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.
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!)
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.
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.
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.