It can be stressful preparing for your child’s birthday party. However, with careful preparation and planning you don’t have to be put under so much pressure. Here’s a checklist for you to follow when planning your kids birthday party.

Kids Birthday Party Checklist

FOUR TO SIX WEEKS BEFORE THE PARTY

1. Make a guest list.

2. Make a schedule of all of the party activities that will take place.

3. Decide which decorations and favors you would like to make and which you should buy.

4. Create a list of all supplies that are needed.

5. Plan the party menu – what foods will your child like to have that day?

6. Get in touch with your entertainment for the party.

TWO TO THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE PARTY

1. Make or buy the invitations.

2. Mail or drop off the invitations.

3. Buy all of the party supplies that you will need.

4. Begin making party decorations and favors.

5. Order the cake from a bakery if you’re not planning on making your own.

6. Arrange for extra help – it will be nice to have an extra set of hands.

ONE WEEK BEFORE THE PARTY

1. Put the final touches on the decorations and favors.

2. Confirm any orders placed for cake and/or party supplies.

3. Bake the cake and freeze it, if you made it yourself.

4. Make any other foods that can be made ahead of time and store in the freezer.

5. Write out a final schedule of activities for the party.

TWO to THREE DAYS BEFORE THE PARTY

1. Buy the rest of the food for the party.

2. Buy film and/or videotape so that you can make lasting memories!

3. Check batteries for cameras, flash units and/or camcorders.

4. Get an exact guest count – make sure you have all of the RSVPs.

ONE DAY BEFORE THE PARTY

1. Finish decorating the cake or pick up that cake from bakery.

2. Child-proof the party area – you don’t want anyone getting hurt!

3. Decorate any indoor areas of party.

4. Prepare the food that needs to be done ahead of time.

THE DAY OF THE PARTY

1. Prepare the rest of the food.

2. Decorate the outside party area.

3. Mark the outside of the house or the party area with balloons or a sign so people know where to go.

4. Keep your schedule of party activities handy so that you always know what’s going on.