A Birthday party doesn't have to cost a fortune and some of the best Birthday Parties can be held even on a tight budget. Never spend more than you can afford is one of the main criteria.
For a child's Birthday Party they will want a Birthday cake but here again you don't need to spend alot of money if you simply cannot afford a big cake. Many supermarkets nowadays do small individual cakes for Birthdays and these are just as good as a large Birthday Cake.
Hiring a childrens entertainer for your little ones Birthday can be a good idea and they are not all that expensive when you think what they are going to do. A magic show, games, party music and lots more keeping the little ones entertained for the whole time at the party. This is one stress that can be taken from your shoulders in one go leaving you just to sort the food out.
You don't have to splash out on too much food as just because they are out at a party doesn't mean that they will eat more. Sandwiches and cake works best for most.
A party is meant to be a fun time for your son or daughter and this is by far the main thing that you need to think about when you come up with ideas and not how to spend the most amount of money.
Holding a Birthday Party for your son or daughter is noty something that can be done in 5 minutes which is why it can be annoying when children that have been invited don't turn up.
You spend ages sending out the invites, arranging a childrens entertainer, getting the cake, preparing the food and decorations only for some to spoil it for your little ones special day.
It is not hard to answer a party invite nowadays and many invites are done via email or facebook messaging so there is no excuse really not to reply to a childs Birthday Party invite.
Magic Stuart has been to parties where children who have said they will be there have not turned up and it is just not fair on the child who's party it is or the mother who has spent time and money on preparing for the party. You wouldn't like it for your own little ones special day so don'y inflict it onto others.
There seems also a trend nowadays to turn up late for a childs Birthday Party. If it says on the invite that the party starts at 3.00pm then for some reason people think its ok. to turn up 20 or 30 minutes later than the start time. Those that do will miss out on the entertainment provided for the Birthday Party, usually a magic show. It's just very rude to turn up so late and even more so to just not bother to turn up at all.
For anyone who is organising a party you could put on the invites that the party starts 15 minutes before it actually will do to try and solve this situation but the main problem is with people themselves.
So the next time you get an invite for your son or daughter to someones Birthday Party please reply to it and try to turn up on time otherwise your little one may find they will get invited less and less to future parties.
Birthday Parties for children involve many different things that need planning ahead of time, one of them being the question as to what time to hold the party. Whilst there is no real strict time that is best for a childs Birthday Party most people choose either 11.00am till 1.00pm or 3.00pm till 5.00pm. The reason for this is that halfway through the party the children will want something to eat and the times suit this perfectly.
When you are planning what time to hold a party, if you are going to hire a childrens entertainer such as Magic Stuart then do make sure that they have availability for the times that you are thinking of having otherwise you may be disappointed that the childrens entertainer is booked up.
As a general rule it is also best to put on the invites the start time of the party as being 15 minutes before the entertainer is due to start as this allows for any latecomers to the party, as there always is, not missing out on anything.
Whilst a weekend date is the usual choice a weekday is also perfectly ok. but in this case, unless the children are on holiday from school, the party would have to be later on in the day which isn't always best for some children especially the very young.
Where there's children then there is fun in abundance and having an entertainer to keep them happy doing balloon twisting is not only fun but is a bit different to the usual activities that children get up to at Birthdays and Weddings.
Balloon twisting or balloon modelling as it is more often known as is great for Birthday Parties, School Fairs and also Weddings. People are always looking for something different to have at Weddings and having an entertainer do balloon twisting models for the young and not so young is a super idea.
Magic Stuart does balloon modelling for many events throughout the year and is always in demand for events where children will be.
Another idea is toi have a balloon modelling workshop which is where children and even adults, no matter what their age, will have fun in a relaxed atmosphere following along with a hands on approach to make all sorts of weird and wonderful creations from the popular balloon dog to the more complicated balloon flower and multi balloon hats.
Children soon pick up what they need to do at these type of events and they are always keen to have a go. Those taking part also have a sense of self achievement as what they thought was impossible to do they get to realise that with just a bit of effort and a helping hand along the way they are able to make some super designs.
If you want to know more about having a balloon modeller or having a balloon modelling workshop then have a look at this main website where you will find out all the information required to make your next event super special.
Derby childrens entertainer Stuart Brown is a local entertainer and lives in Derby covering the Midlands area.
It is always best to hire a local entertainer as this will avoid unnecessary travel expenses. If the weather is bad then at least you know that a local entertainer will have a better chance of actually arriving at the Birthday Party venue on time. A local entertainer will be well known in the area that they are working and so you know that they will be suitable for your child's party.
Magic Stuart lives in Derby but travels all over the East and West Midlands and provides magic and entertainment for children of all ages.
Being a local entertainer to Derby he knows the best entertainment to provide for the children in the area with a magic show that is suitable for all ages and that has a live white rabbit in it.
So before you go ahead and book an entertainer ask or have a look at their website to see where they are based as you wouldn't want to have a party and no entertainer turn up.
To see more about Magic Stuart and what he provides take a look at the main website www.stuartmagic.co.uk or the prices page for the different party options that can be tailored to suit your own requirements.
Party food is the only thing that we don't provide so here is some advice and free tips to help you along. Keeping it simple is the best option. Birthday parties for children are not the place to showcase your cookery masterpieces or to practice that new recipe you have just read about. You will be catering for a variety of tastes, regardless of the age of the children, so it's usually best to cater to the majority and serve something traditional that is easy to prepare.
Most parents want to be left stress free during the party to actually enjoy it themselves so doing the preparation the night before and not getting the cake at the last minute is the best option to go for.
You should have some party food but food is a lower priority for the kids than playing games and having fun. . Finger foods are much more child friendly and practical than a child balancing a plate of food on their laps. Younger kids are also likely to eat more if they can come and go to the food table.
As an alternative idea for the food, why not have a pizza themed party. This is ideal for an older child's birthday party where it is being held at home. It is a great idea if the party is going to be a small one. At the start of the party whilst the magician / entertainer is setting up get all the children together. Beforehand you have placed all the usual pizza fillings in little bowls on a table. Give each child the base to put their desired fillings on. They often make smiley faces with the sauce. Make sure you know which belongs to which child. These are then put in the oven whilst the start of the entertainment is happening and then when it is time for the food, the pizzas are ready for them to eat.
If you are on a tight budget then you don't have to splash out on loads of food. Popcorn is a good example of low cost food, this can be bought in bulk very cheaply and you can also add various coloured sauces to it to make it even more desireable for the children at the birthday party.
Decorating cakes with a funny face using smarties or similar will make sure that they are eaten.
Sadly a large amount of food can sometimes go to waste. Ideally look to providing lots of drinks for the children in an easily disposable way. Children always go for quick finger food at parties and they like fun colourful food.
It's no use worrying yourself silly - this is just a kid's party! Take your time as your children are only young once!
Now that you have got the food organised it's time to book a children's entertainer who will do everything else to keep the kids fully entertained like the magic show, balloon modelling, music and games.
No matter what the event you are planning for, whether it is a Birthday party a fund raiser for your charity, or your annual summer fete you are going to be looking for some sort of entertainment.
Magicians and children's entertainers will do magic and balloon modeling that can offer your group a form of entertainment.
Remember that the birthday person is the most important person so involve them in gathering birthday party ideas. After all, you are celebrating the birth and life of a person you care about, so why not make their celebration something they will love.
All parents know that their children's birthday parties are extremely important. Not just for the child, but for you too. Every parent tries to outdo each other and have the best party for their child. Unfortunately, all of this pressure often prevents the parents from giving their child the party they want or deserve. Trying to come up with a new and unusual idea can be very difficult and the child can feel that their wishes are not being taken into consideration at all. The answer could be to have a theme for your party, something that your son or daughter is interested in.
