Who doesn’t want to be the center of attention on their birthday?

Dave is 44-years-old today; and, despite his advanced years, he wants a birthday celebration.

What he truly desires is to be feted with a blow-out birthday party.  Who could blame him?  Every year, our kids get to fulfill their wildest fantasies with themes like: Bug’s Life, Zoo Safari, Dinosaur Dig, Ariel’s Caribbean Luau, Spiderman’s Adventures, A Mad Hatter’s Birthday Tea Party, Art Party, Pokemon Competition, Harry Potter’s Wizards’ Challenge, Haunted Mansion, Spa Resort, and Dance Party.

For these parties, we fill the house with decorations, activities, and way too many kids.  It’s crazy, boisterous, non-stop excitement that leaves me zapped of all energy for at least a week. 

A kid’s birthday celebration is the kind of overwhelming event that should only be held once per year.  Of course, we have two kids so it’s twice a year.  Well, Dave thinks he’s a kid, but, really, after age 10, blow-out birthday celebrations should be limited to: Sweet Sixteen (or Quinceanera), 18, 21, and then just the decades.  I really think you need to wait ten years to fully appreciate the moment, and to give your family a break.

This year, we’ll order a pizza, enjoy a quiet dinner, and try to forget Dave’s Kon Tiki 40th Birthday Madness!

If you’re looking for creative kid’s birthday party inspiration, and detailed instructions, visit the Birthday Planner on FamilyFun.com for “scores” of party themes and the crafts and activities to go with them.

For general guidance on hosting a kid’s birthday party, and lots of theme ideas, I always turn to Vicki Lansky’s Birthday Parties book (see below.)  She lays out all the components of a successful party while reminding you that,

For young children, these are the best rules to follow: KEEP IT SMALL, KEEP IT SHORT, KEEP IT SIMPLE, KEEP IT MOVING, AND KEEP YOUR SENSE OF HUMOR!

Okay, I usually break all those rules, but at least - with Vicki’s expert advice -  I know what I’m getting into!

What’s your favorite birthday party idea?

Happy Birthday, Dave AND Clara!

Book Resource:

Birthday Parties: Best Party Tips and Ideas (Lansky, Vicki): Vicki Lansky: BooksISBN: 0916773361 ISBN-13: 9780916773366

More Birthday Party Articles:

Learn more about our party traditions on Birthday Celebrations.

Baby Parties: Baby To Preschool.

4th Birthday: Ariel’s Caribbean Luau and our  Piñata Tradition.

5th Birthday: A Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.

6th Birthday: The Art Party.

7th Birthday: A Pokémon Party.

8th Birthday: A Harry Potter Party.

9th Birthday: Tween Spa Party.

10th Birthday: Chocolate Dreams Slumber Party.

11th Birthday: The Last Dance Tween Disco Party.

12th Birthday:  A Girl-Led Tween Roller Skating Party.

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