All kids love a good party, whether it’s their first or they’re a bit older. Why not make sure their celebration goes off without a hitch by following GiftWell’s definitive checklist for a fun, unforgettable kids birthday party.
Four weeks before
Theme
When it comes to the party theme, your child will likely have a few ideas, whether it’s their favourite character, colour or book. Choose a theme and get to working coming up with a bunch of ideas for the invitations, decorations and party favours.
Set the guest list
Work out how many of your child’s friends you’re going to invite – you may have space for the whole class and their parents, but you may also prefer a quieter, less hectic (and more affordable) party. Either way, write down your guest list and prepare enough invites for everyone.
Invitations
Have your child help design their party invitations and pass them around at school or kinder – or pop them in the post for friends who live a little further away. Not only will it be a great art activity for your little ones, it will build their excitement about the upcoming party. Make sure to set a date to collect RSVPs so you know how many kids you’ll be entertaining.
Venue
The simplest option is to host your party at home – but how about other options? Hosting a party at a roller skating rink, zoo or swimming pool is always a fun idea (plus it means you’ll have a few extra adults on hand to help out). If you’re not having the party at home, make sure you book your choice of venue about a month in advance.
Three weeks before
Games and activities
No kids’ birthday party is complete without a stack of party favourites on hand. Prepare a pass-the-parcel, line up the music for a game of musical statues, and think about setting up a painting or crafts station so the kids have something special to take home with them. Whichever option you choose, make sure you have enough to fill the hours of the party (leaving enough time for the birthday cake!), and buy all the essentials you need ahead of time.
Menu
Planning your menu in advance means you’ll know exactly what you need to buy and bake before the big day arrives. Plan the sweet and savoury foods you are going to serve, and take your guests’ allergies into consideration. Think about your child’s favourite flavour of birthday cake, and buy the ingredients, or put in an order at the cake shop for one that’s extra special.
2 weeks ahead
Lolly bags & party favours
Don’t send the guests home empty-handed – make the party last for a long time yet with a bag of lollies and toys they can take home with them. Two weeks before the party, plan what you’re going to put in your lolly bags and purchase enough bags and twist ties for each guest.
1 week ahead
Shop for your food & decorations
Remember the menu you created a couple of weeks ago? Now’s the time to purchase the items on your list! Go to the supermarket with your menu in tow to make sure you tick off each and every lolly, chip and ingredient on your list.
Pick up plenty of decorations to match your theme, and plan where you’ll put them in the party space.
1 day ahead
Decorate
Make the party room a delight by twisting streamers, blowing up balloons and adorning the food table with confetti, bunting and sequins. There’s always time to add more tomorrow but for now lay down the basics for a fun party!
Day of the party
Prepare your food
Switch your oven on and get chopping, baking and preparing the delicious food you bought. The kids are about to arrive, so have some snacks on the table when they do, and continue to serve food throughout the party.
Play the games you prepared, listen to some music, and send the kids home with smiles on their faces.
