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Birthday Party FAQ's
Planning Birthday Parties for Children can be full of little sticky situations that can be difficult to
maneuver around. These "issues" can really take the fun out of celebrating your child's birthday. Below
are some frequently asked questions regarding birthday party planning, birthday party execution and
post birthday party etiquette.
maneuver around. These "issues" can really take the fun out of celebrating your child's birthday. Below
are some frequently asked questions regarding birthday party planning, birthday party execution and
post birthday party etiquette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I invite my child's entire class to the party?
Not, if you don't want to. Keep in mind, discretion is the key here. Either mail the invitations or drop
them off instead of letting your child hand them out in class. Involve your children in the planning
stage of their party. Ask them who they would like to attend.
OK, your RSVP date has passed. Do you call those that haven't responded?
In short, yes. Don't let their bad manners spoil your child's special day. Although, don't take this
opportunity to lecture your invitees on social etiquette.
My child is young and just starting to learn how to behave in social situations. How do I prepare
him?
Let's face it, children say what they think. Get your child involved in the mechanics of the birthday
party. For instance, practice greeting guests at the door. Role play with your child and show him
how to be gracious when some gives you a gift, even if it is something that is not very appealing.
Show him how to say good bye to his guests and how to thank them for coming to the party.
Remember, this may be the first time your child is the host. These are skills he hasn't used yet. A
little practice will eliminate a lot of anxiety later.
Are competitive games a good idea? What about prizes?
Yes. Execution is key. Make sure all your guests don't leave empty handed and that the prizes are
not extravagant. Try handing out candy, stickers or pencils. The "winners" will feel special, but the
prizes won't encourage jealousy or ill feelings in your other guests. Keep in mind that you are the
ringmaster. If you see that these games are not working out as well as you hoped, change
direction. Most kids can be re-directed without too much difficulty.
How do I deal with those unexpected surprises such as a parent staying or a sibling tagging
along?
Plan for the unexpected. I always have a couple of extra trinkets in my "Just in Case" pile. If some
parents decide to stay, take advantage of the extra hands and recruit them to assist in some of the
party games.
How do I handle rude behavior of a child that is not my own?
Be as positive as possible. Try to redirect the child's energy. Birthday parties can be a lot of fun, but
they can also be very stressful on children, coupled with the sugar rush, can lead a child to make
poor choices. This is where having some extra hands around can really help. Ask someone to
direct their attention to the unruly child. Sometimes a little extra attention and a little time is all a
child needs to get their act together.
Do I include my other children in the party?
This situation is a real challenge. A lot depends on the relationship of the siblings and their ages.
If you choose to include your other children, consider allowing them to invite one of their own
friends. Another option is to give your other children something they can be in charge of, such as,
leading the group in a game of Simon Says. I think birthday celebrations are a family affair and
when at all possible, families should be together. If you feel having the birthday boy or girl's
siblings attend the party is not a great idea, schedule an off site play date or arrange for a trip to the
movies, museum or park. This way everyone has something special going on.
To open the presents or not to open the presents...that is the question?
This is a personal choice. There is no right or wrong way. You may want to let your guests decide.
If your child does open his gifts at the party, make sure he thanks everyone. Have him say thank
you when he is handed the present and then have him thank those special guests after all the gifts
are opened. Make sure you've already prepared your child on what is expected of him as he opens
him gifts.
What do I do if my child receives duplicate presents? Can I ask for a receipt so I can exchange
the gift?
No you may not ask for the receipt. Some parents may include a gift receipt. If not, most stores will
allow you to return a gift without a receipt for a store credit or an even exchange. You can also take
this opportunity to teach your child about those who are less fortunate and together donate the
duplicate gift to a local shelter.
Is it necessary to send out thank you notes?
Absolutely. If your child is not able to write the note themselves, ask him to draw a picture showing
thanks and you fill in the words. Our Thank You Notes are preprinted where your child needs to fill
in only a small amount of information. Out of the Box Party makes saying Thank You easy and
convenient.
Not, if you don't want to. Keep in mind, discretion is the key here. Either mail the invitations or drop
them off instead of letting your child hand them out in class. Involve your children in the planning
stage of their party. Ask them who they would like to attend.
OK, your RSVP date has passed. Do you call those that haven't responded?
In short, yes. Don't let their bad manners spoil your child's special day. Although, don't take this
opportunity to lecture your invitees on social etiquette.
My child is young and just starting to learn how to behave in social situations. How do I prepare
him?
Let's face it, children say what they think. Get your child involved in the mechanics of the birthday
party. For instance, practice greeting guests at the door. Role play with your child and show him
how to be gracious when some gives you a gift, even if it is something that is not very appealing.
Show him how to say good bye to his guests and how to thank them for coming to the party.
Remember, this may be the first time your child is the host. These are skills he hasn't used yet. A
little practice will eliminate a lot of anxiety later.
Are competitive games a good idea? What about prizes?
Yes. Execution is key. Make sure all your guests don't leave empty handed and that the prizes are
not extravagant. Try handing out candy, stickers or pencils. The "winners" will feel special, but the
prizes won't encourage jealousy or ill feelings in your other guests. Keep in mind that you are the
ringmaster. If you see that these games are not working out as well as you hoped, change
direction. Most kids can be re-directed without too much difficulty.
How do I deal with those unexpected surprises such as a parent staying or a sibling tagging
along?
Plan for the unexpected. I always have a couple of extra trinkets in my "Just in Case" pile. If some
parents decide to stay, take advantage of the extra hands and recruit them to assist in some of the
party games.
How do I handle rude behavior of a child that is not my own?
Be as positive as possible. Try to redirect the child's energy. Birthday parties can be a lot of fun, but
they can also be very stressful on children, coupled with the sugar rush, can lead a child to make
poor choices. This is where having some extra hands around can really help. Ask someone to
direct their attention to the unruly child. Sometimes a little extra attention and a little time is all a
child needs to get their act together.
Do I include my other children in the party?
This situation is a real challenge. A lot depends on the relationship of the siblings and their ages.
If you choose to include your other children, consider allowing them to invite one of their own
friends. Another option is to give your other children something they can be in charge of, such as,
leading the group in a game of Simon Says. I think birthday celebrations are a family affair and
when at all possible, families should be together. If you feel having the birthday boy or girl's
siblings attend the party is not a great idea, schedule an off site play date or arrange for a trip to the
movies, museum or park. This way everyone has something special going on.
To open the presents or not to open the presents...that is the question?
This is a personal choice. There is no right or wrong way. You may want to let your guests decide.
If your child does open his gifts at the party, make sure he thanks everyone. Have him say thank
you when he is handed the present and then have him thank those special guests after all the gifts
are opened. Make sure you've already prepared your child on what is expected of him as he opens
him gifts.
What do I do if my child receives duplicate presents? Can I ask for a receipt so I can exchange
the gift?
No you may not ask for the receipt. Some parents may include a gift receipt. If not, most stores will
allow you to return a gift without a receipt for a store credit or an even exchange. You can also take
this opportunity to teach your child about those who are less fortunate and together donate the
duplicate gift to a local shelter.
Is it necessary to send out thank you notes?
Absolutely. If your child is not able to write the note themselves, ask him to draw a picture showing
thanks and you fill in the words. Our Thank You Notes are preprinted where your child needs to fill
in only a small amount of information. Out of the Box Party makes saying Thank You easy and
convenient.
Do you have a Birthday Party question for Out of the Box. Your answers are just a click away. Ask
the Birthday Party Experts!
the Birthday Party Experts!
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