Birthday parties are a ton of fun! But they’re also a ton of work.

So take a deep breath, scroll through our resources and only plan what you can handle. You’ve got this.

Table of Contents

BIRTHDAY PARTY THEMESArrow WHAT TO SERVEArrow BIRTHDAY PARTY BASICSArrow SWEET TREATSArrow
kid Introvert birthday party
Birthdays How to throw a birthday party for an introverted kid

Does socializing drain your child? Here’s how to celebrate birthday milestones with a party without overwhelming your little introvert.  

kid Introvert birthday party
Preschool 6 ways to reinvent the loot bag

Your kids are into it for five minutes, but no one wants a bag of junk that will break on the way home. We've found the perfect solution to the dre

kid Introvert birthday party
Food No-Piping-Required Birthday Cake Decorating Ideas

No need to mess around with piping tips to get an adorable cake for your kid’s big day (or any other random day that requires cake!).

ONE-ON-ONE: BIRTHDAY PARTIES

Meet Tanya Todd, Founder, Bug and Bird Events and Studio Mooi, a birthday party expert who shares her years of wisdom on throwing great birthday parties for every age, from etiquette questions to birthday party themes. Watch this 17-minute video and become an expert on all thing’s birthdays.

BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY THEMES EVER

Looking for help on birthday party themes? Look no further. We’ve got the goods on choosing a theme, the best themes for kids and ready-to-plan party outlines for six of the most popular themes out there.
Birthdays How to Plan a Cute Puppy-Themed Birthday Party

The way some kids are drawn to animals is a sight to behold. For many

Family Life How to Plan an Epic Birthday Dance Party

Dancing is so much fun, no matter how skilled the dancer (well, maybe not if

Space Themed Birthday Party
Family Life How to Plan an Out-of-This-World Space-Themed Birthday Party

So many kids are fascinated by the concept of space and all things space exploration.

Space Themed Birthday Party
Family Life How to Throw a Magical Princess Birthday Party

A Magical Princess Party Princess-themed birthday parties are a common ask, and you can take

Space Themed Birthday Party
Birthdays How to Plan a Creative Colour-Themed Birthday Party

It’ll happen: The birthday child will exclaim “I want a yellow party!” or “Can my

Space Themed Birthday Party
Birthdays 50 Fantastic Birthday Party Theme Ideas for Kids

50 Fantastic Birthday Party Theme Ideas for Kids Theme parties are so awesome, and having

Space Themed Birthday Party
Family Life How to Choose the Perfect Party Theme for Your Child’s Birthday

The Perfect Party Theme Themes can be helpful for directing the party planning process. Read

WHAT TO SERVE

Kids’ parties can be tricky when it comes to food. Tiny party guests will have all kinds of preferences and dislikes. Read on for menu ideas, easy recipes, ways to serve and more. (Looking for cake and dessert help? Keep scrolling!)
menu at child's birthday party
Birthdays How to Handle Dietary Restrictions at Your Child’s Birthday Party

Creating an Inclusive Menu at Your Child’s Birthday Party Dietary restrictions can be a challenge

menu at child's birthday party
Birthdays 10 Foolproof Snacks to Serve at a Child’s Birthday Party

Birthday Party Snack Ideas Once you’ve secured the venue and finalized the guest list, the

bowls of creamy macaroni and cheese on a striped table linen
Cheesy Biscuit Witches’ Fingers - Parents Canada
grilled quesadillas on a plate
hand on a mason jar filled with quick fridge pickles
bowl of pasta salad with fresh veggies and dill
Cheesy Snacks For The Whole Family - Parents Canada
cheeseburgers with melty cheese on a white background
Top Your Own Crostini - Parents Canada

One Pot Mac And Cheese

In this easy mac and cheese, the sauce ingredients are added to the cooked pasta to melt and bubble through. It makes a big enough batch for several lunches — and keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Boost protein and fibre by using whole grain or legume-fortified pasta.

Cheesy Biscuit Witches’ Fingers

Cheesy Biscuit Witches’ Fingers are a fun birthday snack that kids will love to nibble. Dipped in tomato sauce, these “witches fingers” taste like pizza. As an alternative to pumpkin seeds, try cutting “nails” out of sliced pepperoni.

Grilled Vegetable Quesadillas

When summer brings the scorch, don’t turn on the oven. Instead, turn to the grill to make a classic quesadilla studded with grilled veggies and a swipe of hummus.

Quick Refrigerator Pickles

If a crispy, savoury bite is what your little one craves, make your own pickles. There's no canning required. You can even try the TikTok trend of adding powdered ranch to your jar. Get the recipe: Quick Fridge Pickles

Picnic Pasta Salad

Anything goes when it comes to pasta salad, so feel free to swap for ingredients you prefer or already have on hand. But don't discount this recipe, it's pretty tasty and veggie-packed. Get the recipe: Picnic Pasta Salad

3 Easy, Cheesy Snacks

These delicious, cheesy snacks require minimal effort for big payoff. Add them to a snack board for the kids or for guests, but make sure you set aside a couple for yourself before you serve the masses. They won’t last long, guaranteed.

