The Perfect Kids' Birthday Party

Experts say to invite the same number of kids as the child's age, but trust your judgment about how many little guests your kid can happily handle.
  • Share
  • Print Print
  • Comment Comments (1)

What Does Baby Want?

Everyone has a different tolerance for party planning, and when it comes to potential for stressful logistics, kids' parties rank second only to weddings. Still, some of us thrive on it: We love big affairs with lots of people. Others want only a handful of guests, thank you very much.

What does baby want? Many kids are adaptable and will roll with whatever celebration you put on, as long as they get parental attention and some semblance of a normal routine (don't mess with naptime, Mom!). But you know your own child -- adjust the level of hoopla to whatever you think he can handle.

And we're not going to lie: Anything you do will require some work. Just sharing cake with your 1-year-old is a mess -- but fun! And that's what it's all about, providing everyone -- but mostly you and your child -- with a good time. We've rounded up ideas to help you enjoy the day.

You're Invited!

  • Are young kids coming? Have your party take place either before 1 p.m. or after 3 p.m. to avoid naptime conflict.
  • For the sake of your sanity, give the party a start and end time. It's the first step in getting the "time to go!" hint across.
  • With the invitations themselves, add a homemade touch by tracing your baby's hand on the outside of a blank card. Or let your toddler "decorate" with stickers.

Continued on page 2:  Look Who's Coming

 

What do you think of this story?  Tell Us.

Related Links
Check out some fabulous, creative ideas on saving ...

It doesn't take much to turn your home into a part...

A party and cake are great. But there are many oth...

Related Videos
Plan a fabulous cupcake party for your kids! Learn...

Parents Magazine has great tips for throwing a bir...



Comments
Comments (1)
4203543271
powerluvs wrote:

My Daughter's birthday is in December, she just turned one and went to her first birthday party in November, the little boy turned 4. The goody bags were such a waste of time and effort on the parents part because i just threw it away when I got home, so for my daughter's first birthday instead of goody bags, i went to the Gap and bought hats and scarfs and mittens and but them in gap gift bags and i gave it to all the kids...they loved them.

3/2/2010 02:23:43 PM Report Abuse
Add your comment

You must be logged in to leave a comment. Register | Log In

Please confirm your comment by answering the question below and clicking "Submit Comment."

  • Mom Finds
  • Mom Tools
  • Win
Parents Magazine on Facebook

Latest updates from Parents Network

Follow American Baby on Twitter Follow Parents on Twitter