Planning any event can be a job, but birthday parties take the cake, literally. So how do rock star parents plan showstopping shindigs and make it look so easy? Naturally they read articles like this one. Just keep reading and when it’s all over, you’re sure to be a pro.
Tip #1- Ask your kid what he wants.
No one wants to come to a party he wasn’t personally invited to. So why create a party where the guest of honor isn’t included? Asking your kid what he wants in the party can really save you a lot of time, energy and money, as well as the headache. A combination of both open-ended and yes-or-no questions usually does the trick for me. For example, asking your kid his top three favorite cartoon characters may help you decide what life-size character costume to rent. Asking or even knowing your child’s favorite color can easily help you determine the color of decorations.
Knowing what to have at a party can make all the difference. Most kids LOVE magic but HATE clowns. Not knowing the difference can really ruin a party and even traumatize not only your child but other children as well.
Tip #2- Everyone loves a good theme.
From slumber parties with fairy princesses and unicorns to festivities featuring Hot Wheels and dinosaurs, great themes are irresistible. Theme parties not only allow you to get creative, but they also help with food and gift options. The best themed party I’ve been to was for a 4-year-old. My brother’s best friend (who’s a mutual friend) decided to have a Toy Story themed party for his little girl. All the children dressed as their favorite toy and had mini adventures. From toy rescue to story telling to cleanup, the kids had a ball. I mean they really got into it! They built contraptions to pull toys out of the sandboxes and fainted in place when Dad yelled, “Quick, Mom’s coming!” Some of the parents had more fun than the kids. The best part—the plot twist—was that when the party was actually over, it wasn’t hard at all to get the kids involved in the cleanup. The parents made the chore fun, and it definitely felt like we were still playing the game.
With all the fun going on at the party, be sure to have a safety kit nearby. Children are accident prone, and a bump on the head or a cut on the knee can really kill the party vibe, so make sure to have a kit ready just in case.
Tip # 3 - Divide and conquer.
Although we want to make sure we include everyone, division is not always a bad thing. Parents, when throwing any kind of party, have fun but establish boundaries. Establish where play areas are and where it’s best to have food and drinks. Not only will this help to avoid confusion, it will also help you stay organized. After all, we don’t want the basketball to accidentally end up in the cake.
Food bars are a great way to break the unnecessary tension. Taco bars and dessert bars give your guests options and, in a weird way, force everyone to get comfortable. You’d be surprised what people share over food and drinks.
Tip # 4 It’s so hard to say goodbye…
Although parties can be fun, knowing when to call it quits is crucial to a happy ending. No one, and I do mean no one, wants to be the bearer of bad news. So my advice is to bring out party favors when you’re ready to wrap things up. Nothing says thanks for coming like a thank you card and a little something-something. Kids love grab bags. So, mix it up with small trinkets like finger cuffs, chips or even bouncy balls. Tailor the gifts to the guests and the theme, and I promise that awkward goodbye won’t be awkward at all.
Tip # 5 When in doubt, make a list.
It may sound like homework, but it can really save you time later. Make that list! The best part about making a list is that having one doesn’t leave you guessing, “What did I miss? What’s next? Who’s picking up the cake?” These questions can drive you nuts when you’re already in overdrive. To-do lists are a must when it comes to event planning and mapping out things. Lists make it easy for you to delegate tasks as well—another important strategy for a successful party.
Planning and executing a party your kid really wants shouldn’t become your next full-time job, but some strategic planning can make magic happen. Just take a deep breath, follow these tips and enjoy the experience. You and the birthday kid will shine!
Jessica Samuel lives in Kansas City and is a freelance writer and photographer.