Birthday Party at Christmas Time!

Organising a child’s birthday party can be enough to send even the calmest of us into a panic at the best of times, let alone when it falls around the Christmas period.

Here are a few handy tips to take some of the pressure off and ensure your child’s party is the talk of the playground, while saving a few pounds in the process!

Having the party at home is of course the most cost effective option but not all of us have room for that hey? I certainly don’t. If you visit your local councils website and search for community centres most of them will offer you a list of halls available to hire for parties. Alternatively church halls are often available to hire. Many at only a small cost or for a returnable deposit.. 

Whether you’re planning to hold the party at home or in a hall, one way to make your child’s party stand out is to choose a theme. An obvious choice would be a Christmas theme which is great but maybe you and your child will want to keep it separate to Christmas to make it that extra bit special! 

Princess and pirate parties are always a popular choice but why not go for something a little different… Super Heroes, Birthday Butterflies, Monster Ball, Pop Stars, Disney Stars or dress up as something beginning with the first letter of the birthday boy/ girls name! 

Games like pass the parcel, musical statues/bumps/chairs, Simon Says and sleeping lions always keep the children entertained and can be changed to fit in with the theme ‘Pin The Crown On The Princess’ ‘Minnie Mouse Says’ etc.

Alternatively you can hire an entertainer to lighten the load. Most children’s entertainers can offer packages that include music, games and a magic show, so all you have to worry about is the food!

Children’s entertainers are not regulated and so do not have to have CRB checks so always make sure children are supervised.

It’s not a party without a party bag, right? Why not make your own with the children for a fun craft activity in the lead up the party and to save a bit of cash? You can find empty paper bags in most craft stores or find them online for pennies and use whatever crafty materials you have at home to decorate them to fit with the theme of the party. Fill them with a few sweets (buy in bulk to make it cheaper), stickers, a few little toys and that all important slice of birthday cake!

I usually let Grace make her own invitations too. I write just ‘To………..’ and ‘Please come to Grace’s party at (time, date and location)’ in black marker on a blank sheet of card and let her have free reign on the rest with felt tips and her craft box! Great fun for her and also means she can personalise them to suit each friend she is inviting! 

Making your own decorations would also be good fun and give your party an even more personal feel. Feel free to add any ideas in your comments!