Here’s a handy birthday party checklist to help you plan your child’s next celebration.
4 Weeks Before
- Mail out 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).
- Arrange for an entertainer if you’re going that route.
- Shop for party goods, decorations, and goody bags.
- Place all online orders now.
1 Week Before
- Follow up with any guests who have yet not RSVP’d.
- Buy your food and drinks.
- Bake your cake or cupcakes and freeze, or order a cake if you’re not baking.
- Plan out activities, and make sure you have all of your supplies.
1 Day Before
- Assemble goody bags.
- Review party manners with your child. Practice welcoming guests and thanking them for presents.
- Defrost and decorate your cake or cupcakes.
- Prepare any food you can ahead of time.
- Set the table and arrange additional seating.
- Charge your digital-camera and camcorder batteries.
Party Time!
- 15 to 20 minutes: Keep kids busy (as they wait for other guests to arrive) with a quiet activity such as an easy craft, or leave out a few age-appropriate toys like coloring books and puzzles.
- 20 minutes: Kids will be ready to move on, so lead them to a high-energy game or the party’s main activity.
- 15-20 minutes: Help kids wind down with a quieter activity such as Bingo or trivia questions.
- 20 minutes: Time for food, cake, and presents!
- 10 minutes: As the party winds down, hand out goody bags and make sure your child thanks his guests for coming.
