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Creative Kid's Parties
By Maxine Sprague
Birthdays are an exciting event for children and really not complete without a party.
Organization is the key to success for any party. The simplest way to organize a party
is to write your ideas and plans down on paper. Talk to your child to get his input as
to what kind of party they would like and who they wish to invite.
For one and two year olds, you might want to invite the Grandparents or other special
relatives and friends for a meal or coffee and dessert, unless half a dozen sticky
toddlers complete with parents and siblings is your idea of a fun time. For 3 to 5
years olds, limit the party to between 3 and 5 children plus your own. With the short
attention spans of this age group, one and a half to two hours is usually long enough.
The 6 and over party can be larger if you wish or you can invite a couple special
friends and go on an all day excursion to an amusement park, ski hill, swimming pool,
hockey or ball game, or other event or attraction in your area.
Time and Location
The time and location of the party should be decided with the age of the children in
mind. If your child is often difficult to get along with in the afternoon, a morning
party might be more appropriate. If you plan an outdoor party, have a backup plan and
location in case of poor weather. With half a dozen children counting the days until
the party, it's best not to disappoint them by changing the day.
The Theme
Choosing a theme sets the focus for the party and simplifies planning. Select a theme
based on your child's interests and age. Design invitations, decorations and activities
to fit the theme. Helping your child make her own invitations is a fun way to involve
her in the planning. Balloons and crepe paper streamers make colorful inexpensive
decorations. Party napkins, plates, glasses, place mats and tablecloths are nice
but not required. A large white sheet of paper to cover the table and markers or
crayons can double as a warm up activity for early arrivers and a tablecloth. Put a
layer of newsprint under the paper to protect the table.
Activities
Activities can include games, craft projects or any activity which allows for maximum
participation. A summer party could be held in the back yard with a child's pool, lawn
bowling (a rubber ball and empty plastic bottles to knock down), golf (a cardboard tube,
small ball and large tin can with both ends cut out for a target), and other activities
available for free play. Limit group activities to 2 or 3 well planned ones. Choose
activities that do not emphasize winners or losers. Giving prizes is unnecessary.
Saying something like, "Sarah won that time, now let's play again" recognizes the winner
without emphasizing it's importance.
A fun way to end the activity session is to have a party favor scramble. Give each
child a bag and throw handfuls of individually wrapped candies, gum, pennies and
inexpensive items such as bookmarks, pencils, erasers and stickers. The children
try to quickly pick up the items and put them in their bag.
Party Favors and Food
Party favors are not required but if you wish to give them out, choose inexpensive,
theme related and unique items such as a mini flashlight (camping party), a magnifying
glass (detective party), helium balloon (circus party) or sunglasses (swimming party).
Buying favors ahead of time helps you take advantage of sale prices.
No party is complete without refreshments. A drink, cake and fresh fruit are simple
and easy to prepare and serve. Cupcakes work well with small children. For a simple,
yet attractive look, ice the cupcakes and decorate with animal crackers and soft,
sugarless candies. Serve the "Zoo Cakes" on a tray surrounded by a paper cage.
Serve "Jungle Juice" (unsweetened orange juice with a little gingerale added is good)
and some fresh fruit. Choose refreshments that can be completely prepared and stored
in the fridge until serving time.
End the party on a positive note by stopping it while everyone is still having fun.
It's better to leave them wanting more than to drag it out and lose their attentions.
About the Author
Maxine Sprague is a parent, author and educator living in Edmonton, AB. She is the
author of three books including her latest, Super Easy Bag Lunches
(The Learning Center Press, Box 82016, GMO#2, Edmonton, AB T6J 7E6 $16.95CDN/$12.95US).
Email: tlcpress@telusplanet.net Web Site:
www.telusplanet.net/public/cscltd/
Recommended:Easy Bag
Lunches by Maxine Sprague-family fantastic recipes and creative bag lunch ideas for kids.
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