The do’s and don’ts of throwing (and attending) the ultimate kids party
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When your child starts school, it’s likely you’re prepared for many milestones.
Tears on the first day. Lunchboxes. Weekend sports. But one thing no one warns you about? Kids parties. It’s sort of an unspoken weekend ritual among parents.
The invitations may trickle in slowly at first, but before you know it, you’re spending a huge chunk of your weekends chowing down on fairy bread in brightly-lit indoor play spaces (sometimes twice in one day).
If you’re a kids’ party novice, it can be overwhelming. What do you get for a gift? Are you supposed to stay the whole time? And if you’re hosting, where an earth do you start?
We asked Canberra’s expert party planners to fill us in on everything from party etiquette to tried and tested venues to nail those pint-size parties.
Etiquette
Always, always RSVP
“This is frustrating for parents and causes a lot of stress,” says Lisa Pateman of Sunshine’s Events. “Most parents go to a lot of time and effort to throw the perfect party for their kids so when RSVP’s aren’t received on time or at all, it can be disappointing.”
If you need to bring along a sibling, always ask the host first rather than turning up.
Allow space for extra guests just in case
“As a host, we always recommend over catering with the 10 per cent rule,” says Mel Gibb of Tiny Creatures Co.
“The extra 10 per cent will cover you for an extra guest and is a nice buffer without having too much left over. I wouldn’t be sad about one extra goodie bag of lollies!”
Be clear and concise in the invitations
To avoid any miscommunication on the day, be clear on the RSVP deadline, whether it will be a “drop and leave” party or if you’d like parents to stay, and make sure to check for any dietaries. It’s also always a good idea to be clear about whether siblings are welcome too or if there isn’t enough space, as this is one of the most common questions.
“This message is better delivered gently but straight up. This in turn causes much less disappointment on the day of the party,” says Lisa.
“In the case of paid numbers at play centres etc, hosts should be clear on invites that any extra children will be at their own expense,” says Bridget MacLean of Events by Bridget.
Be thoughtful when it comes to the guest list
Guest lists can be tricky; whether to invite everyone in your child’s class or not is up to you. Don’t feel pressured, as this can be costly if you’re talking 20-plus kids. It’s fine to invite your child’s closest friends rather than the whole class, however, make sure it’s not just one or two kids getting left out. “This depends on the parents’ budget and if they can afford to invite the whole class or just a certain number of people,” says Tracey McMahon of Canberra’s Coolest Parties.
Try not to hand out invites in class to avoid upsetting those who aren’t invited (email is usually the best way to get the message out).
Image: Canberra’s Coolest Parties
Consider timing when catering
Be mindful of rumbling bellies and that elusive hunger meltdown from the kids (or parents!) “Don’t book a 12 pm party if you have not budgeted for lunch,” advises Bridget. “Maybe select a 9 or 10 am instead.”
Don’t forget the parents
Often the focus is on feeding the kiddos but it’s nice to set out some nibbles to keep parents happy, too. It also encourages them to be a bit more social and creates talking points (“How good is this cheese?”).
Consider a twist on the goodie bags
You don’t have to supply goodie bags, however, they are a handy signal that it’s time to leave. There’s no need to stuff them full of sugar; a little plant to take home, kindness rocks or colouring books are fun (and environmentally friendly) alternatives to lolly bags.
Gifts
Presents can be tricky at the best of times; let alone when you’re shopping for your child’s classmate who you may have only met once at school pick up. Mel says a no-fail approach is to consider an “experience” gift.
“Think movie tickets, the zoo, Questacon or Kingpin. Not just a gift, but a fun memory too,” she says.
“We have also been seeing the ‘Fiver Party’ trending, the concept is that rather than buying a present you just write a fun card and slip in $5 for the party child. The child then goes and purchases one present (from everyone) that they would like. We love this concept as it is a great way to keep it affordable and avoid having to carve out an extra space at home to store 50 more toys!” Other options are to bring a book or to ask your child to make something special.
Themes
Browse through Pinterest or Instagram and it’s clear children’s parties have come a long way since the classic Maccas shindig. According to Mel, Lisa, Tracey and Bridget, these fun party themes are among the most popular requests:
- Mario Bros
- Barbie
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Sesame Street
- The Little Mermaid
- Wild One
- Two the Moon
- Rainbows
- Unicorns
- Fairies
- Princesses
- Dinosaurs
- Jungle
- Teddy Bear
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
- Winnie The Pooh
- Alice in Wonderland
- Mickey Mouse
Venues
Photo: Tiny Creatures Co
If you’re not keen to host (or clean up the mess), Canberra has a range of venues to suit all budgets and tastes.
Bridget, Mel, Lisa and Tracey share some of their tried and tested faves, catering for all budgets from less to luxe (perfect for milestone birthdays or christenings) right down to blank spaces to put your own stamp on.
Luxe
- The Marion, Parkes
- The Manor, Gold Creek
- The Howling Moon, Braddon
- The Boat House, Parkes
- Hotel Realm, Barton
Cost-effective
- Bonython Community Hub, Bonython
- Kidzplore, Fyshwick
- Coombs Community Centre, Coombs
- Funland, Mitchell
- Flip Out, Majura
- Inflatable World, Kambah
Blank Space
- The Common, Braddon
- HQ ThirtyFour, Kingston
- The Social Club, Kingston
- The Sanctuary, Narrabundah
Intimate
- Studio Mae, Fyshwick
- Bodhifit Studio, Queanbeyan
Large scale
- Gungahlin Lakes Club, Gungahlin
- Hellenic Club, Woden
- EQ, Deakin
Want more venues? Check out our ultimate guide to kids’ parties here!
Games
“Games and entertainment are starting to move in a really fun direction,” says Mel. “We are exploring more interactive ideas and moving towards activities that double as a take-home gift. Think: Adopt-a-pet, stuff-a-bunny, and themed art-based activities.”
“Our ever-popular signature craft table is here to stay, proving to be one of our most sought-after activity stations. For our classic party, you can never go wrong with a good old piñata. I’ll say it before and I will say it again—piñatas are always a hit (pun intended).”
Budget
Offering both styling and entertainment services, Bridget, Lisa, Tracey and Mel say the budgets for their parties can vary wildly; anything from $400 right up to $10,000 for luxe events.
“It really does depend on the location, venue and party decoration/installations such as backdrops, balloons and floral arrangements,” says Tracey.
“I think COVID has changed things for kids parties, we missed so many important milestones and moments during those years so whilst there was a ‘catchup period,’ I think celebrating is here to stay,” says Mel.
“It can be simple or it can be elaborate, but the common theme is creating memories and creating those moments for our kids is the best type of gift we can give.”
Bridget’s advice when it comes to budgeting is to “set a realistic budget that works for you and be transparent with vendors.”
“I will always work with a client to ensure they get something their child will love that also works within their budget,” she says.
Credit: Sunshine’s Events.
Lisa says her top tip would be to suss out what your non-negotiables are. “For example, if you know you definitely want an awesome balloon garland backdrop and cupcakes but you’re happy to skip out on a cake, then make sure this is what you stick to. This will help to keep your budget in check and also ensure you’re getting the exact event that you’re after.”
Lastly remember that no matter what, the kids will have a ball! “With so many kids party options out there it is so easy to get carried away,” says Bridget.
“Be realistic with your budget, hire a professional to help you if needed and surround your little one with loved ones. I am sure at the end of the party they will tell you it was their best party yet!”
Feature image: Events By Bridget