Easy Cheeseburgers

A well-made cheeseburger is a beautiful thing, particularly in the summer, when cooking – and dining — al fresco is the order of the day. Get the recipe: Easy Cheeseburgers

Top-Your-Own Crostini

These “little toasts” can be topped with anything, and are fun for little fingers to assemble (plus letting kids top their own is sure to cut down on complaints!). Crostini are the perfect size for kids, who can nibble them in a few bites, but they’re a yummy, easy option for everyone in the family.
One Pot Mac And Cheese
Cheesy Biscuit Witches’ Fingers
Grilled Vegetable Quesadillas
Quick Refrigerator Pickles
Picnic Pasta Salad
3 Easy, Cheesy Snacks
Easy Cheeseburgers
Top-Your-Own Crostini

SWEET TREATS

Believe it or not, not all kids like chocolate or vanilla cake. (Shocking, we know.) But who says birthday desserts have to come in cake form? We’ve got the cake recipes you’ll love, but we’ve also included some out-of-the-box sweet treats for a little variety. 
No-Piping-Required Birthday Cake Decorating Ideas - Parents Canada
Food No-Piping-Required Birthday Cake Decorating Ideas

No need to mess around with piping tips to get an adorable cake for your kid’s big day (or any other random day that requires cake!).

No-Piping-Required Birthday Cake Decorating Ideas - Parents Canada
Food Classic Chocolate Cupcakes

A good, basic chocolate cupcake recipe is invaluable when there are kids in the house. (And even when there's not.)

No-Piping-Required Birthday Cake Decorating Ideas - Parents Canada
Food Frosted Apple Squares

Fall is apple’s time to shine. And their ultimate companion as leaves crisp and temps

cookie dough balls on a blue plate
Frosted Apple Squares - Parents Canada
classic-pumpkin-pie-recipe
No-Bake Vanilla Cheesecake Jars - Parents Canada
slice of glazed lemon poppy seed loaf in a white plate
Berry-Watermelon Ice Pops - Parents Canada
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars - Parents Canada

Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Who doesn't want to sneak a bite, or 12, of cookie dough? Whether you make this recipe and simply store it in a jar in the fridge for a sweet snack or roll it into dough balls to carry with you for little bites of energy, this grain-free, refined sugar–free, dairy-free recipe will give you that cookie dough experience without all the stuff your body doesn’t need. Plus, the kids will be thrilled to help. Get the recipe: Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough

Frosted Apple Squares

Fall is apple’s time to shine. And their ultimate companion as leaves crisp and temps dip? Cinnamon. Take advantage of the arguably perfect produce with these chill and bake squares.

Classic Pumpkin Pie

Pumpkin pie needs time to set; make it ahead to avoid cramming it into the oven alongside a turkey, or trying to bake while everyone’s eating.

No-Bake Vanilla Cheesecake Jars

A luscious vanilla cheesecake in a jar, adorned with a medley of fresh berries as a topping. The sheer versatility of this dessert allows for an array of alternatives - think chocolate, caramel, or even a delightful fruit compote.

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake

Deliciously moist and bursting with tangy citrus flavour, Lemon Poppy Seed Cake is a heavenly treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect for any occasion or as an afternoon indulgence, this cake is sure to bring a burst of sunshine to your taste buds.

Berry-Watermelon Ice Pops

With a makeup of about 92 percent, watermelon is perfect for puréeing and freezing into all-fruit ice pops, no added sugar required. Fresh or frozen raspberries, strawberries or cherries add a vitamin boost.

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

These sweet-and-salty chocolate-peanut butter pretzel bars come together in no time and will quickly become your family’s favourite treat.
Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
Frosted Apple Squares
Classic Pumpkin Pie
No-Bake Vanilla Cheesecake Jars
Lemon Poppy Seed Cake
Berry-Watermelon Ice Pops
Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pretzel Bars

BIRTHDAY PARTY BASICS

Whether this is your first time planning a birthday party or you’re looking for advice to streamline what can easily spiral into a chaotic event, we’ve got you covered. Read on for everything from how to handle the guest list to planning a party for an introverted kid.
kids at a birthday party throwing confetti
School Should all classmates get invited to your kid’s birthday party?

The whole class, or just a few friends? That is the birthday party dilemma. Two moms and an expert weigh in.

kids at a birthday party throwing confetti
Baby Birthdays 101: Tips For A First Birthday Party

Here are our top nine party tips to make it the best first birthday ever.

kids at a birthday party throwing confetti
Birthdays How to throw a birthday party for an introverted kid

Does socializing drain your child? Here’s how to celebrate birthday milestones with a party without overwhelming your little introvert.  

Party Guests
Family Life How to Handle Challenging Party Guests (Both Kids and Parents!) with Grace

From unruly kids to overcritical parents, there’s bound to be a challenging guest or two

Party Guests
Birthdays What to Do When Your Child Isn’t Invited to a Birthday Party

What to Do When Your Child Isn’t Invited to a Birthday Party Your kid didn’t

5 Ways To Throw An Outdoor Winter Birthday Party | Winter Birthday Party Ideas
Preschool 5 ways to throw an outdoor winter birthday party

An outdoor winter birthday party can be just as fun as a summer one. Sure, it might be a bit colder, but there's still plenty of fun to be had. Here a

5 Ways To Throw An Outdoor Winter Birthday Party | Winter Birthday Party Ideas
Podcast Making Birthdays Memorable

We're talking about ways you can make birthdays great again—everything from understanding the “purpose” of a toddler’s party (it’s not reall

5 Ways To Throw An Outdoor Winter Birthday Party | Winter Birthday Party Ideas
Preschool 6 ways to reinvent the loot bag

Your kids are into it for five minutes, but no one wants a bag of junk that will break on the way home. We've found the perfect solution to the dre

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