Outer Space Adventure

Do you have a little astronaut-to-be in the family? Create their perfect party with an outer space adventure for their next party. Decorate the party with planets and a galaxy backdrop for photos. For the adventurous parents, build a spaceship out of cardboard boxes for the kids to plan their trip to space in during the party. Celebrate with astronaut treats like freeze-dried ice cream and moon cheese for your party-goers.

Rainbow Party

For the kiddo who is the sunshine in your life, how better to celebrate than with a rainbow party? Decorations will be a breeze with all the color options you have at your fingertips. Provide paint and rocks for the kids to decorate their own rainbow rocks to take home, or set up rainbow clay for the kids to make their own creations. Fruit salad, layered cake, and jello are easy, fun treats to serve that reflect the colors of the rainbow at your party.

Underwater World

If you have a kiddo who is fascinated by underwater creatures, theme their party around the sea! Decorate with ocean-themed decor like waves, sea turtles, fish, and more. You can use fish bowls with blue water and plastic fish to make a realistic addition to your party decor. Make a fun candy salad with gummy sharks and fish for the kids to snack on. If it’s warm enough, set up water stations outdoors with sand toys and water tables. If you are indoors, you can set up a craft to make seashell necklaces as a take home favor.

Fairy Tale Land

If your toddler loves fairy tales, set up a magical wonderland for their next party! You can set up crown and wand making stations for the kids to interact with at the party. Set up a fun stage for the kids to act out their favorite fairy tales on, or invite a fairy tale guest to come and read a special story to your party-goers. Provide fairy dusted cupcakes and little tea sandwiches for the kiddos to enjoy at the event.

Favorite Cartoon Characters

Most toddlers have locked in on a favorite character that they would love to have their birthday party themed around. Decorate the space with the most notable characters and themes from the TV show/movie. Serve the treats and food that the character might enjoy most. For activities, you may be able to arrange a special visit from the character they love most, or play a game that is tied to the cartoon character they adore. They’ll never forget that you included their most favorite character in their special day!

The most important thing is that you take the time to understand what your kiddo loves most and find ways to incorporate that into their birthday. Our Party Professionals are dedicated to making your party the most special, personalized day when you celebrate with us, so find out how we can help with your next event at www.pumpitupparty.com.

Garden Party

Get kids’ hands dirty with a Garden Party this summer! Let them unleash their creativity by painting and decorating their own plant pots. It’s okay to get messy – that’s part of the fun! Set up a potting station outdoors and provide everything they need. Fill the pots with soil and guide the kids through the planting process. Lean into the theme with a delicious dirt pudding dessert or buttercream flower cupcakes to satisfy all appetites. Send your little gardeners home with a personalized watering can and let them choose 2-3 seed packets to plant something new at home, creating a lasting memory of their garden party adventure!

Going-for-the-Gold Party

This summer will be filled with excitement at watching your favorite athletes compete in Paris in July! Plan a Go-For-The-Gold party for your active little one. Start with a craft station with markers, crayons, and construction paper to create their own team flags. Hand out noisemakers and create a torch from construction paper cones and tissue paper for the Birthday Kid to lead the party in an Opening Ceremony. Set up a series of obstacle courses and relay races for the guests to participate in. Build a podium out of boxes or furniture you may have on hand and give your guests each a custom medal to celebrate their successes during the Games!

Create-Your-Own Pizza Party

Pizza is the universal meal at every birthday party, so why not let your guests make their own? Outfit each of your little chefs in custom kids’ aprons to minimize messes. Pre-set a station with pizza bases, pre-chopped toppings in bowls, and a designated area for creating custom pies. Turn the kids loose and unleash their inner chefs! Let them create their own culinary masterpieces.
After the pizzas are served, save a few extra slices for a pizza relay race in the yard. The first team to finish with the pizza still on their plate takes the win! Send the kids home with their aprons and a chef’s hat, a tasty reminder of their pizza-making adventures.

Backyard Cinema Extravaganza

Cozy up under the stars with your birthday child’s favorite movie, snacks, and treats to celebrate with their friends! Build a cozy setup with blankets and pillows around the yard where all the kids can sprawl out and get comfortable. A few strings of fairy lights will set the mood, and bug spray will be necessary to keep the critters at bay. Set up a popcorn bar with all the candy and treats to make it really feel like you’re at the movies to see the newest blockbuster. Project a movie on a sheet or the side of your house while you relax under the stars for a birthday party you won’t forget!

