Tips for planning a birthday party for your toddler
I’ve been lucky enough not to have to plan a birthday party for our three year old twins yet. Of course they’ve had ‘parties’, but they’ve been in our own home with just family invited.
Now that the girls have their own toddler friends and will be starting nursery in September I have a feeling that I won’t be able to get away with our ‘at home’ parties when it comes to their next birthday!
I’ve taken the girls to two birthday parties which has been really good for helping me learn what’s expected and what happens.
Here are some tips I’ve picked up along with the way:
- It doesn’t have to be expensive – Simply invite some children to the local park for a ‘play and picnic’. You can also do party games and bring some ‘party food boxes’ too
- If you do decide to book somewhere that is going to cost you, do your research to find the best deals and always make you get your RSVP’s back so that you know the exact number of children and adults going
- If you’re going to arrange party games it helps to know how many children will be attending for games such as pass the parcel. You’ll want to make sure you have enough layers for each child to unwrap
- Be organised and have a plan! I went to one birthday party which was a bit unorganised. Nobody really knew the plan of the action so some parents and their children were just lingering! Have a plan and make sure everyone knows it!
- Food intolerances and allergies – This one is so important! Always check with parents if their children has any food intolerances or allergies. This means that you’ll be able to cater their needs
- Chose a date that works for the majority – You won’t be able to cater to everyone’s needs when it comes to the date, time and even the location of your child’s birthday party, but It’s usually a good idea to have a party on weekends and somewhere local
- Music – If your party is outdoors you may want to bring a handheld speaker with you so that you can plug your phone in and play some music. Great for party games!
These are just a few of the tips I’ve learnt along the way, but I’m sure I have lots more to learn!
6 Comments
Hannah Latoya Bond
September 17, 2015 at 10:27 am
Great post. Planning a birthday party can be hard work x
Emily
September 21, 2015 at 6:46 pm
Hi Hannah, thanks for your comment. It really can be hard work! x
Eco Gites of Lénault
September 21, 2015 at 6:50 am
Luckily our boys are a bit older but we have been through the toddler party stage and survived. In France, where we live now, parties are nearly always very low key affairs – a few friends (and never the whole class) round at home where they just play. There will be a cake (generally plain and never a fancy decorated one) and a few bowls of sweets. Very simple but the children seem to enjoy it all the same. #SuperparentSaturday
Emily
September 21, 2015 at 6:48 pm
Hi, thanks for your comment. It's good to hear you survived! Parties in France sound great. In the UK, the whole class is invited and there's usually a hall hired with bouncy castle, buffet and music etc. Quite expensive really for a kids party when you think about it! x
Rachel @ Parenthood Highs and Lows
September 25, 2015 at 5:47 pm
Some fantastic tips here. We have always had their first birthday party at home, and then their 2/3/4 birthdays were just family tea parties at my mums. Next year we will be having a little party for Harrison's 5th birthday but it will definitely be at home, with five or six friends around, a little buffet and some games. Thanks for linking up to #SuperparentSaturday
Laura (Mind Mood Mommy)
September 26, 2015 at 8:27 am
Great tips here Emily! I did my first birthday party for Phoebe at a soft play place this year. It was certainly easier than having to organise everything myself. I'm sure at home parties are much more complicated! Thanks for linking up to #SuperparentSaturday