Since Garden State Kids launched our website, we have been inundated with questions from parents about age-appropriate birthday parties and popular party themes for boys and girls. Although we’ve addressed many of the questions we’ve received via our site, we have put together this brief guide for this summer issue.

1st Birthday – Many parents believe that a baby’s first birthday is the most special. And it may be… for Mom and Dad. Little Bobby or Susie won’t remember the party, but he or she will enjoy looking at the photos as a ‘tween or teen. So first and foremost, take lots of pictures! Play gyms are great for a first birthday; they are bright and offer age appropriate fun for children up to about 5 years old.  Special order foods (beside pizza) can be ordered along with, of course, birthday cake!
    If Mom and Dad choose to have a party at home, remember that balloons and streamers always set a festive mood (and look great in photos). Costumed characters are great for the little ones and their friends as are clowns and other age-appropriate entertainment. (Remember, balloons can be a choking hazard; please be careful.)

2nd to 5th Birthday – As children get older, party options become more and more plentiful. At home, decorations are still important, but themes take on a more essential role in purchased products like invitations, plates, napkins, gift bags, design and food choices. Rented moon walks and inflatable jump & slides are great for this age group as are magicians, clowns and costumed character entertainers. Play gyms and kiddie facilities are also great for this age group; these parties can be theme-based as well.

5th to 12th Birthday - Location parties are fantastic for ages up to ‘tween. Facilities such as amusement parks and party spots gear their offerings to the ages of the birthday child and guests; they also offer themes that are suitable for the more sophisticated. Ice cream parties have music for dancing, and dance parties have cake and ice cream: it’s the best of both worlds! Amusement parks offer more than rides for birthdays; miniature golf and boardwalk games are available as well as entertainment. Specialty parties such as art parties, music parties and horse-riding parties are perfect for children who want to show friends and family their true passion and talents. Want to try something really different? How about a cooking party? (Yes, someone else does the cleaning up!)

Teenagers’ Birthday Parties – Being a teenager has never been particularly easy, but Mom can make planning a birthday party a little bit easier by establishing a budget and letting the teenager choose the time and place for the celebration. Again, amusement parks offer more than just rides and give the partygoers a bit of freedom and independence. Pool parties can be themed (i.e. luau, patriotic, etc.) or just decorated with the traditional “Happy Birthday” décor. Pool and home parties can offer dancing via a DJ which will turn any party into the event of the season.
    Some young women love the elegance of a chic restaurant party with wait staff and alcohol-free cocktails while others like the intimacy and pampering of a spa party with salt scrub for hands or manicure & pedicure for a small group of best friends… Your teenager will be more than happy to share his or her ideas about what sounds good.

by Sheila Duane