Party planning for boys

Party planning for boys

Party planning for boys? These hints and tips will help you survive.

Boys are rough and rowdy. Plan the party for them accordingly!
Having raised two children who loved Birthday Parties, I've learned a few things that I would like to pass on that will make your party experiences a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.

Party themes for boys

Guest Lists:

The #1 Rule in Party planning for boys:
Don't invite more boys then you can handle. If you can only handle six than just invite six. If you have reinforcements you can increase the guest list accordingly.
When your young man gets to a certain age (usually around 9-11) you will want to ask how he feels about having girls at his party and respect his answer!

Party Decorations:

Rule #2 in Party planning for boys:
Frilly items are definately out!
Balloons are fine as would be centerpieces and wall decorations. Try to make these items as masculine as possible. When the boys are young, any balloons will do, as they get older you will need to be a little more cautious in the selection. They probably won't want pink balloons in their decorations.
Towards the end of the party as things are winding down and some of the guests have left, you can have the rest of the boys pop the remaining balloons by sitting on them. They will get a kick out of it. Make them put all the broken pieces into a trash can or a box.

Balloon Safety:

Rule #3 in Party planning for boys:
Never leave a helium tank sitting where kids can get to it. I know it seems like fun to inhale helium and make your voice sound silly, but it can harm or even kill you. Its really not worth it to make funny noises!
Make sure to keep any small pieces of broken balloons picked up, especially if there are small children or animals in the home.
Be respectful of the birds and don't release balloons into the atmosphere!

I know this sounds like a lot of downers for balloons, but they can be harmful if not used properly. I love balloons and enjoy using them for parties. They are definately the easiest and quickest way to decorate for parties. I'm not suggesting that you don't use them, by all means use them, just make sure they are used properly.

Activities:

Rule #4 of Party planning for boys:
As soon as all guests are at the party, you will need to inform them of any ground rules that you have for your house.
Let them know which rooms are off limits, no rough housing near the china cabinet, no putting the cat into the microwave.. etc.
Ok the microwaving the cat might have been pushing it a little, but you know what I mean.
Let them know that you want the party to be fun, but you still have some rules that need to be followed.

Rule #5 of Party planning for boys:
Keep boys active.
Plan to have at least 6-8 games that can be played. You won't need all of them for the party, but some games will go a lot quicker than you planned. Having extra ones planned can save you if you still have 30 minutes till the parents come and have gone through all the games you originally planned!

Typical time frame for a party is:
15 minutes:
Guests arrive, try to have something for the guests to be doing while they are waiting for the rest to show up.
30 minutes:
Games and other group activities.
30 minutes:
Entertainment or crafts. The main idea of this time slot is to settle the kids down a littel before the cake is served. You could cut the time down on this section and add extra to the cake eating time.
20 minutes:
Cake and Ice cream time. If you are serving a meal, this time frame should be increased by an extra 10 minutes or so.
15 minutes:
Opening Gifts. This could take more or less time depending on the guest list.
10 minutes:
Thank the guests and Goodbyes. You will want to have small activities to keep the boys busy while everyone is leaving. This could be a good time to hand out party favors. The boys can be looking through them while waiting for their parents to show up.

All times are suggestions for setting the party up, you will want to adjust the timing by how well things are going.
If the games are going well, feel free to add another game that they will enjoy, or play the same game over again.
On the other hand if a game is just getting too out of hand, feel free to stop the game and suggest something different.

Food:

Rule #6 of Party planning for boys:
Boys love to eat. Have plenty of healthy snacks on hand. String cheese was always my favorite to hand out.
Keep a supply of handi-wipes and paper towels on hand to clean up messes.
If the weather is nice, you can set up the cake and food tables outside.

This is probably not the time to serve a unique squid cake or to try a new recipe. Kids like things that are familiar. Hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza etc...

Party Favors:

Rule #7 of Party planning for boys:
Grime, Goo, and Gross are always popular.
Try to follow the theme of the party when picking out party favors for your boys' party. Train whistles would be ideal for a train party, or any other items with a train on them.

You will want to have a party bag for each guest.
Try to keep a few extras on hand, just incase.
Party favors are best handed out at the end of the party. You could use items during the activity time frame that can be handed out to each guests as a party favor.

Party favors do not need to be expensive, most children would be happy with stickers and small toys that relate to the party theme.

Party planning for boys can be a breeze with these boy party ideas.

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