Party themes have such a vast potential in making parties fun because they focus the party around a particular idea or notion. Starting with great party themes allows you to have details such as food, decorations and games to all centre around the same party idea. What fun it can be to arrive at a party and see that everything has been planned and done with intention.
Think about all of the parties you have attended and what sticks out from them? If they were exciting and fun, why? I think one of the best ways to make a unique and truly fun party is to have a children's entertainer who is different and unique and who will provide new and different party games.
Sadly a large amount of food can sometimes go to waste. Ideally look to providing lots of drinks for the children in an easily disposable way. Children always go for quick finger food at parties and they like fun colourful food.
Organising a celebration for your children is always something thrilling to do and although you may have a great get-together in mind, it can sometimes be tough to find what you require. A children's entertainer is an excellent addition to any kids party and will definitely take some of the stress off yourself. You can find a first-class range of options on the internet so it's worth having a look around before you make any decisions.
Most of the time, children will be glad with a bit of cake and ice cream and a few toys to have fun with but you may want to think about a few extras if you're throwing a particular celebration. A ball pond is a toy for kids to engage in recreation with and it's relatively mess free which is an ideal thing! You may also want to think about a magician!
Children are spellbound by just about everything so you would think it was easy. However, it can be difficult to entertain them for a long time because their attention spans are very short. Therefore, an entertainer for your children's party may be your top choice at keeping them all contented for a lengthy time.
Have a good look about the internet and search for things like "children's party" or simply type in the term "childrens entertainer". You should locate a good range of choices available but remember to search locally if you want to make sure that you only find results that are near to you as there is no point in asking an entertainer to travel a long way.
Lots of children's entertainers also provide party bags which are a good thing for children to take home at the end of the party.
There are a lot of choices when it comes to amusing kids but one of the finest things to do is employ a children's entertainer who can keep your kids entertained while you think about preparing the food. Make sure that you do some inquiries before you employ anyone.
Generally, locating a children's entertainer on the web is really effortless. Just remember to do some research before you book anyone and also think about other forms of entertainment. You don't have to break the bank to hire a children's entertainer.
Entertainment is significant in a child's life. Without some sort of entertainment children will get fed up and irritated. It plays a vital role in the education of a child. It helps a child develop his or her skills and help them gain knowledge of new things. Entertainment and recreation also gives parents a chance to have a break from their children while they are busy. There is no specific form of entertainment which is helpful for a child's growth.
Activity type games are the finest form of physical entertainment for children. Children like to play and there is no denying that they should expand physically. Children should be encouraged to take part in diverse activities like clubs, indoor games, and outdoor games.
For party ideas it is a good thought to start the party with some simple ice-breaker games to make sure that all the children know each other, feel at ease in their new environment. Ice-breakers will also help any introverted children integrate more successfully into the party.
Party games along with balloons and a magician or clown make kids birthday parties come to life! Party children anticipate the birthday games as a key part of the birthday party excitement. Kids activities range from pass the parcel to pin the tail on the donkey - all wonderfully fun games for your children's festivity.
With a Full Party option the entertainer will organise all the party games and competitions for you.
They will supply all the music required, using their professional quality sound system.
They will also supply any prizes necessary during the games and magic show.
You can relax knowing that your child will have a party that they and their friends will remember for many years to come.
You are on your way to making memories for your child's birthday party.
Making balloon animals for a kids party won't cost much but they are worth a lot more than money to you. They begin to be of value when you hand them out at the party. The other mothers get very interested when they see you are making an animal as a gift for every child (perfectly feasible for the average size party).
The trend these days is to give each child some souvenir gift and these,even when purchased in the Pound Store, can run into considerable expense. Balloon animals are much more cost effective.
Many children's entertainers make just one animal and keep making that simple four legged creature for each child as they go along. The different coloured balloons do add some variety, but the kids aren't fussy about the kind of animal as they are more interested in the fact that something has been made from a balloon.
When you do get adept at making various animals, which will, eventually look very much like the animal you are naming, then you can stress this and the kids will enjoy it. In fact, you can get so good at this art that you can make the animal and have the kids say what it is.
A word of caution is that If you make them too soon, the children will begin to play with them and begin to make noises by rubbing them, or even pop them. All of this can interfere with the party.
A professional children's entertainer will also interact with the children as they twist and bend the colourful balloons into the different shapes. Sometimes to add a bit of life to them they will draw eyes and a mouth on the balloons to bring them to life. Although this isn't totally necessary care should be taken when putting the marker pen onto the balloon as some types will pop the balloon straight away and
others will easily smudge and so it is best not to draw on the balloons until you are certain that the marker pen you are using is adequate for the job.
So balloon animals can be an asset to a kids party and many shops sell kits with instructions for you to follow. They will give you and the children many hours of endless fun but just think what extra a professional entertainer who is used to making them would bring to your party and be that little bit different from every other party that you have been to.
The time to decide when the party is going to end is one that is often overlooked. It will depend on things like if it has been booked for in a hall and there may be strict terms of use as to when the hall has to be vacated, but if it is to be held at home it is slightly different although there are some guidelines that need to be considered.
The party is divided into three parts the entertainment part, the food including the cake and the games. The part of the party that is the most difficult to predict is the food as you never know how long this may take. If you have hired a good children's entertainer then he will continue entertaining the children whilst they eat, usually by making balloon animals or balloon hats for all the children.
The one item that gets most people thinking is when to cut the cake. This is one of the highlights for the birthday boy or girl at their birthday party and it is usually best to do this straight after they have had their party tea so that whilst the magician is keeping the children entertained with party games and prizes the cake can be cut and placed into the childrens' party bags for them to take home at the end of the party.
The birthday party always starts with the magician and his magic show as this settles the children down and relaxes them as they get to know the magician. It also helps the children get acquainted, if they don't all know one another. It gives the birthday child the chance to be featured in the magic show before too many other things take over like the party games and prizes.
Whilst the magic show is going on It gives the mother time to get the refreshments all set and then after the magic show has finished the children sit down and have their birthday tea. With the magic show lasting about 40 minutes and then 15 minutes of games followed by 15 minutes for the food there is time left for the party games which can take up to an hour. This means that a normal party will last about 2 - 2.5 hours.
Whilst the games are going on this gives time for the parents to clean up and if they have hired out a hall will mean that they can vacate the premises on time and not have to spend time after the party clearing up which is what would happen if the birthday party food was at the end of the party
Everyone has birthdays and magicians are often called upon to work their magic spells for that special birthday such as a 21st birthday, or maybe a special wedding anniversary.
Birthday parties for children usually start from when they are 1 year old to when they are about 8 or 9. The parties for the very little ones up to 3 years old are really parties for parents because they just can't wait until their child gets big enough for a mega party. So they prop him or her up and say: "Watch the magician." And with a glazed over expression they promptly fall asleep or cries. There aren't many of these kids birthday parties of course but every magician gets one now and then.
Most of the phone calls for a kids birthday party type show will be for ages 3 to 7. When the child is 9 or 10, and older, they usually want something a bit more sophisticated. Obviously for young children the family may have never had a magician before, but "now that the child is old enough to appreciate it" they are ready to hire a magician for the birthday boy or girl.
So a magician or a children's entertainer for the parents' son or daughter will be a new thing to many. Now most parents will be wondering just what a magician can bring to their child's birthday that they can't supply themselves and that is the experience and knowledge of knowing what works and what doesn't. Also if the entertainer is going to do the party games too then there is the problem of prizes and giveaways. How many should I buy and what to do with the leftovers?. This is no problem for the kids entertainer as he will always have enough with him as he is using them all the time.
