It is well known that a child's birthday party is one of the highlights of childhood. Even though it lasts only a few hours, the memories last a liftime. Long after the toys are broken, lost or simply forgotten, happy thoughts and memories about your child's birthday party linger. Pretty much, as soon as children are old enough to hold their own ice cream and wear a paper hat, they're ready for the magical world of birthday parties.



If you're looking to create a few hours of original fantasy and fun, the kind you just can't find in a fast-food chain, plan a theme party for your child's next birthday party. Everything from the invitations and decorations to the cake and ice cream just need your own imagination. Include your child in the planning of a theme. You can encourage your child to research the topic with you and make it an educational as well as a bonding experience.

There are two main factors to consider when deciding what type of theme party to organise. Age, and interest. What entertains and interests a 3-year old will change by the time they are 7. Gender also plays a role. Many theme parties are universal e.g dinosaur party, teddy bear party. Other themes are not as clear-cut. A little girl can certainly dress up as a pirate but boys may not be so keen on a slumber party.

Children's interests change constantly. In fact they tend to have their own various and colorful plans for their next birthday party - well ahead of the time. What's popular within their peer group this year may be totally different next year.

Try not to have the same theme as other recent parties they've been to. Kids can get bored easily with the same theme played over and over. Who wouldn't? There are timeless themes which can easily be added to. For example a pirate party theme has been around for years but you can add the element of "Captain Jack Sparrow" and his crew from "Pirates of the Caribbean".

Obviously the decision to have the party at home or at alternative premises needs thinking through. If you have are having a theme party at an outside venue, there are the positive advantages of not having to clean up before and after the party. Then again there are the restrictions of not being able to go to town with the decorations and games.

Involve your child in the entire planning and preparation for their theme party. From the moment you both agree on the theme, there are things to do. You will need to delve into your arts and crafts box and make invitations - of course there are plenty of theme-based invitations around you can buy commercially but making the invitation at home can be a simple and enjoyable craft project for your to share with your child and be part of their overall involvement. There are decorations to plan, buy and make. Balloons to blow up. Stress the fact that it doesn't have to be perfect - have fun with it.

Good luck with planning your next theme birthday party. Make it a day filled with magic and fantasy.