How to simplify kid's birthday parties

If thinking about kid’s birthday parties makes you groan of despair, can I make a suggestion? You are probably doing too much. Trust me on this. I got so into creating the biggest, fanciest parties for my kids that I turned it into a business. What I really needed, was to learn how to simplify kid’s birthday parties.

Because in the end it was the little things that my kids enjoyed or remembered. The pony rides and elaborate decorations have been long forgotten. What they remember are the people that came and the little things that made the day special.

Keep reading for my tips on how to simplify kid’s birthday parties and still make magical memories.

Big fancy parties are a recipe for a stressed momma

I used to be the mum that jumped with joy at the chance to throw a party. Not just any party either. An elaborate party, planned months in advance. My goal? The most magical birthday party possible. At all costs.

Yes I created some pretty magical settings. Heck when you paper mache a unicorn head for a backdrop, magic basically seeps out of the ground. But, here’s what it cost me.

Anxiety, stress, lack of sleep, forgetfulness, and no memories of the day.

Yes, there’s a better way. And what you stand to gain from simplifying your children’s birthday parties is worth more than putting on a party that only your guests will remember.

Opting for simpler parties will ensure that you can actually be present for your children on their birthday. I’m not sure what’s more important? It means you will create strong memories of the day that you can pop away in that filing cabinet upstairs for future reference. And it means you have a chance a to connect with loved ones and maybe even put your feet up for a cuppa too.

12 years and 19 parties later, lots of groans of despair, and I’ve finally found my sweet spot.

I feel like I’ve finally found a recipe to simplify kid’s birthday parties.

What does your kid want to do?

Figure what your child wants to do. And then think about what you are capable of doing. It doesn’t matter what the current ‘cool’ theme is, you don’t have to imitate the rest of your neighborhood when it comes to parties. Heck you don’t even have to have a theme. Parties without themes are the best. Going freestyle and doing your own thing is always more rewarding and you are less likely to kill yourself in the process.

Take the year off!

Consider taking a year off and going away for your kids birthdays. Seriously. Some kids would jump at the chance for a weekend camping trip and would probably be happy to forgo a big lavish party for a camping trip instead. I realize that if you have a big family this won’t be possible all the time.

Take the party out-of-home

Go off site! Birthday parties held out of your house are the best kind. Clean up is easier and you don’t have to worry about your house being magazine perfect. Extra bonus – you get to leave first if you damn well want (important for us polite introverts who want their own space back)! I’m a huge fan of beach parties and we are lucky enough to have summer and spring for both our girls. Winter parties? If they are old enough consider a trip to the movies and pizza? Younger kids? Our town has things like Trampoline World or skating at the local recreation centre. All great options to base your party around.

Ditch the party bags

Do you really need to make party bags? If you do decide to throw a lavish party, ask yourself if your kids friends really need a present too? I honestly cannot get my head around the concept of party favor bags. Personally I’ve never done them and am happy to send children home with a piece of birthday cake in a serviette (just like my mum did!).

Send less invites

Less is always more. Invite your child’s closest friends. Three or four extras is more than enough, particularly if it’s a preschool birthday where parents don’t drop and go. For my daughters 3rd birthday, although by now I was trying desperately to simplify the parties, we ended up with a rainy day, about 7-8 preschoolers running through the house and endless cups of tea for the parents and extended family. I remember finishing that day feeling so utterly spent and not remembering.

Let go of perfect

Let go of perfect. Firstly, perfect doesn’t exist anyway. Secondly, no one cares. I remember several years ago I would be greatly concerned if the balloons didn’t match the pompoms, or if the cake had less than 3 tiers. Well this Saturday, I barely batted an eyelid when the dog ate the mermaid tail off the cake. After shaming the dog on social media I calmly found a solution. The end product was far from perfect but tasted yum and no one saw the imperfections I did much less cared.

If you are sick of the stress and angst that seems to come with birthday parties, choose an idea to simplify your kid’s birthday parties this year.

If you have your own tips for simplifying kid’s birthday parties I would love to hear them and add them to the list. Feel free to comment below or send me a PM.