What makes a child’s birthday party memorable?  It feels like we’ve done it all with children’s birthday parties but I’ve learned something along the way.  The most memorable parties, the ones kids talk about for years after, are big on creativity and imagination – not expense.

Three examples of memorable parties that we’ve hosted include: playing Muggle Quidditch, fairy walk, and scavenger hunt. Each of these parties represented the interests of my child at the time making them extra special. Hosting a party in nature is unique these days but for kids that spend most of their time playing sports or connected to technology, they appreciate getting outdoors to play with friends. The secret of a memorable party is to find a common interest, boost that interest with lots of imagination, and think like a child. Hiding clues for the scavenger hunt or leaving traces that the fairies had visited the woods creates magic and memories for guests. For the birthday child it creates cherished moments with friends and a feeling of pride for hosting a special party activity. With Spring birthday party season just around the corner, here are a few more suggestions for creating a memorable kid’s party:

Host a donation party
Ask party guests to bring a small donation in lieu of presents. Have your child select a charity or social cause to help and donate a portion of the money received. Your child will feel empowered by helping a cause close to their heart. Extra bonus is there is less packaging and gift wrap to recycle from traditional parties with gifts and the birthday child can use their money to buy 1 special gift they want/need.

Have a friend take pictures
Having a photographer at your child’s party is the perfect time to snap pictures. . . especially if you’re hosting in nature. Pictures taken in natural daylight look stunning and if it’s not in the budget to hire a photographer, ask a friend to hang out with a camera. Having your hands free to host and enjoy the moments during your child’s party is important, but so is getting great pictures. Have the best of both!

Plan as a family
Creating a memorable party is going to effect the entire family so why not sit down and plan it together? Siblings are amazing with brainstorming creative ideas or party games and if the party is taking place at home, everyone needs to be on board to get ready. I’ll never forget the best part of the Fairy Walk we planned for my daughters years ago. It was the pre-party setup of climbing trees to hang felt garlands, hammering of a fairy chimney into a tree, and hiding clues that fairies had walked through the forest with my sons that made the party so memorable for me. They got so excited helping to setup the fairy walk, thinking of different ideas to make the magic more abundant for their sisters. I will always remember how that party truly became a family affair that everyone enjoyed.

Think back to your childhood
What parties do you remember growing up? Remember 3-legged races, sack races, bubble gum blowing contests, pass the present, and blindfolded games? Think back and incorporate a few of these games into your child’s party. Chances are your kids will love and enjoy these classics too.

Here are a few memorable party ideas on Pinterest that are sure to inspire memorable party fun!

Ever heard the best toy is an empty box? This maze party idea might prove this theory correct! Photo credit Pinterest:

Obstacle course for the younger crowd? Done to perfection for these little pirates walking the plank! Photo credit Sweeten Your Day Events:

Watching a movie can be memorable with these box car seats! Even better if the seat doubles as the party take home gift. Photo credit Not Just A Housewife:

All parents have a little Peter Pan inside them. Unleash your creativity and enjoy making memorable parties that your kids will always remember.