Need a kids party to-do list you can pin for your planning efforts? Look no further. We’ve got all the things you need to keep in mind all in one place, with timings and more!

3 months before the party

  • Set the date & time - You’ll want to consider weekends, holidays and school schedules when choosing.
  • Pick your theme - Would your kid like superheroes, unicorns, dinosaurs, princesses or something around their favourite movie?
  • Decide your budget - Include line items for any venue hire costs, food, entertainment, decorations, favours, transport costs and gifts.
  • Make the guest list - Who will you invite? Consider their classmates, family, friends and neighbours.
  • Book the venue - Check out these venue ideas for inspiration, or you could have it at home, if you have the space and want to save some money.
  • Hire any entertainment - While you can play fun games on your own, it’s always a nice touch to hire a kids party entertainer.

2 months before the party

  • Send save-the-dates - If your party is around the holidays or you will have some out-of-town guests, then sending advance notice is nice.
  • Order or make invites - These can be physical on printed cards from the store, or they could be digital via email or a website like Paperless Post.
  • Plan the food - You’ll want kid-friendly and adult options. Here are our ideas for finger foods everyone will like.
  • Start DIY decorations or get a decorator - Banners, centrepieces and themed plates, napkins, cutlery and cups can help your theme shine.

1 month before the party

  • Send invites - Set your RSVP for about two weeks out.
  • Order any cake - Make sure to tell them your theme, flavour, message and how many guests you’ll be feeding. Egg-free Cake Box can be a good option for allergies.
  • Buy or rent costumes or outfits - If there’s a dress-up element or you want your child to have a fun outfit for the day, now’s the time to get that.
  • Plan party games & activities -  We always suggest you include 2 or 3 structured games plus some time for free play in a bouncy castle or similar.
  • Buy your decorations or confirm with your supplier - Now’s the time to go to the shop for your decor or ask any final questions of your supplier.
  • Organise the goodie bags -  Think about some age-appropriate favours, candy and small toys your guests might like, or you could hire someone to do that for you.
  • Arrange for supervision -  This could be from friends, family or hired party hosts for crafts, for example.

2 weeks before the party

  • Confirm the RSVPs - If anyone you’ve invited hasn’t responded, follow up to confirm.
  • Create the itinerary - What will they do and when?
  • Shop for any perishable food - Check the dates to make sure everything will be in date for your party, or confirm the menu with the venue or your party food supplier.
  • Make any games or activities - If there are any DIY components to your games and activities, you can make those now.
  • Prep your playlist - Make your own or save our kids party playlist.
  • Get cleanup supplies - No matter where you’re having it, there are probably a few essentials you’ll want to stock up on, like hand sanitiser, bin bags, kitchen towels and wipes.

1 week before the party

  • Double check the weather - Let parents know if it will be extra hot, extra cold or rainy, so they can prepare for it.
  • Confirm the numbers - Send this list to your vendors and make sure you have enough food and party bags to accommodate.
  • Wrap any gifts - Take your time and wrap everything if it’s for a birthday or gifting occasion.

The day before the party

  • Do pickups - Do you need to get the cake, decor, food or anything else?
  • Decorate, cook & set up - Do this the day before if you can, unless you’ve hired someone to take care of this for you.
  • Pack everything you need to take - Set out yours and their clothing, pack an emergency kit, and load everything into the car (except perishables).
  • Review schedule - Make sure everyone knows what is happening when and has no last-minute questions.

kids party to do list on the day

On the day

  • Charge cameras - Make sure your phone or external digital camera is fully charged and ready to go.
  • Bring your perishables - Grab anything you’ve left in the fridge and head to the venue (if it’s not at home).
  • Test the music - Ensure your playlist is ready to go!
  • Greet your guests - Suggest what they should do first, and help keep the party flow on schedule
  • Take pics - But make sure to get permission before you post them on social media.
  • HAVE FUN - Don’t forget to try and enjoy yourself too!
  • Tidy - Unless you’ve hired a space that includes cleaning, you’ll spend the rest of the day cleaning up.

Afterwards

  • Say thanks - Sending thank you notes and sharing some photos with your guests and suppliers is always a great idea.

 

Ready to jump-start your thinking? Here are some great party ideas to try.