Birthday Party Theme Ideas for 2- to 4-Year-Olds

Crayon Party

If there's one toy every toddler can agree on, it's the ever popular crayon. A crayon party, with plenty of color choices for everyone, is sure to get the creative juices flowing. Invest in some boxes of fun colors and sizes -- nice big fat crayons are an extra bonus.

Game: Color a Tablecloth. Take a page from your favorite kid-friendly restaurant. Tape sturdy white paper over the dining room table and turn the mini artists loose. Grown-ups can join in too (if they can muscle in a place at the table). Save your tablecloth as a memento for your birthday boy or girl.

Party favor: Bouquet of new crayons. Go for some unusual colors and shapes.

Planning timeline

• One month before party day: Make guest list, plan menu, send invitations.
• Two weeks before party day: Shop for party favors, paper goods, and items needed for the tablecloth art project. Ask a friend or relative who has RSVP'd to act as your assistant on party day.
• One week before party day: Shop for menu items.