Erin Raub

Kid’s Birthday Party Checklist

birthday party

• 6 Weeks Ahead

• Create a party budget

• Pick a theme

• Make the guest list (first, brush up on birthday party etiquette)

• Reserve your venue (check out these venue ideas)

• Settle on a date

• 4 Weeks Ahead

• Ask for a class list (if you’re inviting schoolmates)

• Send invitations (idea: use online invitations)

• Order the cake (if you’re buying the cake)

• Order the piñata (especially if it’s a custom design)

• Plan the menu (check out these kid-pleasing menus)

• Brainstorm party games & activities

• Book the party planner, if you’re having one

• Book the caterer, if you’re having one

• Book the entertainer, if you’re having one

• 3 Weeks Ahead  

• Buy party supplies: Balloons Party hats (Skip the noise-makers. Trust me.), Tablecloths Napkins, cups, plates & cutlery, Centerpieces (if you’re feeling fancy)

• Order piñata stuffers and/or party favors

• Ask friends, family and babysitters if they’ll be available to lend an extra hand.

• 2 Weeks Ahead

• Pull together your regular party supplies: Drink dispensers Platters, Serving bowls, Serving tongs, spoons, forks, etc. Ice cream scoops, Extra tables & chairs (we keep a couple of fold-flat kids picnic tables in the attic)

• Rent, borrow or buy party supplies you can’t find

• Outline the party flow schedule. (A planner notebook can help with this bit.) ((But don’t get overly attached. The day will not go exactly as planned.))

• Call families who have not yet RSVP’ed

• Confirm reservations: Party planner, Venue, Caterer, Entertainer, Childcare/Birthday Helper

• 3 Days Ahead

• Make a grocery list

• Go grocery shopping

• Charge your camera/videocamera battery (don’t forget the backup battery)

• Assemble party favors

• Organize party supplies

• Pick up the piñata

• 1-2 Days Ahead

• Bake the cake, or pick up the pro cake

• Do a quick-clean of the house and backyard

• Decorate

• Prepare as much food & drink as you can

• Make up the party favors/goody bags

• Stuff the piñata

• Wrap the birthday gift

• Put the birthday boy or girl to bed early

• Day of:

• Finish last-minute cooking

• Do a last-minute clean

• Set up the tables

• Finish decorating

• Relax (A mimosa is totally morning-of appropriate. Just saying. And while you drink it, read this. You’ll laugh and then you’ll feel better.)

• Make a list of the gifts