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Birthday Party Checklist
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Birthday Party Checklist - How to Throw a Birthday Party?
We have put together this informational birthday checklist page to HELP you with advice we have learned over the years! A birthday party for any age should be fun for everyone! Be sure to include your child in the planning process!!
Here are some birthday party checklist suggestions for "age" appropriate birthday parties:
Age 1: Invite only family members and close friends because the party for this age level is only for the parents. Do not go overboard on presents as children at this age do not understand the concept of a birthday party! A few specialty items are nice to get so that you can put them away as a keepsake.
Age 2: Invite only 1 or 2 playmates over for a small party and play time. Again, keep various items for a keepsake.
Age 3: Invite only 3-4 playmates to the party. Games should be extremely simple-such as "Who can stack the blocks the tallest" or "Who can put the most clothespins in the bucket". At this age, they can not understand any structured type of game or activity. Again, put away a keepsake for your child.
Age 4: This is an age that your child can be ready for a "real" party. Four to Five playmates can be invited. This is also a good age that you can put up party decorations but it is not necessary to go all out on the decorations. Games such as Musical chairs or some type of relay race seems to work the best for this age group. I would also suggest that you have one of your child's favorite videos on hand for the children to watch after games are played, gifts are opened and food is eaten-it is a great way for them and you to unwind. You could put some blankets on the floor and spread some pillows around as well.
Age 5: This should be a BIG party as it is also celebrating the start of school. You can either go to a park or have it at a business that caters to birthday events. McDonald's is a really nice alternative and they throw a great party! The following is a birthday party checklist of good games for this age, whether it is inside or outside:
Hitting a piņata that is full of candy
Relay races
Water balloon fights if weather permits and the children's parents know ahead of time that they are going to get wet.
Pin the tail on the donkey, etc.
Again, movie time at the end of the party is a great way for all to unwind.
Ages 6-9: How to throw a birthday party for this age group is simple. The most popular idea for this age group is a sleep over. They can watch movies, play video games, eat junk food. Kids at this age group do not want many structured games, if any-they more enjoy spending time alone with their friends. Sometimes hide and seek is fun or some type of card game. If kids are sleeping outside or on a porch, parents should be notified and you should check on several times during the night. Just remember, the whole idea of a sleep over is to let them stay up all night!
Age 10: This is another "big" party! This is a good age to rent a hotel room in a hotel that has a kid friendly pool, go to a local roller skating rink, a local arcade or pizza parlor or consider a day at a local zoo. Be sure to involve your child in the planning of this party It is crucial that they be included on the planning. This is like the last hoorraayy of the "little" years, be sure to make it memorable!! :)
Age 11-15: Do the same as you would for the 6-9 year old with them having a sleep over. Include you child in the planning of this party also!!
Age 16: If your teenager LETS you have a party-WOW! Then you make it ALL OUT FUN!! This is a good age to have a pizza party at home or a pool party. Again, involve your child in the planning of this party. Sweet 16 is an incredible birthday that your child will remember forever, make it special!
The Birthday Party Invitations!! Follow this birthday checklist for the invitations:
~~Be sure the invitations clearly state the start and stop times, location, who exactly is invited and if there are any special activities that require special clothing. Give a RSVP date that includes your full name and phone number and email address as well. It is very popular these days to be sure to purchase matching/coordinating thank you cards to go along with the birthday invitations theme.
~~Do not send invitations to school with your child. They will never make them home and there could be hurt feelings if someone is not invited. It is best to mail the invitation directly to the home of the person being invited. Or be sure to "call" the parents of younger children to make sure they did receive and if they are coming!
~~Invites should be sent approximately 3 weeks in advance.
What Do I Do For Food & Refreshments for at a Birthday Party?
~~Keep food and refreshments very simple! Any food that you can prepare ahead of time and put in the freezer will eliminate you pulling your hair out on the day of the party.
~~Ask your child what they want-they typically have very specific ideas on what they would like to have to eat at their party.
~~Anyone that you can enlist to help prepare and get foot ready is recommended.
How to Throw a Birthday Party with Memorable THEMES ~ this seems to be a MUST these days!!
~~Theme birthday parties have become a HUGE TREND. Most parties for kids will have a theme that fits your child's interests, personality or favorite activities. It is a good idea to get the child involved in choosing a theme for their own party. Once a theme is chosen many items including plates, napkins, refreshments, food and the cake can be incorporated to make the event a huge success. The more you exaggerate the chosen theme the better. Balloons placed in large masses and lots of party supplies fun stuff to play with "DURING" the party will make for an unforgettable event for your child.
~~Don't forget, "TAKE HOME" personalized party favor bags given to each child that attends the party can incorporate the theme as well, these are so popular and almost becoming a must do at all birthday parties. These usually contain small toys, candy or trinkets that are given at the end of the party. Make sure that the items in the party bags are age appropriate.
TIMELINE ~ What to do and When to do it!!
3-4 Weeks Before The Birthday Party
~~Talk to your child and choose a theme for the party.
~~Create a guest list.
~~Choose a date and time frame for the party
~~Order party supplies.
~~Purchase invitations
~~Decide where the event will be held, reserve restaurant or venue if needed.
2-3 Weeks Before The Birthday Party
~~Send out the invitations with RSVP information
~~Plan a food & refreshments
~~Decide on what games & activities will be incorporated into the party and what favors and supplies will be played during the timeline of the party to keep it flowing.
1 Week Before The Birthday Party
~~Order the cake if you are not making it yourself.
~~Double check reservations if any were made at a restaurant or other place.
~~Make any of the food that can be made ahead and freeze it.
2-3 Days Before The Birthday Party
~~Purchase food for the party.
~~Charge camera batteries and clear your memory card so you have plenty of room for fun birthday party photos..
~~Get an accurate guest count. Call any that have not RSVP'd to make sure you know who is attending.
~~Be sure your "take home" and "during" the party gift favor bags are ready!
1 Day Before The Birthday Party
~~Decorate any indoor areas.
~~Child proof the party area
~~Prepare food that can be made ahead and begin defrosting any food you made ahead of time.
~~Make and decorate the cake or pick it up from the bakery
~~Put out the plates, napkins and tableware you have ordered for the party. Be sure to buy some "extra" the little kids, seem to use tons!
~~Designate area for gifts to be placed on.
The BIG DAY Has Arrived ~ Birthday Party Day
~~Pick up helium balloons or go get the balloons you have on hand, filled up.
~~Make the remaining food and beverages.
~~Decorate any remaining areas.
~~HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Remember it's your childs special day, be sure they play fun, be safe and have a GREAT TIME!!
Would you like to send your comments on how to throw a birthday party? We'll be happy to add your ideas/comments to our site with suggestions for our guests!! Maybe it's your favorite Game and Activities or the Best Birthday Party Favor you've ever seen!!
Please email us at: sherri@bigdotofhappiness.com
In subject line please put: Birthday Party Advice
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