FOOD
Decide what the menu will be - just dessert, lunch and dessert, finger foods (pizza, sandwiches, potato chips, etc.) or
a full course meal. Have the birthday child pick some of the food to serve. I suggest you make a short list and let the child
choose from the list.

If the party is close to noon or 5:00PM, lunch or dinner should be part of the food planning. If your party was scheduled at
a mealtime, don't wait too long to serve the food. Hungry kids will act out more quickly than if they are well fed.
Even though it's a topic of some controversy these days, try to keep the sugar-loaded foods to a minimum.
Food can be served immediately after the entertainment.

PARTY SIZE
Large numbers of people, for long periods of time, can overwhelm small children. A good rule of thumb for under age six parties
is to keep the number of guests equal to the age of your child plus 1 or 2. Be sure to let me know how many children will be at the party as I bring special goodies for ALL the children.

ETCETERA

	Don't hesitate to ask friends or relatives to help out. You just can't run games, make hot dogs and take pictures all at the same time.
	Have a schedule, but make it flexible. If something isn't working, go to "Plan B".
	"Party-proof" before your guests arrive: Put pets in a safe place away from the party, remove anything breakable or dangerous, make sure that guests know which areas are restricted, do a safety check outdoors as well - barbecues, garden chemicals and tools, pets, pools, playground equipment.
	Be extremely careful with the balloons. Keep inflated ones out of reach of young children, and discard any broken or deflated ones. NEVER LET CHILDREN UNDER AGE 3 PLAY WITH BALLOONS WITHOUT SUPERVISION AND NEVER LET THEM PUT THEM IN THEIR MOUTH as they can easily choke.
	If you are giving goodie bags, hand them out as guests are leaving. Chaos is almost guaranteed if they are given out during the party.

ACTIVITIES

	Provide supervision for ALL activities.
	Try to keep the children actively involved in crafts or games, or give them special "jobs" to help out. An older child who may be creating a problem can be taken aside and told politely that misbehavior will not be tolerated. Try to avoid a public confrontation if at all possible.
	Encourage, but don't force a child who is shy to take part. Give them something else to do or a special place from where they can watch. A child who holds back or doesn't join in isn't necessarily not having a good time.
	On the special day, indulge your child - let him/her go first in all of the games, serve his/her meal first, and be sure that he/she gets the first piece of cake.
	Don't become so involved with guests that you don't leave plenty of time to spend with your child. Give older brothers and sisters jobs to help out. Be sure that you're not giving them more attention than your birthday child.

 

GAMES

	Try to avoid games where someone becomes eliminated, like "Simon Says" and "Musical Chairs", especially with younger children who are likely to be upset about being "out". Don't let the children pick the team members, draw the names out of a hat, or "count off".
	Avoid competitive games, where there's a winner, at least until the kids are older, and then only if that's what they want. "Team" competitions work well if you really want the games to be competitive.
	Games can be played just for the fun of playing. Don't feel that prizes must be awarded.

     

GROUP ACTIVITIES – ARRIVING

	Crafts: Making and decorating name tags, decorating party hats, gift bags, draw happy birthday cards, or one large card.
	Ring Toss
	Bean Bag Toss
	Bounce gym or trampoline. Be sure to have an adult supervising at ALL times.

 
GROUP ACTIVITIES – ORGANIZED

	Scavenger Hunt
	Relay Races
	Pin The Tail On The Donkey or Variation, pin the tail on the rabbit. Be sure to use tape INSTEAD of a pin. This is MUCH safer. Don’t forget the blindfold.
	Story Telling (especially for younger children).
	Bounce gym or trampoline. Be sure to have an adult supervising at ALL times.

 

PRESENT OPENING IDEAS

	Gift giver gives 3 clues, everyone tries to guess and then the present is opened.
	Ball is passed from child to child. When the music stops, that child’s present is opened.

 

Call Ken “KenTastic” Spanola NOW at 813-249-7325, To Give Your Child a Birthday You’ll BOTH Love!! 
A Magical Production

Telephone: 813-249-7325

Ken “KenTastic” Spanola
Email:          kentastic@amagicalproduction.com
Tampa, FL