Birthday Checklist

PARTY FUN-DAMENTALS

A Kid's Birthday Party Checklist

We know that planning a birthday party can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Use this checklist to make planning and preparing your party a piece of "birthday" cake. We guide you through the planning, logistics, and shopping.

Pinterest is a great place to start for inspiration: create a board filled with decadent dessert tables and quick, but enviable decorations. Now that your creativity is flowing, you'll make quick work of planning and logistics:

  1. Choose theme —This sets the tone for your party. Pick an existing one or create one of your own. Check out these birthday party ideas for themed party inspiration.
  2. Determine budget — Before you start shopping, create a budget to know how much you can spend.
  3. Select date, time, and location — You'll need to figure these out early on. You may decide to book a venue, reserve party rentals, or hire entertainment.
  4. Create guest list — Typically, your guest list will depend on the amount of people your venue comfortably accommodates. Start with family and close friends, then extend the list to include neighbors, classmates, colleagues, etc.
  5. Send invites — The earlier you give guests the party details, the better! Send out invitations 4-6 weeks prior to allow plenty of time to RSVP. Invitations can make this even easier!

Now that you've got the preliminary details out of the way, let's go shopping!

Party Must-Haves

These are the most important items you need for hosting a successful birthday party:

  • Partyware
  • Balloon Fun
  • Decorations
  • Favors
  • Entertainment

Use the birthday party checklist below to help you shop for all your party essentials. Download our printer-friendly version to prep and plan on the go. Let the fun begin!

Partyware

A festive tablescape sets the mood for a party and adds instant wow-factor to your space. Create picture perfect tables with colored, patterned, and themed tableware.

Party Hack

Gather party supplies in disposable table covers for quick post party cleanup.

Balloon Fun

Nothing says birthday party like balloons! Whether you order ahead for pick-up or inflate them yourself at home, don't forget this party staple.

Party Hack

Use balloon bouquets as table centerpieces.

Birthday Decorations

Bring your theme to life. Decorate walls with banners and themed cutouts. Hang lively swirl decorations from the ceiling. Make party tables pop with colorful confetti.

  • Tables:

    Ceilings:

  • Walls:

    Outdoor:

Sweet Treats

Add a sweet touch to any party with candy and desserts. Fill different sized containers with your favorite confections or choose candy by color to match your party.

Birthday Cake!

It's not a birthday party without cake so don't forget these essential birthday cake supplies. Display birthday desserts on themed cake stands, dress desserts with decorative toppers, and finish them off with birthday candles.

Party Hack

Spruce up a store-bought cake by adding your own decorations.

Favors

Thank guests for attending with a goodie bag. Keep the fun going with assorted toys, trinkets, and candy.

Party Hack Idea

Party Hack

Prepare extra favor bags for unexpected guests.

Dress Up

Complete the honoree's party look with costumes, crowns, and sashes. Watch your guests' eyes light up as they join in on the fun with head boppers, party hats, and more.

Entertainment

Winning best party of the year starts here. Entertain guests with activities and music that fit your party's theme.

Party Ideas
Balloon Tutorials