So you want to throw your toddler a birthday partybut the idea of managing and entertaining a group of toddlers seems pretty overwhelming. No need to worry, we’ve got it all covered for you. No matter what the toddler birthday theme, our toddler party ideas -- including planning tips, food suggestions, decorating ideas, and toddler birthday activities will help make your toddler’s birthday party a huge success.

Who Should I Invite?

You have several options when it comes to whom you should invite to your toddler’s birthday party. If your child has friends from a playgroup, a daycare center, or the neighborhood, consider inviting a few of the children your toddler talks about most. The general rule is to invite one friend for every year of your child’s age, plus one. So, if your toddler is turning two, you would invite three friends. Keep in mind that at least one parent and, quite possibly, other siblings of each child will stay during the party. This can dramatically expand your guest list, so plan for it in advance by keeping the list of friends to invite short. If you would like any of the parents or older siblings to help out during the party, call them in addition to mailing them invitations. (Remember: More parents present means less kiddy chaos!)

As an alternative to inviting your toddler’s friends, you may choose to have a party with just family in attendance. At this age, your child will be just as excited to see his favorite aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents as he/she will be to see his/her friends, plus it may be less stressful for you. You can always invite one or two special friends to join the festivities with their parents, if desired.

Party Planning

For peace of mind, begin planning your toddler birthday bash six to eight weeks in advance. This will allow you time to gather all the supplies that you need, including toddler party decorations, gifts, and menu items. Planning ahead also gives your guests time to RSVP and make travel plans, if needed. Don't panic if you find yourself short on time; you can still plan a great party! Planning ahead simply reduces the risk of conflicts with guests' plans and may increase your party’s attendance.

Invitations

When choosing your invitations you can either keep them simple with gender-specific colors and some balloon stickers or you can purchase pre-printed toddler birthday invitations that compliment your chosen party theme. We recommend mailing your invitations three to four weeks prior to the party—any sooner and your guests may forget, any later and your guests may already have plans.

To simplify the rest of the party planning process, check out our Party Planning Timeline, and read the paragraphs below for information on selecting decorations, supplies, activities, and more for your child's party.

What Do I Need for the Party?

If you plan to use paper tableware and toddler party supplies, our Suggested Party Supply List may be quite helpful. Please note that you may not need everything on the list; it is intended only as a guide. For girls, you may use a combination of pink, purple, and white, or your daughter's favorite colors. For boys, red, yellow, and blue work well, or a combination of your son's favorite colors. If you’ve chosen a theme for your party, select colors that compliment the designs on your cups, plates, and other partyware.

For goodie bags, purchase stickers, costumes, stuffed animals, plastic toys, candies, and other toddler birthday favors that fit your theme. Place all of these items inside clear or printed cellophane bags, and tie the bags closed with colored ribbons.