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8 Options Every Child Should Have For Their Birthday Activities

June 6, 2025 | Leave a Comment

8 Options Every Child Should Have For Their Birthday Activities

Birthday parties are a big deal to kids—not just for cake and gifts, but for making memories that stick with them for years. Whether you’re planning something big or keeping it low-key, giving your child choices can make the day feel even more special. The right birthday plans don’t have to cost a fortune or follow a specific trend. What matters is that your child feels included, celebrated, and in control of the fun. These eight ideas are options every child should have for their birthday activities, and they work for different personalities, energy levels, and budgets.

1. A Stay-At-Home Celebration with Their Favorite Things

Not every birthday needs a rented space or crowd of guests. Some kids would love nothing more than a cozy party at home, surrounded by family, favorite foods, and a stack of games or movies. This is one of the most flexible options every child should have for their birthday activities, and it allows full customization. Think build-your-own taco night, homemade decorations, or a pajama party complete with popcorn and a movie marathon. It’s personal, easy to organize, and can be just as fun as anything flashy.

2. A Day Out Doing Something They Love

Instead of a traditional party, some kids prefer quality time doing something they already enjoy. This might be a trip to the zoo, mini-golf, a trampoline park, or their favorite arcade. Letting your child choose the activity gives them a sense of ownership and excitement. These outings are great options for introverted kids or those who aren’t into big group parties. It’s one of those options every child should have for their birthday activities because it makes the day feel truly centered around them.

3. A Themed Party Where They Pick the Theme

Unicorns, superheroes, dinosaurs, space—whatever their obsession, themed parties are always a hit. Even if it’s a simple backyard party, giving your child the chance to choose the theme makes them feel heard and involved. Let them help pick decorations, snacks, and even the playlist to bring their vision to life. This is one of the most creative options every child should have for their birthday activities and can spark a lot of joy without going overboard. Homemade decorations and DIY games make it even more memorable.

4. A Party with Just a Few Close Friends

Not every kid wants a crowd. For many children, the idea of a small gathering with their closest pals feels more fun—and less overwhelming—than a full guest list. This could be a backyard campout, pizza and crafts night, or a sleepover with games and cake. One of the best options every child should have for their birthday activities is the choice to keep it small and meaningful. Sometimes, a few best friends and lots of laughs make for the best birthday memories.

5. A Birthday Focused on Giving Back

Some kids naturally lean toward empathy and generosity, even on their birthday. For those children, giving back can be more fulfilling than getting presents. This might mean collecting donations instead of gifts, spending time volunteering, or hosting a charity-themed celebration. It’s one of the more unique options every child should have for their birthday activities, and it teaches values that last beyond one special day. Plus, it feels good to know you’ve helped others while still celebrating.

6. A DIY or Craft-Based Party

For kids who love to create, crafting is a birthday dream come true. From slime stations to painting parties or jewelry making, hands-on activities are both fun and budget-friendly. Guests get to take something home, and your child gets to lead a project they love. It’s one of the more engaging options every child should have for their birthday activities, especially for kids who enjoy showing off their artistic side. Plus, it keeps everyone busy and entertained without needing constant supervision.

7. A Family Adventure or Mini-Trip

Instead of a party, some families opt for a special outing or overnight adventure. Whether it’s camping, a hotel stay, or visiting a nearby attraction, this kind of celebration turns the day into an experience. This is a great option for children who enjoy exploring new places or value quality time with family. It’s also ideal when you want to combine a birthday with a bit of travel or memory-making. Among the options every child should have for their birthday activities, this one creates lasting moments without needing balloons or streamers.

8. A “Yes Day” Where They Pick the Agenda

Give your child the reins and let them design their perfect day (within reason, of course). A “Yes Day” could include their choice of breakfast, favorite park, a special treat, and picking the family movie that night. It doesn’t take a big budget to let them feel like royalty for a day. This is one of the most empowering options every child should have for their birthday activities because it shows trust and makes the day all about them. Just be prepared to say “yes” to things you normally wouldn’t.

Birthdays Should Reflect Who They Are

There’s no right way to celebrate a birthday—only the right way for your child. When you give them choices and make their interests the priority, you’re sending a powerful message: who they are matters. These options every child should have for their birthday activities are just the beginning of turning a simple birthday into a meaningful tradition.

What birthday option does your child love the most—or what new one are you excited to try? Share your celebration wins and ideas in the comments!

Read More:

Skip These 7 Expenses When Planning a Kid’s Birthday Party

8 Snooze-Proof Birthday Ideas That’ll Blow Your Kid’s Mind

Catherine Reed
Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: birthday ideas, birthday traditions, child development, family celebrations, kids and choices, kids birthday activities, kids party planning, parenting tips

What to Do When Someone Brings Their Whole Crew to Your Kid’s Party

May 23, 2025 | Leave a Comment

What to Do When Someone Brings Their Whole Crew to Your Kids Party

You’ve planned your child’s birthday party down to the last sprinkle—headcount confirmed, goody bags packed, pizza slices counted. Then the unexpected happens: a guest shows up with their cousins, siblings, and a surprise plus-one (or three) in tow. Suddenly, your budget is stretched, the food is running low, and your stress level is climbing fast. It’s a situation more parents face than you’d think, and while you can’t always prevent it, you can handle it with grace. If someone brings their whole crew to your kid’s party, here’s how to manage the moment without losing your cool.