Love these ideas but want to beat the summer heat instead of bask in it? Bring the party to us at Pump It Up! During your private party in the arenas, set up a sports-themed obstacle course for your partygoers. Ask your Party Professionals to help host a pizza-passing relay at the tables in your dedicated party room, or send your guests home with all the supplies to decorate your pots and grow your own flowers at home, or all the fixings to have a movie night at home! To find more ideas and the ultimate guide to the best birthday party ever, visit www.pumpitupparty.com/blog

Picture Perfect Backdrop

Nowadays everyone wants that picture-perfect moment. The best way to help your guests capture that moment is to have an Instagram-worthy backdrop! Backdrops can be made from tons of different decor but a popular option is birthday balloons. You can use various sizes of balloons that fit your color scheme to create a great backdrop for photos and fill the room with birthday pizazz. Adding streamers in the middle or overhead can add to the look. Another way to use balloons is by creating a beautiful balloon arch. These aren’t as simple as your other DIY projects but guests will love it and it adds a touch of elegance to any room.

Not loving the balloon ideas, try creating garland out of different materials. Tassels can easily be tied to a string to create colorful garland. Paper fans are another great option for hanging vibrant colors around the room. Does your kiddo love sweet treats? Get creative and make a garland out of ice cream cones and cupcake liners! Maybe a paper chain creation fits your party better. This backdrop can be made just out of your birthday kid’s favorite colored paper. Check out the paper chain design here. There are so many DIY backdrops for parties to choose from.

Easy Centerpieces

DIY centerpieces are some of the most fun decorations to make for your child’s birthday party and can be made to fit all kinds of party themes. This is because you can really personalize them and they often can be made for a very low cost. If you want something already made but for a low price, flowers are a nice traditional centerpiece option. Keep in mind you can use fake or real flowers but real ones will cost you extra. Paper lanterns are another centerpiece that you can buy at your local craft store already made or you can make them yourself if you have time. Lastly, one of the best DIY products is a mason jar. You can buy different sized mason jars to fill with candy, candles, or confetti and have several cute pieces to put around the room.

Cake Decorations

Everyone loves a good birthday cake, but it can also be hard to make and decorate the cake on your own. Once you find a recipe to follow, you can then start thinking about the cake decorations. One thing you should consider is DIY cake toppers. You can make these out of printed photos of your birthday king/queen’s favorite memories and place those photos on clothespins to set on top. You can also create your own candle topper! Check out this site to see how to make a candle topper to match any party theme.

Besides the top of the cake, you have to worry about the bottom! What’s the cake going to stand on? There are plenty of glass or plastic cake stands at your local bakery or craft store that you can paint your child’s favorite color or even spray paint with glitter. If you don’t have time to worry about creating your own decorations, try adding some personal touches to store-bought candles. You can add rhinestones to any candle quickly and they will steal the show. See this blog for more cake decorating tips.

Elevate Balloons

Like we mentioned before, there are lots of party decorations but balloons are always a classic, affordable and fun option. But why not take those ordinary balloons and elevate them? You can buy white balloons and fill them with confetti to have tons of colors floating around. Take some streamers and use them in place of plain string for a fun twist. Are you looking for an activity to do while guests are at the party? Have the kids paint their own balloons and supply tissue paper for them to decorate them with. Maybe your birthday kid wants to shine bright and create glitter balloons. These are definitely a messier DIY party decoration but are worth it. All you need is some classroom glue and different colored glitter. You can create designs using the glue as a type of paint or cover a large part of the balloon with the glue and dip it down into the glitter.

All of these DIY birthday party decoration ideas vary in amount of effort, time, and budget, making it easy for you to choose what fits your venue and party theme best. For more awesome birthday ideas check out www.pumpitupparty.com/blog/.

Go Nuts for Donuts!

Although most of us think of cake when we think of a birthday treat, there are plenty of other sweets that can make for a fun and yummy party, like donuts! You can have a donut themed birthday party from top to bottom, starting with the invites. There are various options for invitations that have donuts on them or even shaped like one, that can be found online or possibly in your local party store. For decorations, you can create a donut wall, blow up donut balloons, and have tablecloths to match.

