Birthday Party Planning Check List

As your little one approaches their birthday milestones, you also have a new milestone—planning the perfect, age-appropriate birthday party. Here’s a quick check list of things to think about for some of those milestone years.

First Birthday

Planning: Starts six months prior

Supplies: Custom invitation with photo; bakery cake with individual cake for “first cake” pictures; matching banners, plates, napkins, cups, etc.; color coordinated wrapping paper; catered finger foods

Attendees: Family, friends, friends of family, best friends, co-workers, neighbors, pediatrician

Third Birthday

Planning: Starts 3 months prior

Supplies: Store-bought invitation, bakery cake with Disney characters, pizza, plates and napkins from the party store

Attendees: Family and friends, kids from child care and their parents

Planning Resource: Birthday Party Theme Ideas for 2-4 Year Olds

Fifth Birthday

Planning: starts 1 month prior

Supplies: Invitations provided free by the kid friendly venue you’ve reserved (complete with waiver), cups of tokens, goodie bags full of dollar store finds, grocery store cake with customized greeting

Attendees: Everyone in your child’s classroom

Planning Resource: The Ten Best Summer Birthday Party Ideas for Kids