Arranging a child’s birthday get-together doesn’t need to mean tossing a party that speaks to the kids – and feels like another dime-a-dozen weekend for dads and moms. Without a doubt, the parents ought to be compensated and celebrated, as well, for the diligent work of child rearing!
Here are her top tips for making a memorable children’s birthday party that grown-ups too will appreciate:
- Ditch the licensed characters. Many kids go nuts for the characters from their favorite movies or shows.
- Choose but don’t overuse the details. A theme for a kid’s birthday party doesn’t have to mean one idea repeated in every detail.
- Broaden the guest list. “Don’t be afraid to celebrate your kids with your kid-free friends,”
- Serve adult-friendly fare.”What would you serve the adults if they came without their children?” Granger-Twomey encourages hosts to ask themselves. “Think past the pizza, cupcakes, and juice boxes.”
- Hire entertainment for the kids. If the budget allows, consider an entertainer — GamesOnTruck— to occupy the kids … and allow the parents a bit of hands-free time to enjoy the fete themselves with their friends.
- Consider an evening affair. Of course, kids have early bedtimes, and that’s why their parties are traditionally around the lunch hour.