Planning a party can be a nightmare for a busy mum. Take the stress out and put the fun in, with our fabulous birthday party planner. Get fun ideas for invitations, games, birthday cakes, decorations, party bags and more

getting started

• The essential birthday party checklist
• Party bag tips

party themes

• Baby’s first birthday
• Toddler bubble party
• Bugs are beautiful party
• Circus extravaganza
• Everyone’s a superhero
• Young teens party
• The ultimate pizza party

great games

• Pin the tail on the donkey
• Red light green light
• Blind man’s bluff
• Scavenger hunt
• Dodge ball

Party planning checklist for busy mums

Staying organised while you’re planning your child’s birthday party is easy with this sanity-saving checklist

Four weeks before the party…

• Choose a party theme with your child.
• Draw up the guest list. Enlist several adults to help the party run smoothly. For three- to five-year-olds, ideally you’ll need around one adult for every four children, and for six-to ten-year- olds, one adult for every six children.
• Pick the party date and time. Parties are generally one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half hours long.

Three weeks before the party…

• Make or buy the invitations and send them out.
• Make or buy decorations, party bags and prizes.

Two weeks before the party…

• Decide on activities and games to play. Consider the age of the children and plan games and activities accordingly. Plan more games than you expect to use, in case you run out of activities before the party is over.
• Plan your menu. Remember that parties are not a good time to introduce new foods to children. Serve familiar favourites.
• Arrange for extra help on the party day from friends or relatives.

One week before the party…

• Order cake from a bakery if you are not baking your own. Bake cake and freeze it, if making your own.
• Make any other foods that can be made ahead of time and store foods in the freezer.

One to two days before the party…

• Write out a final schedule of activities for the party.
• Buy remaining food for the party. Buy film and have the camcorder at the ready. Check batteries for the cameras.
• Finish decorating the cake, or pick up the cake from the bakery. Make sure you have plenty of candles and matches.
• Decorate any indoor areas (save outdoor decorating for the day of the party).
• Prepare food that can be made ahead of time.

The day of the party

• Prepare foods and drinks that could not be made ahead of time.
• Set up any outdoor decorations and craft areas.
• Plan a nap for your child - and yourself! - after the party.

Remember, young guests will be excited and there are bound to be mishaps. Keep your sense of humour, and even if every aspect of the party doesn’t go as planned, the most important part is to enjoy your child’s big day!

Party bag tips

I’m organising a six-year-old’s birthday party and don’t have the faintest idea of what to put in the party bags. All ideas and ingredients for party bags really appreciated.
swati_rBargain shopping
Most supermarkets have a range of party favours, which are very cheap (under £1). They do packs of stickers, whistles, yo-yo’s, etc. Asda do a pack of four medals on a ribbon for 99p, which are great to use for prizes for games. I got these for my daughter’s fifth birthday and they went down really well.

You could try Poundstretcher for cheap packs of lollies and sweets, as it can work out pretty expensive if you have a lot of kids coming. They also do cheap sets of paper plates and cups in loads of different designs. I got Disney Princess ones for my daughter’s party; I think they were about £1.50 for eight plates or eight cups or party bags - which is cheap compared to other shops. They also do the plain white ones even cheaper if you don’t want to spend too much money. I’ve got three kids and I know how expensive children’s parties can be once you add everything up!
Lorr1976

If you’re planning to have a party every year it might be worthwhile visiting Ikea and buying the brightly coloured kids plastic plates and beakers. They’re sold in six-packs and are only £1. It saves buying expensive themed party accessories every time.
Jojo5679

H&M do lovely girls’ jewellery sets, starting at £1.25 for a pretty necklace and bracelet or diamante bracelet and ring set also for £1.25. They also do little handbags, hair bobbles etc. They’re really good value, and are also excellent for birthday presents.

I have three daughters so I’m a party-pro! For party bags I would recommend tiny tubes of Smarties, mini Mars Bars etc. Balloons go down well, as do whistles or anything that makes a noise! Little toys and games such as cars, dolls, hair slides, soldiers, animals, crayons etc always go down well too. Try Poundstretcher, Asda, Internacionalle, Bargain Bin, Tesco etc.
i_love_ali

If you have a Pound Shop near you, you can get all sorts of little games. We had a party and spent £30 on bits and bobs for a party of 20 children.
vep1