A good children's entertainer will also supply the party music along with a few disco lights and maybe the option of a bubble machine which always delights the young and also the not so young. Why have the bother of setting everything up from the entertainment and games when you can easily and at a very reasonable cost hire someone to do the job for you.
So for that special occasion such as your child's birthday, make it extra special and ensure that nothing will go wrong and hire a kids entertainer so that you can have a stress free time to enjoy the party and only have to worry about the food.
Here is some free advice to mothers and other birthday party planners that you are can use in planning for that special birthday party.
Ask for a definite response to any invitations sent out and check the list with your birthday son or daughter. A written invitation is better than a phone call, because the guests have the day, the time, the place, etc. before them to avoid mistakes. The day of your child's birthday party can be stress free and fun for you as well as for the child if you keep it simple, well organised, and easy on yourself.
Our first suggestion on this last point is that you utilise the services of a birthday party children's entertainer. Let us show you how inexpensive the children's entertainer can be. If you try to handle all the entertainment yourself, even if for only two hours, you will have to buy game supplies. of some kind, and prizes for them. You will also have to follow the popular trend of having some small gifts for each child to take home in party bags. You will also want to have balloons around, in some manner or other, because balloons and birthdays go together.
With the children's entertainer coming to your party, none of these expenditures are required. Every child gets a balloon animal, made during the party, and kept by them to take home. No games or prizes of any kind are required, because the entertainer stays for a full the full party if you go for a full party option. This, coupled with the party food and cake and allowing time for the children to gather on arrival and at the end for finding coats and saying goodbyes, adds up to a very presentable two to two and a half hour party and for most of it, you can be with the other mothers or your friends, knowing the children are enjoying themselves and in good safe hands.
A good children's entertainer will tell you, when you phone him, that he can do the party anywhere in your home, or a village hall etc. He will adapt himself to any venue you select. However, for your own sake, and that of the children, give it some thought. If you have a wooden or carpeted floored play room, that is the obvious place to have the party. In summer, a lawn or patio is nice, provided it is not in the full glare of the sun. Neither the children nor the performer will do well with a long stay under the bright sun. Provide some sort of shading, if there are no trees.
Be sure to make your phone call to the children's entertainer well in advance of the date you want. Saturdays and Sundays are busy days for entertainers, but unfortunately, they are also the days almost everybody wants for their party. A week day after school, or a school holiday is a good time for such a party, but if you enquire well ahead of time you stand a good chance of getting the day and time you want. If the party has to be in the living room, remove all breakables, ornaments, and easily tipped over items. It will only take a few minutes and your mind will be easier during the party.
With the children's entertainer taking most of the work of the party off your hands, be sure to take certain precautions so you do not add to your problems. Make the invitation very specific as to what time the party begins and ends.
The children's entertainer will take care of all the entertainment and the games, etc. A frequent query from mothers planning parties is about the order in which the party should be planned. Some mothers like to serve the food and ice cream, then the cake, and thus end all the food tasks before the party proper. However the most popular choice is to start with a magic show from the entertainer who will then do a couple of games. This is followed with the party food and the entertainer will once again keep the kids attention with balloon animals for them all whilst they are having their food. After the food comes the birthday cake followed by more party games and prizes with the party finishing off with the children taking home their balloon animals and party bags.
If the room in which the food is served can be a separate one, then you can go all out with decoration. Crepe paper streamers, cut outs of clowns, animals, flowers, etc., Birthday motif paper table cloth, all add to the fun and can be bought quite cheaply or the children's entertainer can provide for you at a minimal cost. For absolute bottom cost, decorate with cut up funny papers. Make long chains and hang them from the ceiling to the table. Some birthday parties have a small gift at each place, or a small container of party sweets or similar little
gifts.
If money is no object, beautiful cakes can be ordered from specialty cake shops., if you are trying to have a fun party for your children at a low cost then a large cake made from a mix can be decorated with gum drops, smarties and coloured paper animals, trains, flags, dolls, animal crackers, simply let your imagination go wild. After cutting the objects out of stiff paper, stand them in the frosting all around the edge of the cake. When it is cut, one goes to each child
Don't forget the possibility of a sandwich loaf cake frosted with coloured food colouring. This could be decorated to be a truck, or a train, or even an elephant. Add the necessary pieces cut out of stiff paper, make ears, or wheels, or whatever items your object requires.
For supplies in decoration, or making things to decorate, etc., locate your local discount shop or pound shop. It may be possible to obtain some of your requirements from the entertainer that you hire.
Children eat quicker than adults, especially under party conditions. There is no table chat, as with adults. Games can move quickly, and the time you thought was all accounted for can be left hanging on your hands when they say, "We are tired of THAT game. What else can we do?" So if you decide to prolong the party beyond your own limits then you will need to hire a children's entertainer so that you can enjoy the party too stress free.
The age of the children at a birthday party is a factor in the planning of your birthday Party show. There will always be some variety of ages at most parties, especially those given for the very young. Many children who are in pre-school won't get the same out of a party as a child who is a bit older.
From four years old upwards the same tricks will capture their attention, but they will enjoy them for a different reason. They will like the fun but they will also begin to analyze the problem in their own small way. At six, school begins for many children, and with it a whole now kind of understanding. By eight, and nine and up the children are learning how to think, how to analyze, how to wonder.
A parent may call and explain that they think that their child is too old for the kind of party that a children's entertainer will provide but a good entertainer will alter and adapt his routines and presentations so that it is suitable. Also the party games that the entertainer provides will suit children of all ages.
Children's entertainers will have a show especially put together for the older age bracket. The tricks will have been selected to bring out their thinking ability,to get them to be a part of the show, and perhaps, one day, to lead them into this great hobby. Many a youngster has earned his way thru college doing magic but of course, college is a long way off.
For the likes of the smaller ones, their interest span is short. The little ones have minds that are still forming, but these young people are eager for action, eager to see what's coming next, eager for change.
When children start school and reach the age of 9 or 10 then they are more interested in party games and winning the prizes that are given out. This is the same for both boys and girls so even though they may not be interested in a magic show they will still want a party of some sorts and a kids entertainer can supply this need.
So in summary there really is no minimum age or for that matter a maximum age as a professional entertainer will alter the birthday party details to suit the age range that he is going to entertain for. It may include some or all of the following: magic show, balloon animals, party music, bubble machine, party games, party bags, prizes and giveaways.
If you are wanting to do the party games yourself then here are some ideas that you can use.
1. Play a game with large soft balls or round balloons. Line up several cardboard boxes, each one a foot ahead of the other. Have the child stand on a tape line laid on the floor and toss the ball or balloon. He tries to toss it into each successive box, starting with the one nearest him. He is "out" the first time the ball fails to land in the next box. Everyone gets a chance, and the score is kept to see if anyone can land the ball into every box. The further away the last box is, the harder it gets, of course. This game with balloons, takes on a different aspect, as they tend to "float" and bounce away, etc., making for more action.
2.If the room is large and there is not much furniture, the old fashioned sack race, done with old pillow cases, shoes off, is fun. Divide the group into two teams, and have your helper at the other side of the race course, to turn the hoppers back.
3. Play "hot potato". Sit everybody in a big circle and roll a ball from one to the other as fast as they can. The idea is not to get caught with the ball when the whistle blows, the music stops or the bell rings.
