3rd Birthday Party Idea

Your child is nearing the age of three. So you may be thinking about 3rd birthday party ideas and wondering how to start planning for it. Before now, birthdays one and two may have been just an excuse to get the family together. But at three your child is starting to make friends of his own. If you start by picking a theme, then your planning will go much easier.

Licensed Characters

Many times, if you ask your three year old what kind of party they would like to have, they will give you the name of a popular licensed character from a television show or movie. Themes that a child may have interest in may include super heroes such as Batman or Spiderman, Barbies, Disney or television show characters. It is easy to find party accessories, cakes and decorations that sport this particular theme.

Barnyard Party

At the age of three, many kids are interested in everything farm related: from tractors to farm animals and things that grow in the ground. Toys including stuffed animals, plastic barnyard play sets, toy tractors and picture books reflect this interest. So a barnyard party is sure to be a hit. To make invitations, cut a barn shape out of card stock. Cut the shape of the barn doors on three sides and fold back so that they hinge outward. Glue white card stock to the back of the barn. Inside the door area, write the details of the party so that the child and her parents have to open the barn doors to read the details. On the day of the party, greet each visitor at the door dressed in overalls and wearing a straw hat. Party foods may include "hay" made of french fries and pigs in a blanket. You may want to rent animals for a petting zoo or simply have face painting to make each guest look like an animal.

Beach Party

Young children love water, sand and sun. A beach party is an entertaining way to celebrate your older toddler's birthday. Have all your guests wear swimsuits and then fill one wading pool with sand and one with water. Decorate with inflatable beach balls and palm trees. Play Hawaiian music and give each child a plastic lei to wear. Games can include hula contests with buckets and shovels for prizes. For another good activity, get a grass skirt and take each child's picture. Print out a 4X6 sized photograph on your digital photo printer. Set up a station with crayons, glue, safety scissors and construction paper and let each child decorate their own picture frame.

References

• Barnyard Bash
• Party Themes
• Berkley Parents

Resources

• Family Fun
• Amazing Moms