Birthday parties are supposed to be fun! But, if you have ever planned one yourself, you know that it can be stressful and overwhelming if you don’t have a good plan to follow.

Once you have an organized list of what to do, you can have a lot of fun planning the perfect party.

I’ve complied my favorite tips on how to plan a birthday party, complete with a free birthday party checklist for you to print.

In this compete party planning guide, I’ll share with you the best birthday party planning tips, party planning timeline, the ultimate birthday party checklist printable, and how to make the planning process as stress-free as possible.

How to plan a birthday party checklist with free printable party planning worksheet. This complete party planning guide will walk you through party planning tips, party planning timeline, and make the planning process as stress-free as possible. The ultimate template on how to plan a birthday party for children/kids at home (to print). Perfect for planners!

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Birthday Party Timeline

There are plenty of birthday party checklists that you can find that outline all the tasks you need to do to plan a party, and when you need to do them (i.e. 1 month prior, 3 weeks prior, 2 weeks prior, etc…) My birthday party checklist is not one of them.

My issues with this approach is that there can be a lot of variability in planning a party and that structured timing may not work for everyone.

For example, for my oldest daughter’s first birthday party, I started planning when she was around seven months old. For my second daughter’s party, I started planning around two months prior to her party. 

Note, you don’t need months to prepare for a party, you can do it in a few weeks if you’d like. My point here is that timing will likely vary for everyone.

The free printable birthday party checklist is set up to outline tasks by category rather than due date given this variability. However, see below for some general party planning timeline tips.

Birthday Party Timing Tips

Book all major vendors as soon as you know you want to use them. Several vendors may book a few months in advance. If you have not yet finalized your vendors, but have a few in mind, reach out to them and ask them what their lead time is for booking parties.

Send invitations to guests 3 – 4 weeks prior to party.

Your goal should be to complete everything you can do in advance of the party and minimize your prep day of. If you are home cooking your meals, many foods can be frozen in advance and thawed the night before your party.

Birthday Party Planning Tips

Picking a Time for Your Party

If you are planning a birthday party for a young child, or have a guest list with multiple young children, keep nap and bed time in mind as you set your timing.

For example, if you have a children’s party in the evening, many of your guests may have to leave early (or not come at all) due to early bed times. In the early years, nap times may be dependent on age of child.

For a first birthday party, suggested timing is right after their morning nap, or right after their afternoon nap.

For a toddler birthday party, you will want to avoid around 12:00 – 3:00 pm as this is a common nap time for toddlers.

Picking a Date for Your Party

Prior to choosing the date for your party, run your date by your key guests to confirm they can attend on the preferred date. (Key guests may include parents, siblings, grandparents, etc…)

When picking out a date and time, factor in the locations of your guests. If you plan on inviting out-of-town guests, keep in mind the travel time that they will need to get to your party and if your party will require that they spend the night.

Inviting Guests to Your Party

You can send invitations either by mail or online using a site such as Evite. (I used to swear I’d always send paper invites, but for the past few parties I’ve change to online invitations and it is so much easier to communicate with guests and keep track of RSVPs!)

Be sure to indicate if siblings are allowed on your invitations.

Choosing Your Food and Drink Menu

If you are having a party around lunch time or around dinner time, be sure to serve a meal.

Have options available for both children and adult guests.

Children menu ideas:

  • Pizza
  • Chicken nuggets
  • Macaroni and cheese
  • Fresh fruit
  • Snacks that are easy to carry on the go

Adult menu ideas:

  • Catered platters of food (chicken, pasta, veggies)
  • Pizza
  • Grilled food (burgers and hot dogs)
  • Sandwich subs
  • Build you own sandwich station

If you do not plan on serving food right away, plan on a few appetizers to have out when guests arrive.

Keep allergies in mind and try to make sure there are options for all of your guests to enjoy.

Have drinks available for both children and adults.

If you are serving alcoholic beverages, plan on 2 drinks per (drinking) guest during the first hour of your party and 1 each hour after. (Of course, if this is a children’s birthday party, you will likely have less consumption and you can round down in your estimates.)

Related Articles: How Much Food to Order for a Party

Choosing Entertainment and Activities

You will want to have some sort of entertainment or fun activity at your birthday party to keep guests occupied and having fun.

Keep in mind the ages and interest of your guests. For example, if you are planning a first birthday party, but most other children attending are toddlers, you may want to have entertainment or activities suited for multiple ages.

You can hire entertainment or create your own fun.

