Checklist
The Kids’ Birthday Party Checklist: Everything to Do Before the Big Day
Birthday parties are supposed to be fun.
Yet somehow, 24 hours before one, many of us find ourselves asking:
Did I buy candles?
Here is a simple birthday checklist so you don’t have to keep the entire party inside your head.
The Big Decisions
- Choose the date.
- Choose the location.
- Decide roughly how many guests you want.
- Pick the theme.
- Create your guest list.
- Send invitations.
- If you’re using a venue or entertainer, book them.
Themes that fit this
Lock In the Details
Confirm your main decorations. Order or buy:
- plates
- cups
- napkins
- tablecloth
- balloons
- banner
- cake topper
- candles
Plan the food. Choose activities. Order the cake if you’re not making it yourself.
Confirm Everything
- Check RSVPs.
- Confirm your final guest count.
- Buy non-perishable food and drinks.
- Prepare goodie bags if you’re having them.
- Make sure you have everything needed for games or activities.
- Check the weather if the party is outdoors.
- Create a backup plan if necessary.
Get Ahead of It
- Buy fresh food.
- Confirm the cake.
- Charge your phone/camera.
- Prepare anything that can be assembled ahead of time.
- Clear the main party area.
Find the matches or lighter for the candles.
Seriously.
Find it now.
Set Up What You Can
- Put out tables.
- Prepare serving dishes.
- Arrange decorations that don’t involve balloons.
- Place party supplies together in one area.
- Put candles somewhere impossible to forget.
- Chill drinks.
- Prepare food that can safely be made ahead.
Final Stretch
- Pick up the cake.
- Inflate balloons or finish balloon decorations.
- Set up the food table.
- Put out drinks.
- Prepare activities.
- Get yourself dressed before everything gets chaotic.
And if your child still naps, protect that nap.
Last Look
- Walk through the space.
- Put away anything you don’t want 15 preschoolers touching.
- Check the bathroom.
- Put out extra toilet paper.
- Have trash bags accessible.
- Turn on some music.
Then stop decorating.
There is always one more thing you could do.
You don’t need to do it.
You Only Need Four Things
Welcome people.
Feed people.
Bring out the cake.
Enjoy your kid.
Nobody is going to notice the tiny detail you forgot.
And if they do?
They can host next year.
Get the printable party checklist and planning timeline.
One email — the checklist and a simple day-of timeline, nothing else.
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Planning something (happily) low-key?