Stress-Free Birthday Party Planning

Birthday parties are a ton of fun — but they can cause a ton of stress to the person planning them! If you are that person, never fear: stress-free birthday party planning is possible if you keep a few pointers in mind.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is a major key to throwing a stress-free birthday party. Aim to begin your planning at least two months in advance. Create a list of major tasks you’ll need to accomplish. These might include:

• Decide on a location
• Decide on food — will you prepare it, or have it catered?
• Decide on a theme
• Create a guest list
• Decide on supplies you will need
• Decide on activities for the party

Armed with your checklist, get online and begin researching your options. The internet is a vast source of knowledge for party game ideas, party craft ideas, and more.

With a basic checklist in front of you, you can cut your stress down to size and begin taking concrete steps in planning your party.

Choose a Theme

One of your first party planning jobs is choosing a birthday party theme. Choose carefully, because your party decorations, activities, games, and food will all revolve around your theme. Some theme ideas could come from the season: is your party in the winter? A Christmas theme is a popular choice. A summer party could center on the pool or outdoor games.

Other theme options center on the honored guest’s hobbies. Does he love a certain sport? Is she crazy about Justin Bieber? Any of these interests could become a fun party theme.

What do you already have?

Go through your checklist and determine which items you will need to purchase, and which ones you already have. Gather the supplies you have already in a convenient spot.

For your to-buy items, Shindigz is a great place to find all your birthday party needs. You can browse their vast selection for partythemes, party decorations, birthday party tableware, and even favors for your party.

Don’t Go it Alone

One key to a stress-free birthday party is to engage help in planning. Don’t go it alone — ask others for assistance. If the party is for a child, ask some of the child’s other relatives to help in planning. Friends and neighbors are often happy to offer assistance.

You could even enlist help with your party food by asking each guest to bring a food item to the party. A pitch-in buffet is a fun way to involve all the guests in your party while reducing your to-do list at the same time.