For food, you can still stick to the theme without only serving the sweet pastry. Try thinking of your kid’s favorite food and see if there’s a way to shape it as a donut. If that’s too difficult, go with other round food to match the shape, such as pizza, meatballs or sushi. As for dessert, you can make small donut towers to place around the party venue or one giant donut “cake” that makes for a great centerpiece.

Ice Cream Social

Another great idea for a birthday boy or girl with a sweet tooth is an ice cream themed birthday party. This theme allows for a lot of DIY for your guests and allows for a fun activity- ice cream sundae table! Go ahead and place all types of toppings and ice cream flavors on one table and have everyone concoct their own creation. For more substantial food, incorporate the theme by placing food in ice cream parlor shaped dishes or ice cream cones.

You can go retro for this decor and place “old-school” parlor signs out front and make up fun sundae menus with all the toppings and flavors available. You can also create a fun and easy backdrop for photos, with some poster board cut in the shape of an ice cream cone and some balloons.

Trip to the Carnival

The carnival has great rides and games but I think we all know the best part of the carnival is…the food! This theme is great if you want to provide lots of options for an affordable price. Corn dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and pretzels can be bought in large quantities for low prices and are carnival themed birthday party staples. Feeling adventurous? You can go all out for this party and try making some deep-fried carnival classics like deep-fried Oreos or funnel cakes.

This theme also has plenty of options when it comes to decorations. White and red banners throughout the venue or your home will add to the theme and provide easy set-up and clean-up. Some other fun items that you can make yourself or buy are: classic popcorn boxes, tent-shaped centerpieces, colorful signs, etc. And of course, don’t forget to include some classic games like ring toss and duck pond.

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Candy Crazy

A candy-themed birthday party is another idea that is great for DIY parents on a budget. You can find all types of candy from chocolates, lollipops to gumballs in large batches for relatively low prices at your local candy or party store. These places provide various options in several colors so you can pick your favorite. Plus the food can also be the decor! Buy some clear mason jars and fill them up with all the different sweets to create cute table pieces or a “candy bar”.

Another fun way to include your theme throughout the party space is by creating life-size candy. All you need is some balloons and saran wrap to amaze your guests with large candy lookalikes. Gumball machines or pool noodle candy canes can also be made to make your party a real-life candy land. Want more ideas? Check this site out for invites, decor, and more all inspired by candy.

Fast Food

Everyone loves a home-cooked meal, but sometimes nothing beats a burger and fries from your favorite fast-food restaurant. If your kiddo loves these quick and easy meals, a fast food-themed birthday party is perfect for your family. This theme can be done by either picking common fast food items like burgers, fries, tacos, etc. or by choosing your birthday boy/girl’s favorite fast-food restaurant. If you choose to go the restaurant route, just make sure to check that they provide catering options.

For the decor, this theme is another one that lends itself to DIY projects. You can create hot dog and burger signs out of poster boards or make your own fast food restaurant logo to place on the buffet table. If you are looking for more store-bought ideas, try finding food-shaped balloons or even ordering a cake that looks like a burger! That dessert will for sure be a great photo op and centerpiece.

From sweet to savory, your food-themed birthday party will be a hit with your family and friends. For more inspiration and birthday ideas, visit www.pumpitupparty.com.

Start off Right

One of the most common mistakes beginner bakers make is decorating while the cake is still hot and fresh out of the oven. Doing this will cause the frosting to melt right off creating a sticky and runny mess. Try freezing the cake to avoid this mishap! Once cooled, go ahead and place the cake in the freezer until you are ready to decorate. This technique not only ensures the icing stays on but can also be a real-time saver. You may have some extra time during the week to bake the cake but are worried about it still tasting fresh on the day of the party…don’t be! Cakes can be frozen for up to a week and still taste fresh. By doing this, you used your extra time wisely and still have a tasty cake to decorate the day of or before the party.

Decorating Tools

A baker is only as good as their tools, so let’s go through some essential cake decorating tools. First, a turntable makes frosting your cake much easier and cleaner. Place the cake on top and slowly turn the table to evenly spread the frosting on all sides of the pastry. For the frosting itself, we recommend frosting bags. These can be made right at home for much less than the store-bought alternatives. All you need are quarter or gallon-sized storage bags, depending on the amount of frosting you are using, and a scissor. To see exact instructions or more cake decorating tips and tricks, check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGkbUR61cpc.

