Birthday Party Invitations

#1 --The number-one party tip recommended was involving the children in party planning and preparation. Surprises are fun, but the kids like to get involved in planning, and this is a time when the kids are motivated to be especially helpful.

Let them plan the theme, location, guest list, menu, games, etc. They can help fill loot bags, blow up balloons, decorate, even help "childproof," "crowd proof" or straighten the house.

#2 -- Party Basics -- The second most frequently mentioned tip from experienced party moms is to make the party manageable. It's tempting to invite the whole second grade class for the afternoon, but you'll likely regret it.

#3 -- Popular Themes -- What's in a theme? According to company research, one third of kids' parties have a theme. Many of the most popular themes are kids' favorite characters from the entertainment world.

"Sports and dinosaurs continue to be classic kids' party themes,"

#4Scavenger hunt birthday parties. As children get older, make the hunt more challenging and expanded beyond the yard to the neighborhood."

#5Always have back up plans, like rainy day alternative location and activities if you're having a party in the yard.

Some good fall-back games mentioned were variations on simple games, such as spud, hot potato (or whatever you can find to toss -- "hot pillow" or "hot tennis ball"), limbo, teaching the kids line dances, Simon Sez, or even rename duck-duck goose to match the theme.

#6 -- Beware of Sleep-overs -- Sleep-overs? All agreed that sleep-overs are a challenge. For those under age 10, carefully consider the viability of making it through the evening without midnight calls to "pick me up, I want to come home." For pre-teens (though not their parents), sleep-overs seem to have become the party of choice. Sleep-over tips included being in touch with the guests' parents and being very specific about sleep time rules, or they never will. Older children may enjoy a summertime tent camp-out party in the back yard.

#7 -- Party Destinations -- Taking the party outside the home. Popular destinations include roller and ice rinks, local parks, recreation centers or swimming pools. Outings such as laser tag, sporting events, entertainment complexes and other commercial destinations are popular and fun, but pricey.

#8 -- Thank You -- Party etiquette was another subject commented on by many. "Thank you for the gift... for coming to my party" thank you notes are important social skill builders. Children actually enjoy writing thank you cards when they have fun note cards.

#9 -- Their Special Day -- Whether with a party or not, the object of the day is to make your child feel special. Alternative birthday celebrations include special rituals, such as birthday plates, breakfasts, dinners or birthday cake with grandma, measuring to see how much they've grown, reminiscing about "the day you were born" or previous parties over photo albums or by watching videos of younger years.

#10 -- Keeper Cards -- Certainly a greeting card that tells children how special they are and are important keepsake reminder for them of the day. Birthdays give families the chance to let the child know how precious he or she is to them. And children love to get cards as much as adults do. My children love to save their cards as keepsakes of the day.