4. Remember musical chairs? For several generations this has been a favourite game. Every home has a CD player, if you don't have a piano. Small chairs are ideal, but folding chairs will do. Line up the chairs, one less than the number of children, and alternate the way the chairs face. Everybody marches around and around the line of chairs, and each time the music stops, they drop in the nearest chair. It makes for fun and laughter, and each time somebody is out and one chair is removed. Continue until-only one child is left.
5. A table game can be played with cardboard and crayons. Everybody draws a picture on his cardboard, which is preferably differently coloured. For small children, a mother cuts all the drawings into several different pieces. All the pieces are piled in a heap in the center of the table and the game is to see who can put together a puzzle quickest by reaching in the heap and finding pieces. Or who can put together his original picture quickest. This game can be done on a living room floor also. Consult your local library for books on children's games if you want to explore the idea.
A good children's entertainer can take care of the games for you and will also have a ready supply of prizes for all the children.
Kids birthday parties are not complete without invitations and colourful decorations but how exactly should you go about this?
The use of decorations such as party banners and balloons are far more important for parties for children than any party that is planned for adults. All children love the look of any party and the use of a few well placed decorations will make the party even better.
The decorating process starts off with the invitations. This is the first thing that the children will see and this is the first chance to show the children what they will expect and a colourful invitation will enthuse them with excitement. These can be easily purchased from a birthday party shop or you may decide to make some yourself. A wide range of assorted colourful invitations will be found at your local newsagents for instance.
If you decide to make some yourself then why not use some coloured card and cut out a shape instead of the usual rectangle. You can cut them into the shape of a ball, a doll or a dog. Simply cut out the first one and use this as a template for the rest of the invites. If you are going to have a theme party then this is probably the best way to go.
Decorations start off with the table of course and this should be made as colourful as possible. It is common for children's parties to also have a colourful plate for them to have their food off and not the normal white plate. Coloured paper cups can be easily and cheaply purchased for the children and you could also have a noise squeaker for them all on the party table along with a party hat and serviette.
These all add to the atmosphere of the party and help in making it more colourful. You can also use streamers and tie some balloons to the walls along with party banners. Why not tie some colourful streamers to bottles of coloured soft drinks and place these on the table. This can make a nice centre piece for the table and at virtually no cost to you.
One great idea is to tie some balloons together and fasten them to a post near the party venue. This will help other families find the party more easily. At the end of the party instead of bursting the balloons you could take these down and give them away to the children along with their party bags as they are leaving.
The birthday cake will be another added colourful delight for the children and you can either make this yourself or again a nice colourful birthday cake can be easily and very cheaply obtained from your local supermarket.
The following ideas will enable you to organise a children's birthday party better and easier than what you have done before. It may be that you have never had to organise such an event and therefore you will find the following ideas useful for your son or daughter's birthday party.
Parties range in different sizes from a small house party to a large party held in a hall. No matter what the same principles in organisation apply.
In organising a children's birthday you have three main areas to cover. Firstly there are the decorations from balloons to birthday banners. Colourful decorations will add much to a birthday party with very little effort. This is especially true for the very young children as they always like things colourful.
The second aspect is the food. Usually you provide the party food yourself either by a bit of home cooking or more commonly nowadays a trip to the local supermarket where many suitable food items are readily available for young children. Alternatively you may decide to hire in outside catering and there are quite a few that cater for children's birthday parties to save you doing this yourself.
Thirdly there is the entertainment. This is for the games and competitions that all children adore. This can be a bit of a daunting task and often it is more suitable and certainly less stressful if you have hired someone to take care of this for you. A local magician or children's entertainer will easily arrange this for you as they will be experienced in entertaining children, especially at birthday parties.
A children's party organiser will also help with some or all of the above for you. If this is your first time at arranging a birthday party then it may be a good idea to think about this option.
The most important thing to remember about organising a birthday party is to not make it too difficult for yourself. There is no need to get stressed about it at all and if you first spend a little time in preparing for the event and not leave it till the last minute it will be a lot easier for you. You, as the mother or father want to enjoy the birthday party as much as your son or daughter. It does not have to be expensive or tiring just lots of fun for all.
Most importantly is to remember to have a back up plan if you have decided to hold the birthday party outside. If it rains make sure that you have arranged how you will hold the party indoors.
A party is not complete without party games. No matter how old the children are they all enjoy having fun with games at parties. After all it is part of growing up and children will develop better both physically and mentally when they have something like games to take part in and especially if they have to think about what they are doing.
Games at parties should be for all the children to take part in, no matter what their age. Children need to be kept occupied and games will give them that stimulus to keep them active. Sometimes you will only be able to have a few of them taking part such as if it is a race, make sure that these type of games are not too long otherwise the children waiting to take part will get bored. Those that are waiting should be encouraged to cheer on the winner.
In the hustle and bustle of getting a children's birthday party together it is very easy to forget something and so it is always a good idea to have the games that you will be playing written down and prepared beforehand. Games such as pass the parcel should be prepared beforehand. Make sure that if you are going to play some games where certain equipment is needed that it is all ready to hand on the day. The games should be full of action as much as possible, not too long and definitely full of excitement to keep the children entertained.
Make sure that there is no delay between games as this is a time when the children can get bored easily. Always have something on the go so that the children are being kept busy. Whilst one game is being played get the items ready and together for the following game to avoid any delays that could occur. Make sure that everything is ready beforehand and you know where it is but out of sight of the children so that it doesn't spoil the surprise for them.
With all types of games you will need a selection of prizes. Try not to just have one for the winner only, have a smaller prize for all the runner ups. Never tell any child that they came last or that they lost, always tell them that they were second.
You may have decided to go with the option of hiring a children's entertainer. In this case they will provide the games for the children as well as suitable prizes for them. Their knowledge and experience over the years will be valuable to you in a party situation where it might be your first time at hosting a birthday party for your son or daughter.
When thinking about planning entertainment for a birthday party your requirements will vary depending on the age of the children. Of course the enjoyment will be the same for the children no matter what their age. The only difference will be the amount of vigour and excitement that will enthuse from the children. For instance you wouldn't expect a 3 year old to be as active and have the same stamina as a 7 year old.
Whilst you will decide what game you will want to use, and there are many classic ones to choose from, such as pass the parcel, pin the tail on the donkey or musical chairs, statues etc. There are though a few fundamental rules that should be followed to ensure that the games go with a degree of success.
The games should be varied as much as possible. So you don't want too many of the same run around type of activities. Have an energetic game followed by a more sedate one so that you don't tire the children out too much. Similarly it is best if you have a short, quick game followed by a longer lasting one as this will ensure that the children are kept both active physically and mentally during the birthday party games.
A game that drags on for too long though is a recipe for disaster as the children will get easily bored. The key to successful games is to make sure that all the children are being kept entertained and that none are being left out or become bored by what is going on. The secret is to stop a game and alter it to a new one while the children are still enjoying it. In this way their enthusiasm will still be there for more new and exciting games.
Always remember that the children at the birthday party will be of various ages and so make sure that the games appeal to all of them. Don't allow any of your game choices to be too on the rough side.
Games are best if all the children are joining in. Avoid games where only one person is active and taking part at a time. This might have been good many years ago but it just doesn't fit in with the modern day child.
If you are really stuck for what games to have at a birthday party it might be an idea to hire a professional children's party organiser who will have many years of experience in this field. It will also save you having to buy items as prizes and enable you to enjoy the party stress free.
Playing is important in a child's life. Without some sort of entertainment children will get bored and frustrated. It plays an important role in the upbringing of a child. It helps a child develop his or her skills and help them learn new things. Entertainment and recreation also gives parents a chance to have a rest from their children while they are busy.
If you decide to do the party games yourself it is a good idea to start with some simple ice-breaker games to make sure that all the children get to know each other and feel comfortable in their new environment. This will also help any shy children integrate more successfully into the party.
