Kids Party Ideas - Toddler Parties

If you have toddlers, there are some great kids party ideas that are going to ensure you all have a fantastic day. Children this young aren't going to remember the party much beyond a few weeks or months (after they've been reminded), certainly not by the time they start school. This doesn't mean you should skimp on the party you give them, it just means the party needs to include items that can be kept and brought out again when your child is older. Each party should be the best party ever and to achieve this requires a fair amount of planning. It is best to start your preparation 6 - 8 weeks before the party so there is no need to rush at the end and the costs can be spread over a greater period of time which is much easier on a budget. When you start your planning you need to decide on how many and which guests and where it will be held. Are you prepared to have drinks and food mashed into your carpet, is there a tiled area in you home that would suit? Is there a local hall that can be hired cheaply. Outdoor parties (unless it is your own backyard) are not recommended for toddlers as there is the problem of keeping them all together. Even during the warmer months it is wise to have a backup plan for outdoor parties in case of inclement weather. Toddlers are just learning to share so be aware there may be some disagreements about who will play with a particular toy at any given time. Parents or care-givers should always remain at toddler parties for your own sanity. No one person can (or should) be expected to cope with 6 or 7 little people all wanting the same thing.

Now to the fun things you can include in your toddler's party. There are many theme ideas for this age group including The Wiggles (you can have a DVD playing quietly in the background for those who wish to join in and dance), a Princess Party (for girls) or Pirate Party (for boys), Dora the Explorer, Bob the Builder, Cowgirl/Cowboy, Thomas the Tank Engine, Pooh Bear, Elmo to name just a few.

Activities can include finger painting/brush painting (water based paints), large coloring in books and crayons, obstacle courses, balloon volleyball (over a coffee table perhaps), bubble wands, duck duck goose goose, statues, tag (outside if the weather is good), playdough/plasticine shapes (use cookie cutters) as well as large jigsaws or other games that can be borrowed from you local library or toy library.

Food should be simple and you should always check for any special needs or allergies. Finger food is great and easy for the kids to eat on the run. Drinks should not be too fussy. Why not have a fruit juice punch instead of fizzy drinks which can add to the sugar (and energy) load.

Each party should be the best party ever and to achieve this requires a fair amount of planning. It is best to start your preparation 6 - 8 weeks before the party so there is no need to rush at the end and the costs can be spread over a greater period of time which is much easier on a budget. When you start your planning you need to decide on how many and which guests are to be invited and where it will be held. Are you prepared to have drinks and food perhaps spilled on your carpet, is there a tiled area in you home that would suit? Is there a local hall that can be hired cheaply? Outdoor parties (unless it is your own backyard) are not recommended for toddlers as there is the problem of keeping them all together. Even during the warmer months it is wise to have a backup plan for outdoor parties in case of inclement weather.

Alway have extra adults on hand to look after any mishaps so you can be with your child and your guests. Someone who can take photos or videos, bring out food and drink as necessary and clean up any spills will save you a lot of headaches!

Children at this age are just learning to share and parties are a good way of teaching and reinforcing this skill. There are many wonderful kids party ideas available to help you make your child's party a huge success.

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As an ex-teacher and a parent, Kathy has a great deal of experience in organising parties for children and many good kids party ideas. She firmly believes that any party should be a fun and stress free occasion for the parent and is writing a series of articles on kids party ideas.