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
![a girl blowing confetti in front of a yellow background](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Birthdays
Does socializing drain your child? Here’s how to celebrate birthday milestones with a party without overwhelming your little introvert.
![a girl blowing confetti in front of a yellow background](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Preschool
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
![a girl blowing confetti in front of a yellow background](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Food
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.
![a dog wearing a party hat](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Birthdays
The way some kids are drawn to animals is a sight to behold. For many
![a dog wearing a party hat](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Family Life
Dancing is so much fun, no matter how skilled the dancer (well, maybe not if
![Space Themed Birthday Party](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Family Life
So many kids are fascinated by the concept of space and all things space exploration.
![Space Themed Birthday Party](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Family Life
A Magical Princess Party Princess-themed birthday parties are a common ask, and you can take
![Space Themed Birthday Party](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Birthdays
It’ll happen: The birthday child will exclaim “I want a yellow party!” or “Can my
![Space Themed Birthday Party](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Birthdays
50 Fantastic Birthday Party Theme Ideas for Kids Theme parties are so awesome, and having
![Space Themed Birthday Party](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Family Life
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](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Birthdays
Creating an Inclusive Menu at Your Child’s Birthday Party Dietary restrictions can be a challenge
![menu at child's birthday party](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Birthdays
Birthday Party Snack Ideas Once you’ve secured the venue and finalized the guest list, the
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 PicklesPicnic 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 Salad3 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 CheeseburgersTop-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.
Cheesy Biscuit Witches’ Fingers
Grilled Vegetable Quesadillas
Quick Refrigerator Pickles
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](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Food
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](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Food
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](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Food
Fall is apple’s time to shine. And their ultimate companion as leaves crisp and temps
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 DoughFrosted 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
Edible Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
No-Bake Vanilla Cheesecake Jars
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](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
School
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](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Baby
Here are our top nine party tips to make it the best first birthday ever.
![kids at a birthday party throwing confetti](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Birthdays
Does socializing drain your child? Here’s how to celebrate birthday milestones with a party without overwhelming your little introvert.
![Party Guests](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Family Life
From unruly kids to overcritical parents, there’s bound to be a challenging guest or two
![Party Guests](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Birthdays
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](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Preschool
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](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Podcast
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](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODdhAQABAPAAAMPDwwAAACwAAAAAAQABAAACAkQBADs=)
Preschool
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