So you’ve decided to host your child’s birthday party in your home. Are you nuts? A dozen crazy kids at your house. Touching your stuff. Fighting over your kid’s toys. Screaming! Is the thought making you nervous? Don’t be!
The key to a successful birthday party is happy children! Here are a few tips to get you started:
Budget & Guest Limit
If you have a tight budget, you may need to limit guests to make sure you can afford that bounce house or the balloon maker. Perhaps you buy $5 Little Caesars pizzas to feed the crew instead of hosting a BBQ, or maybe you skip on the professional bakery and offer homemade cupcakes. Consider what is important for a successful party vs. looking Instagram-worthy.
Stick to a Theme
Surprisingly enough, deciding a theme helps in choosing games, favors and food. Plus, it really hypes up your child! Once you’ve decided on a theme, turn to Pinterest for some pinspiration. You’d be shocked how many themed treats and games are out there!
Homemade Projects
Yes, we want to save money but we also value our time. Although a piñata is $25 and you can make it for $10, is it really worth the mess and time? Plus, if you’re not crafty, you may have to squint a little to see Batman in that DIY mishap. However, if you can make a cake at home for $10 vs. $60…go for it!
Start & End Time
Listing an end time on your invitation prevents awkward exits and helps keep a pace for the party. If you’re hosting a party for toddlers, try to avoid prime nap times, between 1pm-3pm.
Food or No Food
Depending on the time of the party, you may only need to provide snacks and cake. If you want to serve meals, don’t go extravagant on the food; kids are picky eaters and will be busy having fun. Pick some of your child’s favorites (hot dogs, pizza, crackers) and call it a day.
Activities
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when hosting a party is not planning activities. Depending on your age group, even the smallest of crafts or games can be a hit! Consider decorating cupcakes, musical chairs or an eating contest for an easy success. If you plan a birthday party with a bounce house, movie or pool you can usually bypass other activities.
Host Outdoors
If you have the space and weather is on your side, an outdoor party is the way to go! It provides more room for kids to go crazy and saves your rug from dumped juice. Plus, water games are an easy way to keep children entertained.
The Gifts Can Wait
Don’t waste precious party time making a bunch of kids sit around and watch their friend get a gift. Take this rule very seriously when hosting a party for young, often jealous children.
Goods for the Bag
Plastic trinkets often end up in the trash and therefore would be a waste of your money. If you want to give a gift to your guests, pick one small item. Some safe choices are bubbles, chalk, super hero masks, candy or crayons.
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