Childrens' Birthday Party Advice

Planning a kids birthday party at home?

Want some ideas and tips to help the party go that bit more smoothly?

We have them all right here!

If indoors, close all doors of rooms you don't want the children (or adults) to venture into.

Hide all breakables and valuables and make the remaining rooms childproof. Bear in mind that while your child might know what he/she
may or may not touch, other children will not. Don't just presume the parents will stop their children from destroying your
house as some may just watch and do nothing.

Work out which of your child's toys you and your child are happy for other children to play with and hide all the rest.
You don't want the day ruined for your child because a favourite toy was broken.

Use plastic or paper cups, plates, knifes and forks.

Have large bins around everywhere to encourage your guests to deposit their rubbish in them rather than dropping it on the floor.

On the invitation be specific about the duration of the birthday party and stipulate when you want the parents to pick up their children.

Indicated if parents are invited along with their children. Parents of younger children may wish to stay the whole time while
others imagine that they can dump their child at your house for the whole day.

Let parents know if it is going to be an outdoor birthday party so that they can provide a hat and suncream, (or warm clothes if it is winter).

Ask if the child is allergic to anything, is vegetarian or should not eat certain foods due to religious reasons.

Make up a couple of extra party bags for brothers/sisters of guests who might turn up unexpectedly.

Plan extra activities and games. It is better to have too many than not enough. Have a couple of extra prizes on hand just in case.

Use stick-on name badges for each guest. Your child will know everyone, but will you?

Keep party bags out of sight from guests until you plan to hand them out. If children spot them in advance they will want them there and then.

Always have cloths on hand for wiping faces and hands.

If holding a party outside, always have a plan “B” just in case the weather changes and it pours down with rain.