Lastly, piping tools are useful baking gadgets that will help you ice your cake with different styles and techniques. Piping tips have different designs that can be placed in your frosting bag. Your local grocery store will have various ones to choose from or you can often find them in cake decorating kits at craft stores.

Level and Crumble

When you are trying to make your own birthday cake, the hardest part is getting the fondant or icing to look nice and smooth like it does at professional bakeries. To help you achieve this, try the level and crumble coat method. The crumble coat acts as a layer of “glue” to seal in moisture and provide an even surface. To start, spread a thin layer over the cake, thin enough that you can still see through to the cake, and smooth it over the best you can. Then let that thin layer dry. Once it dries, continue icing the cake as you normally would. The crumble layer stops any crumbs from getting into the final icing and decorations and lets you glide the frosting across. To note- this tip is especially helpful for those looking to freeze their cake before decorating.

Frosting

Making your own frosting may sound difficult but it’s actually pretty simple! Look through some of your cookbooks or look up some recipes online to find which one you think would look and taste best. The easiest way to go is buttercream frosting- easy to make and a favorite for most people. Some other frosting tips include: starting at the top and working your way down to the sides and using a palette knife to smooth the final layer.

Piping Techniques

Practice makes perfect when it comes to cake piping techniques. As a beginner, you may want to practice on a piece of wax paper before placing it onto your pastry. This way you can get a sense of how much and how fast the icing comes out of the bag before you accidentally spill half all over your cake! This tip also helps you see which designs you like best.

As we mentioned before, you can also find plenty of helpful cake decorating videos online that will show you all types of different piping techniques and much more.

Easy Decorations

The main show of your birthday cake is the frosting so when it comes to cake toppers and other decorations, it’s best to keep it simple. Piping tips will help you create beautiful edges or patterns across the cake. Use other items, like sprinkles, kids’ birthday cake toppers, big number candles, party candles, etc., to enhance your cake with minimal effort.

Marshmallow Fondant

Did you decide to use fondant instead of icing to cover your birthday cake? Our last tip is for you! If you run out of fondant or can’t seem to make it lay flat on the cake, don’t panic. You can make your own pastry fondant with only a few common ingredients- marshmallows, powdered sugar, and water. You can add to the dough you already have to make more or add to premade fondant to make an easier texture for you to place on the cake.

There are plenty of kids birthday cake decorating ideas to choose from when making your own cake, just make sure to follow the recipe exactly and use these tips to make decorating fun and successful. For more birthday party ideas or tips check out www.pumpitupparty.com.

Choose a Race Car Theme

There are so many different choices when it comes to a race car themed birthday party. From Indy 500 to vintage classics to Fast and Furious, your birthday boy or girl can pick from all types of fast cars. Some other themes to consider: NASCAR, modern cars, Hot Wheels or even your child’s favorite car model! If you aren’t sure which theme you should choose, consider your child’s age. If they are turning one, a cute idea is to theme the party their “First Race” and have NASCAR decorations. Or maybe they are four and you want to do a “Four and Fast” theme. This theme allows you to incorporate all types of fast cars, new or classic.

Invitations

Invitations are the first presentation of your party’s theme to your guests…so make it memorable! Of course, you will need to include all the necessary details on the invitations, but you can also have some fun with it and use racing or birthday puns to make your guests smile. Try using the puns from above or create your own.

Also, if you are crunched for time, go ahead and check out your local party supplies store for race car themed invitations. They may allow for much personalization, but still get the job done for a reasonable price.

Speedy Decorations

Race car themed birthday party decorations can be a fun DIY project or found in stores depending on your family’s timeline and budget. As always, consider your child’s age, likes/dislikes, hobbies, the season and your venue, when planning for decor. If you are having the party at your private home, you have all the flexibility you need when it comes to hanging ribbons and banners, or having larger pieces throughout the space. If you rented a party venue, just make sure to ask the employees what you are allowed to bring in and what they already provide to you.

Need a simple option? Amazon has some great bundle packages for you to choose from that are race car themed. Check them out here! If you decide to go the DIY route, flags and cones are easy to make and don’t require much. If you want something more advanced, there are printable templates you can find online.

Refueling Station

Nothing makes kiddos and guests hungry like a big race! Your food and treats should also fit the racing theme and decorations. Consider what time of day your guests will be eating and also if the food is going to be only eaten by kids or if the adults are snacking too. If you only have the little ones to worry about, you can’t go wrong with “racing fuel” or juice boxes, brownie “stoplights” or dipstick pretzels. They are fun to eat and fit your theme. If you have older guests, have some heftier options and of course, ensure you have options for anyone that may have dietary restrictions.