1. Take a Deep Breath Before Reacting

Your first reaction may be frustration, panic, or even embarrassment—but take a beat before reacting. These unexpected guests usually aren’t trying to cause chaos; they may not realize they’re creating a problem. Starting off with calm energy helps you assess the situation before jumping to conclusions. Focus on keeping the vibe positive, especially since the birthday kid is watching. Keeping your cool sets the tone for how the rest of the event unfolds.

2. Make Quick Adjustments to Food and Supplies

Running out of snacks or drinks is one of the most immediate concerns when surprise guests arrive. Do a quick mental inventory or discreetly check your supplies to see what you can stretch or substitute. Consider cutting pizza slices in half, putting out an extra bag of chips, or reusing wrapping paper scraps to create more goody bags. If you’re hosting at home, see what extra snacks or drinks are already in your pantry. The goal is to keep things flowing without drawing attention to the hiccup.

3. Loop In a Backup Helper

If the kid’s party has suddenly doubled in size, recruit another adult to help you manage the crowd. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, or another parent who offered to stay, having an extra set of hands makes a big difference. Let them help with crowd control, refilling drinks, or directing kids through activities. This gives you space to think strategically and handle any last-minute tweaks. Delegating is not only smart—it’s necessary when the unexpected hits.

4. Redirect Extra Guests Toward Open Activities

If there are uninvited siblings or extra children tagging along, guide them toward low-maintenance party areas like a craft table, bubble station, or open-play zone. Keeping them engaged in something that doesn’t take away from the planned activities ensures the birthday kid still gets the spotlight. This also prevents any unintentional disruption of organized games or age-specific entertainment. Make it fun without making it a free-for-all. When in doubt, bring out sidewalk chalk—it’s a crowd-pleaser and easy to manage.

5. Keep the Birthday Kid at the Center

It’s easy to let frustration take over when things don’t go as planned, but remember who the day is really about. Make sure your child feels celebrated, included, and happy—even if the guest list has unexpectedly expanded. Try not to let party stress steal the joy from their big day. Even if it means skipping a structured game or adjusting the gift-opening, keep their needs at the heart of your decisions. The memories your child takes away from the party will outlast any awkward guest situations.

6. Handle the Guest’s Parent Politely but Firmly (If Needed)

If the guest’s parent is around and it’s clear they brought more kids than invited, a quick, polite comment can help set boundaries for the future. Try something like, “I wish I’d known you were bringing extra guests—I would’ve planned for them!” This opens the door for conversation without confrontation. If you’re dealing with someone who seems unaware or dismissive, you’re still allowed to protect your budget and boundaries next time around. It’s not rude to prioritize what’s best for your child and your event.

7. Adjust Expectations for Next Time

Use this experience to plan better for future parties. Consider adding a note to invitations like “Due to space and supplies, please RSVP only for [Child’s Name].” You can also build in a buffer by prepping a couple of extra goody bags and having a few extra slices of cake on standby. No plan is perfect, but small steps like these can help you stay ahead of surprise guests at your next kid’s party. When you know what to expect, the next party will feel a whole lot smoother.

The Party’s Still a Success—Even with a Few Surprises

Uninvited guests can be annoying, but they don’t have to ruin your child’s big day. With a few quick pivots and a positive attitude, you can keep the fun going and make the birthday kid feel just as special as you planned. Parenting means adapting on the fly, and this is just another chance to rise to the occasion. And hey, when your kid is older and throwing their own party? They’ll thank you for modeling how to handle unexpected chaos with style.

Have you ever dealt with unexpected guests at a kid’s party? How did you handle it? Share your story in the comments!

Read More:

8 Affordable Birthday Party Ideas That Won’t Break the Bank

7 Birthday Gifts Your Child Should Never Bring to a Party

Catherine Reed
Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: birthday party tips, hosting kids events, kids party planning, parenting challenges, party etiquette, unexpected guests

The Shocking Cost of Modern Birthday Parties (And Why Parents Feel Trapped)

May 8, 2025 | Leave a Comment

Image source: Unsplash

Gone are the days of backyard cupcakes, a dollar store banner, and pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey. Today’s birthday parties come with custom balloon arches, TikTok-worthy themes, personalized party favors, and professional photographers. And if you’re not spending $500–$1,000, you might feel like you’re falling behind.

Parents across the country are quietly wondering the same thing: How did we get here, and how do we get out without making our kid feel left out?

Welcome to the exhausting and expensive new normal of modern birthday parties.

