How I Plan the Kid's’ Parties
In high school I was always on some committee to plan something. I created Water Balloon Fundraisers for the ALS Association and even a local band show for the ALS Association. In the Army I headed ball committees, I hosted a family reunion, and well, I guess events are kind of my jam (even for how anti-social I can sometimes be). So I suppose my kids’ birthdays are a great excuse for more event planning and thus I may go a bit overboard, but the way I see it, it’s only two times per year and I have a blast doing it. I never had a birthday party growing up either, so maybe there’s some childhood rebellion stuff going on too :)
2024 we gave the girls the option of taking a trip or having a party. My youngest picked a trip and we had a great time in Ocean City, then my oldest picked a party. She picked the theme of ART! Well how in the heck do i do that? Print off some Picasso and Van Gogh pics? I always begin a theme somewhat confused but Pinterest here we come.
This is the method I use to plan my events…
I start with the 5 W’s. First, who. Who is invited? We keep them small on purpose. It allows the kids to just be free and play without much stress for any of us of dynamics and allows the adults time and ability to just chill. We always have them at home for this reason. Cover over around this time, we suggest it ends about this time but we love you guys so stay as long as you want. By now the who and where is taken care of.
When - look at the calendar. Is there someone who absolutely must be present? Sync with them to find a good date. We’ve done both Saturdays and Sundays. Sundays were great for the families who have sports going on, but Saturday was great for our out-of-town guests who had to leave later on Sunday. Do what works for you and the “VIPs”.
Why? That’s easy. It’s the # Birthday.
Now for the what. I break this down into sub-categories:
TIMETABLE: when are people going to arrive, when will food be delivered (if applicable), when will people play games, when will people leave?
FOOD: snacks, cake, cupcakes. What’s the main course? We always order pizzas but maybe you want to do walking tacos, or prepare your own stuff. We made our own food one year but it was far too much to do the day of the party. It’s entirely what works for you!
Cupcakes & Cake: are you going to bake it yourself or order it? If you’re going to order it then from where? How much of a heads up does the baker need?
I like to do a small cake and have enough cupcakes for the bunch. That way we blow out candles then bam, cupcakes are passed out and in the hands of the bunch. Then we can keep the cake for after the party, for a little later to share, etc.
PRESENTS: I let our family and friends have a general idea of what the kid is into at the time of the party. What size clothes and shoes, favorite color, and a few interests like my oldest is mushrooms and unicorns, crocheting and crafting, stuffed animals and animal toys.
DECORATIONS: dollar store and amazon. Guys, Pinterest it all! Go down the rabbit hole of ideas and pick what you like most. Have a budget in mind and create!
GAMES/ACTIVITIES: very rarely do I include any planned activities or games, unless they match the theme.
FAVORS: I don’t go all-out on favors, but a little token of thanks is very nice to receive, especially when it’s something that isn’t going to land in the trash as soon as the kid gets home.
Am I missing anything? To summarize: a budget is key and Pinterest is your one-stop-shop for all of the magical ideas to match your theme!
I go into greater detail on specific parties in some of these blog posts: art party, construction party, dog party, minecraft party