Planning and hosting a preschooler birthday party can be a fun and memorable experience for you and your little one. But, keeping things simple is key! With the focus being on the little guests, I will share my tried and true tips from many preschooler birthday party experiences, and mishaps.
I find working with your preschooler on a party theme helps get things started and includes them in planning their exciting day. What toy, character, book or activity do they love right now? What your child chooses will make the occasion even more personal. From their answer, you can then focus on choosing invitations, games, decorations, food, snacks and cake around the theme. But remember, there is no need to go over the top!
I learned the hard way when it came to creating my first preschooler birthday party guest list. My thought was, I didn’t want any of my child’s friends to be left out. So, we (I) invited my daughter’s entire preschool class to our home for her third birthday party. I even invited their parents. This was way too much for her. We had finished the games with cake, ice cream and present-opening still to go when my daughter looked up at me with big, teary eyes and asked, “When is everyone going home?” I took this lesson to heart. From then on, I let my child choose the number of their party guests to equal the age they were turning that birthday. Bingo!
I highly encourage hosting a preschooler birthday party at home. Again, simplicity is the order of the day. Home is where the heart is and being at home is comfortable for your child. It also ensures a familiar and relaxed atmosphere for their friends. With an inside, outside or inside/outside home party, you do not need to travel, you have more flexibility when planning as well as more control over preparations, food, decorations, restroom access and resources.
Choose a start time that suits young children. I found mid-morning usually works best and keep the party short, around 1.5 to 2 hours. Preschoolers have limited attention spans, so prepare a few structured activities: games, snacks, cake and perhaps a simple activity or craft to make and take home. This basic itinerary can help maintain a comfortable rhythm without overwhelming anyone. I also think it best to avoid anything overly competitive. By the way, my children’s and most other children growing up in Australia all time favorite preschooler birthday party game is…Pass the Parcel!
Another tip: To help comfortably ease children into this social situation, especially shy ones, set out an interesting, eye-catching toy or activity for when guests arrive. Ideas: bubbles, coloring pages, puppet show, balloons to kick and toss in the air.
Keep food and snacks easy and familiar for your preschooler birthday party fare. Finger foods like fruit slices, crackers, pretzels and cheese are usually safe bets. Check with parents ahead of time for any allergies or dietary needs. While cake is a highlight, some children might prefer cupcakes, popsicles or fruit-based treats. Whatever you choose, consider having a small backup option for kids who don’t like the main dessert.
A few balloons, streamers, and themed plates can set a festive mood and update familiar surroundings without adding stress. What preschoolers tend to enjoy most are opportunities to play, laugh, and feel included at the preschooler birthday party they are attending. Create a space where they can move around safely, with toys or games that encourage sharing and cooperation.
Plan for flexibility. Have extra clothes, wipes and band-aids at hand keeping the environment calm and transitions smooth. Some preschoolers will need a parent to stay. Let parents know they’re welcome to stay during the party, which can help everyone feel more comfortable. Set up an area with seating and snacks to keep adults relaxed and engaged.
Children can be unpredictable, so it’s perfectly okay if a game doesn’t go as planned or if someone needs a break. Attending a birthday party when I was young, a balloon popping game was announced and I panicked. I made up a lie telling my friend’s mother that the doctor said I couldn’t hear loud noises so I couldn’t play. I remember her gently asking if I would like to go sit in the kitchen and wait until the game was over. What a relief! I will forever be grateful for her calm, gentle awareness of my needs. To this day I fear unexpected, loud noises!
So, most importantly, stay present, be aware and enjoy the day. It is a highlight day for your little one and your calm energy sets the tone for the entire party. You have done well motivated by your love for your child.
A treasured memory I have is of baking and decorating a homemade Spiderman birthday cake for my young son who was enthralled by Spiderman at the time. Amongst the raucous of his preschooler birthday party as I set the three, little candles in the cake, he looked at me and quietly said, “Thank you, mommy.” You want to be calm and present to savor this special celebration in honor of your little one.
*Visit our full website to learn more about the Golden Days at Home preschool curriculum and purchase our teach at home lesson plans.
You are your child’s greatest teacher.
Written by Janet Nicole Meyer for Golden Days at Home
Easy Homemade Bubble Recipe
With summer on our doorstep, this simple 3 ingredient bubble recipe will be your go-to when children need a new idea to fill long, summer afternoons with outside fun.
2 Tablespoons sugar, 1/2 cup hot water, 1 cup room temperature water, 1/2 cup liquid dish soap
Make a simple syrup stirring sugar into the hot water. Stir until completely dissolved. Add room temperature water and dish soap to your simple syrup. Stir everything well but very gently so as not to make any suds. Pour into a bottle, grab your bubble wands and play!
The founder and author of Golden Days at Home preschool curriculum savors all opportunities to play and travel with her now grown children. She and her husband hike, bike and enjoy living on a stream in Boulder, Colorado with their elderly English Mastiff, Roxy.
