Treva Bedinghaus

Children's Birthday Party Etiquette: The Top Do's and Don'ts



Posted: Thursday, September 21, 2006

by
http://www.dance.about.com

Birthday parties are great fun for everyone, especially for the party host or hostess. Planning and executing a birthday party for your own child is a very rewarding experience. In planning the big day, remember to follow these simple rules of etiquette.

· Parties should last about two hours. This allows the children plenty of time to open presents, play a bit, and eat birthday cake.

· Don’t serve liquor to the adults. This isn’t your day; it is a day for your child. Some parents feel that liquor is inappropriate to the situation.

· Children don’t need an extravagant party. Hired magicians and clowns are fun; they are also expensive. Just as festive is a room decorated with balloons and crepe paper and an enthusiastic parent to get things going.

· Parents may write or phone party invitations for their young children. Older children may like to pick out or design their own invitations.

· A simple, inexpensive gift is appropriate for all children. Gifts shouldn’t exceed a few dollars, as children are easy to please.

· A thank-you note should be sent to each child who brings a gift. Notes should be mailed within two weeks of the party, preferably hand written by the birthday child.

Treva Bedinghaus is a freelance writer with a passion for dancing. She is the Guide to Danceon About.com.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)
» left by Anonymous
 5 years 136 days ago.
Great article. Clear and to the point. I think I'll order the book from your website.
» left by jamie mcdonald
from stafford va 4 years 199 days ago.
do i need to give a gift bag to every child that comes to my child party?
» left by jaci from gilbert,az. 3 years 345 days ago.
is a thursday an okay date for a childs birthday? if that is her actual date and im short on planning time its this week?
» left by Anonymous 2 years 287 days ago.
 
I don't agree with anything except the no alcohol comment.  Your child only has a few years of innocent wonderful cake and icecream kind of birthdays.  You should make an effort to make it a wonderful memory - if it is in your budget for an extravagant party -go for it-if it isn;t in your budget get on your creative thinking cap and put in some effort to make it fun and memorable.  The gift value should equal the amount per child spent on the party - no one should come out financially on top -it should even out.
where in the world can you even find a card for "a few dollars" - being a skinflint  is also a great way to make sure your child is not invited to any more parties.
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