Journal Entry

Birthday party ideas: Elementary school child

Children’s birthday parties are always a special event, for both friends and family, but most importantly for the child and parents. To ensure a wonderful time is had by all, there need to be a few small rules and one great idea.

Send out formal invitations about 4 weeks before the birthday party, ask for confirmation. Send out reminders about 1-2 weeks before the party. Have back-up games, movies, and activities planned, just in case things go faster than expected or something wasn’t liked. If someone is going to need to spend considerable time in the kitchen or setting things up, try to secure the help of another adult for a chaperon.

For the great idea, focus in on the child’s favorite thing and use it as the theme for the party. When a theme is not easy to pick, try one of these childhood favorites.

Ultimate Pirate Birthday Party

• With pirates so popular right now, this is sure to please almost everyone. Add a note in the invitation asking that children dress like a pirate. Use ships, seagulls, shells, treasure, swords, and skulls as decorations.
• Stock up on lots of gold chocolate coins, gold and silver wrapped candy, deviled egg eyes, finger-shaped finger sandwiches, drinks in goblets, and a themed cake. Try to get some tiny, cheap treasure chests to put the party favors in.
• Play some silly traditional games like Bobbing for Apples, Scavenger Hunt, and Tin Can Shoot (use soft ball guns inside, water guns outside, and set tins on a table). Prepare some fun crafts like Pirate Hat Making, Tin Foil Swords, and Milk Box Pirate Ships. For activities, try Water Balloon Wars with teams, but make sure you note in the invitation that children will need swimsuits or a change of clothes. If an indoor idea is preferred, try Musical Ships. Believe it or not, it’s played the same way as Musical Chairs.

Under the Big-Top Birthday Party

• A circus-themed birthday party can take place indoors or out, and is a classic for good reason. It’s easy to do and requires simple-to-find materials. Prepare festive decorations with lots of balloons and streamers to give things that circus feel. Think about adding a note in the invitation asking that children dress like their favorite circus performer.
• Prepare lots of popcorn, cotton candy, caramel apples (cut-up in a dish if the potential mess is too scary), hot dogs, drinks, and a themed cake. Have some lively circus music to play in the background. If possible, try a hired entertainer, like an old-fashion clown, juggler or magician. This is also a perfect time to rent one of those blow-up bouncing castles. Give an inexpensive kids’ magic trick in each party favor, so the children can spend time impressing each other with their tricks.
• Play silly traditional games like Pin the Tail on the Lion, Clown Ball Toss (throw plastic balls into the mouth of a clown), and make or buy an animal pinata. Prepare some fun crafts like Paper Plate Clown Masks, Face Painting, and E-Z Balloon Animals. Activities can include everyone trying to learn to juggle (but use soft objects), and balancing acts (use a simple, thin, wooden beam lying on the ground).

Be prepared for anything, because anything can always happen, especially with kids. Think things out, and take a deep breath. It might seem a little stressful at the time, but you and your child will be creating a wonderful memory to look back on.