Throwing a Birthday Party Your Child Will Never Forget
Being able to throw a birthday party for your child is fun and exciting. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate them, include the people they love, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
No matter your child’s age, there are plenty of things you can do to put together a memorable birthday party. Thankfully, you don’t have to overwhelm yourself with stress or break the bank in the process.
Let’s cover a few practical ways you can throw your child a birthday party they’ll never forget – and one you can actually enjoy, too!
Make a Budget
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to getting party supplies and the things you’ll need to celebrate your child. Some of the items at the top of your list should include:
- Food
- Decorations
- Games
- Treat bags
- Disposable dishes/cutlery
Obviously, every party is unique and will require different supplies; further, certain themes or activities will require you to spend more money than others. And depending on how many people you invite, having enough food, drinks, and supplies can quickly get expensive.
However, you can celebrate your child’s birthday on a budget and still throw a great party to boot.
If money is tight and you’re trying to keep the cost of your party low, consider throwing a potluck-style event instead of having food catered or buying everything yourself. Ask guests to bring a dish to share. Make your own cake, buy food in bulk, and look at dollar stores for party supplies and decorations instead of more expensive party stores.
This is a simple way to stretch your family’s budget. By cutting back on some areas of the party, you can “splurge” elsewhere. For example, maybe by hosting the party at your home or a public park for free, you can use the money you saved to rent a bounce house for the kids. Focus on what’s most important and what your child would most enjoy, and don’t stress about spending a lot of money on everything else.
Keep Everyone Safe
Your top priority should be safety, regardless of what you do or who attends the party. Having other people’s children in your care is nothing to take lightly. Talk to parents beforehand about things like food allergies or any specific conditions you should be aware of. Most parents will appreciate you taking the initiative and will feel more comfortable letting their child attend if they know you’re going to be attentive to their needs.
Certain kinds of parties will require even more safety precautions than others. If you’re hosting a party outdoors, and especially around a pool, it’s even more crucial to be as diligent and cautious as possible. Pool parties are great for kids — what child isn’t going to love splashing around with their friends?
But if you have a pool in your backyard or you host the party at a pool, it’s essential to set some ground rules before anyone dives in. You can keep kids safe around the pool by:
- Talking about the rules before anyone swims
- Having fencing around the pool area
- Making sure your pool is maintained with drain covers, ladders, and stairs
Most importantly, be prepared to watch and monitor anyone who goes near the pool. There should always be an adult present whenever there are kids in or around the pool area. Accidents happen, and you need to be able to react quickly if something happens.
Be sure to tailor your safety precautions so they’re appropriate for the party you’re throwing. That way, everyone will stay safe and be sure to have a great time celebrating your child.
Pick a Fun Theme
One of the hardest parts of throwing a birthday party is getting started. You can make it easier on yourself by choosing a theme for the big day. Ask your child what kind of party they’d like to have; if they’re too young to pick one on their own, consider their interests and hobbies to come up with a good theme.
Maybe they’re really into superheroes, princesses, or animals. Whatever the case, there are countless ideas and supplies that cater to any theme. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your guests, your decorations, and the activities that go with your theme. For example, if you decide on a superhero theme, you could also have a costume party and ask people to dress up as their favorite superhero. If you’re having an animal theme, why not splurge on a mini petting zoo or hire someone to do animal face paint?
Your theme will not only make planning easier, but it will also help you find appropriate kid-friendly entertainment for the party. Consider some of the following ideas to keep your child and their friends happy and active throughout the day:
- Karaoke
- Puppet shows
- Bounce houses
- A magic show
- A balloon artist
Being able to celebrate your child on their special day is a gift. Thankfully, you can throw an incredible party no matter your budget, your space, or your child’s interests. Keep these ideas in mind as you start to plan the perfect party for your little one. Sure, they’ll have pictures to look back on, but by putting together a great party, you’ll create core memories that they’ll think about fondly for years to come.