Planning a birthday party for the preschool crowd (ages 2, 3 and 4) is really easy if you stick to a formula: Short, Sweet and Simple. Parents will know from the facts printed in your birthday party invitations that the party will be designed especially for this age group. By the numbers, keep your head count down (five guests or less), duration to under two hours, and sugar count low (think cake alternatives).
Beary Birthday
Keep It Short
We’ve given the nod to the magic of the short birthday party in a previous blog. This is even more true for the preschool crowd. Sugar and crowds don’t make for a pleasant combination for those who still need naps to make it to dinner. But when it comes down to it, there is no good reason for a birthday party for this age group to run more than two hours, and an hour-and-a-half is ideal.
Make It Sweet
So have you ever seen how a two-year old reacts to a real, life-size Barney? Did you experience the arched back when you tried to put your toddler in Santa’s lap at the mall? If so, you know what we’re talking about–NO characters! No clowns, no magicians, no puppets. Save yourself the money and headache. All that ‘Sweet’ requires is attentive adults, kiddie-tune background music, colorful treats like cupcakes, cookies or Popsicles and a photo opp! Be extra sweet by giving out personalized favors. A single useful, fun favor marked with each child’s name, like a new bouncy ball or can of play-doh, is a nice touch.
Simple is Better
Take a current party trend among the older kids and adapt it to do at home. For example, the pricey, chaotic but popular Build-a-Bear workshop done by the eponymous store franchise can be adapted at home for 2 and 3 year olds as a Teddy Bear picnic. Ask each guest to bring their favorite bear and a blanket to sit on in your birthday party invitations. You’ll find low-cost “bear wear” at craft stores like Michael’s. Purchase many of one bear clothing item to give as party favors, or make your own. Cut out your own bear accessories from fabric to tie onto the kids’ bears as special bear bow-ties or hair-bows. Bear-track paw-print cupcakes or a bear pancakes are unique treat idea.
Shop www.LookLoveSend.com for a great selection to create birthday invitations that are colorful and energetic. You can personalize your birthday invitations online quickly and easily, including a photo of your birthday star if you’d like. Invitations print on premium quality card stock and all orders ship the next business day!
