Kids love parties... not so much the parents. When we think about having a birthday party for our kids, we think of the expense, the preparation, the noise, and the clean up. But cheer up. It doesn’t have to be this way. With a little planning, you can throw a great party your child will remember forever!

3 Weeks Before Birthday

Choose a theme - This might actually take the longest. You know kids aren’t exactly the most decisive in the world but about three weeks before your child’s birthday have your child decide on a theme for his party. Make sure he knows his decision is final.

What is your child into?

Pirates?
Superheros?
Princesses?
Bratz?
SpongeBob?
Latest Disney Movie?

You can bet that if your child thinks it’s a cool idea, then you are going to be able to find plenty of items in this theme at your local store. From invitations to plates and cups. From cakes to wrapping paper. If it’s cool, your friendly neighborhood discount store is going to know about it.

This is good news for you. This means you don’t have to hunt and dig for stuff for the party.

Plan the party - This is where you sit down and decide how long the party will last, how many children will be invited, and what type of games you will play.

Buy the theme decorations - It helps to go ahead and buy the decorations. You don’t want to put all this time into planning a party only to find out at the last minute that you can’t find all of the coordinating decorations.

2 Weeks Before the Birthday

Decide on a date and time.

Decide on the cake - This is the time for you to decide if you’re going to make a theme party cake or you are going to order one. If you’re going to make it, you need to buy the theme cake pan and supplies so you will have them on hand to make the cake the day before the party.

If you’re going to buy the cake, call the bakery and place your order.

Send out invitations.

1 Week Before the Birthday

Buy the supplies - Go to the store with one list that has all of the supplies you will need for food, games, and goodie bags.

1 Day Before the Birthday

1. Make or pick up cake from bakery.
2. Prepare any decorations that need to be assembled ahead of time.
3. Fill the goodie bags.
4. Review the games. Make sure you understand the rules and have everything you need.

Day of the Birthday

1. Get dressed.
2. Straighten up house if having the party there.
3. Decorate.
4. Have fun.