As a parent, it can be hard to keep those kids’ birthday party ideas feeling fresh and exciting — not to mention age appropriate — with every passing year and candle on the cake. Fortunately, it’s not impossible to knock it out of the park every single time. And no matter what your kid is into, there’s a party theme to match. Just when I was over celebrating birthdays, my child got me into them full swing — he thinks every celebration is his birthday. With multiple checklists and organisers, you may think that party planning for your little one is stressful, but it’s not. Birthday parties vary greatly from person to person. Some parents prefer to keep things simple when it comes to their kids’ parties, while others meticulously plan every detail for months, seeking out new and original ideas (everyone has their own idea of fun!).
Nevertheless, there are certain essential elements that every child’s birthday party simply must have. Whether you’ve been planning for months or just a week, these basics are non-negotiable. With this in mind, I have put together a checklist to make things even easier.
Location
Entertainment centres, banquet halls, restaurants or home — depending on the guest list and your comfort, just freeze on one. Once the location, date and time is final, you are already halfway there.
Party theme
When it comes to the best kids birthday party ideas, the only limits are your or your child’s imagination
Once you’ve decided where and when you are hosting a birthday party, it is time to choose a party theme. Even if they’re too young to choose a theme, parents often have a great time choosing for them based on what their child shows an interest in. When it comes to the best kids birthday party ideas, the only limits are your or your child’s imagination! Under the sea, jungle/safari, space themes can be reinvented in a multitude of ways and usually work up till the age of five. When children start independently choosing themes, it makes it easier for you to direct and plan the party. Once they turn five or six the demands start — Avengers, unicorn tea party — you will have to survive them all. With Love by Vedika has mastered the art of themed setups from home to party venues. There are so many amazing, easy, fun decor and party game ideas suggested by her that you, your child, and their friends will enjoy.
Once you have chosen a date, time and theme for your party, you need to write a guest list. Consider nursery/ school friends, ensuring to include everyone as much as possible. Send out a super cute invitation to invite friends and family along, an e-invite is often easiest.
The cake
When my son turned three, he started understanding what birthdays meant — a day to celebrate, play and eat cake. I feel he enjoys cutting the cake as much as eating it. Whether you want to have an intimate gathering at home with family and friends, or throw a bash, a cake on theme just makes it special. Provide any reference images and let the bakery know the party theme, age and name of your little one, and number of guests (big and small) the cake needs to serve. Another fun idea for smaller children is mini cupcakes, these can be stacked on a fun cake stand and each child/ guest can then receive a cupcake each. Kookie Jar is the OG of theme cakes in buttercream and fondant while being considerate of allergens.Tanya from BonnTonn is an artist when it comes to designing childrens’ dessert tables. Mini desserts, donuts, chocolate fountains, and cakes suited to all your dietary restrictions, she does it all.
The snapshots
From their first birthday party as a baby and beyond, it’s all about making memories and taking all the photos to capture the ‘Happy Birthday’ joy. You can use phone cameras and have a designated photographer from your family. If you are looking for a professional photographer, find someone who has experience with events catered to children. Newborn/ maternity photographers, or those that know how to capture the right moment with the little ones jumping around. For a bigger scale and professional photography, Vidisha Parasramka is phenomenal. A maternity/ newborn/ kids and family photographer, Vidisha photographs moments that you would cherish for a lifetime effortlessly. There are moments in life that everyone looks back on, and refers to within our own family tree, moments that everyone wants to remember, Vidisha captures them beautifully and provides the option of customised albums to add to your treasure trove of memories.
Food and entertainment
If you’ve chosen a play area or an entertainment centre, this bit is taken care of automatically. Make sure you check the dietary requirements for all your guests. Do they have any allergies or food preferences? Once you know the food requirements you can plan a menu at home or outside. Nothing beats the food at a kid’s birthday party. Chowmein, pizza, dosa, sandwiches, jelly cups — it’s the best.
Nothings beats the food at a kid’s birthday party
Depending on the age of your little one and your budget, you may wish to provide the entertainment yourself. Think good, old-fashioned party games like Pass The Parcel, Pin The Tail On The Donkey, Musical Statues. For older children, or if you are pushed for time, hire an entertainer. There are so many epic entertainers out there, from magicians to face painters, balloon artists, to costume-clad entertainers. They take care of the fun games and activities and make sure that the kids are having a blast. If mums are invited to the party, ensure that there is a designated zone with refreshments where they can get some down time while the little ones are busy having a gala time.
Party favours
A party favour is a lovely keepsake, or souvenir, from the party. Small, take-home activities such as colouring pages, stickers, or craft materials are always a hit with little ones and grown-ups alike. For bigger budgets, a children’s book or a DIY kit (around the theme of the party) is a great gift to help all the guests remember the fun time they’ve had. Party favours make every child that comes to the party feel special. Toycra is a one-stop solution for these and has a wide range of activities and books that the children will enjoy. They pack them as per parents request and send them across making our lives easier. Khilona Chacha in Bagree Market is another great option with a vast collection for all ages and budgets.
Sometimes birthday celebrations can be overstimulating for your little ones. You are excited, planning the perfect day for them, but the attention, loud noise and plethora of colour can lead them to not have a good time — meltdown central. Amidst the planning and celebration, notice what brings your child joy and stick to it. If now you are the only one who feels overwhelmed by all these newfangled birthday ideas, honour the spirit of your child’s wishes and keep it simple. Follow what I call the “Coco Chanel Rule of Parenting.” Look at your birthday plan for the year and take one thing off. And then, let the feelings be what they are.
Birthday parties are an exciting and memorable time for kids, filled with laughter, games, and sweet treats. Whether you’re a first-time party planner or a seasoned pro, this checklist will help you stay organised and create a memorable celebration for your child and their friends.
The author is an economist and full-time millennial mother, struggling to cope with daily chores
