How to host an Awesome Party for the Kids

It's almost a rite of passage for a parent. To have to host a kids party where everyone's little ones will be there, needing to be fed, needing to be entertained.

Ok, it's not that bad, and a proper party is super fun for the kids. We've got tips to help you host the most awesome kids party on the block.

First things first - Choose a theme!

Not that the party needs a theme, but a party that is based around an idea from the birthday boy or girl themselves is usually pretty exciting.

Lego, superheroes, pirates, Harry Potter. Dress ups are a must! Party horns, hats and general party accessories are mandatory (and a lot of fun).

Now, send forth some invitations.

Obviously they should match the theme.

Let them know the time and date of the party along with the theme, whether they should dress their kid up and how long the party will go for, aim for around two or three hours.

Catering

Just make sure you have plastic cups, plates and cutlery, leave the fine china in the drawer!

Provide some fairy bread, juice boxes because they can't easily spill, some finger sandwiches for lunch, the classic tomato sauce and sausage rolls always go well, fruit kebabs for something healthy and then just as much junk food as you're willing to fuel a bunch of hyperactive kids with.

It's an idea to place a note on the invitation to get parents to advise you of any dietary requirements.

The cake

This one is a good one to actually outsource, and by outsource we mean hinting to experienced relatives that you need a cake.

They usually take it as a great honour, so it's a win - win.

Other than that - we suggest doing it yourself, if only so that you can personalise it and pat yourself on the back once it's ready, plus, making the birthday cake is part of the fun.

Party Games

Outsourcing an entertainer is a great idea here.

If you book an entertainer for an hour of the party, introductions, opening presents, cutting the cake and singing happy birthday, handing out the party bags and maybe a game of pass the parcel will take up the other hour no problems.

Make sure the entertainer knows about the theme. With that secured, all you have to think about is keeping the terrors preoccupied while you wait for the entertainer to arrive.

As mentioned, pass the parcel is a great party game and almost a tradition.

Put an interesting lolly that's nowhere else to be found at the party inside each layer and make the final prize a small toy or something exciting, you don't need to go overboard with it, the kids will be excited no matter what is in there.

Helium balloons are your friend here too, organising some helium will really make it feel like an awesome party. Musical Chairs and Statues are also great games to get things rolling with.

A lolly hunt is another great traditional game and will have the kids exploring the backyard breathlessly for at least five entire minutes of bliss.

Party Bags

Sticking to the theme here leads to some obvious choices, but these don't need to be fancy or 'the best on the block'.

Just a few top shelf lollies and a small toy or two that matches the theme is perfect in a brown paper bag.

Simply decorate the bag with the little ones as an activity before the party, even if they're not perfect they'll at least be 'cute'.

Alternatively, break out some stationary and have the kids create their take home stuff themselves.

Make sure you see every little out the door and into the care of their parents.

Now all that's left is clean up, possibly the least fun part. But with some clever tricks this can be made much easier.

Letting all the kids know where the bins are before they start doing their whole "chaos" can save a surprising amount of mess.

Letting them take home anything they like in terms of the decorations or leftover lollies is another great way to speed up the clean up. Put some of the decorations in the party bags.

One final thing, have fun. This bit is important. Yes it can be stressful and it seems like you have to think of a million things, however, it's wise to just allow yourself to join in the fun and excitement. Enjoy some cake and relax.