Birthday parties are eagerly anticipated by most kids, and this is especially true when it is the kid’s own birthday party. These parties can range from large, elaborate bashes to intimate family get-togethers. The type of party depends, in large part, on the age of the child, the preferences of the child and family, and the budget for the party. All birthday parties, however, should have one thing in common. They should make the birthday kid feel special.
Birthday parties are eagerly anticipated by most kids, and this is especially true when it is the kid’s own birthday party. These parties can range from large, elaborate bashes to intimate family get-togethers. The type of party depends, in large part, on the age of the child, the preferences of the child and family, and the budget for the party. All birthday parties, however, should have one thing in common. They should make the birthday kid feel special.
Ages and Stages
It’s important to plan a kid’s birthday party around the child’s age and stage of social development. For example, although toddlers like being near other children, according to the National Network of Child Care, they do not yet play very well with other children. For this reason, games involving friends are probably not going to go over well at a toddler’s birthday party. In addition, they cannot handle large crowds of people. Preschoolers have a difficult time understanding complex rules or patiently waiting a turn. Teenagers are probably going to want limited parental involvement and supervision.
Location or Venue
A major decision you will have to make almost right away is where to host the party. Some parents prefer to have it at home, where they can contain the children and keep a close eye on them. Others prefer to take the kids to a venue that caters to birthday parties, such as a pizza place, arcade or bowling alley. Your child might have a specific preference as to where she wants to celebrate her party.
Themes
Many children want a theme for their birthday party, and most parents don’t mind selecting a theme because it gives them a starting point for decorations and games. Young children often want a theme that reflects a favorite item, such as an animal like a puppy, or a popular television cartoon. School-age children enjoy themes that let them use imaginative play, such as a "princess" theme for a young girl’s party. Preteens and teens may not want a theme, or they may want something that allows them to have a little fun dressing up, such as a 1980s theme.
Games
Birthday parties that celebrate infants (such as the first birthday) or toddlers may not involve games at all, unless the parents participate in a game that is designed for adults. For example, a simple game you could play at a first birthday party would be to fill a glass jar with the baby’s favorite dry food, such as crackers, and see which guest can guess how many crackers are in the jar. Two- and 3-year-olds can play games that don’t have rules, such as allowing them to run around and kick balloons. (You’ll need to go around and pick up popped pieces, so they don’t present a choking hazard.) Plan classic birthday games for school-aged children, such as hitting a pinata. Tailor the game to the theme of the party if you can. For example, have the kids search for treasure at a pirate-themed party. Preteens and teens will appreciate more complex and competitive games, such as a birthday-themed scavenger hunt.
Food
No birthday party is complete without a sweet treat, such as a birthday cake or cupcakes. Be careful, however, when planning the menu. One out of every 25 kids has a food allergy, according to Amazing Moms. Be sure to find out ahead of time if any of your young guests has a food allergy. If so, instead of preparing a separate food for the allergic child (which may make him feel singled out), try some recipes that do not use common allergens, such as nuts, eggs or dairy products. There are many delicious ways to make and bake allergen-free treats.
Photo Credit
- child’s birthday image by Katrina Miller from Fotolia.com
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