Birthday Fun, A-Z
A: A is for apple! Not every single item on the table needs to have frosting or come in juice box form. It’s okay to offer water or fruit alongside the cake.
B: Bags of $1 goodies. Kids love ‘em. Moms often don’t. If you do plan on going the goodie-bag route, hit the Dollar Store!
C: Cake! Whether homemade or store-bought, kids love cake. If baking is your forte, go ahead with a three-tiered Elsa cake. But remember that the kids are going to tear her head off in 4.5 seconds. Cupcakes with rainbow sprinkles are just as yummy in little tummies.
D: Decorations. Hit up the Dollar Store for balloons and streamers. Want to add more flair? Craft stores provide lots of inspiration for party décor!
E: Equal opportunities for fun are necessary. Inviting boys to a 100 percent princess party may not go over well. Consider adding a super hero theme to allow the boys to show up in capes and masks.
F: Frugal fun works! Make a few homemade crafts and snacks, organize a game or two, blow up a handful of balloons and you have a party!
G: Gift ideas to consider: Ask your guests to bring a gently used unwrapped toy for donation. Or suggest guests bring a monetary gift that your child can split, keeping half for himself and donating the other half.
H: Happy birthday to you…If the loud singing and individualized attention causes your child to cry or become nervous, know that this is a normal reaction to such strong sensory overload. You may not get the perfect video of her blowing out candles, and that is okay.
I: Ice cream is the perfect snack for any party, any time of the year. Whether it is Popsicles outside by the pool or a make-your-own-sundae bar, this snack is a surefire hit.
J: Jumping. Yelling. Spilling. Get ready. It will all happen.
K: Kids. Everywhere, around every corner, in every room. Yep, that too.
L: Let it go. Whether you are hosting a Frozen-themed party or not, this is your mantra. Upon the arrival of the first guest, it is time to let it go. At this point, the party is starting. You’ve done the planning and preparation. Now let the kids play!
M: Make it/take it crafts, such as ornaments, picture frames and Lego creations, are great party ideas for both boys and girls.
N: Not a competition! You will not win an award for hosting party of the year, and chances are, all your child will see is a stressed-out mommy. Does he have a smile on his face? Then you win.
O: Organization is important, but be sure to allow free play too. Provide one or two games or crafts and then let them run!
P: Pinterest will save you if you need help!
Q: Quick turnover from activity to activity is key. Don’t gather the kids around for a game and ask them to sit still on the floor for 15 minutes while you prepare.
R: RSVPs can be tricky. How do you handle those who have not responded? It is appropriate to reach out and ask guests whether they are attending.
S: Sit you will not, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
T: Themes are fun if you have a child in love with Thomas the Train or Sofia the First. Choosing a theme will also help direct your craft and decorations if you need help brainstorming.
U: Uniqueness to your child is important. If all of your daughter’s friends are into princesses, but she prefers dinosaurs, don’t feel pressured to host a princess party. It is her party! And dinosaurs are cool!
V: Volume will be high. You will relish the quiet of the after-party!
W: Water fun or winter fun? Use the season you are in. For a January birthday, cut out snowflakes. In June, fill up water balloons. Any time of the year is a fun time for a birthday.
X: X Marks the spot! Old school games are still enjoyable for kids. Duck, duck goose while you are cutting the cake, or relay egg races in the backyard are winners!
Y: You’re the host, so you set the rules. Are younger and older sibling allowed? Is it a drop-off party or do you expect parents to stay?
Z: Zzzzzs will be had by you and your child post-party! Enjoy the party then get some rest afterward!
Olathe mom Karen Johnson has three children, ages 6, 4 and 2. She writes at The21stCenturySAHM.com.