While coming up with birthday party ideas may not be difficult, carrying out your bright ideas can be a bit intimidating if you're not used to planning parties. To throw a good birthday party you're going to need to find a theme, plan out your guest list and find ways to keep your guests entertained!

Find a Theme

The most effective way to find a birthday party theme for your child's party is to pay attention to what he or she likes and steer clear of what he or she doesn't like. If he's really into animals more than sports, throw him a barnyard bash instead of a basketball party.

Kids can be wishy washy about what they want, so give your child plenty of time to make a decision. Six weeks before your child's birthday, remind him or her that it’s time to finalize the party theme. By then your child should have plenty of ideas! If not, suggest themes based around your child’s favorite movie, toy or TV character. For example, a little girl who loves horses might like a pony party, and a little boy who loves things that go might enjoy a car- or truck-themed party.

Planning Your Guest List

Once you’ve settled on a party theme, you need to come up with a guest list. This may sound silly, but think about the adults first. How many adults will be attending the party? If it's just you and your spouse, limit your guest list to 6 - 8 kids. Anything more might be a little overwhelming. If you can get other adults to supervise, invite more kids.

Remember that your child’s friends are young. They're used to having nap time and are greatly affected by sugar buzzes. Start your party in the early afternoon and have it last for a couple of hours. Long parties make for tired, frazzled children.

Follow Through

A party is not a party without invitations, decorations, activities, and food. After you've chosen a theme and invited your guests, get online and find accessories that will pull the party together. Party planning websites are a great place to start. These sites have decorations like balloons and banners; basic partyware like plates, cups, napkins, and table covers; party favors; and other party supplies that compliment a variety of children’s party themes.

Party favors, in particular, are a must-have item for any children's party. Great traditional favors include spinning tops, bouncy balls, bean bag toys, candy, and stickers. Parents who want to personalize their child’s party can order a banner imprinted with a custom message for the guest of honor and personalized stickers, buttons, magnets, and other personalized items imprinted with each guest’s name or a special message.

Party favor sets are great fun for children, but they will only keep the kids entertained for so long. Children who have been eating sugar all day need to be engaged with an organized activity or two. To throw a successful party, you’ll need to plan some entertainment to go with your theme. Musical Chairs, Hide-and-Seek, and Simon Says are great indoor games, and Kickball, Free Tag, and Scavenger Hunts are perfect outdoor games for energetic children.

To moderate the sugar overkill, incorporate some healthier foods into your party menu. Give the kids juice or water instead of soda pop. Leave pretzels, Cheerios, raisins, and trail mix in bowls or themed hats around the party area so the kids will can snack whenever they’re ready.

Following through on your birthday party ideas will help things run smoothly and will leave you and your child with some wonderful memories. Remember, the key to planning a successful party is organization, and if you follow these simple tips, your child will have a fantastic birthday party!

About the Author: Birthday in a Box offers a wide variety of children’s party supplies including basic partyware, decorations, party favors and personalized items in over 100 party themes featuring everything from licensed characters to baby shower designs and beyond!