Skip Nav
Love It. Save Your Favorites Now.
9 Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Child's Birthday Party

Kids' Party Mistakes

9 Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Child's Birthday Party

Kids' Party Mistakes

Whether you're going for a low-key, at-home get-together or the kiddie social event of the year, there are a few surefire ways to unintentionally sabotage your kids' birthday parties. You've probably read plenty of advice for planning success, but these nine tips illustrate exactly what not to do if you want your party to go off without a hitch. Have you been guilty of any?

Source: Party Pants

1 Ignoring Nap Time

Ignoring Nap Time

For the first couple of years (and beyond, if you're lucky!), nap time is the focal point of your child's day. While it may be tempting to ignore it — just for today — the risk of an overtired guest of honor simply isn't worth it. Cake's so much harder to enjoy midtantrum, isn't it?!

Source: Taste {Full}

1 / 9

2 Ordering Your Invitations in a Hurry

Ordering Your Invitations in a Hurry

We know, we know, you've got a to-do list that's a mile long. But if you're ordering invitations online or having them printed at a local stationery shop, pay close attention. A typo in that party's date, time, or location will cause a whole lot more work (and make for some embarrassing phone calls!).

Source: Tinyprints

2 / 9

3 Not Consulting the Calendar Before You Set a Date

Not Consulting the Calendar Before You Set a Date
Image Source: Thinkstock

Regardless of when your child's birthday falls, be considerate of holiday weekends and school breaks. The party won't be a party if everyone on the guest list is off on a family vacation.

3 / 9

4 Not Consulting the BFF

Not Consulting the BFF
Image Source: Shutterstock

If your child and his or her best friend are attached at the hip, know that the party will be doomed if they're not in attendance. Confirm said BFF's availability with his social secretary (err, mom) before booking the bash.

4 / 9

5 Not Planning Organized Activities

Not Planning Organized Activities
Image Source: Shutterstock

This isn't a cocktail party for adults who understand the concept of mingling. Kids need structure, so even if it's a laid-back affair, make sure there's something in the craft-game-activity realm to fill the time.

5 / 9

6 Not Having a Plan B

Not Having a Plan B
Image Source: Shutterstock

Especially pertinent for an outdoor party, don't leave your guests out in the cold (or rain, or sleet, or snow . . . ). Make sure that you have a suitable backup plan in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

6 / 9

7 Oversugaring the Little Guests

Oversugaring the Little Guests

Cupcakes, birthday cake, sugar cookies, a candy bar . . . it's too much! Tone down the sweet treats, and be sure to balance out the dessert offerings with savory (and, dare we say, healthy?) snacks.

Source: Graeme Sharkey

7 / 9

8 Not Enforcing a Sibling Policy

Not Enforcing a Sibling Policy

Is your guest list philosophy "the more the merrier" or "we need a head count"? The moms and dads of the kids you've invited aren't mind readers, so be clear about whether this is a drop-off or parents-required party and whether or not siblings are invited to tag along.

Source: Modern Kids

8 / 9

9 Having Them Hand Out Invitations at School

Having Them Hand Out Invitations at School
Image Source: Shutterstock

In many schools, there's actually a policy against this. Whether or not it's in writing at your kids' school, the last thing you want is for your child's birthday party to be the cause of jealousy and hurt feelings. Drop off invitations at the kids' houses, email their parents, or send them via good old-fashioned snail mail.

9 / 9
Why These Women Want to Be TikTok's "Cool Aunt"
Travel Inspiration
Why Everyone on TikTok Wants to Be a "Cool Aunt"
by Emma Glassman-Hughes 9/25/25
Big Little Feelings Moms Share the Best Postpartum Products
Parenting
The Moms Behind Big Little Feelings Share Game-Changing Postpartum Products
by Lena Felton 7/21/25
How Buy-Nothing Parents Are Embracing Secondhand Shopping
Parenting
Amid Rising Costs, Parents Are Overcoming the Stigma of Secondhand
by Andi Breitowich 11/25/25
How Modern Parents Are Organizing Family Photos and Memories
Parenting
The New Ways Parents Are Memory-Keeping
by Jennifer Heimlich 6/24/25
Cool Basement Parent: An Expert on the Meaning and Benefits
Family Life
The Case for Becoming a "Cool Basement Parent"
by Taylor Andrews 6/18/25
"Dad Clubs" Are Changing What It Means to Be a Good Dad
Family Life
The Rise of the Dad Club
by Emma Glassman-Hughes 11/25/25

From Our Partners

Now You Know

Love Is Blind: Where Do Those Engagement Rings Come From?

Fashion

Everything to Know About the "Love Is Blind" Engagement Rings

by Sarah Wasilak 2/19

shopping

Oprah's Favorite Things List Has Major Gems, Including an Under-$100 Air Fryer

by Balim Tezel 11/06/25

Fitness

Paralympians Earn the Same Pay For Medals as Olympians, but Is It Enough?

by Karenna Meredith 8/29/24

health

How Often Should We Be Getting COVID Vaccines?

by Alexis Jones 8/23/24

Food

Pumpkin Spice Season Is Back Aug. 22

by Lauren Mazzo 8/21/24

Beauty

The Exact Red Lipstick Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Swears By

by Alaina Demopoulos 8/20/24

health

What to Know About the Latest Mpox Outbreak, According to MDs

by Alexis Jones 8/16/24

health

Céline Dion Promised Her Children She’d Live: “They Already Lost a Parent.”

by Sara Youngblood Gregory 6/11/24

Latest Family
We're Hiring! Write For Us Advertise With Us Accessibility Contact Archives
Power Your Happy
Terms Privacy Policy
©2026 Vox Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.