While there are dozens of adorable preschool party themes, I find it best to go with a simple, inexpensive party theme. Here’s a party planner for preschool age children that’s full of cheap, diy homemade fun. Based on preschool learning centers this party features stations in which children can circulate. For childrens’ parties of any age, it’s best to keep it simple, but provide lots of options. Avoid competitive games and whole group activities; concentrate on providing choice, freedom of movement and variety. Remind guests in the invitations to dress comfortably because there may be some mess.
Cupcake decorating: Instead of a cake, give each child a plain unfrosted cupcake to decorate. Set out a variety of candies, sprinkles and frosting options. Give each child a disposable Popsicle sticks to frost cupcakes. Each guest should have her own little cup of frosting, so that when she samples, and she will sample, germs won’t get spread around. Assemble the finished cupcake on a platter and add candles for the birthday girl to blow out. Photograph and give each child her cupcake to eat.
DIY Tattoos: Set out temporary tattoos, napkins and washable markers. Teach guests to apply tattoos by pressing damp napkin over tattoo until paper is wet. Remove paper to reveal tattoo. Child can also make their own tattoos by drawing on paper towel and pressing design on their arms.
Sidewalk chalk birthday card: Set out sidewalk chalk and ask guests to decorate your sidewalk or driveway with a giant birthday card for the birthday child.
Fishing for prizes: Set out a child’s wading pool and inexpensive plastic fishing game. Children can fish for prizes. Make your own fishing game by tying a magnet to the end of a dowel. Fill little plastic or paper bags with treats and prizes. Attach a paper clip to the bag. Child catches a treat by getting magnet to attach to paper clip and ‘reeling’ it in.
Fingernail painting: This went over like a house afire at our youngest daughter’s 5th birthday party. My eldest daughter set out all her array of finger nail polish choices and everyone got a manicure.
Face painting: My younger son manned this booth at our daughter’s party. He made up a poster showing the different images he could do. He even learned some new ideas when guests asked for something different. Remember to use non-toxic face paint. Make your own face paint with lotion and food coloring.
Fortunately I had older children to run the activities. If you don’t have older children, import some older neighbor children or family members. Older children love to help with these types of parties and will usually work for food and a treat bag. For more awesome diy party ideas, come visit me at www.diypartyplanner.blogspot.com.
