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Birthday parties can be a vast and expensive affair, but they can also be really stressful. There's nothing quite like children causing carnage and chaos so it's always a good idea to ensure that you are in the right mindset to deal with what could occur, but also realize that you don't need to stress out about creating the perfect party event. Let's show you some ways to ensure that your kids have an amazing party, but you don't feel like you're going gray in the process! 

Provide an Experience, Not a Party

Sometimes, it's more about the experience rather than the event. You may not like the idea of holding a party, and the reality is that as children get older they are going to pick and choose a small group of friends that are most important to them. So before you start thinking about major things like a kids party bubble blower machine and bouncy castles in the back garden, you may want to think about how the event would pan out. An experience can be a far less stressful event, and much less chaotic than a large party. But there will be times when your children want massive parties, and when they ask, they should receive. 

Don't Have a Theme!

Sometimes your children will want a themed event, but it's a good idea to keep it simple. You can make a birthday party a fantastic event without having a major theme. Sometimes, the theme can be straightforward, because if your children are into Encanto, your children will want Encanto-themed everything, but it's far better to ensure that every child wears an Encanto costume. Yes, this can mean expense on the other parents' part, but this is why the invitation needs to stipulate that it's optional! 

Be Strict With the Guest List

It's as much about who you do not invite. It's your child's party, so you should invite whoever they want. This is especially true if you are going to have a party in your garden. A lot of parents feel they should invite certain children because they invited your child before. The reality is that you can address this head-on with the other parent. A lot of people are thinking more about budgets and ensuring that the child doesn't feel left out can hurt feelings. You don't want to feel too uncomfortable and we all know that other parents can easily find themselves holding grudges. As long as you explain yourself properly, there's nothing for you to worry about. 

Outsourcing Entertainment

Birthday parties can be expensive affairs, but they can also be more streamlined, as long as you know exactly what your child wants. Children's tastes change on a dime and the fact is that preparing entertainment is far more stressful than preparing food. Outsourcing entertainment to something like a magician or experiences where characters turn up can make a big difference to the overall feel of the event and is a fantastic option for younger children. Having someone turn up dressed like Belle or Elsa can make the experience more magical. And while this may result in a bit more cost, it results in a lot less stress for you! A birthday party should only be 2 hours long, and if the entertainment comes in halfway through, you've only got to worry about that first hour. 

Abandoning the Idea of Presents

This is not going to fare well with many children, but it is a fantastic way to reiterate that your child doesn't need loads of stuff. You can focus on getting great quality gifts for your child, and if you have younger children, a huge pile of gifts can be incredibly overwhelming, not least a huge waste of money. You could make sure that others contribute to the party in different ways. For example, they could bring a small plate of food or they could donate to charity. This might not be a very popular suggestion with your child, however, it's a very important lesson in making sure that your child focuses on the quality of the birthday and having their friends there.