If you have children in pre-school or grade school, one of the events that you will likely throw is a party. Most likely, your kids will demand one for their birthday and they will want to invite all of their classmates and friends. Organizing a shindig for a bunch of youngsters can be quite stressful. As a parent, it is your job to ensure everybody’s good time. The problem with this is, oftentimes, as an adult, you can feel out of tune with what children want. Are parlour games still “in” or do the young ones only want digital games?
And, when it comes to food, should you cater to the likes of all the children? What do they like? If you think that way, then indeed, throwing a children’s party will be quite burdensome.
However, this does not need to be the case. You can make it easier by following the party guide below used by smart and practical mothers.
1. Send out invitations early and request parents to RSVP three days before the party
Clever mums agree that no parent wants to completely deck out for his or her child’s party only to find out on the day of the event that guests will not be coming. So, send invites early and set an RSVP date. This way, you can easily come up with a backup plan if your child’s expected guests will not be able to come.
2. As much as possible, entrust most of the party requirements to “service providers.”
If you want the party to be hassle-free for you, get the help you need. A lot of parents believe that their children will be happier with DIY efforts but that is quite rarely the case. Most young kids are just focused on the fact that they will have a fun party. They do not mind if you purchased the cake from a local provider of sweet treats.
3. Food variety is not that important
Most adults do not understand that large selections can be quite overwhelming for children. Plus, more often than not, the little ones will only gravitate toward certain food, leaving out other options completely (which can be a waste of money).
So, for a children’s party, limit food options to just five to seven. Also, make all of them simple such as cookies, sandwiches, chips, ice cream, and cake.
4. Kids look forward more to the games
Be ready for games that children can play the moment they arrive at the party such as “Guess How Many,” and “Prize Punch.” Such games can automatically take away the usual awkwardness young boys and girls have at a party. Also, prepare team games such as relays and individual games such as a doughnut-eating contest and musical chairs.
5. For game prizes and loot bags – you can’t go wrong with gender-neutral toys, candies, and art materials
Head to your nearest Daiso or dollar store for the game prizes and loot bags. You can get great deals on various items. Choose the prizes and loot bag contents carefully, though, and make sure that both boys and girls will enjoy them. For toys, chess sets, jump ropes, bubbles, Legos, and Rubix cubes are some of the best options.
As for candies, you can’t go wrong with chocolate bars, licorice sticks, Pop Rocks (children get a huge kick out of these), lollies, and gummy bears or worms.
For art materials, origami paper is cheap. Ditto with mechanical pencils, markers, paint palettes, and Washi tapes.
6. Deck out with ready to use décor
Décor is what automatically makes a party festive and there’s no need to take the DIY route for them because you can get hold of any décor you need online. There are party suppliers with a huge catalogue of party decorations for any theme. They have banners, streamers, balloons, table mantel, bunting, piñata and so much more.
All of these ready to use décor are quick to set up and uninstall when the party’s over.
Do not make throwing a kids’ party more complicated than it needs to be. Most children are truly more interested in “simple” fun they can have with their friends and being treated to more sweets than normally allowed. Bear this in mind and you’ll pull off a kids’ party quite easily.
