Note: This post is sponsored by Evite and Real Times, all opinions are 100% my own!
Maxwell turned one back in March, remember his party animal themed party that was supposed to happen at the park? Yea, lesson numero uno, have a plan B if you’re planning an outside shin dig during spring. I learned a few things about throwing a party for kids, and I am excited to share them with you today. Here are 11 ways to make the big party day more enjoyable for everyone!
1. If you’re planning on having an outside party, have a plan B: For Max’s first birthday, we were planning on hosting at a shady park, but rain had other plans for us. I caused myself lots of extra stress the week before the party trying to figure out a Plan B. Some good plan B options are your house, a friend or relatives house, or a restaurant with an indoor playground!
2. Schedule the party around your kid: Avoid naptime and late in the day. I think it’s also smart to keep it short and sweet. 2 hours is the perfect kid party time!
3. Send an Evite invitation: To keep costs down, and party throwing stress free, send out an invite. No more buying stamps, collecting addresses or counting on your kid to hand-deliver invitations! Here are even more cute birthday for kids Evite invitations!
4. Designate a party helper: Have grandma, a friend, or babysitter on board to help you with set up, party flow, and younger kiddos so that you can enjoy the party, take pictures, and talk to your guests!
5. Have activities that pull double duty: Plan one or two fun activities that can either double has decorations or party favors or both! Set up a DIY photo booth with a simple peice of fabric and some hats, boas, and sunglasses. Or set up a simple craft station where kids can make and take home their creations as party favors.
6. Choose kid and parent friendly food: Fresh fruit and veggies are always a winner. I love the idea of putting veggies in plastic cups with a little ranch dressing. That makes it easy to grab and eat with your fingers. Sandwiches are always a crowd pleaser for both parents and kids too.
7. Keep a gift list: If you decide to open gifts at the party, make sure that you keep a record of who gave what gift so that your child can properly thank the gift giver.
8. Prep your child to say thank you: Talk to your kiddo before the party about bring grateful and saying thank you for gifts.
9. Capture and share the moments: Take plenty of pictures and video, then organize and share them with guests with a photo- and video-sharing app, like the RealTimes stories app.
10. Designate a picture person: Mom and dad need to be in party pictures too! Ask one person to take a few pictures of the whole family during special events, like the happy birthday song!
11. Send digital thank you cards: Refer to your list of presents, and personalize the thank-you card with a photo of your child and the friend from the party! No stamps needed!
(I know I said 11 tips, but here’s one to grow on!)
12. Consider making a birthday t-shirt: This is an easy DIY tutorial that you can do weeks before the party. It ensures that the birthday kid has something special to wear and you will never forget which birthday it was because the number will be in all of the pictures! How to make a birthday t-shirt tutorial here.
For more tips on throwing awesome kid parties and to see lots of fun Evite invitation ideas, click here!
Thanks for sharing valuable tips and tricks to bring a big smile on the celebrant face. You really did a great job. Recommended!
I like your suggestion to have one person take pictures of the whole group including the parents. My son is turning five soon, and I want to make sure that he has a great time. Having someone else take those pictures would help us have lots of memories of it. I’ll just have to find a kids birthday party place to have the party.