Party games along with balloons and a magician or clown make kids birthday parties come to life! Party children expect the birthday games as a key part of the birthday party fun. Kids activities range from pass the parcel to pin the tail on the donkey - all wonderfully fun games for the children's party entertainment.
Stuart offers the full party option and will organise all the party games and activities for you. All the traditional party music is supplied using a professional quality sound system. Along with a large supply of all the prizes and giveaways required during the games and magic show, you can relax knowing that your child will have a party that they and their friends will remember for many years to come. You are well on your way to making memories for your child's birthday party.
If you are wanting to do the party games yourself and are on a tight budget then here are ten top games that are not only simple to arrange and cheap but also entertaining games that are suitable for children of all ages.
1. Play a game with large soft balls or round balloons. Line up several cardboard boxes, each one a foot ahead of the other. Have the child stand on a tape line laid on the floor and toss the ball or balloon. They now try to hit or throw it into each successive box, starting with the one nearest them. Every one gets a chance, and the score is kept to see if anyone can land the ball into every box. The further away the last box is, the harder it gets, of course. This game with balloons, takes on a different aspect, as they tend to "float" and bounce away, etc., making for more action.
2.If the room is large and there is not much furniture, the old fashioned sack race, done with old pillow cases, shoes off, is fun. Divide the group into two teams, and have your helper at the other side of the race course, to turn the hoppers back.
3. Play "hot potato". Sit everybody in a big circle and roll a ball from one to the other as fast as they can. The idea is not to get caught with the ball when the whistle blows, the music stops or the bell rings.
4. Remember musical chairs? For several generations this has been a favourite game. Every home has a CD player or Ipad. Small chairs are ideal, but folding chairs will do. Line up the chairs, one less than the number of children, and alternate the way the chairs face. Everybody marches around and around the line of chairs, and each time the music stops, they drop in the nearest chair. It makes for fun and laughter, and each time somebody is out and one chair is removed. Continue until-only one child is left.
5. A table game can be played with cardboard and crayons. Everybody draws a picture on his cardboard, which is preferably differently coloured. For small children, a mother cuts all the drawings into several different pieces. All the pieces are piled in a heap in the center of the table and the game is to see who can put together a puzzle quickest by reaching in the heap and finding pieces. Or who can put together his original picture quickest. This game can be done on a living room floor also. Consult your local library for books on children's games if you want to explore the idea.
6. Don't forget the well known classic pass the parcel game. This always goes down well with children of all ages. They enjoy the fun and excitement of passing the parcel round the circle of children in anticipation of the music stopping when they are holding the parcel. There is no substitute for the thrill of opening the parcel to see if they have won or not. Remember if you are doing this yourself to put a small prize between each layer such as a packet of sweets or a small toy. We use a variation that is unique to ourselves that does away with the mess of paper layers. It uses coloured bags that makes the game more visual and fun. The children always try to guess what coloured bag will be next and shout it out.
7. Make up some small bean bags or purchase them from any good toy shop and split the children into two teams. The idea is to chose one boy or girl from each time and have them put their arms out flat and try to balance the bean bags on their arms. The first team that manages to balance all of the bags on their arms is the winner. Remember to give out small prizes to the winning team. You can also adapt this game by making it into a new version of the classic egg and spoon race where instead of the egg and spoon you have the bean bag. The children balance this on their head and have to walk a certain distance before turning round and going back to their team. Each child takes it in turn with the team that completes the task first of all the children carrying the bean bag being the winners. This is not just for a child's Birthday Party but is also ideal for gala and fun days and can be played outside or inside.
8. Balloon relay is another quick and easy game. The children stand in a line one behind the other and the first child has a balloon that they have to pass over their head to the boy or girl behind them. When the balloon gets to the last person they go round to the front and it starts again and is repeated until the first person is once again at the start. The team that completes this first are the winners.
9. Musical statues or musical bumps although old is still one of the hits at a party. To avoid having this as an elimination game have small stickers that you give to a child if they are still moving when the music stops. The last child to get a sticker gets the main prize. This is always fun and enjoyable.
10. Any type of a treasure hunt especially at a pirates party is fun for the children. Beforehand you can hide items that the children have to find. Another way with this idea that we use occasionally is to have made up a large amount of, for example, yellow stars that you have hidden all over the place. The child that finds the most is the winner.
Activity type games are the best form of physical kids party entertainment. Children like to play and should be encouraged to take part in different activities like clubs, indoor games, and outdoor games.
Balloon modelling is something that anybody can do whatever their age and it is also a very cheap hobby. Unlike some hobbies all you need are a few modelling balloons and a bit of know how and you too can be an expert balloon modeller.
Balloon modelling is getting more and more popular and it can often be seen in practise at children's birthday parties where the children's party entertainer will do some magic and then show his or her skills at making balloon animals for the children.
Your first point of call are the balloons themselves. These are special balloons and have been purposely manufactured for the art of balloon modelling. They are stronger than normal balloons so that they can be twisted and turned into the many different shapes required without the possibility of them bursting too often.
When you first start to practise balloon modelling you will find that a few of them will burst but after a short while you will begin to get the hang of it. Balloons can be purchased either online or direct from a children's entertainer who will be happy to provide you with the correct requirements.
The balloons used most often in balloon modelling are called 260s. That simply means that once the balloon has been blown up then it will measure 2 inches across and 60 inches in length if fully blown. To blow the balloon up always use a balloon pump. It is essential for balloon modelling as it can be a strain on yourself if you try to blow the balloons up by mouth.
Place the lip of the balloon over the pump's nozzle. Push it down and hold it tightly over the nozzle with one hand and pump up the balloon with the other. For most balloon models you will not need to inflate the whole of the balloon. The amount of air you pump into the balloon will depend on the model you are making. There should be a tail at the end because as you twist the balloon into shape air will be squeezed along the remaining length of the balloon and without this tail end the balloon would burst.
Once blown up with the correct amount of air, let a little air out and then tie a simple knot in the end of the balloon and you are ready to make your first balloon model.
The best and by far the most popular item to make first is the balloon dog. Instructions on how to make one can be found on the internet or again can be obtained from a children's entertainer party supplier.
1. Who are they?
Many entertainers work for large organisations and they all go under the same name such as "Magic Sam the Magic Man" for example. When you locate someone who you think is suitable, see that you will be getting that person and that you haven't landed on a company based website.
2. Is their show suitable for your child's age?
Just because someone advertises as a children's entertainer doesn't mean that they cater for children of all ages. Make sure that the little ones will not miss out on the fun because the entertainer only caters for the older children.
3. What exactly do they do?
It may look like a flashy website and they call themselves a children's entertainer but you need to know what you are getting for your money. Is it just a magic show or will they be doing the games too. All this should be clearly shown on their website, usually where they tell you the prices of various packages that they offer. If it doesn't clearly explain on the website then go elsewhere.
4. Do they give suitable prizes?
If they provide prizes what are they?. You don't want and shouldn't expect cheap plastic rubbish that will fall apart as soon as the child gets home. If unsure just ask, you want to know what you are going to get for your money.
5. How long do they stay?.
If they advertise a 2 hour show for example, does this include the setting up time and what do they do when the children are having their tea? A good entertainer will arrive early, set up and be ready to begin. This time, and the packing away time, will not be included in their 2 hour show. Also, a good children's entertainer will keep the kids entertained whilst they are having their party food.
6. Are they CRB checked?
It is essential that you make sure that your children's entertainer is CRB checked, if not keep well away!.
