Make planning your kid’s party a breeze. Just follow our simple checklist
to make sure your next celebration goes off without a hitch.
4-6 Weeks Out
- Decide on the theme of the party with the birthday child
- Select date, time and duration of the party
- Choose the location and if necessary make any reservations
- Organise the guest list
- If necessary book any entertainment required
- Develop a party agenda
2-3 Weeks out
- Make or buy invitations, fill out and mail
- Order any decorations that you aren't going to make yourself
- Decide on and start planning for the games and activities to be held at the party
- Purchase any party prizes (purchase enough for a few extras just in case)
- Decide on party favours and bags
- Plan the menu and make a grocery shopping list
- Order the birthday cake if you aren't planning on baking it yourself
- Arrange for help. Identify family members and friends who can help throughout the day
1 Week ahead
- Start gathering tables, chairs, toys, coolers, serving dishes, and other supplies you'll be using at the party
- Follow-up on outstanding RSVP's
- Buy paper plates, napkins, decorations, balloons, party hats, and other party supplies
- Confirm reservations for entertainment or party location, if necessary
2-3 Days Ahead
- Do the grocery shopping
- Make sure you have charged the digital camera
- Assemble party favour bags
One day ahead
- Clean the party area and put away items that may be dangerous or distracting
- Bake or pick up the birthday cake
- Prepare any party food that can be made in advance
- Practice saying "thank you" with younger children
4-5 hours before guests arrive
- Complete last minute food and drinks
- Set-up and decorate party area
- Set-up games
- Tie balloons to your mailbox or front porch so guests can easily locate the party
- Find matches for candles
- Make sure you have a pen and paper to record gifts
- Have a large garbage bag available to dispose of wrapping paper
1 hour before guests arrive
- Take pets to a safe place until the party is over. Some kids may be frightened and others allergic.
- Put the food on the table and candles in the cake
During the party
- Greet your guests as they arrive with the birthday party child
- If parents are dropping off children, confirm the pick-up time (and be sure you have a contact number in case of emergency)
- Don't forget to take photos (or ask another adult to do so)
- Enjoy!
The day after
- Finish cleaning-up
- Help your child write thank-you notes to party guests
- Have the photos developed and send to relatives put one on fridge and save some for scrap book