How to Make a Birthday Party Special

Do you ever get so caught up in what you think a birthday party is supposed to look like that you feel it’s impossible for your family? Making your child’s birthday a celebration they enjoy can be fun for everyone.

Everyone deserves to be celebrated on their birthday. So what can you do to modify your child’s birthday party and keep it fun for everyone?

Be Flexible

Flexibility is your best friend. If your child can’t tolerate lots of noise and commotion, then having a quiet, low-key party is totally doable. Whether at home, where your child is comfortable, or at a quiet venue, you can pull this off.

Creative Locations

Arts and crafts stores often offer a quiet, inexpensive party room in their stores where you can utilize their art supplies and craft activities. Google activities in your kid’s field of interest (princesses, trucks, animals, and so forth) and have fun. Many times, kids get so involved in craft activities that it can take up the entire party, and that is OK. If they are having fun, let them!

If money is an issue, try having your child’s birthday party at a local park, children’s museum (museums are notoriously cheap).

Home

You do not have to be the queen of Pinterest to give your kid a fun party at home. We recently did a home party for my youngest child for very little money. I was worried he wouldn’t have fun and would miss the huge superhero party we threw last year.

And guess what. Nobody cared! Smiles all around, he had a ball with his friends and cousins (and all the adults enjoyed the party, too). It was as simple as spaghetti (his favorite) and cake. My best friend brought leftover party decorations. A few balloons and it was on.

Party Food

Does your child have a food allergy? No problem. There are many ways to modify foods (including birthday cake) to suit your child’s dietary needs. I am a party planner and cake decorator by trade and believe me, you can make cake very allergen-friendly.

Gluten-free, sugar-free, paleo, nut-free, organic, dairy-free, egg-free…you name it! It’s amazing. Or you can eliminate the cake and make fun, colorful fruit parfaits.

If your guests have food allergies, you might make the party an allergen-friendly potluck. Have everyone bring a dish that suits their needs. That way, everyone will have something that works for them, and many guests will be able to sample different things.

Fun!

Above all else, be sure your child enjoys their day. If an hour is the maximum amount of time your kiddo can handle, then don’t be afraid to limit the party time, number of guests, etc.

Check out Party Planning for Kids with Special Needs, Special Needs and Birthday Parties, and Birthday Party Ideas for Kids with Special Needs for even more ideas!

For accessible parks or children’s museums for places to have your party, check out Find Services on this website.