7. Are they insured?
All entertainers should have public liability insurance in case anything unexpected happens. Again, if they are not keep well away. Why take the risk?
8. Are they experienced?.
Find out how long have they been in the business as you want an entertainer who is experienced in entertaining children.
9. How will I know you will turn up?
A good entertainer will always phone you a couple of days before the show to make sure that everything is still fine. This will help you to know that they haven't forgotten about you.
10. Ask!!!
Never be afraid to ask the entertainer about any concerns or questions you may have. It's your money and you want to make sure that the person you are booking is the right one for your youngster.
Does the following sound familiar?
I have run out of party ideas!! My child's birthday party is coming up and I don't know what to do. I have thought about booking someone to run the party, I want it to be a unique and interesting party, especially if I am paying someone to run it. What am I going to do?
The above is more common than some people realise as parents often leave it till the last minute to arrange everything.
Whilst the best way of finding a children's entertainer is by word of mouth, preferably from another parent who has recently thrown a successful party, it is not always possible, especially if things are a last minute dash.
Your next point of call is a quick local internet search for a suitable entertainer but with so many to choose from which one should you go for?. First and foremost you should be looking for someone who is fairly local as you don't want to be paying extra for any travelling expenses if possible.
Ask yourself if you feel that they look as though they know what they are talking about. It is very easy to put together an all singing all dancing website but does the entertainer look like they will live up to your expectations.
A children's party organiser is even better as they will sort the whole show out for you from a magic show to the games and a good entertainer will also supply the prizes for the games. They will also have access to party supplies such as banners, party ware such as plates and cups, party decorations, balloons etc if required.
Is the entertainer CRB checked? This is essential and should not be overlooked, also are they insured through public liability as if there is a problem then you want to make sure that you are covered. Never be afraid to ask about these and request that proof be brought along to the party if you are still unsure, after all it is your son / daughters special day and you want to make sure that everything is just right for them.
Always remember too that if the entertainer operates under a character name, such as 'Charlie the Clown', for example, they may be part of an organisation that uses many different people dressed up as the same character and some may be better than others. It is therefore well worth finding out who you are getting. The best advice is to steer clear of this type of organisation and make sure that you book the individual that you see on their website.
Choosing what children will eat at the birthday party is as important as deciding on the decorations and what type of kids party entertainment to have.
This is not the time to try out that new recipe that you had wanted to test and it also isn't necessary to spend a fortune on food from shops. Just because it is a birthday party doesn't mean that children will eat more than what they usually do at meal times. The best way is to stick to simple and colourful food. Children enjoy colourful things and this is no different where food is concerned.
On the whole children eat very little at birthday parties as the excitement of the event usually takes over and they want to be entertained and have fun playing games with their friends.
The look of the table, decorations and party hats, balloons etc. will be of greater importance to them than the sight of well prepared and organised food.
Sandwiches are the ever popular choice and children will be able to select ones that they like. Nibbles, such as crisps, will always go down well. A few assorted biscuits and cakes with colourful toppings will make a nice addition.
You could also try things like small sausages or sausage rolls. It's a good idea to keep away from any type of hot or warmed up food as you don't want food to go cold and it can be difficult to keep food hot until required, especially at children's birthdays.
A helping of jelly and ice cream, another party favourite, is also a favourite party food for them. Obviously, at the end there is the birthday cake itself with the candles on. The birthday boy or girl will blow the candles out and then whilst the children are playing party games the cake can be cut into small pieces so that the children can take some away at the end of the party in their own party bags.
When deciding on your party food think about if you are going to have to take it along to a village hall. Is it easy to transport to the venue. If the party is being held at home you won't have these types of problems to cope with.
Another factor to consider is what time are you holding the party. It is best f it is being held at a time when the children normally have something to eat.
Every party, regardless of size, place or theme, requires some planning.
Normally, the larger the event, the more planning required. For example, weddings are usually planned about two years ahead, but it is not unusual to find people planning their wedding for an even longer period of time.
If you are going to plan a party, you need to try to anticipate potential difficulties, unplanned events, mishaps, and small catastrophes. Make sure you minimize potential obstacles, such as a rainy day for an outside event. If rain is a possibility, think of how it will affect the party. Think of the things you can do to better prepare for this happening.
Whilst parties cost money, they don't have to break the bank. With a little effort you can be on your way to a great party.
Planning a fancy party may not be a regular event for you so if you are unsure why not hire a party organiser who will host the whole party for you taking the stress away. Kids birthday party planning can be an overwhelming process. However, it does not have to be a tricky process. Just take it step by step and you will make it through the planning process stress free.
All Birthday parties have some usual activities like cake and presents, but if you want to have a really great time you want to give some thought to other ideas such as a clown or magician. A children's entertainer will also supply childrens party entertainment with the games and prizes for you saving you time and money.
As with most things , boys and girls will have very different ideas as to what makes a great birthday party, so make sure you sit down with your child and ask them first of all if they have any preferences, or maybe ask which of their friends parties did they enjoy the most and why ? This will give you a better feeling of what to do if you are stuck for ideas..
The most important aspect of party planning is to determine the reason for the party. The reason for the party usually determines the size, the budget, who is invited, and how many people you want to accommodate. If it is a child's birthday party then they will be the centre of attention. They will also be able to provide Party Bags if you need them.
The food that you choose for your party is important too. You will want to take into consideration what kind of party it is that you are having. For example, is your party planning being done for a birthday, or an anniversary? Is your party planning being done for a theme party? These types of things matter when you are trying to choose the foods that will suit your party to perfection.
Here is some free advice that you can use in planning for that special birthday party.
Ask for a definite response to any invitations sent out and check the list with your birthday son or daughter. A written invitation is better than a phone call, because the guests have the day, the time, the place, etc. before them to avoid mistakes. The day of your child's birthday party can be stress free and fun for you as well as for the child if you keep it simple, well organised, and easy on yourself.
Don't forget balloons and parties go together. Also, party games, prizes and supplies for party bags etc. Obviously with a children's entertainer and party organiser coming to your party, none of these expenditures are required. Every child gets a balloon animal, made during the party, and kept by them to take home. No games or prizes of any kind are required, because the entertainer stays for a full the full party if you go for a full party option. This, coupled with the party food and cake and allowing time for the children to gather on arrival and at the end for finding coats and saying goodbyes, adds up to a very presentable two to two and a half hour party and for most of it, you can be with the other mothers or your friends, knowing the children are enjoying themselves and in good safe hands.
A good children's entertainer will tell you, when you phone them, that they can do the party anywhere in your home, or a village hall etc. They will adapt to any venue you select. However, for your own sake, and that of the children, give it some thought. If you have a wooden or carpeted floored play room, that is the obvious place to have the party. In summer, a lawn or patio is nice, provided it is not in the full glare of the sun. Neither the children nor the performer will do well with a long stay under the bright sun. Provide some sort of shading, if there are no trees.
Be sure to make your phone call to the children's entertainer well in advance of the date you want. Saturdays and Sundays are busy days for entertainers, but unfortunately, they are also the days almost everybody wants for their party. A week day after school, or a school holiday is a good time for such a party, but if you enquire well ahead of time you stand a good chance of getting the day and time you want. If the party has to be in the living room, remove all breakables, ornaments, and easily tipped over items. It will only take a few minutes and your mind will be easier during the party.
With the children's entertainer taking most of the work of the party off your hands, be sure to take certain precautions so you do not add to your problems. Make the invitation very specific as to what time the party begins and ends.
