When it’s your little one’s big day, you have more to worry about than just finding the perfect gift (though that’s certainly a critical factor, too). From guest list and themes to entertainment and refreshments, your party planning abilities will be put to the test whether you’ve got toddlers, 6-year-olds, or kids of all ages attending this shindig. For the best results, it’s crucial to plan your party well in advance. With a timeline that stretches from before the party to its aftermath, having a plan in place can help you stay organized and host the best party ever.
Two Months to Go
Well before the party, talk to your little one about what sort of a party they’d love most. Depending on your child’s preferences, they might have suggestions for the best toys to give to their friends as party favors, the perfect theme for the party, or simply the type of cake they’d prefer!
Once you and your kiddo have an idea for their dream party, you can start the planning process. First, create your guest list, order custom invitations, and book any entertainment or venue you‘ll need. Then, shift your focus to a different sort of priority: finding the best kids gifts for the birthday kid! There’s no shortage of gift ideas out there, of course, but the best gift of all may be a personalized option like a jigsaw puzzle of their beloved pet or a storybook starring them.
One Month to Go
By this stage, you should have invitations sent out and the basic logistics of the party set. You’ve found a perfect unique gift for the guest of honor, and everyone is getting more excited as the party approaches. At this point, the party planning gets to be even more fun. Now, you’ll set out to find the best party supplies, from decorations to party favors. You can also take time to hire any remaining services, like the bakery making the cake, a bottled water home delivery service to keep your guests hydrated, or any other services you’ll need to schedule in advance.
Then, you can finalize the menu, activities, and other party details as the big day approaches. You can create a timeline for the day of the party (leaving plenty of wiggle room for the best results) and follow up with guests who haven’t RSVP’d. Double- and triple-check your lists to ensure you have everything you need and make sure your special gift is wrapped and ready. If your party is at home, you’ll want to tidy up, too.
The Big Day
When the day of the party finally arrives, it’s sure to be a whirlwind of activity. Thanks to your preparation, though, your stress levels can be more under control. Finish any last-minute preparations and snap a few photos of details like the cake before guests arrive. During the party, you’ll want to make sure your child is having a good time. After all, it’s their birthday! Your schedule might include games, entertainment, food, presents, and cake, though the exact timeline will depend on your child and the guests who’ve arrived.
After the Party
Once the guests have dispersed, you’ll have some finishing up to do. You’ll need to clean up, of course, and pay for any bills that haven’t been settled already. Make sure your little one’s gifts are safely tucked away, with a list of gift-givers ready for thank you notes to be sent. Then, take a moment for a breath—you deserve a break after all this work!
Whatever your child’s interests, wish list, and age, some planning ahead of time can help you give them a birthday party they’ll never forget. Paired with the perfect gift, you’ll be parent of the year—at least until you usurp your own title next year.
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