Crying Game

Trying to throw the best party ever, the three most terrifying words you could hear from your little luggage are: ‘This is boring’.  Here are some tips from Simla Akyol of creative children’s events organiser It’s A Piece of Cake.

Party Favors  - Less is more…
Stop wasting money on “goody bags”. We all know the contents go into the junk box or the garbage can the next day, so instead consider giving just one gift. Creative props and costumes for role-playing activities, art materials, books and music are great alternatives. 

Piñatas - Save the tears 

Piñatas are intended to be fun – not to encourage greed, grabbing and crying over who got more candy than the others. If you absolutely must have candy, why not make individual candy bags for each child? Instead of loose candy, fill the piñata with one bouncing ball or an inflatable toy for each child.

Party Child  Misbehaving - Advance coaching
Emphasize the important role your child has as the party host or hostess to make guests feel comfortable. Discuss the responsibilities s/he will have such as greeting the guests, showing them where to sit at the party table, and handing out party favours. Stress that through helping others enjoy the day, your child will likely have a better time too. A gentle reminder during the party should be all that’s needed once you’ve laid down the ground rules.

Gifts - Now or later?
There are good reasons to open presents during the party, and just as many reasons to wait until afterward. Ultimately the decision is yours to make. If you allow your child to open the gifts in front of the guests, be sure to encourage him or her ahead of time to treat each gift as a treasure, even if it’s not his or her favorite. Keep a list of who gave what for writing thank you notes later on.

It’s a Piece of Cake (itsapieceofcake.net).