Parents and caregivers can find it both exciting and overwhelming to plan a birthday celebration. Each age group has different social dynamics, interests, and needs. It can be difficult to plan a celebration for them each year.
This guide to birthday parties by age group will provide you with tips, ideas, and fun activities that are sure to make your event memorable for both parents and children. involved.
Age 1
Do not be mistaken: the first birthday is really an anniversary celebration of you becoming a parent. Your one-year old may love the festive atmosphere but she won’t know what a birthday party is. Parents often choose to have this celebration be for adults only. If you choose to invite another baby, keep the celebration short (under one hour) so that nap times are accommodated.
- No need for formal games. All that little ones will need is bubbles and songs.
- Take lots of photos of your child with frosting on their face. This will be the only thing they remember of the party.
- Keep it short.
- Avoid buying cute tablecloths and napkins. These will probably be eaten. Go to an art supply store and buy a large roll of blank white paper. Tape the ends of the paper to the table and cover the entire surface. Set up a table with crayons and let the children color their tablecloth.
- Make sure that you host your little guests in a room that is completely baby proofed.
- Avoid balloons. They can cause choking hazards when they pop.
Age 2
A party for children under two presents unique challenges. You need to prepare for all their emotions. They can change from angry to excited in minutes. The majority of two-year-olds still hold on to their toys. They may share them with each other, but they will always want them back. You should put away all of your child’s toys before having a large group of friends over.
- The majority of guests will not understand why they cannot take the gifts home if you don’t open them at the party.
- You shouldn’t plan games because most twos will only play in parallel.
- Play with sand or clay, and water if you can. Most twos enjoy working with their hands. If possible, do some outdoor activities since twos love to make a mess.
- Make sure your guests are in a room that is completely baby proofed. Twos can be very adept at opening door and finding dangers.
- Be careful when lighting candles. Make sure that no ruffles, bows or pigtails get ignited.
- Avoid balloons. They can cause choking hazards when they pop.
Age 3
Children don’t really start to understand parties until they turn three. Children who have grown up in a group setting, such as at preschool, playgroups or daycares, will usually enjoy a celebration. If your child is shy you should keep this in mind as you plan.
- Most threes prefer singing and circle activities to group games.
- Try a simple Simon Says version (without expecting the children to know right from left).
- Children who are three years old usually play with other children for a short time, but have a hard time cooperating. Expecting too much from your guests is unreasonable.
- The majority of guests will not understand why they cannot take the gifts home if you don’t open them at the party.
- Avoid overstimulating the guests (and yourself) by keeping your party at 90 minutes.
Age 4
The majority of fours have a lot of energy, imagination and are great (but exhausting!) partygoers.
- Keep the game moving and short. Fours can be impatient.
- Include music, as most children enjoy silly songs and words.
- This age group will enjoy treasure and scavenger hunting.
- Fours are very active and will need lots of games.
- Plan for an event lasting about two hours.
Age 5
The planning of the party may be more fun for a five-year-old than the actual event. It’s important to include your five-year old in the whole process. Theme parties are a good idea.
- Make-believe games are especially popular with fives. Have some props (a pizza shop, a fire station, a baker, etc.) on hand.
- Fives is usually ready to play games that teach left and right like Hokey Pokey and Simon Says.
- Plan accordingly. Some fives may still struggle to take turns even though they are ready for organized games.
- The majority of five-year-olds are now ready to do crafts that require more than finger painting.
- Plan for an event lasting about two hours.
Ages 6-8
Parties take on a greater significance for children aged 6-8. They are old enough to play most organized games, and they have a good sense of fairness.
- The children of this age are very specific about what they want from their parties. Listen to what they have to say (within reasonable limits! ).
- If desired, children aged six and older are ready to host parties away from home.
- You can teach your children to play games that have rules, such as dominoes or cards. One family held a successful kids’ casino night.
- Consider games that involve clues and puzzles for kids this age.
- You can experiment more with the menu as fewer children of this age are picky eaters.
- Parties shouldn’t last more than two and a half hours.
