Those preschool birthday parties are a thing of the past. Your child turns 7 years old this year, and this means a new way of celebrating, typically with a longer party and a larger guest list. Prepare for a 7th birthday party by setting a budget, because many children want to invite everyone and do everything. Brainstorm together to come up with a festive theme, cool party games, and a creative but accessible menu.
Types
Many 7-year-olds have strong preferences, so rather than persuade them away from their current obsessions, parents should figure out how to broaden the theme. For example, if your child wants to have a pirate party, throw a party with references to the open sea and the beach as well. Other good themes are fairies, fairy tales, music, magic, castles, outer space, the jungle, the rain forest and sports.
Features
Decorations such as balloons, banners, confetti and streamers set the tone, but make a 7-year-old feel special by painting a backdrop with the party’s theme and cutting out holes for guests to place their faces inside for a photo opportunity. Set out a variety of snacks to satisfy picky eaters. Good possibilities include top-your-own bagel pizzas, submarine sandwiches, fruit kebobs and a taco bar with traditional fillings as well as inventive fillings such as sliced berries.
Time Frame
Plan for a longer party, such as three hours, but include winding-down activities such as playing board games, building with Legos, face painting, making puppets or watching a performer such as a storyteller, a magician or a clown. Some 7-year-olds may beg for a slumber party, but a group sleepover works better for children a couple of years older.
Considerations
Plan thematic games and activities to keep kids’ spirits high. If you’re having a safari party, play animal charades. For a pirate party, build a boat with blankets and chairs and call it base for hide-and-seek or tag. A fairy party may feature a table full of supplies for constructing fairy houses.
Misconceptions
You do not need a large budget for a fun child’s birthday party. Save money by creating handmade invitations, having the party at home and handing out dollar-store items as prizes in a treasure hunt. Have birthday party guests customize their party bags by decorating them with pompoms, googly eyes, confetti, glitter and stickers.
Photo Credit
- birthday image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
