The Ultimate Kids Party Planning Cheat Sheet

THE ULTIMATE KIDS PARTY PLANNING CHEAT SHEET Every parent will find themselves throwing a party for their little ones numerous times during their childhood but trust is when we say that it's easier said than done! Parties take A LOT of planning to ensure they run smoothly and that the birthday boy or girl and their friends have a day to remember. One of the biggest mistakes made when party planning is throwing the wrong party for the child's age.from the theme to the venue and, perhaps most importantly, how many guests to invite. want to throw the perfect party for your child? Find your child's age bracket below and don't look back. 1ST BIRTHDAY THE VENUE THE THEME THE TIME Mid-morning or mid-afternoon. Be sure to avoid nap times. A cake smash is a firm favourite but many don't bother with a set theme at this age. At home is usually your best choice. THE GUEST LIST THE FOOD Close family and friends (and their kids). Try to avoid inviting too many people. Traditional finger foods work great.sandwiches, crisps, veggie sticks etc. TOP TIP #1 TOP TIP #2 Charge your camera! Your baby won't remember their first birthday so take plenty of pics to show them when they're a little bit bigger. Let your little one open some of their presents at the party. It's great entertainment and family love to see their faces when they open their special treats. AGES 2 - 4 THE VENUE At home or a small local venue THE PARTY A traditional kids party with lots of balloons and music THE TIME Afternoons work well at this age. Take note of nap times and keep under 2 hours. which offers room hire. works wonders. THE GUEST LIST THE FOOD Family and parent's friends as well as a few friends of the Sandwiches, pizza slices, crisps, fruit and veggie sticks are always a hit child is perfect TOP TIP #1 TOP TIP #2 Host the party at a venue where there's plenty of room for parents to stay too to avoid tears from other young children. Don't forget to put some nibbles out for the adults too.they'll be more than grateful for it. AGES 5 - 7 THE VENUE This age group always THE TIME THE PARTY If the venue suits, fancy dress is perfecti Pick a theme and tell your guests. Weekend daytime works best for this age group. No naps to love soft play areas or hire a local venue. work around! Woo! THE GUEST LIST THE FOOD One friend for each year of the child's age is always a good starting point. Many venues will put on food but if doing it yourself, still stick to a finger food buffet. TOP TIP #1 TOP TIP #2 Most of your guests parents will leave their children Send invites out at least two to three weeks before the party to avoid replies of 'sorry, we're busy at this age. Make sure you've enough parents on hand to help out as needed. AGES 8 - 10 THE VENUE Book a party at a local 'attraction' for this age group for THE TIME THE PARTY Weekend daytime works best or after school (ending no later than 7) if necessary. From football parties to a dance extravaganza, ask your child what they want and get creative. maximum enjoyment THE FOOD Pizzas, burgers or 'build your THE GUEST LIST Anywhere between 10 and 15 guests is perfect for this age group. own' foods are always a nice treat TOP TIP #1 TOP TIP #2 If you're booking a party with a local provider, you'll Involve your child in the planning to ensure you throw the party which they want often need to book six months or more in advance to get the best time slots. AGES 11 - 13 THE VENUE THE TIME THE PARTY An 'activity' followed by a sleepover is always a vwhole host of fun. At home, the cinema, ten Weekends are usually the best bet once kids hit high school. pin bowling or laser quest. THE GUEST LIST A smaller group of close friends creates a lovely THE FOOD A takeaway is great for sleepovers as are plenty of midnight snacks! atmosphere. TOP TIP #1 TOP TIP #2 If it's your child's first sleepover, be prepared for them not to actually get much sleep! Keeping numbers low helps to control this. As much as you feel the urge, stay out of their way when not needed. They're big boys and girls now AGES 14+ THE VENUE THE TIME THE PARTY Most teenagers will want to throw an evening party. At home, a local restaurant or Either a small gathering at entertainment venue. home or a 'disco' at a local venue is the usual request. THE FOOD Do your best to serve your THE GUEST LIST Invite guests based on the venue. A few at home or larger numbers at a venue. teen's favourite food, snacks and drinks. TOP TIP #1 TOP TIP #2 Have a chat with your child about keeping the party off social media before the day. We've all heard the horror stories of uninvited guests. Alcohol and teenagers don't mix Remember it's illegal and that even allowing just one' is a recipe for disaster. 18TH BIRTHDAY THE VENUE THE TIME THE PARTY Anything before 8pm by this age will be seen as too early! A local club or venue with Hire a DJ and throw a party they'l never forget They'll only plenty of space for dancing. become an adult once. THE GUEST LIST THE FOOD Lots of friends and family is what an 18th party should consist of. Ask yourself whether food is really necessary or whether it's the drink which will be in demand. TOP TIP #1 TOP TIP #2 Consider keeping the party a surprise. Get a group of your child's friends on board to help plan and Remember to plan a venue which will allow under 18's to attend. Not all friends will be old enough to drink at the time of the party. keep it a secret. TWIZZLE Brought to you by twizzle.co.uk SOURCES: http://www.parents.com/fun/birthdays/ideas/kids-birthday-parties-frequently-asked-questions/ http://www.netmums.com/parties/party-ideas-getting-started http://www.pbs.org/parents/birthday-parties/tips.post/age-by-age-birthday-party-guide/ http://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/may/05/child-birthday-party-on-cheap http://www.birthdaypartyideas4kids.com/fun-birthday-party-games-2-3-4htm http://www.party-ideas-by-a-pro.com/kids-party-ideas.html