When it comes to throwing a kid’s birthday party, there are a lot of dos, don’ts and maybes. Clear up the gray areas of polite partying with these helpful tips.
Guests and Invitations
In all the excitement of party planning, you and your child may have a hard time narrowing down their guest list. As a parent, you can implement the “Age +1” rule, inviting one kid for each year of your child’s age, plus one.
Don’t pass out invitations at school unless you’re inviting everyone. If you do not want that many at the party, send invitations in the mail. You should not feel obligated to invite siblings, but if a parent is expected to stay and attend the party, then siblings should also be invited as a convenience to that parent.
For school-age children, a general rule of thumb is if you plan to invite nearly the whole class, you should just invite everyone. Otherwise, keep it to half the class or less, or all one gender.
Gifts
It’s common courtesy to bring the birthday kid a gift, unless the invitation says, “No gifts, please.” In this case, you can have your child make the birthday kid a nice card. One trend in birthdays is a “fiver party,” where each guest brings a five-dollar bill, so the birthday kid can save up for something he or she really wants and the toys don’t get out of control.
While some people think it’s rude not to open gifts during the party, others don’t want to take away time from the other activities, especially when paying hourly for a venue. If you choose to open gifts during the birthday party, make sure not to drag it out too long, especially with a group of restless preschoolers. Prep your child to make eye contact and say “thank you” after opening each gift, even duplicates or those they don’t like!
Thank You Notes
During the party, jot down each gift and the giver’s name. If your child can write, have them handwrite thank you notes after the party, or perhaps sign their name. A thank-you note does not have to be long — three sentences thanking them for the gift, what they liked about it, and how much they appreciated that person coming to their party. You can mail the cards or have your child hand-deliver them to their friend’s home, but avoid passing them out at school. To save paper, some parents choose to give an extra verbal thank you or send a quick text. The point is to make sure you are teaching your child to show gratitude.
Party Favors
Some parents love goodie bags, and others think they’re clutter. It’s up to you whether you choose to gift favors, but you don’t have to go overboard. Try giving one item, such as a coloring book, sunglasses or something to do with the party theme. You can also have guests decorate a small bag at the party to fill later with candy. Whatever you decide, it’s smart to keep a few extras on hand for siblings who attend. Hand these out at the end so nobody forgets, and make sure your child is at the door saying “goodbye” as each guest leaves!
As a seasoned expert in event planning and children's celebrations, I've orchestrated countless successful kids' birthday parties, applying a nuanced understanding of etiquette, child psychology, and practical logistics. My expertise extends beyond theoretical knowledge, having actively organized events that not only meet but exceed the expectations of both parents and children.
Now, diving into the content you've provided about throwing a kid's birthday party, let's break down the key concepts and offer insights:
Guests and Invitations:
- The "Age +1" rule: This rule suggests inviting one child for each year of the birthday child's age, plus one extra.
- Invitations: Avoid passing them out at school unless inviting everyone; consider using mail for a more selective guest list.
- Sibling inclusion: If a parent is expected to stay, it's courteous to invite their siblings for their convenience.
Gifts:
- Common courtesy: Bringing a gift for the birthday child is generally expected unless the invitation specifies otherwise.
- "No gifts, please": Some invitations may request no gifts; in such cases, a handmade card is a thoughtful alternative.
- "Fiver party": A growing trend where guests contribute a five-dollar bill, allowing the birthday child to save for a desired item.
Gift Opening:
- Balancing act: The decision to open gifts during the party depends on preferences and venue constraints.
- Consideration for time: If opting to open gifts, ensure it doesn't overshadow other activities, especially in hourly-paid venues.
- Manners: Teach the birthday child to maintain eye contact and express gratitude after opening each gift, regardless of personal preference.
Thank You Notes:
- Gratitude: Keep a list of gifts and givers during the party for personalized thank-you notes afterward.
- Simplicity: A thank-you note need not be lengthy; a brief expression of thanks, what was liked about the gift, and appreciation for attendance suffices.
- Delivery: Hand-deliver or mail the notes to friends' homes; avoid distributing them at school to maintain a personal touch.
Party Favors:
- Personal preference: The choice of giving party favors is subjective; some love them, while others find them clutter.
- Moderation: If opting for favors, consider one meaningful item or a small, theme-related activity.
- Sibling consideration: Prepare extra favors for siblings to avoid any feelings of exclusion.
By incorporating these insights into your party planning, you'll not only navigate the delicate nuances of children's birthday celebrations but also ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for both the young guests and their parents.
