Creative Living Media :: - Simple Solutions

How do I keep the children entertained? What are some alternatives to loot bags? When should I send out invitations? Discover the answers to these questions and more.

1 Involve your child in the party planning process. They are the best indication of what the other children will enjoy.
2 It is easy to become carried away with grand plans, but never forget who the party is for. View the party through the eyes of your child and organise everything with him or her in mind.
3 Making invitations is a great opportunity to save money, and a fun activity to do with your child.
4 Send out invitations at least two weeks before the day of the party. If the party falls during school holidays or a long weekend, be sure to give ample notice, as many families may be planning a trip away.
5 On the invitation, specify whether a meal will be served, or simply snacks. Parents will appreciate knowing whether to feed their children before the party.
6 Inquire about any food allergies or health conditions, of which you should be aware, such as asthma or diabetes.
7 If hosting a party in your home is out of the question, and a specialist party venue is over the budget, consider holding the party at an ice-skating rink, bowling alley or local swimming pool. Most venues have affordable party packages available.
8 As guests are arriving, have an activity planned that does not require the participation of all children, but will keep those present amused while waiting for the remaining guests.
9 After the first game or activity, serve the food. This will prevent children becoming disgruntled and hungry.
10 While it helps to have a plan and schedule, you should also be prepared to adapt to unforseen situations, and improvise by learning to use whatever materials are available.
11 If a game is not going well, move onto the next one. Similarly, if the children are really enjoying a particular game, continue playing beyond the originally allocated time.
12 It is important to be a strong leader throughout the party, particularly during games. Make sure you have the full attention of the group, and stand where everyone can see you.
13 Always include every guest in games and activities and make sure no one feels left. Avoid elimination games, particularly for younger children.
14 Make sure the games are age appropriate. Younger children will become frustrated with games they cannot understand, while older children are likely to become bored with simple activities.
15 Young children can be kept busy with simple activities such as colouring-in. Supply colouring books and crayons that will serve as entertainment on the day and can be taken home as party favours.
16 To keep children amused with an interesting activity, make paper hats that can be decorated with stickers, glitter and feathers. They can be altered to suit the theme of the party, for example, crowns for a princess party or rabbit ears for an Easter party.
17 For a unique alternative to common loot fillers, purchase large packs of art supplies such as coloured markers and stamp sets that can be divided amongst the guests.
18 If the children start to get too excited, gather everyone for a quick story. Maintain their attention by creating a narrative that involves each of the guests as characters.
19 To avoid arguments over who sits next to the birthday child, determine the seating plan before the party, with colourful place cards.
20 Write each child's name on a designated cup to avoid confusion and the need to hand out multiple cups for each child. Back to Simple Solutions