The Do's and Don'ts of Parties for Kids

No matter what age your children are, the desire to provide them with a memorable birthday party never dies down. Parties for kids can easily become a source of stress; if you let them. On the other hand, making yourself aware of some basic do's and don'ts can turn them into occasions that are fun to plan, and easy to enjoy.

Do: Set a Budget

Before you begin planning your party, it is wise to know how much money you can spend on it in advance. Your budget should be dictated by how much you are spending on presents, plus how much you are willing to spend on the finer aspects. Set your rough number first, and then use it to determine how much you are willing to spend on each element. When you have your budget, shop around for the separate elements. Switching food brands, using price comparison engines, and searching sites like eBay can help you save on each item you need to buy. Remember, every small saving can add up to a significant final amount. 

Do: Book Your Entertainment in Advance

As a parent, you will be forgiven for thinking that the Childrens party entertainers you need is going to be available on the date you desire. However, there are certain times of year when entertainers are booked up rapidly. In advance of the party, identify the best day for holding it. Once you have done that, contact your chosen entertainer to determine whether they are available for a booking. Once you have paid your deposit, you can begin planning the smaller aspects of your kids parties.

Don't: Feel the Need to Keep Up With the Joneses

A 2012 survey by Net-mums found that some parents were spending as much as £800 on parties for kids. According to the surveys respondents, this was driven by the desire to keep up with the Joneses. While you may have attended what seemed like the perfect event, that does not mean you have to play to an audience and organise one that is extra elaborate. Remember, it is the kids you are trying to impress, not the parents. For the majority of children, being with their mates and having some distractions is enough.

Don’t: Forget to Set Time Limits

When you write out your invitations, don't forget to let parents know what time the party ends. Not only does this prevent you from having children on your hands for an indefinite amount of time, it is useful for the parents of guests. When deciding whether you RSVP with a "yes", parents want to know how to plan the rest of their day around the party. That is something that they can do when they know what time you want to round things up.

Observing these simple do's and don'ts is a great way to eliminate stress and plan your party with very little to worry about.