Party fun for preschoolers

Your little preschoolers will love these party ideas — and they won’t cost the earth

Published 03 Mar 2008
0
(0)
Text sizeAAA
Share the cost of a party Team up with another mum whose child’s birthday is within a week or two of yours – chances are you will both be inviting the same children. “Demetrius and his best friend Freddie have the same friends, so we saved by splitting the expense,” says

Rena, mum of Demetrius, 3 

Let the children help Children crave food and fun so combine both. Buy ready-made pizza dough and let them add their own choice of tempting healthy toppings. Or let them decorate plain biscuits with chocolate, or roll out dough for them to shape and cut.
Play games Get the party started by playing silly games such as Pin the Tail on the Donkey and Simon Says. Always plan more games than you need, including some calming-down games in case children become over-excited.
Give all the children prizes “For prize games, such as Pass the Parcel, making sure every child receives something can prevent tears and tantrums. Keep the party to about 90 minutes long to avoid over-stimulating them – and exhausting you!” says

Debra Strong, nursery teacher and children’s party planner

Buy party presents online Instead of filling fiddly goody bags, give each child one single present to take away. Keep your eyes peeled in discount stores for packaged sets, such as stickers, crayons, bangles and cars, then open them and divide them up. Try online discount stores such as www.thebookpeople.co.uk, www.bakerross.co.uk and www.woolgarstoys.co.uk.

Find out more

  •  Big Birthday Club
    Early Learning Centre customers with children aged 0-6 can join in-store or online for theme and game ideas, plus a 20 per cent off voucher before each birthday.

Words: Michelle Braham. Illustration: Ana Diaz