Why Parties Feel So Much Bigger (and Pricier) Than They Used To

The shift isn’t just inflation (though that doesn’t help). It’s cultural. Social media has completely transformed expectations. What once passed as a fun gathering now feels like an event with a guest list, mood board, and post-worthy photos required.

Add in party venues, entertainers, custom cakes, and take-home gifts that look more like wedding favors, and it’s no surprise that families are spending hundreds (or even thousands) on what used to be a simple celebration.

There’s an unspoken pressure not to “underdo” it. After all, your child is going to compare their party with the one they just attended last weekend. And deep down, you might worry that a lower-key party will leave them disappointed or left out.

The Hidden Toll of “Keeping Up” Parties

For many parents, especially those with limited disposable income, this pressure creates a deep sense of conflict. You want to give your child a great memory, but you also don’t want to drain your savings or take on debt for a party that lasts three hours.

It’s not just about money, either. It’s about time, energy, and emotional bandwidth. Planning a picture-perfect party becomes a full-blown project, with weeks of prep and a day-of schedule that rivals a corporate event. Parents feel exhausted by the logistics and guilty for feeling exhausted.

And yet, skipping the extravagance altogether can feel like social sabotage. You might wonder: Will the other parents judge? Will my child be the only one without a party that’s “cool enough” to talk about at school?

When Kids Become Accidental Consumers

The kids themselves aren’t immune to the pressure, either. Many children are now exposed to curated party culture before they even understand what birthdays are. They absorb messages that a “real” birthday means a big party, a theme, a giant cake, and mountains of gifts.

That expectation sticks. Over time, birthdays become less about feeling celebrated and more about comparing the size, scale, and sparkle of their own party to their friends.

When kids are disappointed by anything less than Pinterest-level perfection, the problem becomes more than financial—it becomes emotional.

Image source: Unsplash

Parents Are Feeling Trapped in a Cycle They Don’t Want

The irony? Many parents admit they don’t even want the big blowouts. In conversation after conversation, what they really crave is a return to simplicity: a day filled with connection, laughter, and maybe some cake. Not a party planner, invoice, and clean-up crew.

But stepping outside the norm, especially when your child is old enough to notice, feels risky. And so the cycle continues: You match the party standard not because you want to but because you feel you have to.

So, What’s the Way Out?

If you’re feeling stretched thin by birthday expectations, you’re not alone, and you’re not powerless. Here are a few ways some parents are gently reclaiming the experience:

Normalize Simplicity

Talk openly with your child about what birthdays mean, not just what they look like. You’d be surprised how many kids care more about spending time with friends than about expensive decor or elaborate gifts.

Collaborate With Other Parents

Many families are in the same boat, but no one wants to be the first to scale things down. Talk to other parents, especially if you’re close, to start setting new, more reasonable norms together.

Create Meaningful Traditions

Instead of building the day around performance, focus on rituals your child can look forward to every year, like choosing their favorite dinner, making a scrapbook page, or waking up to a balloon avalanche in their room.

Say No (And Mean It)

If a venue or add-on doesn’t align with your values or your budget, it’s okay to skip it. Your child won’t remember the foam machine ten years from now, but they will remember if you were stressed, short-tempered, and stretched thin on their special day.

You Don’t Need the Perfect Party, Just a Real One

Modern birthday culture has drifted far from its original purpose. Somewhere along the line, it became less about celebrating the person and more about performing for the guests. But your child doesn’t need a show. They need to feel seen, known, and loved.

And that doesn’t cost a thousand dollars.

So we’re curious—what’s one simple birthday tradition your family has created that means more than any store-bought decoration?

Read More:

7 Birthday Gifts Your Child Should Never Bring to a Party

How to Plan an Epic Party: 10 Cheap Birthday Party Ideas You’ll Love

Riley Schnepf
Riley Schnepf

Riley is an Arizona native with over nine years of writing experience. From personal finance to travel to digital marketing to pop culture, she’s written about everything under the sun. When she’s not writing, she’s spending her time outside, reading, or cuddling with her two corgis.

Filed Under: Money and Finances, Parenting Tagged With: birthday party pressure, Family Budgeting, kids party planning, modern parenting, parenting trends, party comparison culture

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Basic Principles Of Good Parenting

Here some basic principles for good parenting:

  1. What You Do Matters: Your kids are watching you. So, be purposeful about what you want to accomplish.
  2. You Can’t be Too Loving: Don’t replace love with material possessions, lowered expectations or leniency.
  3. Be Involved Your Kids Life: Arrange your priorities to focus on what your kid’s needs. Be there mentally and physically.
  4. Adapt Your Parenting: Children grow quickly, so keep pace with your child’s development.
  5. Establish and Set Rules: The rules you set for children will establish the rules they set for themselves later.  Avoid harsh discipline and be consistent.
  6. Explain Your Decisions: What is obvious to you may not be evident to your child. They don’t have the experience you do.
  7. Be Respectful To Your Child: How you treat your child is how they will treat others.  Be polite, respectful and make an effort to pay attention.
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