The children's entertainer will take care of all the entertainment and the games, etc. A frequent query from mothers planning parties is about the order in which the party should be planned. Some mothers like to serve the food and ice cream, then the cake, and thus end all the food tasks before the party proper. However the most popular choice is to start with a magic show from the entertainer who will then do a couple of games. This is followed with the party food and the entertainer will once again keep the kids attention with balloon animals for them all whilst they are having their food. After the food comes the birthday cake followed by more party games and prizes with the party finishing off with the children taking home their balloon animals and party bags along with a slice of birthday cake.
Once you have the actual date of the party you will need to sort out a venue. Remember that your house may not be suitable, especially if your son or daughter is going to invite loads of children. Many towns and villages have their own local hall which is both cheap to hire and is spacious too that will easily meet your requirements.
If the room in which the food is served can be a separate one, then you can go all out with decoration. Crepe paper streamers, cut outs of clowns, animals, flowers, etc., Birthday motif paper table cloth, all add to the fun and can be bought quite cheaply or the children's entertainer can provide for you at a minimal cost. For absolute bottom cost, decorate with cut up funny papers. Make long chains and hang them from the ceiling to the table. Some birthday parties have a small gift at each place, or a small container of party sweets or similar little gifts.
If money is no object, beautiful cakes can be ordered from specialty cake shops., if you are trying to have a fun party for your children at a low cost then a large cake made from a mix can be decorated with gum drops, smarties and coloured paper animals, trains, flags, dolls, animal crackers, simply let your imagination go wild. After cutting the objects out of stiff paper, stand them in the frosting all around the edge of the cake. When it is cut, one goes to each child
Don't forget the possibility of a sandwich loaf cake frosted with coloured food colouring. This could be decorated to be a truck, or a train, or even an elephant. Add the necessary pieces cut out of stiff paper, make ears, or wheels, or whatever items your object requires.
For supplies in decoration, or making things to decorate, etc., locate your local discount shop or pound shop. It may be possible to obtain some of your requirements from the entertainer that you hire. Alternatively you could have a go at making some decorations yourself.
Children eat quicker than adults, especially under party conditions. There is no table chat, as with adults. Games can move quickly, and the time you thought was all accounted for can be left hanging on your hands when they say, "We are tired of THAT game. What else can we do?" So if you decide to prolong the party beyond your own limits then you will need to hire a children's entertainer so that you can enjoy the party too stress free. Try here.
If your party is in the summertime then you could hold it outdoors if you want to risk your chances with the weather. Kids love to be outside and this option is ideal especially if it is a nice sunny day. You could also think about hiring a bouncy castle that the kids can let off steam on before the actual party.
Something that is often asked is if should parents be expected to stay at the party, or just drop the kids off and wave goodbye in a desperate bid for a couple of hours peace and quiet. Depending on the age group, and maybe how confident or shy the child is will depend on the answer to this and no 2 children are alike.
Celebrating children's birthdays can be as fun and entertaining for parents as it is for their children. Birthday cakes, balloons and themes are generally popular at children's parties, and parents have the opportunity to mix and mingle with the parents of their children's friends.
Party bags are a must at children's birthday parties. To create a party bag, simply pick up some bags at a local party-supply store and fill them with things that they will enjoy. You can find small toys that are suitable and even colouring books and crayons, bubbles and any other small items that will fit into a bag. If you are stuck for ideas then party bags can be purchased from our party bag page.
Plates, cups and banners are one of the easiest ways to create the overall party atmosphere. You can find them with cartoon characters, or even just those that are a solid color. These can help keep the theme going in your party as well as offer extra decorations. Traditional party banners add colour to your party.
As an alternative you don't need to splash out on table covers if you don't want to. In most cases these just get thrown away at the end of the party so why not do something different. Here is one idea. You can pick up very cheaply plain white paper table covers. These can usually be found in the pound shops or similar. Use these to cover the tables and then simply put out packs of crayons on the table so that as the children are eating they can draw on the table cloth.. This idea has been used numerous times by parents and it is not only different for your party but also keeps the cost down too. If you cannot find small cheap packs of crayons then we can supply these. They are sometimes included in party bags but if you require them for this then simply send us an email or let us know at the time of booking and how many packs you require and we will bring some along on the day FREE of charge, just let us know that you need some for this idea.
Pinatas are also another good source for party supplies. These can be along the same theme of the party if you have chosen one. Many children love having these and they make a great activity in addition to offering you another party decoration.
Games are also something children look forward to at parties. A good Children's Entertainer will provide these along with the prizes. Children always enjoy games and they add a little more festivity to the day.
Invitations can be used effectively to create a party atmosphere and should not be overlooked. It lets people know where and when the party is. Don't forget balloons since they can add colour. If you are after table decorations a ballon modeller can make these for you. Streamers are still one of these easiest things to use for a decoration, and can make it look like a party.
The birthday cake is just as important as any other part of the party. Many birthday cakes are decorated as a character and the type and style of the cake is important to many children. What goes on top of them is equally as important, sometimes they will include small toys for the birthday child to enjoy as an extra little gift.
Picking the right entertainer for your child's Birthday Party is the key to a successful party. The cake on it's own won't make a great party, nor will the food or magic show, not even the games on their own. Think about a party that you have attended in the past. Was it a great party and why ?. The real answer to a great party is a combination of everything from the food to the magic show to the games and the core ingredient to all of that is the right children's entertainer.
Have a look at the prices page to see what we can offer.
With so many children's entertainers about you really want to make sure that you choose the best one for your event and so I have compiled a list of some of the main questions that I am often asked to save you time in your search for a good children's entertainer and full party organiser
Q What do you do ?
A This is by far the most asked question of any magician or children's entertainer, after all you want to know what you will get for your money. The basic magic show is just that . You get a magic show and balloon modelling for the children, this is usually a 1 hour show. The other option is a full party package which is the magic, balloon modelling, party music, bubble machine, party games, prizes, lots of giveaways and more.
Q What are the prices you charge.
A These can be found on the prices page
Q How long is the full party package ?
A The full party package is just that, for the whole party - usually a birthday party lasts about 2 hours.
Q What sort of music do you play for the children ?
A The music is popular party music for children and is played at the start whilst I am setting up so that any children arriving early at the party will have something to do before I start.
Q What time do I need to sort the party food for ?
A A rough guide is halfway through the party with a 2 hour party option or beforehand with the 1 hour option.
Q What are the prizes and giveaways, are they just cheap sweets ?
A I do not give sweets or similar items as prizes or giveaways. I also do not use sweets or similar items in party bags . All items are quality toys and novelty gifts ideal for children of all ages. Some samples can be seen on the party prices page.
Q We are on a tight budget and we have found someone cheaper, will you come down in price ?
A We fully realise that times are hard but cheaper is not always better. I am a very busy children's entertainer and the price I charge reflects on what you get which is value for money. Not only with the whole show package but the party bags too. We will always listen and will be able to suit a package to your budget if required, just ask.
Q OK. I am convinced, I have read all your pages on your website, how do I make a booking ?
A Firstly, select the party package you’re interested in and either submit an online enquiry or give us a call. You can call me on Derby 01332 768321 or use the contact form to check initially if a certain date and time is available.
Q How far ahead should I book you ?
A In general as soon as you can soyou will have more chance of the date being available especially at busy times of the year.
Q I have a question that isn't on here.
A That's ok. simply phone me on Derby 01332 768321 or use the contact form here or email me at stuartmagic@hotmail.com
Playing is important in a child's life. Without some sort of entertainment children will get bored and frustrated. It plays an important role in the upbringing of a child. It helps a child develop his or her skills and help them learn new things. Entertainment and recreation also gives parents a chance to have a rest from their children while they are busy.
