The moment you are about to nod off for a nap, and birthday parties—two occasions when children have more energy than seems possible. Brides and birthday boys/girls have a lot in common: expectations that are bigger than their budget, and a tendency for tears and tantrums. Before you are overwhelmed by Pinterest boards and budget plans, here is all you need to know about throwing a backyard birthday bash that won’t break the bank.
Set the Scene
Backyards are the ideal venue because they give you plenty of space to set up entertainment stations (away from clean couches and breakable lamps). Designate one area for activity and one for creativity. Before the party, ask the family to help you paint signs on wooden planks to go in front of each area – these will grab your guests’ attention and direct them where they need to go with minimal bossing around. Here are some fun stations you can set up to help make your next party a success:
1. Activity Area: The Obstacle Course
Partygoers will get to experience the benefits of physical activity when they channel their excess energy into a fun, healthy activity!
Hopscotch Tiles
Your homemade hopscotch tiles will kick-start the festivities in a hop, skip, and a jump! All you need are a few concrete tiles and colorful paint. This is a great way to practice counting, and the tiles will be a fun addition to your backyard after the party.
Apple Ring Eating Contest
You will need apples (cored, then sliced into rings), some string, and a branch or horizontal pole to hang them from. The children will have their hands tied behind their backs while they try to devour the swinging apple slice!
Egg and Spoon Slalom
Take this classic party game up a notch using buckets filled with sand and a pool noodle standing upright to mark the course for children to navigate. Make sure you boil the eggs to avoid any sticky messes and sharp shells.
While these games are going on, create a lively atmosphere with a fun playlist. It will help the children get into the groove of things while they enjoy the benefits of physical activity.
2. The Crafty Kitchen
Next stop is the Crafty Kitchen! The benefits of arts and crafts include communication, listening, attention, and imagination. Set up a table with paper cups, ribbon, markers, and googly eyes. The children will have a blast while engaging their imagination to decorate a paper cup.
To add an extra element of creativity, find a yard sale table and chalkboard paint the top, then put a bucket of chalk beside it. Once the children have decorated their cups, they can write a personal happy birthday message on the board that can go into your child’s room after the party (reading these later will help chase away the post-party blues).
Choose Ingredients From a Healthy Selection
On a second table, lay out bowls of fruit, vegetables, yogurt, nuts, and granola (there are loads of recipes and options to choose from, so even the fussiest children will find something they enjoy). Pre-cut the fruit into funky shapes using cookie cutters. The children will pile their favorite ingredients into their personalized cups, and then it is over to the head chefs (mom and dad). Using your portable BlendJet blender, whizz the ingredients together for a healthy treat served with a side of showmanship!
Image: BlendJet Facebook
When you give children the power to make a choice, you are actively teaching them decision-making skills, and this sense of autonomy fosters independence and confidence. Drinking their favorite healthy ingredients from a cup of their own creation will make them proud and it will also connect healthy food with feeling good.
A fun and educational birthday party doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Incorporate a few of these DIY tips and your child will have a birthday they will be talking about for a long time!
About the Author
Katie Tejada is a writer, editor, and former HR professional. She enjoys writing about events, travel, decorating trends, and innovations for the home, but also covers developments in HR, business communication, recruiting, real estate, finance, law, and investing.
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