4 Tips for Creating Cool Party Themes for Toddlers

You can spend as much or as little as you want on parties these days. Birthdays are big business, and as a parent, the pressure is on to make your little kid’s big day a memorable one. Is it possible to pull it off on a budget? You betcha.

• Use what you have.
  Like Merchant Ships is a champ at this and throws old fashioned, simple birthday parties. Her party pictures are beautiful and inspirational. Her secret? Consistent thrift store and yard sale shopping and an eye for quality finds.
• Get simple.
  Some of the most creative and successfully executed ideas I’ve seen are ones that take a simple object from childhood and expound upon it, like these party ideas: lollipop, pajamas, zoo or barnyard animals, Legos, candy, cookies, cupcakes, garden party, bugs … the list is endless. Even borrowing themes from adulthood can make for ultra-cute kid birthdays, like this neck-tie party or an ever-popular tea party.
• Get inspired.
  Ideas abound online, so borrow them! Just because some spend money on specialized stationery and unique party favors doesn’t mean you can’t recreate some projects at home on your own. Pick and choose what you feel comfortable tackling.
• Holiday spirit.
  If you’re using colored plates and napkins, try to score some after a holiday – like after Valentine’s for a heart-themed party in August. Or buy pastel-colored candies for treat bags after Easter for a June birthday. Think ahead when bargains are available to see how they can be used later in the year.