You’ve got cake, cookies, candy and so many balloons there isn’t even room for your guests. This is the perfect birthday party for kids, right? Not always.
While kids love when you throw them a birthday party, there are a few things they really wish you knew. Usually, the party you have in mind isn’t exactly what your kid has in mind.
Make their next party the best one ever by diving more into your child’s head and giving them what they really want from their birthday party.
1. Let Your Kid Help Plan
Raise your hand if you have several Pinterest boards dedicated to planning the ultimate birthday party for kids. There’s nothing wrong with that, but sometimes, the party turns more into a competition to outdo other parents. Instead of trying to go overboard, just ask your kid to help.
Not only will the party be more about them, they feel special being a part of the process. And that is the number one thing kids want from their party – they want to feel special. That’s why the big day needs to revolve around what they want most versus those hundred Pinterest pins you’ve gathered.
2. Smaller Guest List
Inviting a dozen kids and most of the family isn’t just hard on you. Sometimes, it’s overwhelming for your kids too. The best birthday party for kids is simple. Let your child invite just who they want. This might mean four or five of their closest friends and a handful of family members.
Of course, if you’re okay with it and your child wants a bigger guest list, that’s fine too. Just don’t force them to invite everyone in their class if they don’t want to.
3. Focus On Their Interest
Whatever your child’s really into at the moment, that’s what they want at their birthday party. You really don’t have to look far for a great kid’s birthday party theme. Think about their interests, favorite movies, favorite toys and so on. They love sharing their favorite things with their friends and family. When you center the party around that, it’s a great day for everyone.
4. Add Plenty Of Games
It’s tempting to want to plan every aspect of a birthday party for kids. But, simply providing a bunch of games and letting the kids play on their own is all they really want. From simply running around outside playing tag to a fun kids’ board game, kids just want to play. Providing some options ensures no one gets bored, but it’s okay to sit back and relax with the other adults as the kids play.
Don’t forget, though, adults enjoy playing too. If you’re hosting an outdoor party, have some games everyone can play, such as bean bag toss or badminton. You can also have family-friendly party games to play indoors that let everyone play against each other or in teams, such as charades or even Apples to Apples for Kids. You can also set up your own games. Play Party Plan lists games that are perfect for kids and adults, along with rules and printables.
5. Great Food
Yes, the decorations are important, but kids are much more focused on the food. A colorful cake with their favorite character on it or even a fun picture of them is a highlight of their party. Add fun finger foods that are easy for little hands to pick up and enjoy on the go.
Usually, a small buffet table works best. Kids are busy having fun playing or trying out the recently opened gifts. They don’t have time to sit down for more than few minutes, which is usually cake time. Provide small sandwiches, sliders, cookies and candy.
Kids don’t usually ask for a lot in terms of the party. They just want a great day with friends and family that’s all about them. Focus on what they want and your child will remember their party for life.
At Nickie Jones Events, we can help you turn your home or any space into a colorful, fun birthday party for kids. From balloons to linens and custom backdrops, we’ll make it easier to transform your area into the party of your child’s dreams.