Birthday parties are lots of fun for both child,  guests and parents. But they need a bit of time and effort to organise.

Here are my top tips to have a hassle-free kids’ birthday party.

Start thinking about the party a couple of months before it’s time to even send out invites.

Decide on your theme – (if there is one – themes aren’t necessary and can often hike up the price.) If you are opting for a theme, its good to start purchasing themed goodies early as you can find some great specials. I found some minnie mouse items on a buy swap sell auction site and spent about $4 on balloons, plates, serviettes, banners and lolly bags. This helped me to actually decide on doing a themed party. Buying early also helps take off some of the pressure off spending so much closer to the date.

Birthday invites can be done many ways but I love the old school paper invites that come in a pad of 20. I find these get children a little more excited.

Decorations – Google, etsy and facebook have  amazing ideas and suggestion for decorations which can match your theme. Don’t forget that balloons and streamers are simple and easy options and can still be a lot of fun.

Party Games – I googled party games for the specific age of birthday child and found many good ideas for fun and exciting games. Don’t forget the good old-fashioned games we used to play such as musical chairs,  pin the tail and pass the parcel.

Venue – I have chosen to hold our birthday parties at my mother in laws house as she has a much bigger yard- which means plenty of room for kids to play around. We have had parties at venues such as noahs ark (kids paid playground) this was about $260,  we then had to add extra food for adults who came which, for the cost of the platter,  I know I could have done a better job at home. But there was also a lot less mess to worry about cleaning after.

We have done a pool party (I finally got my pool party I longed for since i was a child born in may). This was ok as it was during the hotter days of January this year and our local pool actually had free entry so was the cheapest by far. I was easily able to do food and drinks myself and again minimal clean up. Though it was harder to keep track of all children and to chat with parents as a constant eye needs to be kept on children.

Food – I enjoy cooking so we had many home made dishes of sausage rolls and other healthier options. I always include a platter of fresh fruit- its amazing how many kids go for the fruit over the lollies. Chips can be eaten straight out of the bags to save on bowls and washing up. I also buy juice boxes when they are on special leading up to the date as well as having lots of cold water available.  Dont forget to include  some snacks for grown ups, as well as making sure you have had something to eat yourself.

The Cake – I have made cakes every year. I may not be completely happy with my end result,  but my child and friends have always been amazingly impressed with my creations. It may not be the cheaper and easiest option- but these days, there are so many things you can buy for cakes and the cake hack sites are full of ideas. The birthday cake can be one of the easiest and best things you can do for your child’s party.

Lolly bags –  Take home bags don’t have to be full and Big W and Kmart have many different party supplies that can be thrown in as well as some cheap lollies. Balloons are always a hit in the lolly bag. Also look for specials- I have put things in that are a bit out of the blue but parents and kids are always impressed. Dont forget it doesn’t have to be a bag with party all over it. One year I forgot to buy party bags- the kids all took home a snap lock bag- they didnt seem to care about the bag. I have done a treasure hunt for kids to find their lolly bag. Always have an extra bag or two made up for those extras that come.

Memories – Lastly don’t forget to take at least 3 photos – one of your child on their birthday,  one with all their party guests and one with their gifts (or as they open them). Designate someone close to you to do this, as most often you will be running around like a mad chook and then the party is over and you have forgotten. These can make for some great memories.

What are your tips for having the best kids party? Share these in the comments below.