Set up a DIY ‘Photo Booth

While you probably can’t afford to hire a photo booth for your party you can set up a ‘portrait zone’ of your own where you’ll take photos of your guest.

Timing of a toddler party

When planning party duration, one hour is more than enough time for a toddler or pre-school party. For older children two to three hours is recommended.

Kids input in party planning

Involve children in party planning and preparation. Surprises are fun, but the kids like to get involved in planning, and this is a time when the kids are motivated to be especially helpful.

Planning for birthday guests

When planning a birthday party the rule of thumb is have as many kid guests as the age of your child.

New take on cake

Ditch the cake, and opt for cupcakes instead. They are easier for the kids to hold and eat, and you don’t need to cut them up!

Balloons at chld parties

Avoid having balloons at parties for kids under 3, because balloons can be a choking hazard.

Planning the time for a party

When planning a party, time the party around naps so everyone’s freshest. Mid morning (10-11) or later afternoon (3-4) are good bets.

Planning a party for Halloween?

Partying on Halloween? Unless you plan to take your guests on their quest for candy, you should pick a night other than the 31st. 

Halloween party menus

When deigning a spooky menu for halloween, serve finger foods that come in Halloween colors, such as orange slices, Cheetos, baby carrots, cheddar cheese cubes, Ho-Hos, black licorice, and blackberries.

Colorful party theme idea

Need a simple party idea? Have your guest dress in all red or all yellow etc. –  Color rainbows – Have a rainbow cake – Children can decorate your walkway using sidewalk chalk.

Unique Party Invitations

For unique party invitations buy bag of balloons. On each balloon write out all of the party information, seal them in envelopes with confetti & give out as invitations.

Thank you notes are a must

Thank you notes are important social skill builders. Children can enjoy writing thank you cards when they are fun colors and themes.

Party activities

A sure fire party tip is to plan plenty of activities to keep them busy. One sure hit was a wacky relay – Teams compete in relays including dress up clothing and hats

Themes for kid parties

One third of kids’ parties have a theme. Many of the most popular themes are kids’ favorite characters from the entertainment including Rugrats and Pokemon.

Party tip in planning a party

Involve children in party planning. Kids like to get involved when motivated to be especially helpful.

Party standards for number of kids to invite

Follow the old birthday party planning rule of inviting the same number of young guests as your child’s age.

Party Suggestion

Extend the after party fun by playing hide-and-seek with some of the gifts after guests leave. Give him easy clues to find them, such as “It’s in the room with the blue chair.”

Toddler Party Tip

When planning a toddler party, invite family and the kids your toddler plays with regularly (four or five is plenty). An hour and a half is enough time to play, have a snack, sing, and eat cake.

Party lengths

Knowing when to call it quits is key to a successful toddler birthday. For two-year-olds, an hour to an hour 1/2 of party fun is plenty. source