Kids love parties! Some good reasons to have a gathering of children include birthdays, holidays, and life milestones. Some occasions create their own theme (such as a sports team party). At other times, coming up with a theme can add to the event.
Setting a theme helps with decision making. It narrows down possibilities and inspires ideas on party invitations, activities, party games, party favors, party supplies, and decorations. A themed cake or cupcakes can also add to the fun.
How to Begin Party Planning
The ideas here are starting points to help party planners in brainstorming a theme for an event that fits a certain group of kids. A nice theme for one group might feel silly to another. It is helpful to consider the group to be invited, their likes and dislikes, the ages of the kids, and limits. Limits might be budget, number of guests, place the party is held, and any special needs.
The best place to start is with issues that are already set. Will the party be held at a home? Will it be indoors or outdoors? Will it be held at school? Where is a close local location convenient to all?
Limits may need to be discussed. Is there a budget? How many people will (or can) be invited? Will the party be co-ed, all girls, or all boys? Will parents or other adults be needed to help? Are extended families invited?
Making lists of such things is helpful. Names and phone numbers (or email addresses) may need to be gathered for invitations and other contact needs.
Some Good Theme Ideas for Kid Parties
Keeping in mind the above, it is time to pick a party theme. The following ideas can be made to suit different ages, sexes, guest numbers, and venues.
If the party is centered on a certain child (a birthday, for instance), giving thought to the child's likes is a great place to start. This could lead to a theme based on a favorite:
- animal (horses, puppies, kittens, dinosaurs)
- toy (Lego, favorite dolls, trucks or cars)
- game or sport
- cartoon or movie
- video game system or character
- anything! (science, a book, a color)
For more ideas, read:
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Party Planning and Party Themes
It is helpful to keep in mind that a party theme is simply a guideline. Party planners should always feel free to add other elements that compliment the main idea. For example, a circus party need not have circus party goods all over the room. Themed party supplies can be highlighted in a few key areas, with complementary items expanding upon the theme.
Janienne Jennrich - Janienne Jennrich, Topic Editor for Kids & Teen Parties and for Hair, is an award-winning freelance writer & webmaster.
