Party plans for the little one? It’s understandable for busy parents to groan at the sight of Pinterest-perfect parties that can be found at the top of the results page. It seems impossible to accomplish such a feat on a tight budget and time constraints.

Who has the time to hand-make custom desserts for guests? Fortunately, there are some tips that can help you out when organizing a children’s birthday party.

While you plan and brainstorm for the party, consider going for easy party themes that are manageable and have a lot of room for personal interpretation. You can get away with cheap party supplies that way, and the birthday child will appreciate the details. Here are more tips on how to put together an unforgettable kiddie party.

Free E-invite Prints

A party is not a party when there are no guests. Invitations let family and friends know pertinent party information such as the date, venue, and time. There’s nothing like a good old-fashioned invite card that you can buy at nearby stores for a few dollars.

If you want to go the extra mile and want professional-looking invitations that are unlike the general store-bought ones, head on over to the internet. There are a lot of printable invitation cards that can be customized accordingly. You can also utilize social media and send an invite using the platform or create a group chat with all the intended party guests. It’s more accessible, it’s free, and it saves paper.

Create To-Do Lists

Being swamped with a full-time job can cause forgetfulness. To-do lists are helpful in preventing you from overlooking important details and keeping you on track with things that need to be done. It can be overwhelming to have to do so much for a birthday party, but planning ahead and being organized can help.

The Venue Can Be Crucial

If the budget is not a cause for concern, there are party venues that go with a package deal. Therefore, it is more efficient to choose locations that include food, decor, and entertainment. Depending on how old the child and their peers are, some venues are more appropriate than others. Places with petting zoos or bouncy houses can be for the younger ones while the older children may love roller rinks or laser-tag parks.

For the parents who are looking for more economical ways to celebrate, you can always host the party at the house or at the local park. If you pick indoors at home, you can have the kids watch their favorite flicks. Parks can be for picnic parties where children are free to run around and play outdoors. Just make sure to consider the season and the weather for al fresco parties.

Food, Drinks, Cake

Consider the size of the food that will be served at the children’s party. Depending on the age of your kid, the food should be grasped by their own hands. It is ideal to prepare finger foods such as burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, and a variety of pastries and slices of fruits. Avoid food that needs cutting so you don’t need to provide cutlery and you prevent any untoward accidents involving sharp objects.

It’s also important to take note of your guests’ health. Certain ingredients in the food may trigger an allergy. When sending out invitations and confirming the attendance, ask parents if their little ones have any food allergies, and take those into consideration when ordering or making the food.

As for the drinks, juice pouches are a safe bet, as compared to fizzy drinks. A bottle of water or milk is a great option as well. As for the cake, your kid knows what flavor they like best, so best ask them about that. If you’re ordering cake, make sure to do so a few weeks in advance. If you’re making a cake from scratch, you can find lots of recipes online.

Games and Entertainment

Kids love games and entertainment, so it’s best to have something prepared for the party. If there are entertainers available, run through their performance beforehand, and see if it’s age-appropriate. Some children are easily frightened by clowns or acts that may involve fire.

Keep the party moving by incentivizing group games with prizes like candy or a small trinket. You can never go wrong with classic children’s party games, but you can also opt for safer, friendlier alternatives that are simpler for the younger ones. Allot a certain time for activities, and schedule accordingly to maximize the party fun.

Involve Your Child

This is their party, after all, so why not ask them for suggestions? If it helps narrow down the ideas, help them come up with choices, and choose from there.

Let them take part in the preparations too, like creating invitation cards and creating DIY decorations, just to name a few. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

What are your tips and tricks for organizing a children’s party? Sound off in the comments section below, and discuss your answers.