  • Examples of hired entertainment include:
    • Bounce house
    • Face painter
    • Hire a costumed character
    • Traveling petting zoo
  • Examples of DIY entertainment
    • Yard games
    • Scavenger hunt
    • Create an obstacle course
    • Sidewalk chalk
    • Water table
    • Craft
    • Piñata

Related Articles: Backyard Obstacle Course Party Idea for Kids

To open gifts or not?

Whether or not you open gifts at the party is your choice. Whenever you do open gifts, be sure to write down the name of the gift and the name of the gift giver to make writing thank you cards easier.

Decide on Party favors

I view party favors as an optional item for kids birthday parties. I’ve been to plenty of parties that hand them out, and plenty of parties that forgo them.

Personally, as a mother who prefers less clutter, I would love to remove party favors all together! However, I know they make my kids smile, so I try to purchase favors that please both the kids and their parents. Here are some of my favorite ideas.

Big Mo's Toys Scratch Art - Color and Scratch Cards Party Favors with Stylus - 20 PiecesBig Mo’s Toys Scratch Art – Color and Scratch Cards Party Favors with Stylus – 20 PiecesBig Mo's Toys Scratch Art - Color and Scratch Cards Party Favors with Stylus - 20 PiecesVivii Glowsticks, 100 Light up Toys Glow Stick Bracelets Mixed Colors Party Favors Supplies (Tube of 100)Vivii Glowsticks, 100 Light up Toys Glow Stick Bracelets Mixed Colors Party Favors Supplies (Tube of 100)Vivii Glowsticks, 100 Light up Toys Glow Stick Bracelets Mixed Colors Party Favors Supplies (Tube of 100)Purple Ladybug Novelty 45 Sheet Scratch and Sniff Stickers for Kids & Teachers Mega Variety Pack, with 15 Different Scratch N Sniff Intense Smells, Awesome Smelly Sticker & Reward Sticker Fun!Purple Ladybug Novelty 45 Sheet Scratch and Sniff Stickers for Kids & Teachers Mega Variety Pack, with 15 Different Scratch N Sniff Intense Smells, Awesome Smelly Sticker & Reward Sticker Fun!Purple Ladybug Novelty 45 Sheet Scratch and Sniff Stickers for Kids & Teachers Mega Variety Pack, with 15 Different Scratch N Sniff Intense Smells, Awesome Smelly Sticker & Reward Sticker Fun!Temporary Tattoos for Kids – 175 Count on 5 Sheets – 35 Assorted Artworks per Sheet – Kids Friendly Tattoos for Party Favors Birthday Supplies Stocking Stuffers Goodie Bags for Boys & GirlsTemporary Tattoos for Kids – 175 Count on 5 Sheets – 35 Assorted Artworks per Sheet – Kids Friendly Tattoos for Party Favors Birthday Supplies Stocking Stuffers Goodie Bags for Boys & GirlsTemporary Tattoos for Kids – 175 Count on 5 Sheets – 35 Assorted Artworks per Sheet – Kids Friendly Tattoos for Party Favors Birthday Supplies Stocking Stuffers Goodie Bags for Boys & Girls4 Dozen (48) Smiley Face Laminated BOOKMARKS - Smile EMOJI Emoticon PARTY Favors CLASSROOM Rewards Incentives TEACHER4 Dozen (48) Smiley Face Laminated BOOKMARKS – Smile EMOJI Emoticon PARTY Favors CLASSROOM Rewards Incentives TEACHER4 Dozen (48) Smiley Face Laminated BOOKMARKS - Smile EMOJI Emoticon PARTY Favors CLASSROOM Rewards Incentives TEACHERHot Wheels 9-Car Gift Pack (Styles May Vary)Hot Wheels 9-Car Gift Pack (Styles May Vary)Hot Wheels 9-Car Gift Pack (Styles May Vary)Wilton Cookie Cutters Set, 101-Piece — Alphabet, Numbers and Holiday Cookie CuttersWilton Cookie Cutters Set, 101-Piece — Alphabet, Numbers and Holiday Cookie CuttersWilton Cookie Cutters Set, 101-Piece — Alphabet, Numbers and Holiday Cookie CuttersGamie Mini Smiley Playing Cards Deck (Pack of 12) | 2.5” High | Blue Checkerboard Background | Poker-Casino Cards | Carnival Prize, Party Favor and Gift Idea for Kids Ages 3+Gamie Mini Smiley Playing Cards Deck (Pack of 12) | 2.5” High | Blue Checkerboard Background | Poker-Casino Cards | Carnival Prize, Party Favor and Gift Idea for Kids Ages 3+Gamie Mini Smiley Playing Cards Deck (Pack of 12) | 2.5” High | Blue Checkerboard Background | Poker-Casino Cards | Carnival Prize, Party Favor and Gift Idea for Kids Ages 3+Chalk City - Party Pack Sidewalk Chalk 30 Jumbo 3 -Pack Sets of MultiColor Sidewalk Chalk for Party Favors (90 Chalks Total)Chalk City – Party Pack Sidewalk Chalk 30 Jumbo 3 -Pack Sets of MultiColor Sidewalk Chalk for Party Favors (90 Chalks Total)Chalk City - Party Pack Sidewalk Chalk 30 Jumbo 3 -Pack Sets of MultiColor Sidewalk Chalk for Party Favors (90 Chalks Total)PJ Masks Kids Bandages, 100 ct - Adhesive Bandages for Minor Cuts, Scrapes, Burns (100 Bandages)PJ Masks Kids Bandages, 100 ct – Adhesive Bandages for Minor Cuts, Scrapes, Burns (100 Bandages)PJ Masks Kids Bandages, 100 ct - Adhesive Bandages for Minor Cuts, Scrapes, Burns (100 Bandages)

