| By :
Bobby Buys
Here's a quick 10-step guide to planning your toddler's birthday bash without breaking the bank, hiring a party planner or exhausting yourself: Set a budget: Set a budget and stick to it. You want to make sure that your kid and guests have a good time. However, you don't want to spend a fortune on the party. Where to host: Think you'll save if you host the party in your own house? Think again. A bunch of kids having a good time can spell trouble. They will leave chocolate cake stains on your furniture. They will disturb the pebbles you so carefully arranged around the plants in your garden. In short, whenever you can, opt for a local venue such as a petting farm. If you put a price to the after-party tidying up and to the stress suffered by you, it will work out cheaper. Who to invite: Limit the number of guests to five or six. Invite your child's friends from day-care, playgroup, or from the neighbourhood. Not all of them; only the ones your child talks about the most. Remember, parents will likely accompany their little ones, so plan accordingly. Invitations: The most affordable way of inviting guests is to send them an email or make a creative electronic invite. Time and duration: Keep the party short; about an hour and a half should be plenty of time. Host it during mid-afternoon so everyone can go home afterwards for a nap. Party ideas: Having a party theme is a good idea. Choose from animals, flowers, cartoon characters, colours, sport, hobbies or a popular children's movie. Decorating: Decorate in keeping with the theme. Some must-haves are balloons, streamers and pictures of cartoon characters. Games: Set aside a designated play area with fun items like play dough, bubbles, crayons and musical instruments. Little ones will enjoy a sand pit, if available. Make sure there are enough spades and small buckets for all of them! Food: You want them to eat healthy, but also let them indulge in a few treats. Some great fuss-free options are crackers, fruit and veggie wedges (apples, baby carrots, pears, bananas), bite size bagels and donuts, cheese cubes, cupcakes, ice cream cups, cookies, small juice cartons, water and popcorn. Don't forget the birthday cake; something basic (chocolate or vanilla) with colourful frosting is sufficient. Party bags: Go for party favours only if your child is two or older. Inexpensive toys, crayons or books are sure to go down well.
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