And what would a racing themed birthday party be without its race car themed cake! There are some amazing cake shops that can make almost any car or racetrack come to life, but they can be spendy. An alternative option to this is baking your own cake. You can use a race car themed cake pan and decorate however you or the birthday boy or girl would like. Don’t want to bake a whole cake? Try buying store-bought cupcakes and finding race car themed toppers to personalize them.

Racing Activities

Besides food, the party activities are often what people enjoy and talk about the most. For this type of theme, you can either go really big or simple, depending on budget, venue and how long the party is going to last. If you are renting out an area, they most likely will provide you with different types of activities for various ages and price points. If you are having the party at home, you can get creative. Some fun games to play that fit your theme are relays, balloon races, sack races and red light green light. Most of these physical games can be played indoors if you have a large open space, but if the weather permits, take the party outside!

For activities that don’t involve too much running around, try looking up fun crafts for the kids to do or set up a racing game on the TV- Mario Kart is always a hit.

Race Car Themed Party Favors

After a full day of fun, leave your guests with a little something to remember this fast and furious day. Like the decor, party favors can be found at your local store or made at home. If you have a ton of people coming to the party, buying the favors in large packs may be the best way to go price and timing-wise. Plus, putting a few quality items together in a bag takes a lot less effort than making individual pieces for everyone. The best option may be to include both! Buy a few pullback cars and checkered flag tattoos and add your own “nuts and bolts” snack, a.k.a homemade trail mix, to the bag.

No matter who your little racer is cheering for or what they are wanting to drive, they will love this race car themed birthday party full of speed, snacks and photo-finishes. Have you held your own race lately? Send us pictures of you and the birthday boy or girl enjoying their fun-filled day. For more birthday theme ideas, visit www.pumpitupparty.com.

Your Own Haunted House

Halloween decorations can make or break your party. Cobwebs, dry ice, and creepy crawlers are all traditional party decorations, but not all parties need to have a spooky theme. There are plenty of different store-bought or homemade decor options to choose from when setting the scene of your party. If your children are younger, it may be better to skip the scary and go for a more upbeat atmosphere filled with candy and cheery pumpkins. But if your family likes a good fright, you may go all out with zombies, skeletons, and ghosts…oh my!

Invite Friends (Virtually!)

During times when you are used to celebrating with others, it’s important to still connect while staying safe. An easy way to do this is by having your kiddos invite some friends to join a Zoom party. This way they can show off their costumes to their pals and maybe even throw a Monster Mash dance party!

Making Your Own Costume

From TV characters to animals to even food items, kids’ Halloween costume ideas come in all shapes and sizes. But costumes can get pretty spendy, so why don’t you make it yourself? You can make so many costumes from things just lying around the home or by purchasing some inexpensive items from the party or fabric store. A homemade costume gets the whole family involved and helps your child express their creativity.

Sweet and Scary Treats

Halloween treats can be the most fun to make but the scariest to eat. There are so many recipes that allow you to make tasty food and arrange it to fit your party theme. White chocolate covered Oreos, with an M&M center and gooey red gel makes for a yummy eyeball. Or maybe you want to bake some ghoul and goblin cookies. And of course, don’t forget about beverages. A refreshing fruit punch in a cauldron is perfect for the kids, while the adults can make a special potion all their own.

Trick or Treat

If you are looking for a way to trick or treat without having to leave the comfort of your own home, try setting up your own trick or treat stations around the house. Each family member can create their own station with their own theme to get their imagination going. Fill up a bowl of their favorite candy and take turns going around the house to the different stops.

Scavenger Hunt

A fun game that is great for all ages is a scavenger hunt. Make up some clues that lead to different Halloween themed parts around your home or backyard. Finding candy is always exciting, but is even more fun if you have to play a game to get it! Maybe you have a candy-filled pumpkin hidden under the bed or a friendly witch holding a basket of goodies. Wherever you hide the treats, make sure to throw in a few tricks as well.

