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When it comes to throwing kids’ birthday parties, I’ve found the toddler years to be the toughest. Photo: iStock
When it comes to throwing kids birthday parties, I’ve found the toddler years to be the toughest. First birthdays are super easy — family, photos, cake, smash, done. But once kids start to walk and talk, it’s a little more complicated. They don’t really have friends, and their interests are — well, limited. Shapes, colors, balls and Mom, not necessarily in that order. Since cupcakes with your face plastered all over them probably isn’t the party vibe you’re going for, I’ve got a few other ideas that will make your toddler feel special when it’s time to celebrate another trip around the sun.
Backyard party
Vibe: Kids roam, adults chat and no one’s the wiser if the schedule falls apart, or better yet, if there wasn’t one in the first place
Activities: Sidewalk chalk, bubbles, tag, sprinkler and a bouncy house for older siblings
Favors: Bubble wands, or crayons and coloring book
Stuffie party
Vibe: Toddlers bring their favorite stuffies, pj’s optional
Activities: Stuffie parade, stuffie hide-and-seek, stuffie hospital with plenty of bandages
Favors: Bandanas or little blankets for their stuffies
Art party
Vibe: Every kid’s an artist if you believe Picasso, throw on old T-shirts and embrace the mess (for an afternoon at least)
Activities: Painting, drawing, stamp art, butcher paper, sticker stations, no glitter
Favors: Sketch pad with washable markers
Book party
Vibe: Embrace calm over chaos, reading nooks and plenty of books to read
Activities: Story time, puppets, coloring pages, bookmark making station
Favors: A book and bookmark
Train party
Vibe: Traditional train meets toddler play, dress-up encouraged
Activities: Wooden train tracks building, train tag, Red Light Green Light
Favors: Train whistle and a red bandana
More kids birthday party ideas for parents: |