If you decide to do the party games yourself it is a good idea to start with some simple ice-breaker games to make sure that all the children get to know each other and feel comfortable in their new environment. This will also help any shy children integrate more successfully into the party.
Party games along with balloons and a magician or clown make kids birthday parties come to life! Party children expect the birthday games as a key part of the birthday party fun. Kids activities range from pass the parcel to pin the tail on the donkey - all wonderfully fun games for the children's party entertainment.
Stuart offers the full party option and will organise all the party games and activities for you. All the traditional party music is supplied using a professional quality sound system. Along with a large supply of all the prizes and giveaways required during the games and magic show, you can relax knowing that your child will have a party that they and their friends will remember for many years to come. You are well on your way to making memories for your child's birthday party.
If you are wanting to do the party games yourself and are on a tight budget then here are ten top games that are not only simple to arrange and cheap but also entertaining games that are suitable for children of all ages.
1. Play a game with large soft balls or round balloons. Line up several cardboard boxes, each one a foot ahead of the other. Have the child stand on a tape line laid on the floor and toss the ball or balloon. They now try to hit or throw it into each successive box, starting with the one nearest them. Every one gets a chance, and the score is kept to see if anyone can land the ball into every box. The further away the last box is, the harder it gets, of course. This game with balloons, takes on a different aspect, as they tend to "float" and bounce away, etc., making for more action.
2.If the room is large and there is not much furniture, the old fashioned sack race, done with old pillow cases, shoes off, is fun. Divide the group into two teams, and have your helper at the other side of the race course,
to turn the hoppers back.
3. Play "hot potato". Sit everybody in a big circle and roll a ball from one to the other as fast as they can. The idea is not to get caught with the ball when the whistle blows, the music stops or the bell rings.
4. Remember musical chairs? For several generations this has been a favourite game. Every home has a CD player or Ipad. Small chairs are ideal, but folding chairs will do. Line up the chairs, one less than the number of children, and alternate the way the chairs face. Everybody marches around and around the line of chairs, and each time the music stops, they drop in the nearest chair. It makes for fun and laughter, and each time somebody is out and one chair is removed. Continue until-only one child is left.
5. A table game can be played with cardboard and crayons. Everybody draws a picture on his cardboard, which is preferably differently coloured. For small children, a mother cuts all the drawings into several different pieces. All the pieces are piled in a heap in the center of the table and the game is to see who can put together a puzzle quickest by reaching in the heap and finding pieces. Or who can put together his original picture quickest. This game can be done on a living room floor also. Consult your local library for books on children's games if you want to explore the idea.
6. Don't forget the well known classic pass the parcel game. This always goes down well with children of all ages. They enjoy the fun and excitement of passing the parcel round the circle of children in anticipation of the music stopping when they are holding the parcel. There is no substitute for the thrill of opening the parcel to see if they have won or not. Remember if you are doing this yourself to put a small prize between each layer such as a packet of sweets or a small toy. We use a variation that is unique to ourselves that does away with the mess of paper layers. It uses coloured bags that makes the game more visual and fun. The children always try to guess what coloured bag will be next and shout it out.
7. Make up some small bean bags or purchase them from any good toy shop and split the children into two teams. The idea is to chose one boy or girl from each time and have them put their arms out flat and try to balance the bean bags on their arms. The first team that manages to balance all of the bags on their arms is the winner. Remember to give out small prizes to the winning team. You can also adapt this game by making it into a new version of the classic egg and spoon race where instead of the egg and spoon you have the bean bag. The children balance this on their head and have to walk a certain distance before turning round and going back to their team. Each child takes it in turn with the team that completes the task first of all the children carrying the bean bag being the winners. This is not just for a child's Birthday Party but is also ideal for gala and fun days and can be played outside or inside.
8. Balloon relay is another quick and easy game. The children stand in a line one behind the other and the first child has a balloon that they have to pass over their head to the boy or girl behind them. When the balloon gets to the last person they go round to the front and it starts again and is repeated until the first person is once again at the start. The team that completes this first are the winners.
9. Musical statues or musical bumps although old is still one of the hits at a party. To avoid having this as an elimination game have small stickers that you give to a child if they are still moving when the music stops. The last child to get a sticker gets the main prize. This is always fun and enjoyable.
10. Any type of a treasure hunt especially at a pirates party is fun for the children. Beforehand you can hide items that the children have to find. Another way with this idea that we use occasionally is to have made up a large amount of, for example, yellow stars that you have hidden all over the place. The child that finds the most is the winner.
Activity type games are the best form of physical kids party entertainment. Children like to play and should be encouraged to take part in different activities like clubs, indoor games, and outdoor games.
Using coloured balloons as decoration at parties is a cost effective way of adding excitement and fun at children's parties. It is always a good idea to use balloons as decorations and make sure that some are out of reach of the children then towards the end of the party these can be let down and scattered on the floor as the children are leaving whilst the music is playing. Some children will like to take one of them away with them along with their balloon animals that was made for them at the party.
Depending on the number of children invited and their age you may wish to hire a hall or other venue. This is not always essential though as smaller parties can be held at home and this can sometimes be better for the younger child as they will feel more comfortable with this.
Make sure that everyone knows where the party is being held. An easy way to do this is to have some coloured balloons at the main entrance tied to the door, gate, tree or lamp post. This will help other parents and children find you and it will also help the entertainer find you too.
Whatever the occasion, Birthday, Christmas, New Year or similar, balloons provide colour and delight for everyone.
Balloons have been a favourite with childrens party entertainment since the time balloons were invented. By having the usual standard round balloons you can add joy and colour to any event. Balloons come in diverse shapes, sizes and colours. They can be air filled or helium filled. There are also heart-shaped balloons of different sizes to add that extra special touch especially at weddings.
Balloons also come in a mylar type foil and these are the ones that can be helium filled. These are inexpensive and can be a quick and easy decoration idea for any event.
If the balloons are for a birthday then don't forget to get some balloons that say Happy Birthday on them or ones that indicate the child's age. Children of all ages love balloons at parties.
Be creative with your balloons and include many bright colours in a bunch to add excitement. You can, if the event dictates it, have balloons made into centre table decorations. Something that we can also supply. Our expertise in making flower bouquets or other designs out of balloons are especially desirable at weddings.
There is no better approach than to have someone doing balloon modelling at a birthday party.
Balloon modelling at parties has gained popularity over the years and is an ideal gift for children as well as their party bags. This addition to a party is usually provided by the magician or children's entertainer that you have booked.
At kids parties balloon modelling is a great way to delight the children. At weddings this is also a great extra party idea to make your event stand out as it is not just for youngsters.
Magicians use their skills to twist balloons into animals right in front of your eyes.
Children are always mesmerized by balloon animals twisted by magicians and clowns. Long after they have worn themselves out on the bouncy castle they will still be playing with their balloon dog.
Be motivated to produce your own animals by purchasing a balloon modelling kit. Twist and turn these colourful balloons into dogs and more. With many assorted colours you wont get bored and more importantly neither will the kids !.
Always use a balloon pump to blow up balloons
Have you ever envied clowns and magicians that seem to grab everyone's attention with their impressive balloon magic? They always show off by twisting balloons into dogs, swords, love hearts and hats etc.
No matter what the occasion you are planning for, whether it is a corporate party, a fund raiser for charity, or your annual summer fete, you are going to be looking for some appealing entertainment that is sure to please the crowds and keep them coming back for more.
Balloon twisting can offer your event a form of entertainment without the need for expensive equipment.
Another idea is balloon modelling workshops. Learning to make balloon animals helps in social skills such as team bonding, working together and helps in children's awareness and creativity. Have a look at the Workshops page for more details on this.