Local Events

There are plenty of local events to enjoy Halloween weekend, with socially distancing and safety measures in place. Trunk or Treats are a great way to go since the cars full of candy will be outside and there will be more room for you and your family to walk around. Trunk or Treats also usually have some fun Halloween crafts and games for the kids. Some other great events are being held at your local Pump it Up such as the “Not-so-scary Jumps”! Halloween-themed and loads of fun, Pump It Up is ready to help you celebrate in a secure environment. Find your local Pump It Up for event information: Click Here

Halloween 2020 may look a little different this year, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. No matter what type of Halloween celebration you and your family decide on, our team at Pump It Up wish you a safe and happy Halloween this season.

Luckily, following steps can make it a whole lot easier – and fun. Here are the seven steps to planning the perfect birthday party for your kid!

1. Choose a Theme

The first step to planning a kid’s birthday party is choosing a theme. While not all parties have to have a theme, it’s encouraged to think of one to make the party more unique and align with your child’s interests. Think about your child’s favorite activity or movie as a starting place. These can make great party themes. Other areas to think about when choosing a theme are favorite places to visit, toys, or characters they look up to. Some themes will be easier to find party accessories for, more than others, but it makes for a good opportunity to get creative and get the whole family involved in the brainstorming process!

If you’re having trouble figuring out a theme your child will love, here are some popular party ideas to consider for your kid’s birthday party:

1. Unicorns
2. Superheros
3. Mermaids
4. Video Games
5. Llamas
6. Princesses
7. Dinosaurs
8. Pirates
9. Favorite movie or TV show

2. Determine the Guest List & Send Invitations

The next step is to determine who you’re inviting and then to send out invitations. While this may seem like a fairly easy step, it can actually be rather difficult. The best way to decide who is on the guest list is to determine a budget and how many children can come within that budget. This makes it easier to start choosing the main guests, such as close family and friends. From there, if there is some wiggle room, go ahead and add others. Also, some parties may be for friends only and others may be a family party. It’s important to know what kind of party you want before you make your guest list.

Things to consider when making a guest list are:
1. How many guests does your budget allow?
2. How big or small you prefer it to be.
3. Will the party be for your kid’s friends or only family members?
4. Does the party venue or your house have enough space for all the guests you want to invite?

It’s also important to determine what kind of invitations you want to use for the party.

Three invitation types to consider are:
1. Store-bought: Store-bought birthday invitations will be fairly cheap, however, there are a limited number of options. There may not be invitations available that suit your party theme if you do choose to have one.

2. Custom made: Custom made invitations can be made on a number of different invitation-making websites. You can make the exact invitation you want with design, color, and theme. However, these tend to be a little more expensive than store-bought invitations.

3. DIY: Sometimes with custom made invitations, they may not have what you’re looking for in their options. Making DIY invitations will give you the exact invitation you want and at a fraction of the price of custom made invitations. You do, however, have to make these yourself, which can be time-consuming but also a ton of fun!

3. Pick the Location

There are plenty of great places to have a kid’s party, but there are also many things to take into consideration before deciding on a location. The first thing you should decide is if you’ll throw the party at home or if you want to hire a venue. Throwing a party at home can sometimes save money (other times more once you add it all up), but most party venues include things like games, activities, take pictures, plus set up and clean up, which can save a lot of time and stress. A party at home can also make it impossible for you and your family to enjoy the party and spend time with the birthday boy/girl because you are busy hosting and getting things ready for the next activity. Hiring a venue that includes a host will allow you to relax and take in the special moments.

If you choose to go with a venue, it’s important to take into consideration the season and weather. Both of these will determine where your party will take place. If your child has a winter birthday, an outside venue isn’t the best idea, but a climate-controlled venue with indoor party rooms would be a great option. As a tip, it can be important to choose a venue that has indoor and outdoor areas available, in case of unexpected weather.

Once you determine the type of venue, there are a few more decisions to make.

1. Budget: It’s smart to set a budget because this can help eliminate options out of your price range.

2. Private or public: Some will be private party venues and others public (this means more than one party might be going on in the same room). Private venues are the safer choice because there’s no chance a child will run away or get lost in another party, but public venues could offer lower prices.

3. Age: Lastly, check age requirements for venues. Your child might be too old or not old enough for some venues due to rides or activities they offer, so it’s important to check the limits before reserving.

4. Order Food

The next step is ordering food. Most parents might think this is simple, however, there are many allergies and dietary restrictions that you should be aware of before feeding other parents’ children.

