Kids' birthday party checklist by age: first birthday to teens
The basics never change: date, guests, invites, food, cake. What changes with age is who's in charge, who stays and what can go wrong. Here's the checklist for each stage.
The checklist for every age
- Pick the date and time with the birthday kid (check school calendars and big game days)
- Set a rough budget. Budget planner
- Decide the guest list. How many kids to invite
- Choose a theme together
- Send invites 2-3 weeks ahead, with an RSVP date
- Ask about allergies, and plan food around them
- Order or bake the cake; buy candles and a lighter
- Plan two or three activities and a spare
- Favors, if you're doing them
- Day before: reminders to guests, charge your phone, set up
- After: thank-you notes or messages
Want it week by week with checkboxes and due dates? The interactive party checklist does this for your age range and party type.
First birthday checklist
- Plan around naps; 60-90 minutes is plenty
- Mostly grown-up guests: plan adult food and drinks
- Smash cake or a small cake just for the baby
- A high chair and a bib (and a change of clothes for after the cake)
- A quiet room for a fussy baby
- Choking hazards out of reach: popped balloons, small toys, whole grapes and nuts
- Someone else on camera duty
Ideas and a sample timeline: 1-year-old party ideas.
Toddler and preschool checklist (2-5)
- Parents stay: say so on the invite and plan seats and snacks for them
- Short, simple activities: bubbles, a craft table, freeze dance
- Small-parts check for favors if any guest is under 3
- A plan for siblings (they'll come)
- A calm last activity before goodbyes
By age: 2, 3, 4, 5-year-old party ideas.
School-age checklist (6-8)
- The whole-class question: everyone, or a small group invited privately. Read the guide
- Drop-off or stay, said clearly on the invite. Wording examples
- A pickup phone number for every child
- Enough grown-ups: one for activities, one for food and the door
- Games with real rules and teams, and a job for anyone who's out
- Waivers and the venue headcount deadline, if you're at a venue
Tween and teen checklist (9+)
- Let them plan it; you run the logistics
- Smaller, closer guest lists: invite privately
- Sleepover or late-over? Put pickup times on the invite. Sleepover guide
- A phone plan (a basket at lights-out is common)
- Food in bigger amounts: tweens and teens eat more. Food calculator
- Ask before posting photos of other people's kids
Frequently asked questions
What do I need for a kids' birthday party?
A date, a guest list, invitations with an RSVP date, food and cake, two or three activities, and someone to help. Favors and decorations are nice extras.
What do I need for a first birthday party?
A short party planned around naps, food for grown-ups, a small cake for the baby, a high chair, a change of clothes and someone else taking photos.
How far in advance should I start planning a kids' birthday party?
About six weeks ahead for most parties, earlier if you need a venue on a busy weekend. Send invitations two to three weeks before.
Is there a printable kids' birthday party checklist?
Yes. Our free party checklist tool tailors the list to your child's age and party type, saves your checks on your device and prints cleanly.