Determine Who Makes The Cut
One common mistake we see during the party planning process is making a plan or choosing a venue before you determine how many people of what age will be invited to the celebration. The first thing you want to do when planning a kids birthday party is decide who you want to invite. Does your child have a few close friends they want to celebrate with or would they prefer to invite their whole class?
Depending on the age of your children and their peers, it may also be a good idea to include siblings on the invitation if you have the space and means to do so. Typically, around the age of seven is when there is increased opportunity for independence. Prior to that, be sure to be transparent with other parents as to whether or not siblings can join the party. If there is a limited number of guests allowed at your kids birthday party, don’t be afraid to tell parents of your child’s guests to drop their child off and come back at the end of the party so as to avoid childcare issues.
Include Your Child In The Planning Process
Don’t forget to involve your child in the planning process for the party. Not only will this ensure that the party is exactly what your child was hoping for, but it also encourages responsibility in the planning and execution of their celebration. Inclusion in the planning process from a young age is a great opportunity for your child to learn skills they may not otherwise have the chance to until they are much older.
The Simpler The Better, But Don’t Hesitate To Get Creative
In the age of vying for an Instagram-worthy kids birthday party, it can be easy to pressure yourself into an elaborate celebration that simply cannot be executed as planned. Trying to pack in too many activities in a too-short amount of time leads to a stressed-out party planner and kids who don’t know where to play next. Life happens - especially when you have young children, so keep your party planning simple in as many areas as possible.
On the other hand, however, don’t hesitate to include creative aspects that feel personalized to the child you are celebrating. Whether it’s a theme, decorations, the cake or the activity little details that are easy to execute will be much more meaningful than elaborate, over-the-top kids birthday parties.
Be Realistic About Food And Drinks
More often than not, we see kids birthday parties end with TONS of leftover food. When kids are busy playing and talking with one another, the last thing they are focused on is eating. If you choose to serve a meal, be realistic about how much food your child and their guests are actually going to eat. The best idea, depending on the size of the party and age of the guests might be little finger foods that the children can snack on throughout the party if they wish to.
The same thing goes for the cake. A massive cake and cupcakes and cookies might look great in the photos, but you and your family are going to be left eating treats for weeks on end. Often for young children, even a traditional cupcake is too much. Consider cookies or mini cupcakes to prevent blowing your budget on food that will ultimately go to waste.
Don’t Get Upset If Things Don’t Go As Planned
We know that’s easier said than done when it comes to a kids birthday party, but remember - it’s a party! Don’t get upset if things don’t go exactly as you planned or if the birthday child or guest has a meltdown during the celebration. Kids are resilient but they can also feel the pressure parents have to facilitate a good time. It’s important to remember that a party is likely out of their regular routine and the added stress may make them more emotional than normal. You’ll be surprised by how quickly the child will recover from a problem and join back in the festivities for the kids birthday party.
Streamline The Process
Whether you are hosting your kids birthday party at a venue or in your backyard, one key thing will prevent mass chaos - wait to open gifts until after the party. Especially if you are celebrating at a venue with strict booking times, waiting to open gifts will ensure maximum play time. You will also eliminate the stress of jealous guests who are still grasping the concept of gift giving and messes of new toys, wrapping and tissue papers, and gift bags. Wait until after the festivities have ended to open gifts and be sure to have your child write thank you notes to their guests afterwards.
Book A Kids Birthday Party At The Bounce Place
The perfect kids birthday party is one both you and your child enjoy. Celebrate in style with the help of our personal party planners at The Bounce Place and enjoy playtime on our inflatable bounce houses and so much more. If you’re considering an indoor bounce house place for your kids next birthday party, check out the party packages at The Bounce Place.