There’s nothing quite like that fantastic first birthday party your child will remember. Note that this doesn’t have to be their “first party,” rather one that they’ll look back on with fondness. For that reason, such a party could take place when they’re six, or eight, or ten, or whenever you feel it’s most appropriate. For the purposes of this guide, we’re going to assume your little one is still a relatively young child.
Putting together a big blowout party doesn’t have to be super expensive, but making sure the right elements are in place for a lovely day can be a great idea. For some, heading to specialized services like the Lazer Port Fun Center https://www.lazerportfuncenter.com/birthday-parties can help you avoid most of the hard work while still enjoying a fantastic time.
In this post, we’ll discuss a few steps to achieving such a party:
Carefully Consider The Guest List
Don’t treat this like a networking event, it’s fine to just have the children you know can behave and have nice parents. The ages of the guests matter too. If there’s a big range, it’s good to think about activities that everyone can enjoy. It’s fine if there are only a few extra children, what matters is the fun they have together. Try to avoid transactional invites too – if you know a child can’t behave and might ruin the day, it might not be wise to bring them along, even if you received an invite for theirs.
Cater To Dietary Needs
It’s pretty common for kids to have food allergies or special diets. When sending out invitations, it’s helpful to ask parents about any dietary needs, even if you’re paying for a meal out. This could be anything from nut allergies to gluten-free diets, but make sure that any allergies are treated incredibly seriously – no nuts in the cake at all, for example. Often, it’s easier to have a variety of options rather than making separate meals for different needs.
Plan The Day Into Segments (With Rest Well-Prioritized!)
Any parent will tell you that a great birthday party is all about good pacing. Kids have lots of energy and will run themselves rampant, but they can also get tired or overwhelmed quickly. Breaking the party into clear segments helps keep them relaxed, hydrated and not hyper. Starting with a fun icebreaker game can help everyone feel comfortable. Then we can move on to more active games or activities, and the “main event,” with time to cool down before they eat.
Arranging Mutual Transport & Parental Chaperones
Getting everyone to and from the party safely is a big part of making the day convenient for everyone. Group transport can be a great idea to and from to make sure everyone arrives on time. A hired minibus or some carpooling parents can turn the journey into part of the fun, because kids often love traveling together, and it takes some stress off individual families.
For parents dropping off their children, make sure to give clear instructions about pick-up times and places so they know what to expect. Moreover, make sure at least one other set of parents are with you to help chaperone the children and keep an eye on them.
With this advice, you’re sure to have a great time when throwing your child’s first birthday party.