Before deciding on your food for the party, it’s important to ask yourself these questions:
1. Do any of the guests have food allergies or dietary restrictions?
2. Do I need to provide options for different dietary restrictions?
3. What time should the food be ordered for?

If you answered yes to the first two questions, it’s smart to contact the parents who have children requiring a specialized diet. If you have food in mind, for example, pizza, ask their parents if their child can have dairy or certain types of meat usually found on pizza. If they say no, ask them what food is safe for their child to eat. This will ensure all the children will be able to safely eat food and not feel left out.

Can’t forget about your dessert too! Because who doesn’t want to end a great party on a sweet note. You can do cake or cupcakes – cupcakes are so much easier to manage plus you can have two flavors while most single tier cakes are only one flavor. Just be sure to have the birthday kiddos favorite flavor.

Ordering the food in advance for a certain time will also prevent delays. If you call ahead by a week or at least a few days to order your birthday party food, this ensures that it will be ready at the proper time.

5. Purchase (or Make) Decor & Party Favors

If your party is at a rented venue, there’s a good chance that they will decorate for you – and might even supply party favors. However, if you need to supply favors and decorate yourself, you can do that a couple of different ways.

Buy decorations/party favors

• Balloons
• Streamers
• Tablecloths
• Centerpieces
• Birthday banner/sign

Make decorations/party favors

• Centerpieces
• Birthday banner/sign
• Party hats
• Confetti
• Ribbons
• Other DIY decorations

Making decorations can save you some money and let you get creative with your theme, but some decorations will have to be purchased, such as balloons or party horns. If you have less time, buying is a great option, just a bit more costly.

6. Choose & Gather Materials for Games

Whether your birthday party is at a venue or at your house, it’s important to pick out some fun games to entertain your guests!

There are plenty of party games to choose from, but before deciding on which games to pick, take into account the age of the kids and make sure the games are suitable for them. It’s also important to choose games that are designed for a group of children to play. You wouldn’t want to pick out a game that would leave out half of the party guests.

Where your party is located can have an effect on which games you play too. For example, if the party will be at a jump park, there probably isn’t room to bring a game that requires a large setup – stick to games that don’t need materials or little materials. Also, keep in mind the amount of effort it will take to set games up.

Lastly, it’s important to supervise the kids while playing games to make sure no one gets hurt or nothing gets out of hand.

7. Create a Checklist for the Day Of

Creating a checklist for the party can help ensure you don’t forget anything the day of. Here’s a list of five helpful things to put on a checklist to make sure you have everything ready!

1. You know the number of guests
2. Food is ordered and will arrive at the correct time
3. Decorations are set up
4. Games are set up
5. Party favors are ready

Of course, not all of this has to go on your checklist and you might include other things as well, but it’s a great starting place to make sure everything is ready.

These seven steps will help you plan the best birthday party for your kid and your wallet! While these steps can be a good outline for you and your family, make sure to do what works best for you and reach out to party planners for any extra advice.

To learn more about party planning, visit Pump It Up’s birthday party page.

1. Unicorns

What better theme for your little girl’s birthday party than unicorns? Two year old girls will love this party theme–plus there are so many ways to get creative with it!

There are numerous unicorn DIY party favors, decorations and desserts out there, which makes options for a unicorn themed party endless. Some of the best ideas to stick with are sparkly streamers, a unicorn piñata, and a unicorn cake! You can’t go wrong with this theme, because it’s sure to make your child smile on their special day!

2. Comic Book

A fun theme to consider for your soon-to-be 2 year old son is comic books! You don’t see comic book birthday parties too often, which makes this a unique theme and you won’t have to worry about your son’s party being like everyone else’s!

A unique idea to consider for this theme is handing out comic books as party favors. Another great way to spice up the party is by doing a superhero theme and having the kids dress as their favorite superhero or have masks and capes ready for all the kids when they arrive!

3. Beach or Tropical

Another unique party theme is beach or tropical. If your child has a birthday in the summer, this is a great theme to consider for the hot weather and can be used for a boy’s or girl’s party!

This is a great theme, because it can be easily transformed into a fun pool party. Whether it’s a beach or tropical theme, find some fun pool toys and make some themed food to make the kids feel like they are at the beach while they enjoy the party! There are also plenty of water games to play at the party as well, such as a slip and slide and water balloons.

