at the zoo, in a park, and at the beach, local hall and at a purpose built games centre.
Remember that your venue also affects the number of people you can or can’t invite, so take that in consideration.
For example I had a client whose son was turning 11 the son was wanting his birthday to be at a bowling alley. So we considered the teams when we decided on how many friends he invited. They decided on 2 teams of 4 , so that no one was left out.
3. Food
I like to keep the food within the theme, too. Cakes can be elaborate and made by a cake maker, or some of the best cakes are the simple ones you make at home.
One of the favourites have been a simple mud cake, chocolate icing, a couple pieces of ribbon, homemade bunting and some plastic jungle animals.
In deciding about food, you may also choose to have professional catering done, or, you can purchase ready made foods or order some food in such as pizza or if you love to cook you can cook to your hearts content.
Remember to consider any allergies of little guests when preparing your food options.
4. Decorations
I am a big fan of decorations and balloons.
They give the best celebratory vibe and put everybody in the mood to party. Decorations can be store-bought or home-made.
For lots of inspiration pop over to our Pinterest page, we have a bunch of great decorating ideas sorted into individual themes.
5. Games & Activities
Here is a list of a few suggested activities and games to get you thinking about what games you’d like to have.
Try and find something that you can tie into your theme.
- Face Painting
- Relay Games
- Pass the parcel
- Musical Chairs
- Any type of craft
- Scavenger Hunts
- Minute to win it games
- Building Challenges (eg out of Lego)
- Birthday bingo
We’ve pinned lots more party inspiration on our Pinterest Boards.
It’s time to start planning…
Use our free party planner to help you get organised.
Before you start with any of these preparations, remember to ask your child what he wants for his birthday. Ask him for ideas on games and decorations. Involve him as much as you can; it is all art of the fun.
And of course, before you sign your name on any dotted line, discuss with your spouse a budget for the party.
Remember the most important thing is that your birthday child will enjoy his special day. Everything else is icing on the cake. Very yummy icing!
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Happy Celebrating
Rochelle
