Party Planning Tips

Try to start organising your child's birthday party 4-5 weeks prior to the date of it to give you enough time to send out party invitations, order a birthday cake, order your DIY or Hosted party package and book any children's party entertainers.

Choose the type of party you are going to have: e.g. family occasion, just your child's friends, the whole class, just invited friends or friends, their siblings and parents, at home or at a venue, etc.
Choose a venue: most kids are happy to have their party at home as they get to show off all their toys to their friends but please refer to our venues section for some alternative ideas.
Choose a theme: suggest a few themes or ideas to your child and let them choose one (check out our kids party themes for some popular options).
Decide on a date: check that your child's best friend can come before you set the date & try not to make it during a long weekend/school holidays
Decide on a time & duration: depending on the age of the children and if and when they normally have their day sleep the best time periods for children's birthday parties are between 10.00am and 12.30pm (for little ones that still have an afternoon sleep after lunch) or between 2.00pm and 4.30pm. Kids under 4 have generally had enough after 1.5 hours, kids aged 4 to 6 are generally good for 2 hours and older than this it's up to you whether you want to have a longer party or not.
Book an entertainer or decide on party games: for kids under 3 they are usually happy just playing with whatever you have. For kids older than this check out our kids party entertainment section for some ideas. As they book up very quickly we suggest booking your entertainment before you finalise the date and send out invitations in case they aren't available.
Send out invites: try to do this at least 3 weeks prior to the party and remember to include your mobile number, email and an RSVP date.
Order/buy party supplies: plates, cups, napkins, decorations, loot bags & party favours, games, prizes, etc.
Order a birthday cake
Decide/organise party food: kids don't eat a lot at parties but if you are going to have a party close to lunch time then you do really need to have something substantial and not just chips and lollies and if you are going to have adult guests as well make sure you cater for them. If having hot food, put it out at the beginning so you are not rushing around in the middle of the party trying to heat up food and put it out (or assign someone to do this whilst you are playing games, etc.) If you are having a lot of guests or planning to have a long party or a bbq/picnic in the park, don't be shy in asking people to bring a plate of food and drinks, especially if it's mostly family and/or you are providing entertainment, party bags, etc.
Work out final numbers
Make up the loot bags: do this and whatever else you can the day before or several days before so you don't have too much to do on the day
Plan the party (inc. setup): have at least a rough schedule so you don't go way overtime and the kids don't get overtired or bored. Suggested schedule:
- 11.30am - setup decorations & table, etc.
- 12.00pm - setup games
- 12.30pm - get yourself and child/ren ready
- 1.30pm - put food out
- 2.00pm - kids arrive, presents gets opened
- 2.15pm - games/entertainment
- 3.00pm - food/drinks break
- 3.15pm - games/entertainment
- 3.45pm - cake
- 4.00pm - kids leave getting their loot bags on the way out
Set up your decorations, lay out the table, put out the food and drinks, dress yourself and the birthday child and take a valium!

If you'd like a copy of our kids party planning checklist, just subscribe to our birthday reminder service and you'll receive the link to download this, as well as $10 off your next order and regular tips and updates.

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Kids Party Tips

Party Planning Tips

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