Birthday Party Ideas

1. Having the Party at Home. It’s Not So Hard!
by Polly Meyer
Ah, the good ol’ days. Remember when kids’ parties were celebrated
at home and not at Chucky Cheese? Parties at home require some
imagination and creativity. And yes, you have to clean the house. But
the memories that are created for you and your child will make it all
worth while. Parties at home are usually less expensive and the guest
list can be as small or large as you desire. Follow my advice and your
party will be stress-free for you, and a hit with the kids!
There’s no reason a birthday party can’t be thrown together at the last
minute. I mean, hey, we’re busy parents and sometimes it just
happens that way. But a really great birthday party takes at least two
weeks to a month to plan, and getting your child involved in the
planning will create some special memories for the two of you. So it’s
important to get started early.
First things first – choose a theme for the party. Whenever possible,
let your child choose the theme or have a part in deciding it. The
theme should reflect your child’s personality and interests. My nine-
year old daughter is a tomboy to her heart. If I were to consider
anything “princess” for this special day she’d be a no-show at her own
party! Once the theme is nailed down, your child can start helping with
invitations, party favors, food, decorations, and games.
Secondly, decide where the party will take place. Will it be inside the
house, outside in the yard, or both? Unless your house is enormous,
indoor parties are generally smaller but the fun is as big you make it
through good planning. Outdoor parties allow for more freedom of
movement, less wear-and-tear on the house, and the possibilities of
games and crafts are endless.

2. When considering the guest list, keep in mind your child’s age and the
size of the space you’ll be using for the party. Many years ago, I read
that the child’s age determines how many kids can be invited (a four-
year old can invite four friends). This formula worked out very well for
us. And as the kids grew older, we occasionally opened up the
backyard and invited the whole classroom. I recommend the latter
only if you’re up to it. Invitations correlate with the theme and get
sent out two weeks in advance. But even the best of us let time slip by
and we don’t send them out early enough – or sometimes not at all. In
this case, call the guests ASAP and let them know about the occasion,
the location, and the starting and ending times of the party. Don’t
worry, it happens to everyone once in a while.
Finalize the food, entertainment and games for the upcoming party
with your child. Kids like food they’re familiar with so keep the menu
simple and stick to the theme whenever possible. Purchase or make
the decorations and favors. If you’re watching your budget, dollar
stores are located everywhere and their party products are the same
ones you buy at the more expensive places.
On the day of the party, remind your child about gift-opening
etiquette. Put craft items on a table to keep kids busy as they start
arriving, or usher them into the yard to play with a variety of toys and
games you’ve already set out. When the party starts, open with a
game that everyone knows. And play a variety of games that
transition from lively and energetic (musical chairs or tag) to quieter
ones, such as a treasure hunt. Try to choose enough games where
every child can win at least once. We don’t want any sad faces at a
party.
And remember to relax and have fun! After the food has been eaten
and the party favors given out, the kids will go home and your house
will belong to you again. And you can end your day knowing you did a
job well done and made memories that will last a lifetime! Don’t forget
to send out thank-you cards.