How to Throw a Children's Birthday Party

By eHow Parties & Entertaining Editor

Rate: (21 Ratings)

With a little planning and imagination, you can help your child have the best birthday celebration ever.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Party Games
  • Party Supplies
  • Birthday Party Invitations
  • Party Decorations
  • Birthday Cakes
  • Party Food
  • Toys /prizes

Step1
Decide on the number of guests to invite. Some schools with small classes have a rule that if you invite more than half a class, you should invite the remainder of the class to avoid making anyone feel left out. Even if it's not an official rule, you may want to follow this guideline to avoid hurt feelings.
Step2
Get your child's input. Let him or her decide on a theme, such as a cartoon character, a movie, or a favorite sport or other activity.
Step3
Select party favors, room and table decorations, snacks and games to illustrate this theme.
Step4
Pick a locale for the party, whether it's at home, in a park, or at a family fun center or restaurant. Make sure the environment is appropriate for the kids' age and energy level.
Step5
Choose entertainment for the guests, such as arts and crafts or old-fashioned games like musical chairs and pin the tail on the donkey. If your child is older, consider throwing a pool or slumber party.
Step6
Keep foods simple - pizza, ice cream, chips, cookies, fruit and juice are perennial favorites.
Step7
Decide, based on the age of the guests, whether you want to include a time for opening presents or wait to open them later. Keep in mind that younger guests may get confused as to whom the presents are for.
Step8
Mail invitations directly to the guests, or send them in care of their parents or guardians, and ask for an RSVP. When the guardians call to confirm, you can discuss party logistics, such as food and dress.
Step9
Request that an adult accompany children under 5. Provide for the needs of the adults at the party as well. For older kids who are being dropped off, be sure to let the parents know when they can expect to pick their children up.

Tips & Warnings

  • For younger guests, plan the party for around midafternoon, after their naps. Plan on the party lasting no more than 2 hours, and allot time accordingly for eating and playing games.
  • When entertaining guests under 6 years of age, avoid choosing competitive games, which may upset them.
  • If you're giving out goody bags (a popular practice at kids' birthday parties), keep in mind that a modest, well-thought-out bag can be just as much fun as a more expensive one. Try linking the goody bags to the party's theme.

Comments

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ebilpuh

ebilpuh said

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on 12/24/2006 I wanted to throw party for my daughter’s 7th birthday. That’s how Outoftheboxparty.com. I bought the Make Up party. I had 11 seven year old girls in my house and you would never have known it! The girls had a ball! They were so busy creating their makeup and then applying it on each other that they were too occupied to get out of hand. The party flowed smoothly, chaos was controlled and I was able to participate and interact with all the kids. My son is turning 5 in June and I am already planning to purchase the pirate party! I’m telling you this was the best thing I ever did! We had so much fun, clean up was easy, and the price was right!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 Pi├▒atas have been a perennial favorite at my kids' birthday parties. Choose a pi├▒ata shape that coordinates with the theme of the party.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 3/6/2006 While planning games for the kids, please ensure that the games are based on the different age groups present - (at some parties the guests can be of different age groups). By doing this you can be sure the kids will surely take part in all the games - the bigger children may not want to play sitting games but something more stimulating.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 When using an object to hit a piñata, make sure the other children are not standing close enough to be hit, in case the object goes flying. Be careful with the object that is being used, so the operator does not hit himself or others.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Piñatas have been a perennial favorite at my kids' birthday parties. Choose a piñata shape that coordinates with the theme of the party.

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