Kids’ Birthday Party Checklist

In honor of  the 6th anniversary of our website, we thought we’d re-blog our very first post from 2008–with a few revisions! 

Kids’ Birthday Party Checklist

Need a party planner for your child’s birthday? Here’s a handy birthday party checklist to help you throw a successful party for your child’s next celebration.

6 Weeks Before

• Discuss with your child what kind of party she wants. Decide on the party theme.
• Decide whom to invite.
• Before setting a date, check with essential guests to make sure they’re available.
• Book your chosen venue.
• Line up any entertainment you may want.

4 Weeks Before

• Ask for an updated class list from your child’s teacher
• Send invitations. Include information such as when the party will start and end and a date to RSVP by (at least two weeks before the big day).
• Shop for party goods, decorations, party favors, goody bags, and prizes for the games. Place any online orders now.

3 Weeks Before

• Plan your menu. Be sure to include enough food for the adults that will attend.
• Decide on activities and games to play. Plan more games than you expect to use in case you run out of activities before the party is over.
• Make a grocery list.
• Line up any extra help you may need. Tip: You need one adult for every 5 young children (5 years old and younger) and one adult for every 8 older kids.

1 Week Before

• If you’re having the party at home, clean the house thoroughly.
• For an outdoor party, do any major yard cleanup or planting.
• Follow up with any guests who have yet not RSVP’d.
• Order the cake and balloons.
• Plan out activities, and make sure you have all of your supplies.

3 Days Before

• Assemble the goody bags.
• Review party manners with your child. Practice welcoming guests and thanking them for presents.
• Go grocery shopping.
• Prepare any food you can ahead of time.
• Charge up your camera and check batteries.

1 Day Before

• For an outdoor party, mow the lawn and tidy the yard.
• Finish as much of the cooking as you can.
• Set the table and arrange additional seating.
• Child-proof the party area.
• Do a touch-up cleaning sweep through the house.
• If opening presents is on the agenda, practice polite “thank you’s” with your child.

Party Day

• Pick up cake and balloons, if ordered.
• Take plenty of pictures and videos to commemorate this special day.
• Make a list of gifts and who gave them.
• Send everyone off with party favors.

After the Party

• Be sure to send out thank you cards in a timely manner.