The Ultimate Birthday Party Checklist

This ultimate birthday party checklist will guide you through how to plan a birthday party stress free.

Decisions, Decisions

  • Set your budget
  • Decide on your location
  • Pick a date
  • Choose the time and duration
  • Determine inclement weather back-up plan
  • Decide on birthday outfit
  • Decide on activities, entertainment, and games
  • Decide on theme

Who’s Ready to Party?

  • Create a guest list
  • Prepare invitations
  • Send invitations
  • Follow up with guests who have not RSVP’d

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry!

  • Plan your menu
  • Create a shopping list
  • Buy non-perishable food
  • Buy perishable food

Call, Book, or Reserve

  • Order food
  • Order cake, cupcakes, or other desserts
  • Rent tent, chairs, and linens
  • Book entertainment
  • Book other vendors
  • Call to confirm all vendors (one week prior to party date)

Let’s Go Shopping

  • Non-perishable food
  • Perishable food
  • Drinks (for children and adults)
  • Ice
  • Candles
  • Thank you cards
  • Party Favors
  • Decor (streamers, balloons, pictures, banners, etc…)
  • Tableware
    • Linens
    • Plates (appetizer, main meal, dessert)
    • Cups
    • Cutlery
    • Napkins
    • Serving dishes/platters

Miscellaneous To Do

  • Create DIY Decor
  • Take out cash for tips
  • Make music playlist
  • If party is at home:
    • Clean
    • Mow grass

Last Minute To Dos

  • Pick up cake/dessert
  • Prepare food
  • Chill drinks
  • Pick up or blow up balloons

It’s Party Time

  • Take lots of pictures
  • Enjoy your time
  • Keep track of all gifts (name and gift giver)

After the Fun

  • Write personalized thank you cards
  • Develop pictures from the party
  • Write reviews for any vendors you have used

How to Access Your Birthday Party Checklist (Free Printable)

Download your free birthday party checklist here. EXCLUSIVE FOR SUBSCRIBERS! Simply enter your email address below and it will be sent to you immediately.

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Bonus! Sample Thank You Card Wording

Your thank you cards should be specific to the gift giver. If someone took the time to come to your party and purchase a gift, they should receive a personalized note back expressing thanks. See below for a few sample thank you card wordings that you can use.

Dear {Name},

Thank you for attending {your child’s name]’s birthday party. We had a lot of fun and hope you did as well!

{Your child’s name} was so excited to receive the {insert gift here} that you got her/him. He/She plays with it all the time. Thank you for your thoughtfulness.

We hope to see you soon.

{Your name}

————————————-

(If gift is cash or gift card)

Dear {Name},

We are so happy that you were able to attend {your child’s name]’s birthday party. The party wouldn’t have been the same without you there.

We greatly appreciate your generous gift. We plan on putting it towards {insert what you plan to purchase with cash or gift card, or how you plan to save it}.

We hope to get-together again soon.

{Your name}

Wondering how to plan the perfect birthday party? Read this complete party planning guide that will walk you through everything you need to know to plan the perfect birthday party for children or adults. (Perfect for planners!) Complete with a free printable checklist to keep the planning process as stress-free as possible. This ultimate guide goes over party planning tips, party planning timeline, supplies, and even what you need to do after a party!

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