I have birthday parties on my brain. I have no idea why because my son’s birthday is still 4 months away and my daughter doesn’t celebrate hers for 8 more months. Planning birthday parties is just kind of a hobby to me. It’s a super fun way to honor your children. Here are some of my favorite tips, tweaks and themes for child’s next birthday party…

1. Theme It Out!

I love a good party theme. Pick a theme and carry it out through every part of the day—the invites, the food, the decor, the games, the cake and more. It doesn’t have to be a Power Ranger theme or Dora the Explorer. Don’t limit yourself to whatever is on Party City’s shelves.

Try a color party—if your child’s favorite color is blue, serve blueberries, blue kool-aid, blue yogurt and blue jello. Or do a rainbow party and make these yummy rainbow cupcakes! One of my favorite themes is a circle party…let the kids play ring-around-the-rosies, play with hula-hoops and bouncy balls! I’d love to do a Mad Scientist party and I am absolutely doing a pirate party one day!

2. Skip the Games

When you are hosting young children—you know, the ones that still need their parents at a party? Don’t try to do games. Just set up a few stations around your house and your yard. Let the kids and parents walk around at their own speed. They can get to all the stations or not.

Stations can include a craft, a game, a snack or an activity. Once I even did an individual scavenger hunt for a birthday party! Get creative and let the kids make their own order of the day! You and the kids will feel less stressed!

3. Honor Your Child.

If you are a big planner like me (or you just spend a bookoo of money) birthday parties can sometimes be stressful! Don’t let the stress and details of the party distract from your child. It’s not about giving your kid what they want, or letting them rule the world on their birthday. It’s about honoring them, letting them see how much you love them.

So, hang up a few extra pictures, make a slideshow to play during the party or just make sure to give your child a special gift before the party starts. Let your child know you honor and celebrate them more than anyone else!

Tell me about your favorite kids’ birthday party!