8 steps to a memorable kid’s party
You would be easily forgiven if the first thoughts that come to mind when confronted with having to throw a kid’s party involve screaming children, sugar-highs and parents just wanting it to be over.
Children’s parties can be complete sensory overloads. And depending on the Disney movie of the season, they can all start to feel like more of the same. Here are some easy tips to ensure you throw a kid’s party that will be memorable from start to finish:
Talk to your child about what they want
Your idea of a good time compared to what your son or daughter has in mind might be very different. Start the conversation a few months before their birthday to understand how they would like to celebrate their birthday.
Maybe they’re very active and want to spend a day doing their favourite outdoor activities with friends, or maybe they’re at the age where they’d rather have a sleep over with a few close friends. Float some ideas, but give them space to decide on what they really want.
Decide on a theme
This isn’t a must, but it definitely makes planning a little easier – and it doesn’t have to be based on a movie or series (as these themes can tend to get a little pricey when you have to buy pre-made décor). Even simple themes like a ‘pizza party’ or ‘pool party’ can be a hit, and (bonus) it’ll take care of most of the activities too.
Pick a venue
Depending on what type of party your kid would like to have, the best solution may be simply hiring some equipment and throwing a backyard bash with best friends and family. Remember, it isn’t necessary to break the bank to create a memorable party. For the most part it comes down to inviting the right people and adding personal touches that make it extra special.
Don’t over-plan
At the end of the day, kids will be kids. You can try and plan every detail down to the minute, but it’s highly unlikely that things will run perfectly to schedule! Be flexible – let the kids guide their own fun. If they want to spend two hours on the activity you’d only planned for 10 minutes, let them. You want them to remember the fun time they had with their friends rather than their mom shouting at them about the party schedule.
Think about the parents
It’s easy to get so wrapped up in planning what the kids will be doing that you forget about entertaining the parents as well. Setting up a separate space for the parents to chat and enjoy a meal away from the kids can actually make for a much more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Don’t make the food too complicated
When it comes to a kid’s party, it’s best to go for crowd-pleaser foods. Think burgers and mini pizzas – you can give these a healthy spin, but a birthday party is not the most ideal time to test out if the kids like quinoa (if they already do – awesome, go for it!). Also think about what you’ll have for the parents to eat and whether you’re going to need any help with the catering or extra cutlery, crockery and utensils.
Make or decorate the cake yourself
There’s something extra special about bringing your child’s dream cake to life yourself. That ‘wow’ moment when they see the cake for the first time is one of the most memorable parts of the day. If you don’t consider yourself a baker, go with a store-bought cake, but add some final touches yourself – little toys and figurines (that you don’t have to make!) can go a long way.
Capture it
In the midst of all the chaos, it’s easy to forget to actually photograph the fun – or go to the other extreme of worrying too much about taking photos that you forget to be in the moment. Ask a friend or family member to take on the role of ‘photographer’ for the day so you can focus on making memories – and then enjoy reliving them when you see the photos later.
At MPR Hiring, there’s no event too big or too small for our expert team. If you need help planning the logistics of an upcoming kids’ party, get in touch for a tailored quote. We’ll make sure everything goes smoothly so you can enjoy the day with your family.