Babies and Toddlers

How to Plan Your Child's Birthday Party

You want your child's birthday to be special each and every year, but where to start? What to do? Follow the timeline below to keep yourself on track, and then check out our Kids Birthday Bash Forum for great ideas, tips and help from our members!

A month before the party
• Create a guest list.
• Choose a date for the party. Choose a time convenient for your invited guests.
• Choose a starting and ending time.
• Pick a theme for your party.
• Choose appropriate invitations for your party theme.
• Schedule a live impersonator/entertainer such as Cinderalla, Bozo the clown, or another childrens favorite. (optional)
• Schedule a professional photographer. (optional)

Two to three weeks before party
• Write and mail your invitations. Be sure to ask for an RSVP by a certain date.
• Plan the party games and activities. (best done in the theme of the event)
• Purchase your party supplies.
• Order the birthday cake. (unless you are making it yourself)
• Plan the menu.
• Arrange help for party, if needed. Family and friends always make great help!

The week before the party
• Create the party day schedule.
• Contact guests which may not have responded.
• Ensure you have plenty of film and batteries for the camera.
• Ensure their is tapes and batteries for the camcorder.
• Purchase the food for the menus.
• Purchase birthday candles for the cake.
• Child proof the party area.
• Get your present for your child!
• Confirm the live impersonator/entertainer. (optional)
• Confirm the professional photographer. (optional)
• Order helium balloons.

The day before the party
• Decorate for the party.
• Pick up (or bake) the birthday cake.
• Prepare foods and salads that can be prepared the day ahead.
• Make sure any rechargable batteries are charged.
• Make sure you have matches for the candles.

The day of the party
• Place balloons outside the home to mark your location for guests.
• Prepare any last minute foods.
• Place the candles on the cake.
• Make sure film and batteries are in the camera and camcorder.
• Place candles on cake.
• Enjoy your little one's birthday!