A 4yr old party - help me!

[youcandothismumma]

I've got the hall, bouncy castle, tiny trikes, pin the horn on the unicorn (required from the birthday girl). Cake and food depending replies which have gone out and coming in so will scale that. Although food ideas welcome! There will be decorating biscuits.

Will do a pass the parcel, its going to be winter so outside less likey. Have I missed anything?

Im doing this solo so any tips hints short cuts welcome!!

Help! 😆

Balloons scattered about will entertain the ones in between bouncing. Party bag to take home with some stickers and something little inside.

Fruit skewers are great. Along with usual buffet style plates. Individually wrapped things are good as less waste overall. Maybe a snack for the party bag as some are too busy playing to eat and then are hungry at kicking out time.

Also if parents are staying, get something for them. Glass of Prosecco/soft drinks and a nibble out of reach of the kids.

Also, remember you will receive lots of presents. I struggled to carry them and party stuff back home. Bring sturdy bags for the return journey.

You could put some music on and do some
games like musical statues / musical bumps?

The biscuit decorating sounds great fun 😃 maybe you could get those plain paper bags to put them in and the kids could draw a picture / names on?

Yep musical statues always a good game.
food ideas- mini sausages, sausage rolls, sandwiches cheese and ham - kids that age just like basic.
healthy options - fruit and salad.
cut the cake and put in party bags before you go and just have a small one for candles saves you time.
Have someone to pack your car while the kids are eating so you can put the presents in the car.

grandmothers footsteps is a great game for that age group - keeps them busy and not too rowdy

sleeping lions or musical statues is also good.

I think you can plan for
15 mins - free play while people arrive
30-45 mins - organised party games
30 mins - food
30 mins - free play with music and lots of balloons.

how many kids are there going to be?

Thanks for all of these - never had to organise a children's party (can you tell!). I've got the help of grandparents but they want to be told what to do/how to help. Going to have one grandad on blowing up balloons (I do i have quite of few of those so that's sorted), the Baker nanny has been tasked with the cake, musical aunt asked what she can contribute so she is on playlist duty.

We've been to a few parties for others from nursery, there's just been a mix of things to do and as they are not likely to be able to run around outside, I just want everyone to be entertained so those games are great thank you. There's likely a bit of an age range due to family, friends and those from her little friend group with siblings and just didnt want anyone bored.

Love the idea of some prosecco! I was just going to give the adults tea/coffee or a can of coke or something. Maybe if they get too rowdy I'll be found in a cupboard with a bottle of fizz 😆

Just a note to say that lots of 4 year olds don't understand Pass the Parcel. We tried doing that and it ended in chaos because many didn't want to just unwrap one layer (even though there were prizes between the layers too). Some other kids just ended up fighting for the parcel even when the music stopped because they wanted it so desperately. So free for all games might be better at that age! Musical statues, chairs etc.

What works well is to have a small "treasure box" with assorted small prizes, held by an adult. Whoever wins any of the games gets to pick something from there. Don't have visible prizes or presents as part of the game (eg pass the parcel) because it becomes too tricky for some kids to hold themselves back.