Top tips for children's parties from Theme Traders
By Kim Einhorn, MD and Co-founder of Theme Traders
Kim began her career in the events industry as the Red Elephant , when she and her brother would entertain at children’s parties. Parents soon started asking the pair to organise the parties and then their own parties – from this background Theme Traders was born.
Here are Kim’s tips:
Keep it simple – when you are throwing a party for children, especially young children, keep it simple. Over fussy, complicated games will quickly bore the participants and lead to chaos as you lose control! Don’t over plan the party and be prepared to be flexible. Have a few party games up your sleeve, which are particularly useful if there is a lull and allow time for guests to run around and let off steam, especially if it is a party for boys!
Make a plan – have a rough idea of how the party will pan out, but be prepared to go with the flow. Maybe play a couple of party games at the start to break the ice and to help the children settle down and, if necessary, get to know each other. An entertainer will give you a chance for a breather or to lay out tea
Theme it –
Children love fantasy and it will create a Disneyland for them, while making the party memorable and amazing. Each child will have his or her own favourite theme.
For example, if your child is into sci-fi have a Dalek as the centre-piece. Include inter- active entertainment, such as making supersonic aeroplanes out of paper and then have flight competitions. Space sounds and alien figures will add to the fun, and Star Wars style plastic light sabres, will keep them happy for hours.
For little girls who love animals, a woodland setting with a mad hatter rabbit, a dormouse and toadstools to sit on will transport them to Wonderland. Have cup cakes for tea and drinks from oversized bottles to add to the theme.
A gift or goodie bag at the end of the party should reflect the theme and will prolong the excitement of the day.
Wow Them –
Have music playing as the children arrive, coloured lights and costumed characters – something big and special as oversized to a child means ’wow’ every time – maybe a huge statue or silhouette of their favourite person/theme will be the perfect reminder of their special birthday. Huge Teddy bears, Mickey Mouse, even Teletubbies can make their entrance.
Amuse –
Children respond to laughter so inter-act with them. At Theme Traders when we have created large family days and Christmas corporate parties for the children, we have always found that unusual fun activities, such as a pirate sing song with children participating on instruments, or a clowning workshop with water based paints and tattoos for all, are hugely successful. For many children crazy golf course or treasure hunt is hugely entertaining. Large, oversized games are also very successful.
Theme Traders 020 8452 8518