Birthday Bash
Birthdays are milestones that mark another year of growing, another year of change. But for many parents, these milestones are more like millstones when deciding how to celebrate their child's birthday. But it doesn't have to be. Today parents have many options to choose from: entertainers who come into the home, local facilities that offer a variety of packages and a plethora of do-it-yourself books and websites for the brave at heart. In fact, the biggest decision parents have to make is where to have the party and what the theme will be.
Several weeks before his birthday, ask your child how he would like to celebrate his big day. Tell him what the options are based on your time, budget, and preferences. Brainstorm together and consider his interests and hobbies. Can the party be centered on one of these? Whether you have the party at home or in a facility, you can incorporate something that lets a part of your child's personality shine.
AT-HOME PARTIES
One way to theme a party after your child's interest is to have the event at home. Should you decide to choose this route, you'll have two options: do it yourself or hire outside help. If you have time and desire to give the party yourself, the possibilities are unlimited.
Theme & Guest List
After deciding upon a theme, make a guest list. The recommended number of children will depend upon whether the party will be held inside or outdoors. If the weather is nice and you'd like to have the party outside, you could easily invite 15 guests. However, if the party is indoors, it's best to keep to no more than ten children.
Another way to determine how many children to invite is to consider the birthday child's age. Some experts recommend using a formula where the number of guests coming is equal to one to one-and-a-half times the child's age. For example, a 4-year old's party would have four to six friends; and 8-year-old's would have eight to twelve guests. Whatever number you choose, keep it manageable.
Timing
Unless the party is a sleep-over, keep it to two or three hours (one-and-a-half hours for children 4 years and younger). Make a list of activities you are planning and the approximate length of time each one will take. Remember that a well-planned party allows for both quiet activities and active play. Guests should be given time to warm up to the setting, release energy during the party, and calm down before heading home. Since the children will be arriving at slightly different times, plan a simple but flexible activity to keep them busy and free you up to welcome other arriving guests.
Games & Activities
When selecting games, consider the number of children, their ages, and whether the games will be held inside or outdoors. Choose ones that are easy to explain, fun to play, and will involve all the children. Cooperative games are best because they take the spotlight off any one child and focus on the team as a whole. Whatever activities you choose, remain flexible. If the children aren't enjoying themselves, stop, and move on to something else. And always plan more activities than you need.
Food & Snacks
When serving food, stick with kid-friendly basics—sandwiches, pizza, veggie strips and pretzels. If you want to spruce it up cut the sandwiches into interesting shapes, or turn the pizza into a clown face with pepperoni eyes, a cherry tomato nose and a strip of green pepper for the mouth. The cake can be special, too. Consider allowing each child to ice and decorate hir or her own cupcake.
Decor
Simple decorations go a long way too. A few helium balloons and crepe paper can make any room look festive. Choose party favors that are fun, but inexpensive such as a toy related to the theme of the party or a bag filled with a blend of fun-to-eat but healthy treats. For those wishing to spend a bit more, an activity, such as painting t-shirts or planting flowers in pots, is fun. The idea here is to be flexible, creative, and still stay within your budget. What is the party theme? Is there an activity or item you can purchase that will reflect that theme?
Ask for Help!
If you are giving the party by yourself, get help on the big day. An extra pair of hands (or two or three!) is essential no matter what age the children are. As you prepare a guest list, ask a few close friends or relatives to come and help. If there are no willing volunteers, hire a teen. Chances are she needs the money and would enjoy the event.
PARTY ENTERTAINERS
If you want to have the party at home, but have little time or energy to plan it, consider hiring a party entertainer to help with the details. Ask friends and relatives who they have used. Were they happy with the services they received? At the same time, check local resources or contact a party retail center in your area and ask for referrals.
Finally, ask for references. Can the entertainer give you several names of people who have used his services recently and could vouch for him? Since entertainers are often called upon for special library, festival, and fund-raising events, ask if there are any upcoming appearances where you could watch them perform. If so, bring your child so he or she can get a feel for the entertainment you are thinking about.
A FACILITY
If you'd like to give your child a memorable birthday celebration but don't want to have it at home, there are plenty of establishments you can go to. Local businesses that offer packaged events may cost a bit more, but the benefits are well worth it – no set up, clean up, or activities to plan. Choose a location based on your child’s interest. Ask friends and relatives where they have gone in the past.
Before making the final decision, stop by the facility and see a party underway. How smoothly is it run? Is the facility safe? Is it clean? Are the bathrooms easily accessible? Are the guests enjoying themselves? Is the host or hostess friendly and good with kids? Do the guests have plenty of time to enjoy the activities, or are they rushed from one event to another? What about the food, does it look appealing? By taking the time to stop by, you'll learn a lot more about this place than if you just make a phone call.
Above all, remember that because your child's birthday comes only once a year, it deserves recognition. Whatever you choose, make it special. You are, after all, celebrating another year of growth, another year of change.
Once you have a few names, call the organization and ask the following:
• What services do you offer?
• What ages do you typically cater to?
• Can the party be tailored to a particular theme?
• What exactly do you take care of (games, activities, refreshments, cake, invitations, decorations, party favors)?
• How long do the parties run?
• How much do you charge?
• What am I expected to do?
Denise Yearian is the former editor of two parenting magazines and the mother of three children.
