1. Define the Party Details: Date and time, pick the perfect venue and it's always fun to have a theme!

​

2. Guest List: Get your child to help you create a guest list  and send out invitations  (consider digital invitations for eco-friendliness) 

​

3. Decorations:   Decide on a color scheme or theme. You can purchase/rent or make decorations.  Balloons, banners, tablecloths, centerpieces, etc. are a great way to add the vibe to your party. 

 

4. Catering:  Plan the menu!  Order or prepare food and drinks and cake or dessert options. Light snacks such as fruit/veggie trays, chips, granola bars and juice boxes are an easy option! 

​

5. Entertainment and Activities: Choose age-appropriate activities or games. Arrange for any entertainment (face painting, travelling zoo, magician, clown, etc.)  Have a speaker to play some kids music! 

 

​

6. Gift Bags: While not every party needs to provide gift bags, they are a fun extra for guests!  Some small toys, stickers, candy, bubbles, and crayons are some ideas for what to stick inside. 

​

7. Cake and Desserts:  Order or bake your cake! If ordering your dessert,  make sure you give your Baker enough notice to complete it in time. Don't forget the candles! 

 

8. Party Time line: Have a rough idea of the timeline of your party. Include time for activities, snacks, cake-cutting, and gift-opening

 

9. Safety Precautions: Ensure the venue is childproofed and safe and it's always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand. Have a list of emergency contacts readily available and  know the location of the nearest medical facility. 

 

10. Photography and Memories: Charge your phones/cameras or hire a photographer.  You can coordinate with a family member or friend to take photos through out the event!  Consider a fun photo booth or designated photo area.

 

11. RSVP and Confirmations: Not everyone gets around to RSVPing and sometimes they come anyways!  If you would like to be prepared, follow up with guests who haven't responded to RSVP. It's also good to confirm bookings with vendors or entertainers

 

12. Weather Contingency:  If the party is outdoors, have a backup plan for inclement weather

 

13. Clean-Up Supplies: Every great party must come to an end. Have garbage bags, recycling bins, and cleaning supplies on hand.  Assign someone (or a team) to handle post-party cleanup.

​

Use this checklist as a guide, adjusting it based on your specific party details and preferences. Happy party planning!