It’s Party Time! How do I Plan my Kid’s Birthday Party?

So you’ve been told what theme they want,
what cake their friends had, how many people they want to invite from their
class, you’ve been advised to tell the world about the best party of the year,
you’ve bought a metal
sign to illuminate and shine from afar so everyone knows where the party is
happening. You’ve been begged for this, you’ve been pleaded with for that and
you’ve  promised some things and not
others…all while trying to keep to some sort of budget and remember half the
things you said would be okay…

Just breathe. It’s only a kid’s party. And
they’ll enjoy it regardless if their favourite superhero or fairy princess
turns up or not. But what can you do to make it a little easier? Well, here are
a few ideas on how you can plan like a dream, rather than planning a nightmare!

Decide
on a theme

Many parents feel more comfortable starting
with a theme around which they can organise invitations, decorations, games,
crafts and food. Both you and your child will enjoy making plans that reflect his/her
interests — whether it’s a sports theme, a dinosaur bash, an art party, beach
picnic, a trip back in time, or an animal adventure! The possibilities are
endless!

Pick
your decorations
Atmosphere is everything. Once you’ve chosen a theme, use a little creativity
to set the scene. That doesn’t mean you need to fly to the Grand Canyon for a
campout party. Kids are naturally imaginative; they’ll play along when you use
simple household gadgets to transform your home into a national park. Set up a
tent, pass out flashlights and catch fireflies in the backyard.

Stop
the guest list from getting out of control

Let go of social obligations and focus on
keeping the numbers manageable. One good guideline is to invite as many kids as
your child’s age plus one.

Other ways to cut the list: Limit invitees
to a discrete group, such as your child’s playgroup or only girls or boys. And
if a friend who had your child at his celebration doesn’t make the cut, set up
a special playdate or outing instead.

Location,
location, location

If you don’t fancy a group of children
running around your house the consider other options. Community centres are
often a nice, cheap alternative. Or get in touch with kid friendly restaurants,
soft play areas or even small animal parks – find out which one will work out
cheapest.

Don’t
worry about the party bags

Buying lots of cheap little plastic toys
and sticking them in a bag with some sweets and cake might seem like a clever
idea, but the cost will soon add up! Why not choose a thankyou gift rather than
a goody bag? Something that fits the theme would be ideal, for example, you can
pick up children’s books at discount stores for sometimes as little as a £1;
ideal for a pyjama party theme.

Wrap these individually and their
enthusiasm will be far greater than if they’d just been handed a party bag!