Kids party planning tips

There's lots to think about when it comes to organising and planning a party for your toddler or preschooler, and at times it can be quite stressful. So here is a quick guide to help plan your next party in 6 easy steps.

There's lots to think about when it comes to organising and planning a party for your toddler or preschooler, and at times it can be quite stressful.

So here is a quick guide to help plan your next kids party in 6 easy steps.

Just be sure to start planning your party 4-5 weeks out and you'll have no last minute panics!

Kids party planning tips - for toddlers & preschoolers

Plan 1 - Decide on a party theme

Before any other party planning gets underway, decide on a party theme.

Has your toddler or preschooler got a favourite toy, activity or colour you can use as a starting point?

Sometimes the theme is the easiest thing to decide, but other times it may take a little thought.

Either way the rest of the party is much easier to plan once you have a theme to work to.

Plan 2 - Work out a party budget

Decide on how much you are willing to spend on the party.

Drawing up a party budget at the start of the planning process with details of each component of the party will serve as a guide and help you to not spend more than you can afford.

The biggest factors affecting the budget are the number of guests you are inviting, what activities you are planning and the cost of the venue if you’re not holding the party at home.

Adjust these numbers if you need to, to help keep your finances on track.

Plan 3 - Decide on the number of party guests

Decide on how many toddlers, preschoolers and other children you would like to invite to the party.

This differs for each child and family, as some families include both family and friends, whereas others may have separate parties for each.

It’s often difficult to decide who should or should not be invited. Where do you draw the line?

Our recommendation is that you make a rule and stick to it. One suggestion is to take your toddler's or preschooler's age, then add one (or two), to determine the number invited (up to age 8).

Alternately, make the decision that only children who have had a play date with your toddler or preschooler in the last six months can be invited.

It’s surprising the number of children that 'come out of the woodwork' at party invitation time!

Ultimately you will know what works best for your child, family and budget.

Don’t forget to consider the size of the group and how you will be entertaining them.

Do you want a more relaxed party with less guests or are you happy entertaining a large group of toddlers or preschool kids?

Plan 4 - Decide on a party date & time

Decide on the date you would like to hold your toddler's or preschooler's party and a time to suit.

The best party times for toddlers and preschoolers are often around 1.00pm - 3.00pm or 2.00pm - 4.00pm, as you won’t need to serve a meal. Just simple party food instead.

For toddlers 10.00am - 11.30am usually works well around their morning nap times.

Plan 5 - Get some help with the party

Decide on how much help you'll need with organising the party, both beforehand and on the day.

You don't need to organise the party on your own!

Friends and family can help with tasks such as taking birthday photos, setting the table, decorating the party room or venue, managing the party games etc.

You could even offer a few dollars to a local teenager to assist on the day or enlist the services of professional party planners.

Plan 6 - Decide on your party activities & games

Kids will always remember what they did at the party, so for a fun idea try to align your party games and activities with the theme of the party and the age of the children attending.

Make sure you prepare the activities and games before the party begins so you can focus on the kids.

You could try setting up your party in areas with activity stations at each.

For instance, blocks at one station, a doll's house at another, playdough at another. You should not need more than four stations.

Plus don't forget to include some good old fashioned indoor and outdoor party games too! From Pass the Parcel to Musical Chairs, Pin the Tail on the Donkey and lots of other party favourites!

More kids party articles to enjoy:

Source: This article was kindly written for us by Build a Birthday - creating parties kids love!

Share this article

You might also be interested in ...

Kids traditional party games

Kids traditional birthday party games are still so much fun! Everything from Pass the Parcel to Musical Chairs, Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Stuck in the Mud and everything in between. Check out our list of fun party games and how to play them. They’ll keep the kids amused for hours!

How to make fairy flowers

Kids will love being creative and making their own Fairy Flowers with different materials. Teach them about the seasons and how plants grow, and help them to understand and appreciate nature.