4. Princess

What little girl doesn’t dream of becoming a princess? If you have a soon-to-be 2 year old daughter, you can never go wrong with a princess birthday party theme.

Great ways to plan this party are by buying crowns for your child and their guests, princess themed or pink candy, sparkly streamers and a princess or crown piñata. Don’t forget about the princess themed cupcakes for dessert!

5. Sports

What better way to keep kids active while having a blast at a birthday party? Make it a sports themed party! Or, if your family loves to watch or play a specific sport, make that the theme and set up games for the kids and adults to enjoy.

A great way to make the theme come to life is ask your guests to come dressed in their favorite team’s jersey or as an athlete. All the party games can be fun, active, indoor and outdoor games. The kids can try to toss a ball into holes cut into a board, enjoy fun relay races with a soccer ball, or shoot some hoops with a small foam basketball. The best part is this theme can make for some unique cakes too!

Whether you decided to theme your soon-to-be 2 year old’s birthday party princesses or comic books, your kid is sure to have a blast at their fun, themed party! No matter what you choose, there will be fun and different ways to decorate and plan each theme, so don’t be afraid to get creative with the party!

To learn more about how you can throw your kid the best party on the planet, visit our birthday party page.

What Are Some Great Medieval Party Invitations?

Get this knightly party started by rolling the invitations into scrolls. Scrapbooking paper works great!

Another cute invitation that sets the stage is a castle cutout. The birthday boy or girl can have fun cutting them out or head to a website that sells medieval party supplies.

Invite the Kids to Come in Costume

Via Flickr

Kids and costumes go hand in hand. It’s why Halloween is such a big hit. A medieval party is the ideal opportunity to dust off the princess, knight, wizard or witch costumes for another wear.

You can even throw together a down-an-out peasant outfit. All you need is a peasant blouse, which works for a girl or boy. Pair it with Capri pants, long shorts or a skirt and you have an adorable peasant outfit.

Another way to get kids into the medieval spirit is to have them design their own crowns. Ladies can make flower crowns with pipe cleaners and fabric flowers. Ribbons make a nice touch if you’re making these. Or go the construction paper route and decorate the crowns with markers and fake jewels. While they’re at it, the kids can fashion some swords from paper or cardboard. They will come in handy at game time.

Make sure you include any costume ideas in the invitation. Keep parents aware of anything active the kids may be doing such as running or bouncing. Everyone should be able to participate in their attire.

How to Prepare a Medieval Feast

If you’re having a medieval-themed celebration, consider skipping the usual pizza fare and prepare a feast fit for a king! Don’t go crazy and roast a boar, but do have a something like wings or drumsticks.

Finger foods are another great option including vegetables and other snacks. Veggies were a medieval staple and you can skimp on the cutlery. Remember medieval folks ate with their hands.

Medieval guys and gals mostly drank beer and wine because the water wasn’t fit for human consumption. Since those are obviously out for a kids’ themed party, go for cider or apple juice. Don’t forget to serve it in goblets!

What Are Some Great Castle Decorations?

Every party needs cool decorations and if you’re going medieval, a castle is a must. Use it as a backdrop against the wall or as a centerpiece. Consider make a cutout to put against a wall or use one of Pump It Up’s awesome bounce castles.

A stone wall plastic tablecloth will do nicely, coupled with a pennant banner that sports a medieval crest. For cups use goblets and for tableware go cute with dragon plates and napkins or ones that bear a medieval crest.

What Are Some Fun Medieval Games?

No party is complete without games. Stage a jousting tournament with pool noodles and hobby horses. Each participant can take turns ‘riding’ his or her horse and attempting to ‘knock’ the opponent off balance with the noodle.

If you’ve already made cardboard swords, you’re ahead of the game. If not, give kids a sword cutout to decorate and let them engage is a bit of sword play when they are all done designing their own.

When the party is almost over, it’s time to finally storm the castle for real! Divide kids into teams and see who can take over the castle. Use spongy or soft balls and the team that scores the most direct hits wins.

Don’t Forget Favors Fit for Kings or Queens

A quick and easy parting gift at the end of the celebration is a goblet filled with treats. Pump It Up even offers princess goodie bags for girl’s birthday parties. For something a little pricier, go for a medieval duckie. He’s courageously cute!

Everyone will have a fabulous time at this medieval get-together and won’t want the knight to end! For more awesome celebration ideas, visit out selection of kids’ birthday party tips and tricks.