The rules of stress-free party planning

Stop right there if you’re worried about your baby or toddler’s upcoming birthday party!

Your child can feel the joy and wonder of turning another year older without giving you grey hairs or forcing you to sleep less.

Here’s how to celebrate another year around the sun without going insane or breaking the bank.

Don’t hire an expensive party venue

Home parties are ideal for first and second birthdays. Children of this age are still quite egocentric, necessitate constant supervision, and still need to be ready to grasp the concept of a party. If you don’t have enough space at home, ask friends or family if you can use theirs.

You don’t have to invite everyone you know

Because it is such a special occasion, you may be tempted to invite everyone. But keep in mind that this is a choice, not a rule. If you try to keep the number of children to ten or fewer, you will most likely have a much more relaxed time.

Don’t overspend on decorations

When it comes to décor, keep it simple. You only need a few matching party boxes, serviettes, balloons, table cloth, and banner in a theme or colour, plus the invitations. The themed party plates will be thrown away anyway.

Don’t over cater

This is a costly mistake that many parents make. Because children have small appetites, large quantities will be wasted. Maintain simplicity. They’ll eat it as long as they recognise it and can hold it in their hands. Snacks and treats should be enjoyable and tasty, so get creative. Fish fingers, mini hot dogs, chicken nuggets, sandwich animals with jam, peanut butter and cheese spread, cocktail viennas, cheese wedges, and fruit juice are all great party foods for kids.

Adults should not be served a sit-down meal

Adults do not require a three-course meal. In fact, finger foods are ideal for parents. They are simple to use while holding a toddler. Sausage rolls, savoury pastries, chips and dips, and pizza slices are all good options.

Goodie bags are not required

We’re all aware that it’s a waste of money to buy more sweets for our children that they don’t need and cheap toys that will break or that we’ll smuggle into the trash after our children have gone to bed. If you insist on having goodie bags at your child’s birthday party, keep them simple. A pretty tinfoil-wrapped cookie is a great alternative to an assortment of sweets and toys.

Don’t hire entertainers

You don’t need to hire a clown or a magician to make your child’s birthday party a success.

Instead, choose from a few free age-appropriate games:

Between the ages of one and three years: Play should be unstructured. Most kids will enjoy running through sprinklers, playing in a giant ball pond, and staying close to mom.
Four years: Most children enjoy treasure hunts, pin (or prestik) the tail on the donkey, and pass the parcel.
Five years: When it’s hot outside, water games can be a big hit (just make sure they are supervised at all times). Team games such as egg-and-spoon racing, obstacle courses, and three-legged races are also appropriate. They’ll also enjoy having their faces painted and doing arts and crafts (girls especially).