Themed Birthday Parties for Young Children

Some themes are popular for short periods of time while others are enduring favorites. As children grow older, their preferences generally separate into male and female. Here are some possibilities to consider:

• Disney and other characters from movies such as Winnie-the-Pooh, Barney, Jungle Book, Madagascar, Ice Age, Shrek, Cinderella, and Toy Story.

• Boyish themes include cowboys, pirates, soldiers, super-heroes, and adventurers.

• Girlish themes include fairies, ballerinas, Barbie, princesses, the circus and Teletubbies.

• Other parties take their theme from the surroundings. Consider holding the party at a model train track, a theme park, a fast-food outlet or a garden-type park.

What Themed Supplies are Available for Parties

Stores these days offer a large amount of branded merchandise as well as unbranded items that serve the purpose just as well. Here are some suggestions of what to include to strengthen the theme of the party:

• Party invitations set the theme and should include a picture or card that includes the theme or character. It may be an idea to suggest the child dresses up to match the theme.

• Look for party decorations such as flags, banners and balloons that feature the character of choice.

• Party games can be adapted to fit the theme. Try arranging a treasure hunt to search for Cinderella's slipper or a cowboy's hat.

• The birthday cake is always an important part of the celebrations. Themed cakes can be ordered from some bakeries or make your own by adding a doll or figurine.

• Supply little gifts for the winners of games and wrap these in themed paper. If possible, give prizes that tie into the theme such as coloring books or a pencil that have the character on.

• If making goody bags for visitors to take home, incorporate the theme into these as well.

Simple Tips to Make a Themed Party a Success

Planning is the key to the success of a theme party. About four or five weeks before the child's birthday, ask him or her what type of party they would like. Settle on a theme and then do some research. Look in budget stores to see what party stock they have that could be incorporated into the theme. Online stores may also have bargains that are worth hunting down.

Make a written plan of what activities you will arrange and what will be needed for these. Buy the items a few weeks before the party to avoid a last minute rush or panic if you cannot find what you are looking for. Also make a list of food and remember that you won't need that much. Young children are not normally big eaters. Send out the invitations about ten days before the party and request a reply.

Theme parties can be great fun for young children and will leave them with happy memories for years to come. Be sure to record the fun with photographs and relax and enjoy the party yourself.

Reference:

Birthday Party Ideas