Planning Tips for Toddler Parties
Stress free toddler parties
If we are going to be really honest about it we can say that toddler parties are more for parents to celebrate their child's birthday than for the toddlers themselves. Toddlers don't really understand what the day is about, except that there is a whole lot of fussing about what they are wearing, whether they are staying clean, and that they MUST have a nap at a certain time. ( All related to mom and dads plans for the day!)
Here are a few pointers for parents that will make the day less stressful and therefore more enjoyable for everyone.
Numbers- Less is More
If your toddler is a social butterfly or very shy then you will probably have an idea of whether she will cope better with a large or small group of children. Three or four is generally a good number, remember, you have parents to keep happy aswell! Toddlers can still be quite attached to their parents at this age and will be more relaxed if mum or dad is in sight. I have been to a 2nd birthday party which had about 40 people; parents, relatives and kids- it was a very large house with plenty of outdoor space, was lots of fun but complete mayhem!
Timing- Short and Sweet
Sleep/nap times are what determines when the party will be held. If the children attending are still having morning and afternoon naps then around 3pm might be an easier timeslot. It will mean that older children can be involved and provide extra hands if you need them. About an hour, or two maximum is the limit for the length of a toddler party. A room full of cranky kids isn't much fun for anyone.
Location
Most toddler parties are held at home which has the advantage of being a familiar place to the children. If you have a child who is not comfortable with sharing his toys (and space) then a local park or community centre is a neutral environment for everyone and keeps your house mess free!
 **TIP- If you are having your party at home you might want to lay a plastic sheet in the area where the kids will be eating to minimise clean up. You can ask parents to bring trainer cups for their kids as toddlers are not yet able to master a standard drinking cup.
Safety
As a parent of a toddler you know what you had to do to 'toddler proof' your home. Other children will not know the boundaries in your home of what they can and cannot touch so remove any breakables, shut doors to bedrooms and generally try to keep the children within a reasonable area where they can be supervised. Make sure doors and outside gates are locked so that you don't have any little escapees! The less temptations toddlers have the less stress there will be for parents.
**TIP- Another potential safety issue for toddlers involves balloons. The popping noise can scare some toddlers and the broken pieces are a choking hazard. You can keep decorative balloons out of reach or better still use Mylar Balloons.
Food
Simple finger foods are best for toddlers as they will be too busy to want to sit down and eat. Platters of fresh fruit, cheese and crackers are ideal (for kids and adults). You can make bite size sandwiches for kids but be sure to ask parents about any allergies. Avoid any food that they pose a choking hazard, things like nuts, hard lollies and whole grapes.
Loot Bags / Goody Bags / Party Favors
Having something to take home helps toddlers deal with all that giving of presents, finally they receive something in return! When making up loot bags for toddlers avoid cheap plastic options which are not necessarily toddler friendly. Lean towards items like bubble blowers, small boxes of crayons or chalk, bath toys and a small number of sweets. They can also take home a piece of cake and any pieces/artworks they may have created throughout the party.
Popular Themes
Themes for toddler parties change as new characters emerge but some tried and true ideas are;
Teddy Bears- good for boys or girls, gives them a comfort object if they are feeling a little overwhelmed by the excitement of the party. A Teddy Bears' Picnic is great for an outdoor/park party.
Zoo/Farm- toddlers love animals whether they be from the farm or more exotic animals that they may have seen at the zoo. They can bring a toy or enjoy a mobile animal farm where they can pat real animals.
Beach- a great party idea if you have a large sandpit and a baby pool. The pool will require close supervision and the kids will love freely playing in the sandpit so long as they have plenty of spades, buckets and sunhats!
Dinosaurs- like animals, toddlers seem to love dinosaurs, they are perennial favourites. There are plenty of dinosuar items that you can use- colouring books, dinosaur stickers and plastic toys (just make sure they're big enough to not be a choking hazard.)
Colors- this theme can take a number of twists. You can have a rainbow party with a color dedicated to each attendee or can have a green or pink party with food and decorations to match.
Hats- a hat party is ideal for toddlers who may not like wearing complete costumes which are uncomfortable. They will have a great time swapping hats amongst themselves and can remove a hat if it is annoying them.
Cartoon Characters- old favourites like Winnie the Pooh and Sesame Street, or newer characters like Bear in the Big Blue House, Nemo or Bob the Builder all have plenty of merchandise available for a themed party.
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