How to Throw a Kids' Birthday Party

Include your child in the party planning.

Treat your youngster to a fun birthday party, made even more memorable with your child's input. Take her ideas for food, games and the star dessert, then plan a celebration that she will love -- and you can manage. Remember to be flexible after the kids arrive; an impromptu game of tag in the front yard will be just as memorable as an organized game of musical chairs.

Things You'll Need

• Your child's input
• Decorations
• Cake, ice cream, and beverages
• Games, music, entertainment
• Prizes/party favors

Instructions

1. Decide on a theme. Ask your child for suggestions. Take into consideration his favorite activity, movie or possession, then center the party around it.

2. Decide how many guests to invite. A good rule is to allow the birthday child to invite as many guests as her age. For example, if your child is celebrating her 8th birthday, she is allowed to invite eight friends.

3. Create or purchase invitations. Design and word your invitations to go along with the party theme. A princess theme begs for a tiara-shaped invitation, for example. Include all of the pertinent details, including the date, time, location and RSVP information.

4. Choose simple decorations, such as balloons and streamers, or include more elaborate items to carry out the theme. A space party, for example, may include hanging planets, stars and rocket ships. Coordinate table cloths, paper plates and napkins with your theme.

5. Plan the menu, then decide what you will make and what you will buy. Determine whether any guests will have food limitations. Order or bake a birthday cake. A cake shaped like your child's favorite superhero or race car will be a crowd-pleaser.

6. Choose age-appropriate activities. Play traditional games, such as pin the tail on the donkey, at a party for young kids. Older kids may enjoy a hula hoop or limbo contest.

7. Send home a memento of the party. After a pirate party, pass out plastic swords, eye patches, and temporary tattoos. At the end of a princess party, give tiaras, nail polish and lip gloss.

Tips & Warnings

• Give yourself plenty of time to plan your child's party.

• Borrow books from your local library for game ideas.

• Have at least one other adult present to help with your child's party.

• Eight eight-year-olds can bring a lot of energy to your party. Consider the energy levels of the guests you are inviting before deciding on the number of guests allowed.

• Don't expect perfection. Punch will be spilled, candles will refuse to light, and someone may get sick after his fifth piece of cake.

References

• Martha Stewart: Kids' Birthday Party Ideas
• Today Parenting: How to throw a fun kids’ birthday party