You do not need a professional planner or a major budget to create a festive kid’s birthday party. In fact, looser themes, handmade decorations and simple activities leave the event more open for spontaneous fun. Create a casual vibe with do-it-yourself decorations, party bags, food and cake. Toss in a few classic party games, and the children will make their own fun.
Types
Kids’ birthday parties typically center around themes. However, if you abandon the character-specific theme or opt something more open, it becomes simpler to plan thematic activities and decor. For example, instead of having Sponge Bob printed on everything, host a party with an underwater theme. Other more open themes for kids’ birthday parties include fantasy, fairy tales, the wild west, beach and water fun, the enchanted forest, tea parties, camping, art and Legos.
Features
Even simple birthday parties must have the essential components of decorations, cake, games and party favors or prizes. Within these basics, you can plan many variations, such as children decorating with streamers and balloons or traditional outdoor games, such as Hide and Seek, Freeze Tag, musical chairs and a treasure hunt. Keep party bags basic and have children decorate them with rubber stamps, stencils and stickers.
Benefits
Easy parties make for a stress-free environment. Children basically want to gather and play. They do not require extensive planning to do so. Make the event feel special by adding a simple thematic element, such as a painted backdrop of a theme-based setting or a soundtrack of songs, centered around a subject.
Considerations
One way to have an easy birthday party that still feels special is to have guests customize the cake. Bake cupcakes and provide a bar of toppings for children to add. Different colors of frosting, sprinkles, toasted coconut, miniature marshmallows, gummy bears, hard candies and small chocolate chips in little bowls make for a festive display.
Time Frame
Keep the focus on fun by ending the birthday party on time. In general, toddlers require short parties with limited guest lists, typically under two hours and a handful of guests. Primary grade children can enjoy structured activities for two to three hours, while older children can try slumber parties.
Photo Credit
- funny cupcake image by coffee break from Fotolia.com
